November 19 – November 25, 2018

Recurring Events:
1. WEEKLY DROP-IN SERVICES
2. WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS

This Week’s Events
3. 10th ANNUAL T-BREAK LUNCH

Administrative Announcements:
4. CALL FOR PAPERS – COMMUNITY CHANGE – VOL.3, NO.1 (2019) – 1st posting
5. SPRING GRADUATE COURSES IN COMMUNICATING SCIENCE (GRAD 5144, CRN 15049 and CRN 15050) – 1st posting
6. DONATE TO CHILDREN’S BOOK DRIVE – 1st posting
7. GSA’S CAP AND GOWN PROGRAM NOW OPEN! – 3rd posting
8. GSA’S RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM AND EXPOSITION NEEDS YOUR FEEDBACK – 3rd posting
9. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO COMPLETE INT’L STUDENT BAROMETER SURVEY -3rd posting
10. PHI KAPPA PHI SENDS OUT INVITATIONS – 3rd posting

Jobs:
11. SPRING 2019 GLC FELLOW POSITION OPENING – 1st posting
12. GRAD ASSISTANT IN OFFICE OF ACADEMIC DECISION SUPPORT, SPRING 2019 – 2nd posting

Volunteers and research participants sought:
13. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR LIFTING STUDY W/ WEARABLE EXOSKELETONS – 2nd posting

Upcoming events:
— 10th ANNUAL T-BREAK LUNCH (11/20 – register now!)
— VETERANS/MILITARY CONNECTED LUNCH (11/29 – register by 11/27)
— AMERICAN INDIAN AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLE GRADUATE STUDENT CONNECT LUNCH (11/30 – register by 11/27)
— NCR GRADUATE STUDENT CONNECT LUNCH (12/4 – register by 12/1)
— WINTER LIGHTS, MUSIC, & PARADE (12/7)

Recurring Events
1. WEEKLY DROP-IN SERVICES:
THE GRADUATE SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED AT 12:00 11/21; CLOSED 11/22 & 11/23
– Career Advising: NO CAREER ADVISING THIS WEEK. See the Grad Students Career Ops blog for more info on career opportunities: https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/gradcareeropportunity/
– Cook Counseling: Thursday & Friday, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room, GLC NO COUNSELING THIS WEEK
– Graduate School hours: MTThF 8:00am-5:00pm, W 9:30am-5:00pm SEE ABOVE
– Immigration advising hours: MWF 1:00-4:00pm, TTh 9:00am-12:00pm Room 120 SEE ABOVE
– Engage with the Academy: GTA Co-Working Space Wednesdays, 4-6pm GLC Graduate Student Lounge and Thursdays, 4-5pm GLC Meeting Room D & 5-6pm GLC Reading Room NO ENGAGE THE ACAMEDY THIS WEEK

2. WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS: ALL RECURRING EVENTS ON HIATUS FOR THANKSGIVING BREAK
– GRAD MINDFULNESS – ON HIATUS FOR REST OF SEMESTER
Each meeting will consist of a short (about 5 mins.) guided mindfulness exercise followed by time to practice. It is not necessary to stay for the whole time. Contact Lisa Whalen for more info at lashley@vt.edu. Here is a link https://app.stopbreathethink.org/ to a cool free mindfulness app.
– WRITING STRATEGIES FOR GRADUATE WRITERS
Mondays, 9:30-11:00am and Tuesdays, 4:00-5:30pm, GLC, Room A
Session can last up to 1.5 hours; you are limited to two of these special appointments at the GLC per semester. Ends Dec 2. Make an appointment at https://vt.mywconline.com.
– ENGAGE WITH THE ACADEMY: GTA CO-WORKING SPACE –
Wednesdays, 4-6pm, GLC Graduate Student Lounge
Thursdays, 4-5pm GLC Meeting Room D; 5-6p GLC Reading Room
Need to finish grading and looking for a change in workspace? Doing class prep and would like to bounce off ideas with another GTA? Or looking to de-brief after teaching? Come join the Academy for GTA Excellence (VTGrATE) and let’s get work done together – or just hang out with other GTAs! You can also send questions to http://vtgrate.org/ask-a-fellow/.
– GLC CAFÉ –
2nd and 4th Wednesday and every Thursday, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Every Thursday, enjoy free coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of fellow grad students and Grad School staff; network, socialize, relax! Bring your own mug if you can.
– KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm, VT Women’s Center, 206 Washington St., B’burg
Kids aged 2+ (must be potty trained) enjoy fun activities with volunteer sitters. For additional information, and to sign up, visit the doodle poll at https://doodle.com/poll/r248tk9bihmtaimm. Please note that spots are limited. Contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu for more info.
– LUTHERAN TRADITIONAL DIVINE SERVICE
Sundays, 3:30pm, War Memorial Chapel
For more information, contact Nathaniel at nhall28@vt.edu.

