Recurring Events:
1. WEEKLY DROP-IN SERVICES
2. WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS
This Week’s Events:
3. SELF-CARE WORKSHOP
4. OWN YOUR PHD PROCESS
5. PERSIAN DANCE CLASS
6. BLACKSBURG KI BADMAASHI
7. LUTHERAN TRADITIONAL DIVINE SERVICE
Administrative Announcements:
8. MY VOICE: LOOKING FOR STUDENT FEATURES – 1st posting
9. 7th ANNUAL FACULTY WOMEN OF COLOR IN THE ACADEMY NAT’L CONFERENCE – 2nd posting
10. GSA GRAD RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM – SPRING APPS OPEN – 2nd posting
11. SOLAR DECATHLON GRADUATE STUDENT HOUSING SURVEY – 2nd posting
12. HEALTH SCIENCES & TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION FELLOWS PROGRAM INFO SESSION – 3rd posting
13. THE GSA’S 35TH ANNUAL RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM & EXPOSITION – DEADLINE EXTENDED
14. STUDENT TITLE IX ADVISORY BOARD – 3rd posting
15. GSA TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM WINTER CYCLE -3rd posting –LAST DAY TO APPLY
16. LIBRARY STUDIOS WORKSHOP SERIES, SPRING 2019 – 3rd posting
Jobs:
None at this time
Volunteers and research participants sought:
17. VOLUNTEERS NEED FOR ACCEPTABILITY STUDY OF EDAMAME – 1st posting
18. GSA GRAD RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM – SPRING ‘19 CALL FOR REVIEWERS – 1st posting
19. NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR GENDER & INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE – 1st posting
20. NEED PARTICIPANTS FOR STUDY EXPLORING EXPERIENCE OF RECALLING EMOTIONS – 1st posting
21. FAMILY MEMBERS OF LGBQ+ INDIVIDUAL WANTED FOR A RESEARCH PROJECT – 1st posting
22. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR WORKING MEMORY STUDY – 2nd posting
Upcoming events:
— TRANSFORMATIVE PERSPECTIVES OF DIVERSITY IN AGRICULTURE: A PERSONAL NARRATIVE (2/25)
— HOW TO COMMUNICATE WHAT I “DO” WORKSHOP (2/27; reg. open)
— HOW TO USE iTHENTICATE – TRAINING SESSIONS (2/27 and other multiple dates; reg. open)
— ENTREPRENEUR CHALLENGE FINALS (3/1; reg. open)
— STORY COLLIDER AT VIRGINIA TECH: PUBLIC-INSPIRED SCIENCE (3/1; reg. open)
— APPLY TO COMSCICON-VIRGINIA TECH (3/7-8; reg. limited)
— GLC KNITTING NIGHT (3/5; reg. by 2/20)
— ARUNA 5K AND 1 MILE RUN 2019 (3/31; earlybird reg. ends 2/15)
Recurring Events
1. WEEKLY DROP-IN SERVICES:
– Career Advising: Thursdays 3:00-5:00pm starting Feb 7. 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
– Graduate School hours: MTThF 8:00am-5:00pm, W 9:30am-5:00pm
– Immigration advising hours: MWF 1:00-4:00pm, TTh 9:00am-12:00pm Room 120
– Engage with the Academy: GTA Co-Working Space Wednesdays, 4-6pm GLC Graduate Student Lounge and Thursdays, 4-6pm GLC Meeting Room D. Those who are not in the Blacksburg campus or cannot make it in person may join remotely via Zoom: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/173317963
2. WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS:
– WRITING STRATEGIES FOR GRADUATE WRITERS
Mondays, 1:00-2:30pm and Wednesdays, 9:00-10:30am, GLC, Room D
Session can last up to 1.5 hours; you are limited to two of these special appointments at the GLC per semester. Ends May 9. Make an appointment at https://vt.mywconline.com.
– CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH SUPPORT FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 2:30-3:30pm, GLC Room D (Feb 22 – Room A)
Practice conversational English with the help of our community volunteers!
Often, extra individualized support will be available after the Wednesday and Friday sessions. Make an appointment at https://vt.mywconline.com.
– GLC CAFÉ – WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY THIS WEEK
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.
