August 26 – September 2, 2019

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

This Week’s Events:
3. UNDERREPRESENTED AND MINORITIZED STUDENT LUNCHEON (8/28 – registration required)
4. GSA WELCOME BACK BBQ (8/28 – registration requested)
5. CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY CENTERS COMMUNITY KICKOFF (8/29)
6. GRADUATE STUDENTS: CV AND RESUME WRITING (8/29 – Registration required)
7. NAVIGATING BLACKSBURG FOR NEW GRADUATE STUDENTS
8. MANAGING YOUR NEW ASSISTANTSHIP (8/29 – Registration required)
9. GLC CAFÉ – WELCOME BACK EDITION – CUBICLE TIRAMISU
10. INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: WELCOME DINNER
11. GRADUATE STUDENT WORKOUT AND BRUNCH – REGISTER NOW!

Administrative Announcements:
12. GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM RECRUITING GRADUATE STUDENT PANELISTS
13. HOW TO USE iTHENTICATE – TRAINING SESSION
14. GRAD 5984 – SS: BEST PRACTICES IN INTERDISCIPLINARY PEDAGOGY – 2nd posting
15. GRAD 5124: RESEARCH SKILLS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS – 2nd posting  
16. RESEARCH TOOLS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS WORKSHOP SERIES – 2nd posting

Jobs:
17. FULL-TIME GRAD ASSISTANTSHIP WITH THE VTARTWORKS INITIATIVE – 1st posting
18. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP IN ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGIES – 2nd posting
19. GRADUATE ASSISTANTS: CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING & LEARNING – 2nd posting
20. GLC BUILDING MANAGER WAGE POSITION FOR FALL 2019 – 3rd posting
21. 6-WK GRAD WAGE POSITION IN ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGIES – 3rd posting

Volunteers and research participants sought:
22. AFRICAN-AMERICAN PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 1st posting
23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH STUDY ABOUT  DATING – 2nd posting
24. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON HUMAN PERCEPTION OF SOUND – 2nd posting
25. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR AR DRIVING SIMULATOR STUDY – 2nd posting
26. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AUGMENTED REALITY STUDY – 3rd posting
27. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR LIFTING STUDY WITH WEARABLE EXOSKELETONS – 3rd posting

Upcoming events:
GRADUATE STUDENT LIBRARY OPEN HOUSE (9/4; Registration requested)
MANAGING YOUR NEW ASSISTANTSHIP ((9/5; Registration required)
INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: FALL RETREAT (9/6-7; reg. required)
LGBTQ+ CONNECT LUNCH (9/17; registration required)

Recurring Events
1. WEEKLY DROP-IN SERVICES:
– Career Advising: Thursdays, 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby, starting Sep 19. Also see: https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/gradcareeropportunity/.
– Cook Counseling: Thursdays & Fridays, 1:00-5:00pm. Will begin Friday Aug 30
– Graduate School advising hours: MTThF 8:00am-5:00pm, W 9:30-4:00, 120 GLC
– Immigration advising hours: MWF 1:00-4:00pm, TTh 9:00am-12:00pm, Room 120 GLC
– Writing assistance: reserve appointment at https://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing-center.html

2. WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS:
– WRITING STRATEGIES FOR GRADUATE WRITERS
     Mondays,  9:30-11:00, 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.  Make an appointment at https://vt.mywconline.com.
–    CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH SUPPORT FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
     Wednesdays and Fridays, 2:30-3:30pm, GLC Room D
     Practice conversational English with the help of our community volunteers.
     Often, extra individualized support will be available before and after the Wednesday and Friday sessions.  Make an appointment
at https://vt.mywconline.com.
– GLC CAFÉ
2nd and 4th Wednesday and every Thursday, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
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. See below for This Week’s Special Editions.
– FREE CHILDCARE – KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – WELCOME BACK!
Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm, VT Women’s Center, 206 Washington St., B’burg – STARTS SEP 5
Please sign up for this free Thursday evening session (6:30-8:30) of fun and games in a safe and supportive atmosphere for your child aged 2-12 at the Virginia Tech Women’s Center. Space is limited. Children should be toilet trained. Contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu with any questions. https://doodle.com/poll/gqm2wvxwe3tqrgas