This Week’s Events
3. 10th ANNUAL T-BREAK LUNCH
Tuesday, Nov 20, 11:30am-1:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
You are not alone! Join others who don’t get to leave for Thanksgiving break for some soup (meat and vegetarian [also GF] options), dessert, games and conversation. Meet other graduate students and Grad School staff and enjoy some good food in good company. The Graduate School has been hosting this lunch annually since 2009 to provide a home-cooked meal for grad students during the break – we should celebrate that with a cake, right? Please sign up at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9nshFZ7a04ToHbL to help us estimate the food that will be needed.

Administrative Announcements:
4. CALL FOR PAPERS – COMMUNITY CHANGE – VOL.3, NO.1 (2019) – 1st posting
Building on issues 1 and 2, Community Change’s third issue seeks to continue unpacking the notion of ‘community change’—its complexities, transformations, and challenges in recent decades of intensified economic, environmental, and political instabilities. This issue will also feature a themed section with scholarly works on environmental issues, climate change and its consequences, and sustainability.
Key Dates: Call for submissions open – November 5, 2018; Full submission deadline – February 8, 2019
Author notification of selection- March 8, 2019; Online publication – May 2019. Please submit preliminary articles of the chosen format to communitychange@vt.edu. For submission information, please visit https://www.communitychange.ipg.vt.edu

5. SPRING GRADUATE COURSES IN COMMUNICATING SCIENCE (GRAD 5144, CRN 15049 and CRN 15050) – 1st posting
One section of the 2-credit participatory course will be taught by Professor Patricia Raun (Tuesdays 4:00-7:00pm), and the other will be taught by Dr. Carrie Kroehler (Thursdays 12:00-3:00pm). The course responds to the conviction that scientists and scholars have a responsibility to share the meaning and implications of their work, and that an engaged public encourages sound public decision-making. Our work at the Center for Communicating Science supports opportunities for scientists and scholars to learn to communicate about their work personally, directly, and vividly.  These skills can enhance the specialist’s career prospects, help them secure funding, support interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhance the broader impacts of their work.

6. DONATE TO CHILDREN’S BOOK DRIVE – 1st posting
Open Book for the New River Valley is a community book-sharing project that donates thousands of books each year to local families in need through Head Start, Children’s Health Improvement Project (CHIP), and other programs. Grad student Joseph Daniel asks you to help them reach 10,000 books this year. Donate to their online fundraiser: https://support.firstbook.org/fundraiser/1616932 or donate new or gently used books for children of all ages, especially babies and preschoolers at the nearest collection point of 323 Shanks Hall. Questions? Contact: Penny Livesay (plivesay@vt.edu). Go to https://openbooknrv.org for more info.

7. GSA’S CAP AND GOWN PROGRAM NOW OPEN! –3rd posting
Graduating with a master’s or PhD degree this fall? Want to participate in graduation but don’t want to buy the cap and gown required? Then consider applying for the Fall 2018 GSA Cap and Gown Program! For a rental fee of $10, receive the cap and gown necessary for commencement (this does not include the tassel, hood, or any other items required). Please visit https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0TBzMYICivb7xJP to submit name. Questions? Contact Chelsea Corkins at ccorkins@vt.edu. This program will close Nov 20.

8. GSA’S RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM AND EXPOSITION NEEDS YOUR FEEDBACK – 3rd posting
The 35th annual Graduate Student Assembly Research Symposium (GSARS) at Virginia Tech will be held March 27, 2019. Provide your thoughts on this cash award event, its planning, and volunteer opportunities by completing this survey:  https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/2019_GSARS_studentsurvey.
Requests for abstracts will be coming in early February! Questions? Email gsasymp@vt.edu.  Survey closes Nov 30.

9. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO COMPLETE INT’L STUDENT BAROMETER SURVEY – 3rd posting
International students will receive an email invitation by Dr. Patty Perillo, vice president for student affairs, in early November to complete the “International Student Barometer,” a survey designed to collect data on international student decision-making, expectations, perceptions, and intentions across their university experience inside and outside the classroom. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete; responses are confidential and anonymous. For more information visit http://www.international.vt.edu/advocacyandsupport/ISB.html or contact J. Scott Parker in the Cranwell International Center at jscottp@vt.edu; 540-231-5207.