– ENGAGE WITH THE ACADEMY: GTA CO-WORKING SPACE
Wednesdays, 4-6pm, GLC Graduate Student Lounge:Thursdays, 4-6pm GLC Meeting Room D
Not in the Blacksburg campus, or unable to join in person? Join remotely via Zoom at: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/173317963. 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! Send questions to http://vtgrate.org/ask-a-fellow/.
– FREE CHILDCARE – 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/ucy2cedsctgbhy8w.
Please note that spots are limited. Contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu for more info.
This Week’s Events
3. SELF-CARE WORKSHOP
Tuesday, Feb 19, 6:00pm, GLC room C
This self-care workshop will feature Cook Counseling Center Doctoral Psychology interns, Kate Ohene and Leslie Lowry and is sponsored by the Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program.
4. OWN YOUR PHD PROCESS
Wednesday, Feb 20, 3:30pm, GLC Room C
In this interactive workshop presented by the Engineering Education Department, macro and micro approaches to time management will be discussed, considering the long-term timeline of degree completion down to how to make progress every day.
5. PERSIAN DANCE CLASS
Thursday, Feb 21, 6:00-8:00pm, Squires Room 116
Grad student Mana Jalali invites you to Persian Dance Class, sponsored by the Iranian Society at Virginia Tech, every Thursday.
6. BLACKSBURG KI BADMAASHI
Saturday, Feb 23, 5:00-9:00pm, Burruss Hall
The GLC Fellows invite you to come to hang out with graduate students to view Blacksburg’s first ever competition featuring Raas, Fusion, and Bhangra teams from all across the country! We will all meet up at GLC front lobby and head together to Burruss Hall at 4:45 pm. To secure your spot to the show please fill out this survey: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9FR4kogSSpG0N01! If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact Akhilesh Thokala (takhi@vt.edu)
7. LUTHERAN TRADITIONAL DIVINE SERVICE
Sunday, Feb 24, 2:30pm Bible Study; 3:30pm worship, War Memorial Chapel
For more information, contact Nathaniel at nhall28@vt.edu.
Administrative Announcements:
8. MY VOICE: LOOKING FOR STUDENT FEATURES – 1st posting
The Office of Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion is excited to present an opportunity for graduate students to share their voice with the larger community as it relates to their experience, culture, practices, and opinions. We invite you to complete a brief survey to sign up for a feature on our website! Your voice is one of many! We want to hear it and share it! Sign up at http://bit.ly/MyVoiceRegistrationSurvey. If you questions, email Dr. Shernita Lee at shernita@vt.edu
9. 7th ANNUAL FACULTY WOMEN OF COLOR IN THE ACADEMY NAT’L CONFERENCE – 2nd posting
This conference will be held Apr 11-12, 2019 and a Post-Conference Writing Retreat on Apr 13, 2019 at Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center, Blacksburg, VA. Learn more at http://www.cpe.vt.edu/fwca/. Regular Registration ends Feb. 28th. If you want to attend but need assistance with the conference fee, contact fwca@vt.edu.
10. GSA GRAD RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM – SPRING APPS OPEN – 2nd posting
“Do you have a research idea that deserves funding? The GSA Graduate Research Development Program (GRDP) provides research grant funds to support graduate research. Ph.D. students may be awarded up to $1,000 and Master’s students up to $750 to support their projects. New this year: footnote options to further communicate research to all reviewers. The application will open on Feb 22 at noon and will close on Mar 1 at 11:59 pm, though information regarding exact documentation including proposal details and budget requirements will be live this week. For the application material visit:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1TKQQS6MyqfzRiagSVBMUa7V8vD1brouE. To apply visit https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cx9y6El7CM7B9KR. If you have any questions? Contact the GRDP Chair at gsaGRDP@gmail.com. Note: This is the last term where graduate students can win a GRDP award having won one previously. In the furture, GSA will allow one GRDP award per VT degree.
11. SOLAR DECATHLON GRADUATE STUDENT HOUSING SURVEY – 2nd posting
The Solar Decathlon Design team is conducting research on graduate student housing to inform their design of a net-positive energy development on the edge of the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center. Take the survey at link: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cSlv5NjMQD8R9jf . Please try to complete it as soon as possible. Follow the team’s progress on Instagram @treeha.us and contact grad student Zachary Gould at gould@vt.edu with any questions or concerns.