This Week’s Events
3. UNDERREPRESENTED AND MINORITIZED STUDENT LUNCHEON
Wednesday, Aug 28, 2019, Noon-1:30pm, Graduate Life Center, Multi-Purpose Room
Join the Office for Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion for a lunch dedicated to all underrepresented and/or minoritized students. These groups include racial/ethnic minorities, sexual/gender minorities, and others who identify as a minority in graduate education. All are welcome to attend! Please register here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_39n9xQfTkTgQwm1 Questions? Contact Dr. Shernita Lee at shernita@vt.edu.

4. GSA WELCOME BACK BBQ (REGISTRATION REQUESTED)
Wednesday, Aug 28, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC lawn
Join the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) for their annual welcome (back) to campus celebration! Please register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUQwF2Ss0VtWEj3wU7xKiZiWovqeyWFrTkwChvD6AVVbBF2A/viewform if you are planning to attend so that organizers can anticipate food needs. Contact the GSA with any questions and problems at gsa@vt.edu.

5. CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY CENTERS COMMUNITY KICKOFF
Thursday, Aug 29, 4:00-7:00pm, Commonwealth Ballroom and other locations in Squires
Learn about the various cultural and community centers that support all students!

6. GRADUATE STUDENTS: CV AND RESUME WRITING
Thursday, Aug 29,5:30-6:30 pm, Graduate Life Center, Room F
Graduate students attending this workshop will learn the basics of writing resumes and CVs, understand the key differences between the two documents, and how to convert a CV to a resume for an industry job search. Additional career resources available for graduate students will also be shared. Register at
https://vt.joinhandshake.com/events/324568/share_preview

7. NAVIGATING BLACKSBURG FOR NEW GRADUATE STUDENTS
Thursday, Aug 29, 10:30 – 11:15am, GLC Room B
Students new to Virginia Tech often have questions about how to go about dealing with day-to-day life here in Blacksburg. Learn about the best places to shop, where to get medical care, how to get a driver’s license, transportation, the school system, banking services, and more. Bring any questions you would like answered to help make your stay here in Blacksburg a great experience. Register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1NOShESl0xEpXbD

8. MANAGING YOUR NEW ASSISTANTSHIP
Thursday, Aug 29, 4:00pm, GLC Room C OR
Thursday, Sep 5, 10:30am, GLC Room B 
This informal workshop, for students with a first-time assistantship at VT, will answer a variety of questions often posed by students when starting an assistantship such as payroll, tuition awards, maintaining eligibility, performance management, time worked, time off, and termination. We will also discuss how to work with your supervisor to get the most out of your assistantship experience. Register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bBkDxALoiEz8m8t

9. GLC CAFÉ – WELCOME BACK EDITION – CUBICLE TIRAMISU
Thursday, Aug 29, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Come and enjoy what’s become a GLC Café tradition – Cubicle Tiramisu. Also, 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.

10. INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: WELCOME DINNER
Friday, Aug 30, 6:00-7:30pm, GLC Room B
We are a diverse, welcoming, student-led community that explores how Christian faith informs our academic and professional work. Join us for free dinner and conversation around the theme “Thriving in Grad School.” For more info visit gcfvt.org.

11. GRADUATE STUDENT WORKOUT AND BRUNCH – REGISTER NOW!
Mon Sep 2, 9:00-11:00am, McComas Hall
Rec Sports is sponsoring this exclusive graduate student fitness and wellness event. Choose from yoga, cycle, mindfulness, open rec, or weight room exercise, followed by brunch at 10am. Children are welcome and supervised activities will be provided while the parents work out. Learn what Rec Sports has to offer grad students! Sign-up by August 28 here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5ApqEnO6SJurd77. Space is limited!