10. PHI KAPPA PHI SENDS OUT INVITATIONS – 3rd posting
The Virginia Tech chapter of the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi recently sent out invitations.
http://www.phikappaphi.org/ This is a legitimate Honor Society and it is the oldest and most prestigious all-disciplinary honor society. PKP offers many award and grant opportunities to its members. The criteria of eligibility for graduate students is the top 10% by college with a minimum of 12 credits completed at Virginia Tech. If someone feels that they are eligible but did not receive an invite, they should contact Christina McIntyre at cmcintyre@vt.edu.

Jobs:
11. SPRING 2019 GLC FELLOW POSITION OPENING – 1st posting
Residence Life and the Graduate School are seeking a motivated graduate student who is committed to building graduate community, for a GLC Fellow position for the Spring 2019 semester. An ideal candidate would have previous residence life and/or event planning experience, though it is not a requirement. Applicants must submit a formal cover letter, resume and letter of recommendation, and fully complete the following application: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_094TQ4kWGTnt0zj  Information about cover letter requirements is detailed in the application and the full job description is at https://graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/residence-life-in-the-glc/Fellows.html Apply by midnight on Monday, December 3, 2018. Contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu or Asa Mack at amack@vt.edu if you have questions.

12. GRAD ASSISTANT IN OFFICE OF ACADEMIC DECISION SUPPORT, SPRING 2019 – 2nd posting
VT’s Academic Decision Support office is looking for a Graduate Assistant for Spring 2019 to assist with the SQL-Server apps. Required skills include SQL, T-SQL, SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS). Additionally experience with JavaScript, Python, and ASP.NET, using C# or VB.NET would be very helpful. Preferred skills include HTML, IIS, Must be dependable and have good communication skills. If interested, send information to Daniel Hung, chung@vt.edu by Nov 26, 2018 or until position is filled.

Volunteers and research participants sought:
13. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR LIFTING STUDY W/ WEARABLE EXOSKELETONS – 2nd posting
Participants sought for a research study about lifting with and without wearable exoskeletons. Must be 18-35 years old with no recent or prior musculoskeletal disorders or back injuries. A height range of 5? 5?- 6? is preferred. Should be able to comfortably lift about 15 lbs from the floor to the waist height. Participants are asked to perform a variety of lifting tasks both with and without the exoskeletons. The training session takes about 1-2 hours and the data collection session takes about 4-5 hours. Compensation rate of $10/hour. If interested, email Saman Madinei at madinei@vt.edu.

Upcoming events:
VETERANS/MILITARY CONNECTED LUNCH
Thursday, Nov 29, 11:30AM-12:30PM, Graduate Life Center Multipurpose Room.
Student group leaders, faculty mentors, and members of the community are also invited to join us for lunch. The event is free and all are welcome to attend. Please register at http://bit.ly/VeteransConnectLunch by Nov 27. For accommodations related to disabilities, please contact Dr. Justin Grimes at jgrimes18@vt.edu at least 72 hours in advance of the event.

AMERICAN INDIAN AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLE GRADUATE STUDENT CONNECT LUNCH
Friday, Nov 30, 12:00-1:00pm, Graduate Life Center, Room B.
Student group leaders, faculty mentors, and members of the community are also invited to join us for lunch. The event is free and all are welcome to attend. Please register at http://bit.ly/nativeconnectlunch by Nov 27. For accommodations related to disabilities, please contact Dr. Justin Grimes at jgrimes18@vt.edu at least 72 hours in advance of the event.

NCR GRADUATE STUDENT CONNECT LUNCH
Tuesday, Dec 4, 12:00-1:30pm, Northern Virginia Center- Room 325.
Student group leaders, faculty mentors, and members of the community are also invited to join us for lunch. The event is free and all are welcome to attend. Register at  http://bit.ly/NCRconnectlunch by Dec 1. For accommodations related to disabilities, contact Dr. Shernita Lee at shernita@vt.edu at least 72 hours in advance of the event.

WINTER LIGHTS, MUSIC, & PARADE
Friday, Dec 7, 5:30pm, GLC Lobby/Henderson Lawn
Come join the GLC Fellows and fellow graduate students for the Blacksburg Winter Lights Festival. Everyone is welcome to join us for this family friendly event! Please complete this survey for more details and to help us gage interest. Feel free to contact Athulya Simon at aasimon@vt.edu with any questions.