12. HEALTH SCIENCES & TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION FELLOWS PROGRAM INFO SESSION – 3rd posting
Through a competitive process, up to five graduate students or postdocs will be selected from across VT who study or conduct research in health sciences and technology related areas and are interested in research commercialization. The Fellows Program is a part of the Health Sciences and Technology Division’s initiative that utilizes VT and regional resources to assist with research commercialization. If interested, attend a presentation by the 2018 Fellows on Tuesday, Feb 19 from 12:00-1:15 pm in Room 3012, Riverside 2 in Roanoke. Lunch will be provided and registration is required by completing the following form: https://tinyurl.com/commercializationpanel. For questions, or to request an application: please contact Hal Irvin (hirvin@vtc.vt.edu) or Taryn Luoma (taryn1@vtc.vt.edu) Applications are due by 5:00pm on Monday, Feb 25.
13. THE GSA’S 35TH ANNUAL RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM & EXPOSITION – DEADLINE EXTENDED – 3rd posting
All graduate students are invited to “Discover New Perspectives” and apply for the GSA’s 35th Annual Research Symposium and Exposition. Compete against other students in oral and poster presentations as well as Flash Talks and Installations to win cash prizes up to $1,000! ALL degree programs are welcome to apply by February 22 at 11:59PM by submitting a 300-word abstract reflecting your presentation. Check out the website at gsa.vt.edu for more information and apply today! Contact Sharon Stidham (sharon62@vt.edu) and Kisha Greer (kiwi@vt.edu) with questions or comments.
14. STUDENT TITLE IX ADVISORY BOARD – 3rd posting
The Office for Equity and Accessibility seeks to convene a Student Title IX Advisory Board. The purpose of the Board will be to provide comment and feedback on the university’s response to reports of gender based harassment and violence. The Student Title IX Advisory Board will meet twice each semester to hold discussions and provide feedback directly to the university’s Title IX Coordinator. Issues for discussion may include: review of university’s policies and procedures; review of resources available to students; and review of the university’s communication and outreach efforts, including stopabuse.vt.edu.
To gather a group with varied perspectives and experiences, student from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Interested students should contact Katie Polidoro (polidoro@vt.edu) and provide a short statement expressing their interest in the Board.
15. GSA TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM WINTER CYCLE – 3rd posting – LAST DAY TO APPLY
Have you attended or plan to attend a conference in Winter between Nov 1, 2018 and Feb 28, 2019? The GSA Travel Fund Program (TFP) will partially support the monetary costs associated with conference attendance including travel, lodging, meals, and registration. The Winter Cycle applications will be opening from February 4, 2019. The deadline to apply is February 18, 2019. Further detail, updates, and the application can be found at https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/what-we-can-offer-you/funding-opportunities/travel-fund-program/. Tentative dates for our Spring Cycle (March 1-June 30) application will be in late March or early April. More Questions? Contact the GSA TFP Chair at gsatravelfund@gmail.com
16. LIBRARY STUDIOS WORKSHOP SERIES, SPRING 2019 – 3rd posting
All grad students are invited to the following free workshops organized by the University Libraries at VT.
– Designing Engaging Posters with the Adobe Creative Suite, Tuesday Feb 19, 10:00am-12:00pm in Newman 207A.
– Introduction to Dataset Modifications with Tableau Prep, Wednesday Feb 20, 10:00-11:30am, Athenaeum (Newman Library 124).
– Finding Free Materials for Projects, Wednesday Feb 20, 2:00-3:00pm, Newman Library 207A
– Introduction to Data Analysis in Python with Pandas, Thursday Feb 21, 1:00-4:00pm, Torgersen 3310
– Introduction to NVivo for Project Building and Management, Monday Feb. 25, 2:30-4:00pm in Torgersen 1100.
– Understanding Intellectual Property, Thursday, Feb 28, 3:00-4:00pm in Fusion Studio (Newman Library 2038).
– Intermediate NVivo for Exploratory Data Analysis, Monday Mar 4, 2:30-4:00pm, Torgersen 1100.
– Intermediate Data Visualization with Tableau Desktop, Wednesday Mar 6, 10:00-11:30am, Athenaeum (Newman 124).
Visit http://vt.libcal.com/workshops for more details and to register.