Administrative Announcements:
12. GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM RECRUITING GRADUATE STUDENT PANELISTS
The Graduate Honor System is recruiting graduate students to serve as panelists who review the evidence and determine the outcome of GHS cases. Must be a graduate student at Virginia Tech in good academic standing. Overall time commitment is 3-4 hours/semester based on the number of cases and panelist availability. If interested, contact the GHS Chair, Anurag Mantha (ghs@vt.edu), to set up a brief meeting to discuss the role. Once the meeting is complete, you will be added to the GHS email list and are free to volunteer to serve on any panel based on your availability.

13. HOW TO USE iTHENTICATE – TRAINING SESSION
Multiple dates and times; registration requested. All sessions via Zoom (Meeting ID: 5402318316)
The Graduate School is offering a training session on how graduate students will use iThenticate to review the originality of documents, ensure accurate attribution to other authors, and eliminate occurrences of potential plagiarism. Registration at https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/ by searching for “iThenticate” in the search box.
Monday, September 16th at 2:00pm
Wednesday, October 16th at 10:00am
Wednesday, October 16th at 7:00pm
Tuesday, November 19th at 11:00am
Tuesday, December 3rd at 7:00pm
Thursday, December 5th at 2:00pm

14. GRAD 5984 – SS: BEST PRACTICES IN INTERDISCIPLINARY PEDAGOGY – 2nd posting
Looking for courses toward the Future Professoriate Certificate? Looking for a stimulating class this Fall to help round out Interdisciplinary Thinking AND Pedagogy?  Check out this new 2 credit offering from the Graduate School at Virginia Tech and help to design an actual capstone course! Fun Instruction by Dr. Annie Pearce and a great team of Cohorts held on Thursdays from 5:00-7:00pm in GLC Room B. Follow this link for more information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LmW6MnThKiK_kwus_SOVFm_BOdlT-Vat/view?usp=sharing.

15. GRAD 5124: RESEARCH SKILLS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS – 2nd posting  
Take your research to the next level! GRAD 5124 (Research Skills for Graduate Students) is a one-credit, fully-online course offered by the University Libraries in fall 2019. Students will develop skills that will prepare them for research in graduate school and beyond. Four discipline-specific sections are offered, so students should be sure to sign up in HokieSPA for the one that relates to their subject area. Questions should be directed to Lisa Becksford at lisab5@vt.edu.

16. RESEARCH TOOLS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS WORKSHOP SERIES – 2nd posting
There’s a lot to learn in graduate school, and the library can help! This fall, the library will offer a series of free workshops (offered both in-person and through Zoom) to help you develop the research skills you need to succeed in graduate school. Learn about literature reviews and database searching, citation management, data management, and developing your scholarly presence. For registration links and detailed information about each workshop, visit guides.lib.vt.edu/gradworkshops.

Jobs:
17. FULL-TIME GRAD ASSISTANTSHIP WITH THE VTARTWORKS INITIATIVE – 1st posting
Seeking an experienced and resourceful graduate student to assist community-building and marketing phase of newly launched web resource platform (20 hr. GA stipend plus full tuition waiver for Fall 2019 – possibly Spring 2020). Successful applicant will have experience in on-line, virtual community-building, with strong internet and social media skills, event coordination, and will be good with people, reliable, self-starter, detail oriented, and able to write well with vision and understanding. Conceived and constructed by the VTArtWorks Initiative, a partnership of the School of Performing Arts, the University Libraries, the Moss Arts Center, and the Institute for Creativity, Art, and Technology, the new platform, called CriticalConnecXtions, is a crowdsourced, peer-to-peer, collaborative resource for grass roots arts-making partnerships, designed to strengthen civic relationships, identify assets, and activate those assets for locally-rooted economic development and social health. Send letter of interest and resume to: Bob Leonard, Project Director, at bob.leonard@vt.edu .

18. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP IN ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGIES – 2nd posting
Accessible Technologies in TLOS is looking to fill a 1-year GA. The position is for 20 hours/week. Full details are available in the online job posting (https://www.assist.vt.edu/student-wage.html). Questions can be emailed to assist@vt.edu. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.   

19. GRAD ASSISTANTS: CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING & LEARNING – 2nd posting
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning is seeking two graduate students with an interest in higher education pedagogy. These GA positions will involve duties related to the planning and completion of projects and evens, supporting center staff, conducting research and case studies, and other duties as assigned. Necessitates a mature and professional demeanor, a positive and approachable attitude, and the ability to communicate with diverse groups of faculty, staff, and students. Strong written and oral communication skills required. Successful candidates will be able to work both independently and in a team, have strong organizational skills, and be flexible. This is a 9-month Graduate Assistant appointment for 20 hours/week, with stipend and tuition remission. If interested, please email cover letters and CVs to James Harder, Research and Project Specialist, at jharder@vt.edu. Please indicate that you are applying for a graduate assistantship in the subject line of your email.

20. GLC BUILDING MANAGER WAGE POSITION FOR FALL 2019 – 3rd posting
SECL building managers oversee daily operations of the GLC by monitoring service, safety, and security of this space created for graduate students. Duties include walking rounds, responding to issues, and completing reports, in addition to the facilitation of co-curricular and administrative programs. GLC building managers are responsible for event management bookings, opening & closing of the building, and submitting of facility work orders and daily reports. Must possess strong communication and customer service skills, and have the ability to move equipment (tables and chairs). Looking for flexible staff members willing to work at least two shifts a week and have weekend availability. Pay: $12/hr. To apply, visit VT’s Handshake page https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html; log in and search for “SECL – Graduate Life Center Building Manager” position.  Email Steve Buchner (satlbuch@vt.edu) with questions.

21. 6-WK GRAD WAGE POSITION IN ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGIES – 3rd posting
Accessible Technologies in TLOS is looking to fill a 1 year GA and a 6 week graduate wage position (Sept. to Mid-Oct.). The position is for 20 hours/week. Full details are available in the online job posting (https://www.assist.vt.edu/student-wage.html). Questions can be emailed to assist@vt.edu. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.  

Volunteers and research participants sought:
22. AFRICAN-AMERICAN PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 1st posting
The Granata Biomechanics Lab is studying the impact of race and related factors on movement mechanics. This low-risk study will involve two testing sessions (approximately 30 minutes and 90 minutes in length). Participants will receive a total of $20 in compensation. Must meet the following criteria: (1) be between 18 and 30 years old, (2) self-identify as African-American, (3) can walk without an assistive device, and (4) have not had a lower extremity injury in the past 3 months that limited your physical activity for more than 2 days. If interested, contact Cherice Hughes-Oliver at cnh4ph@vt.edu.  

23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH STUDY ABOUT DATING – 2nd posting
Participate in a study about what your parents told you and what they didn’t tell you. Conducted by Joong Won Kim and Dr. Bonnie Zare in the Virginia Tech Sociology Department. Purpose of this research is to explore how men build relationships with family, friends and romantic partners. Seeking information on answers to questions like: 1) Do you feel like the dating atmosphere at Tech is competitive? 2) What does your family expect from you regarding dating /starting a relationship of any kind/being intimate? 3) How do your ideas differ from your family’s? Must be at least 18 years old, male or male-identified and unmarried. If interested, go to https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8libq89kQnZuWkl.
Your name and your responses will be separated.  Survey takes less than 40 min. You will receive a $10 Amazon gift card for your time.

24. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON HUMAN PERCEPTION OF SOUND – 2nd posting
This user-study gives participants the chance to play an Audio-game with the Cube’s 128-speaker array using gestures alone while collecting valuable data on human perception of sound. Sign up for this immersive audio-game experience here: User-Study Appointment Calendar. The complete study will last for 60 minutes and will be held in the Cube, a facility within the Moss Arts Center. For more details, please go to http://wvtf.org/post/music-spheres-big-data-meets-big-sound. Questions? Contact Disha Sardana at dishas9@vt.edu.

25. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR AR DRIVING SIMULATOR STUDY – 2nd posting
The COGENT Lab at Virginia Tech (https://cogent.ise.vt.edu/) needs volunteers for a study using in-vehicle and head-up displays and how they impact drivers. Participants will be asked to complete short tasks while driving in the simulator and wearing eye tracking glasses. Must be 18+, an active driver with valid US driver’s license for over a year, and have normal or corrected-to-normal vision (corrected using contact lenses).  Compensation is $15 and the study should last no more than 1.5 hours. Please be aware that there is a risk of induced motion sickness when using a driving simulator. Do not volunteer if susceptible to motion sickness, migraines, epilepsy, dizziness or blurred vision, or are pregnant. Questions? Contact Nayara Faria via email at nfaria@vt.edu

26. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AUGMENTED REALITY STUDY – 3rd posting
VT researchers in the Cognitive Engineering for Novel Technologies (COGENT) Lab are recruiting participants for an augmented reality study. During the experiment, you will be asked to use augmented reality (AR) glasses to scan a simulated bridge surface for targets. You do not need to have used AR before, nor do you need any experience in bridge inspection to participate. Must be 18 years of age or older and have normal, or corrected to normal vision. You will be compensated at $10/hr and the study should last no more than 1 hour. If you have any questions or interested in participating, please contact Jared Van Dam via email at Jaredvd@vt.edu.

27. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR LIFTING STUDY WITH WEARABLE EXOSKELETONS – 3rd posting
Participants are sought for a research study about lifting with and without wearable exoskeletons. Participants must be 18-35 years old with no recent or prior musculoskeletal disorders or back injuries (at least for 12 months). A height range of 5′ 4″- 6 3′ is preferred. Should be able to comfortably lift a box (~10% of the bodyweight) from the floor to waist height and perform a variety of lifting tasks both with and without the exoskeletons. The training session takes about 1 hour and the data collection session takes about 3-4 hours. The compensation rate is $10/hour. If interested, email Saman Madinei at madinei@vt.edu

Upcoming events:
GRADUATE STUDENT LIBRARY OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday, Sep 4, 2:00-4:00pm, Newman Library Multipurpose Room (101)
Who can help me at the library? How many books can I check out? What support do you offer for data management? Come find out the answers to these questions and more at the Graduate Student Library Open House! Stop in any time between 2:00-4:00pm to chat with representatives from across the library, ask questions, and learn about all the ways that the University Libraries support graduate students throughout their time at the university, from their first semester all the way to finishing a thesis or dissertation. Snacks and drinks will be served. Registration is requested. To register, visit tinyurl.com/libgradopenhouse.

INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: FALL RETREAT
Sep6-7 (7pm Friday – 7pm Saturday) near Lexington, VA (1.5 hours from VT)
Join us on a 24-hour getaway in a beautiful mountain home for new friendships, delicious meals, indoor/outdoor recreation, group Bible discussion and prayer. Cost is $25 (scholarships are available). Space is limited to 25 participants. For more information and to register online, visit gcfvt.org.

LGBTQ+ CONNECT LUNCH
Tuesday, Sep 17, 12:00pm-1:00 pm, Graduate Life Center Room C
You are invited to this year’s LGBTQ+ Graduate Student Connect Lunch with keynote speaker Dr. Jordan Harrison, Clinical Psychologist at Cook Counseling Center. Students, faculty/staff, and members of the community are also invited to join us for the lunch. The event is free and all are welcome to attend. Please register at http://bit.ly/2019ConnectLunch. For accommodations, please contact Dr. Justin Grimes at jgrimes18@vt.edu at least 72 hours in advance of the event.