Jobs:
None at this time
Volunteers and research participants sought:
17. VOLUNTEERS NEED FOR ACCEPTABILITY STUDY OF EDAMAME – 1st posting
The VT Sensory Evaluation Lab is recruiting volunteers who are 18 years or older to participate in an acceptability study of edamame (vegetable soybeans). Participants will be asked to view, smell, and taste edamame samples, describe their impressions, and complete a survey. There is no compensation, but participants are eligible to enjoy a nice snack after each session. Those who with allergies to soy products or are pregnant should refrain from participating. Study will be February 18, 20, 22, 25 and/or 27 at Sensory Evaluation Lab, HABB1 205 (1230 Washington St SW). Parking passes available upon request. Time commitment is approx. 30 minutes per session. Participation in one or more sessions (there are 7 sessions total) is allowed. Register through https://vt.compusensecloud.com/ Questions? contact Renata Carneiro (rcvc@vt.edu).
18. GSA GRAD RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM – SPRING ‘19 CALL FOR REVIEWERS – 2nd posting
The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) is looking for graduate student volunteers to review applications for the Graduate Research Development Program (GRDP). To review applications, you must be a graduate student, and you must be one that did not apply to the Spring 2019 GRDP application cycle. Although they cannot compensate you with money, they do compensate with free food and eternal gratitude. To sign up, visit https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0Or4675DWFszWOV.
19. NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR GENDER & INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE – 2nd posting
Outreach and International Affairs is hosting a gender and international development conference at The Inn on Feb 28-Mar 1 and is looking for graduate students to help ensure things go smoothly. See website (wgdconf.org) for details on the conference. People needed to help direct participants, answer general questions, and help setting up posters. Students will need to work at least one four-hour shift and be able to attend the conference for free (including breakfast, snacks and lunch at the Inn) when they are not working. If interested, please contact Sofi Rincon sofiargp@vt.edu
20. NEED PARTICIPANTS FOR STUDY EXPLORING EXPERIENCE OF RECALLING EMOTIONS – 2nd posting
Participants needed for a study that explores the experience of recalling emotions stored in the brain and how these memories are visually expressed. During the study, data will be collected using EEG (electroencephalogram) technology. After the study, data will be transformed into animated visualizations in a large-scale, interactive art installation. Must be 18-40 years old to participate. Each workshop is one hour long. Experiments will take place in the Moss Arts Center on the following dates: Feb 15 4:00pm-5:00pm & 5:15pm-6:15pm / Mar 1 4:00pm-5:00pm & 5:15pm-6:15pm / Mar 2 11:00am-12:00pm. If interested, email or text/call tnjones@vt.edu 703-431-8586 or vasilikita@vt.edu 540-676-0183.
21. FAMILY MEMBERS OF LGBQ+ INDIVIDUAL WANTED FOR A RESEARCH PROJECT – 2nd posting
Currently recruiting parents, siblings, and extended family of LGBQ+ individuals to participate in a project exploring family members’ experiences with an LGBQ+ relative coming out. Study run under Project SMYLE (Sexual Minorities Youth Lived Experiences) at VT under the direction of Dr. Erika Grafsky. Your participation would include approximately an hour-long interview, in person or through Skype. Participants receive a $20 gift card for their feedback and participation. The principal investigator is developing a program to help youth make safe and successful disclosure decisions to family; this research will help inform that project. Participation is voluntary; all information associated with study will remain strictly confidential. Direct questions to VTProjectSMYLE@gmail.com. More info on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VTProjectSMYLE
22. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR WORKING MEMORY STUDY – 3rd posting
We are recruiting participants for a study investigating the effect of sounds on working memory. Participants will sit at a computer listening to different sounds through headphones while completing a working memory task. The task will include identifying colors and EEG will be used to non-invasively record brain activity while taking the test. The session will take approximately 2 hours. Must be 18-35 years old, physically and mentally healthy, not color-blind and have close to 20-20 vision (using glasses or contacts), and have no significant hearing loss. Compensation $25. If interested, please contact Amanda Hashimoto at ahashimo@vt.edu.
Upcoming events:
TRANSFORMATIVE PERSPECTIVES OF DIVERSITY IN AGRICULTURE: A PERSONAL NARRATIVE
Monday, Feb 25, 6:30pm, Holtzman Alumni Center Auditorium
Nate Looney, the keynote speaker for this event, is the CEO and Owner of Westside Urban Gardens, an urban agricultural start-up based in Los Angeles, CA. A native Angeleno, Nate is an entrepreneur, US Army Veteran, and an Urban Farmer. During his presentation, Nate will share with us his personal experiences as an African American Veteran, member of the LGBTQ+ Community, as well as his thoughts on how students can enrich their leadership skills throughout agriculture and beyond. Reception to follow. Contact Chelsea Corkins (ccorkins@vt.edu) with questions.
HOW TO COMMUNICATE WHAT I “DO” WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Feb 27 from 1:30-4:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Have you been asked the question, “What are you pursuing in graduate school?” Here is an opportunity to hone the skills of discussing your research when you don’t know what to say. Join this communicating science workshop with Dr. Carrie Kroehler. Please dress comfortably; we will be active! Registration is required at http://bit.ly/VTCommunicationWorkshop . Confirmation will be sent via VT email by no later than Feb 25. Spaces are limited. Questions, email Dr. Justin Grimes at jgrimes18@vt.edu.
HOW TO USE iTHENTICATE – TRAINING SESSIONS
Wednesday, February 27, 2:00pm-3:00pm in GLC C
Multiple dates, times, and locations throughout the semester listed below
The Graduate School is offering training sessions on how graduate students will use iThenticate, a newly available software system, to review the originality of documents, ensure accurate attribution to other authors, and eliminate occurrences of potential plagiarism. Please attend only one session if you are interested; registration at https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/ by searching for “iThenticate” in the search box.
– Wednesday, March 6, 7:00pm-8:00pm via Zoom Room 5402318316
– Thursday, March 28, 10:00am-11:00am in GLC C
– Tuesday, April 9, 7:00pm-8:00pm via Zoom Room 5402318316
– Tuesday, April 16, 3:00pm-4:00pm in GLC C
ENTREPRENEUR CHALLENGE FINALS
Friday, Mar 1, 4:00-7:30pm, Davidson Hall, Room 281
VT Entrepreneur Challenge provides teams of 2-5 students from across campus to compete for the best business model and a chance to win up to $40,000 in cash awards and prizes! The Entrepreneur Challenge is intended to encourage students to develop ideas and support early stage business development. Make sure to reserve your seat to attend the challenge! Go to https://www.apex.vt.edu/event/entrepreneur-challenge-finals/ for more information and registration.
STORY COLLIDER AT VIRGINIA TECH: PUBLIC-INSPIRED SCIENCE
Friday, Mar 1, 7:00-9:00pm, Haymarket Theater – Squires Student Center
The Story Collider, a premier science storytelling podcast is headed to Blacksburg for a FREE show. Come listen to speakers including graduate students at Virginia Tech share true, personal stories of public-inspired science. Doors open at 6:30pm. Admission is free, registration is required. For more information and registration please visit the Story Collider Website at https://www.storycollider.org/shows/2019/2/1/blacksburg-va-public-inspired-science. Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/230494231229150/
APPLY TO COMSCICON-VIRGINIA TECH
Thursday and Friday, Mar 7-8; GLC
We are excited to announce that ComSciCon (Communicating Science Conference), a national conference for graduate students, is now coming to Virginia Tech as a locally franchised workshop. Students interested in communicating science or research to public audiences can apply to a full day of workshops and panels. The conference is free but limited to 60 participants, so we encourage you to apply soon. Learn how to give a Pop Talk about your research, write a science story, communicate with the media, design your own podcast or virtual reality video, and more! View the full schedule and find out more on the Center for Communicating Science website. Email abhutch@vt.edu with questions.
GLC KNITTING NIGHT
Tuesday, Mar 5, 7:00-8:00pm, GLC Room C
The GLC Fellows invite you to come hang out with fellow graduate students at our GLC Knitting Night. Feel free to bring your own project or come work on fingerless gloves with us. All levels are welcome and Samantha Fried has graciously offered to provide lessons. We have limited materials available so please register here by Wed Feb 20th if you need supplies. Feel free to email Athulya (aasimon@vt.edu) or Sam (sjfried@vt.edu) with any questions.
ARUNA 5K AND 1 MILE RUN 2019
Sunday, Mar 31, 9:00-11:00am, VT Duck Pond Field, West Campus Drive
The Aruna Project’s Blacksburg Aruna’s 5k and 1mile Run 2019 provide an opportunity to participate in a 5K race with an impact and take action against sexual slavery. Registration page is now open at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blacksburg-aruna-runwalk-2019-registration-5232523217 – early registration ends Feb 15. You can also form a Hokie Team or become a Sponsor. Runners can celebrate the completion of the run at the Color War finish line afterparty. Color War is an annual event hosted by Indian Students Association to celebrate the Indian festival of colors called Holi.