December 2 – 8, 2019

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

This Week’s (and Next Week’s) Events:
3. DIVERSITY STATEMENT WRITING WORKSHOP (registration required)
4. END OF SEMESTER WELLNESS EVENT (register by 12/8)
5. INTERFAITH EVENING DIALOGUES FOR STUDENTS – DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE
6. DONUT GIVE UP

Administrative Announcements:
7. GRAD 5124 – LIBRARY RESEARCH SKILLS (CRN 15396) – 2nd posting
8. DIVERSITY SCHOLAR PROGRAM APPLICATION IS OPEN – 2nd posting
9. DR. RICH CAP & GOWN RENTAL PROGRAM (UNTIL DEC 10) – 2nd posting
10. GREEN GRADUATES OF VT CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS – 2nd posting
11. CALL FOR PAPERS FOR GRAD CONFERENCE – 2nd posting
12. NIH-FUNDED POSTDOC TRAINING PROGRAM IN RESEARCH & TEACHING – 2nd posting
13. GRAD STUDENT TEAMS INVITED TO INDOOR SOCCER LEAGUE – 2nd posting

Jobs:
14. GRAD ASSISTANT: CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING – 2nd posting
15. HALF-TIME GRA OPENING FOR SPRING 2020 – 2nd posting
16. FULL-TIME GRAD ASSISTANTSHIP WITH ENGINEERING EDUCATION – 3rd posting

Volunteers and research participants sought:
17. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: SELF DRIVING CAR RESEARCH STUDY – 2nd posting
18. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR NEUROSCIENCE STUDY – 3rd posting
19. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR DRIVING SIMULATOR STUDY – 3rd posting

Upcoming events:
YALDA NIGHT CELEBERATION (Register by 12/14)

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:
– YOGA CLASSES FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
Wednesdays (Yoga), 11:30am-12:15pm, GLC Wellness Room (last class is Dec. 11)
– WRITING STRATEGIES FOR GRADUATE WRITERS
Mondays, 9:30-11:00am, GLC, Room D and Wednesdays, 12:30-2:00pm, 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
Please sign up for this free Thursday evening session (6:30-8:30pm) 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. Sign up at https://doodle.com/poll/5fcyia8in5btq2ek.

This Week’s (and Next Week’s) Events
3. DIVERSITY STATEMENT WRITING WORKSHOP
Monday, Dec 9, 4:00-5:30pm, GLC Room F
The Virginia Tech Writing Center invites you to join them a workshop on Writing a Diversity Statement Sign-up using the following link: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ewIlGqpgkvkxrJH.

4. END OF SEMESTER WELLNESS EVENT
Wednesday, Dec 11, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Squires Student Center, Breakzone
On behalf of the Graduate School Office of Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion, we would like to invite you to join your fellow graduate students at the End of Semester Event to relax, have fun, and enjoy playing bowling, billiards, foosball, and table tennis. The event is free and all are welcome to attend. Please register at: http://bit.ly/EndofSemesterEvent by December 8. For assistance please contact Dr. Justin Grimes at jgrimes18@vt.edu.

5. INTERFAITH EVENING DIALOGUES FOR STUDENTS – DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE
Wednesday, Dec 11, 5:30-7:00pm, 3310 Torgersen Hall
Graduate and undergraduate students are invited to participate in a dialogue with people with diverse worldviews. Discussions about world issues through an interfaith lens. Conversations about religious, spiritual, and secular diversity. For more information about the Interfaith Initiative, subscribe to the weekly newsletter at tinyurl.com/interfaithcircle.

6. DONUT GIVE UP
Thursday, Dec 12, 6:00 pm until out of donuts, GLC Reading Room
The GLC Fellows are sponsoring donuts from Carol Lee on Reading Day in the Reading Room. Come take a break and enjoy a free donut!

Administrative Announcements:
7. GRAD 5124 – LIBRARY RESEARCH SKILLS (CRN 15396) – 2nd posting
This online, Health Sciences / Biomedical section of this elective, pass / fail, 1-credit course on offer this Spring 2020. All welcome to join regardless of your disciplinary or degree focus; however, those who have a research interest related to health or biomedical sciences will benefit most. This course is designed to increase successful completion of comprehensive literature reviews and project proposals. Identify key information sources, use advanced searching skills and citation management tools, and explore important research planning topics such as: building professional identity, evidence-based practice, data management, sharing research results, and authorship. Email Ginny Pannabecker, vpannabe@vt.edu, with questions.

8. DIVERSITY SCHOLAR PROGRAM APPLICATION IS OPEN – 2nd posting
Diversity scholars are graduate students who specialize in and advocate for the awareness, knowledge, and skills associated with diversity and inclusion in the Graduate School and the greater community. Nominations are due by Nov 29. More info at https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/diversity/diversity-scholars/how-to-apply.html

9. DR. RICH CAP & GOWN RENTAL PROGRAM (UNTIL DEC 10) – 2nd posting
Graduating soon? Daunted by having to purchase a cap and gown to participate in commencement? Never fear: the Graduate Student Assembly’s “Dr. Rich” Cap and Gown Program (named for GSA’s previous director of finance, Richard Rodrigues, who began the program) will loan a limited number of graduation gowns and caps to graduate students participating in the Fall 2019 graduation ceremonies. Program details are available on the GSA website and you can apply to the lotto via this survey. Posted on behalf of the GSA.

10. GREEN GRADUATES OF VT CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS – 2nd posting
Graduating this December or in May? Share how you will live a sustainable life after college and receive a free green chord to wear during graduation.  Just fill out the survey below by answering how you will live a sustainable life and provide a picture of yourself.  We will then post your response and picture to our Facebook page and you will receive your free green chord! https://tinyurl.com/greenhokie. Posted on behalf of Kaitlyn Franczek, franczek@vt.edu.

11. CALL FOR PAPERS FOR GRAD CONFERENCE – 2nd posting
Submit papers for the 2020 ASPECT Graduate Conference “Contested Knowledges: Social, Political, Ethical and Cultural Perspectives.” The committee will accept paper proposals from graduate students across disciplinary boundaries in the humanities, social sciences, and related fields. The conference will take place on the VT campus in Blacksburg on Apr 24-25. Deadline for proposals is Friday, Dec 13. For the full call for papers, visit https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g3YCsZEhs0QNWtF8D1p_h2AFIzwxAlmD/view?usp=sharing. Posted on behalf of Sarah Plummer, splummer@vt.edu.

12. NIH-FUNDED POSTDOC TRAINING PROGRAM IN RESEARCH & TEACHING – 2nd posting
VCU IRACDA provides trainees with a traditional mentored research experience, plus mentored teaching experience and aims to increase diversity in the biomedical workforce. Applications are currently accepted for postdoctoral fellows who will begin work at VCU in 2020.  For more information and the online application, visit the VCU Center on Health Disparities website at: https://healthdisparities.vcu.edu/researchtraining/postdoctoral-programs/iracda/. Must be US citizen or permanent resident to be considered.

13. GRAD STUDENT TEAMS INVITED TO INDOOR SOCCER LEAGUE – 2nd posting
Registration for the Blacksburg Indoor Soccer League (BISL) is open for the 2019-20 season.  The BISL offers a full season of play through February at the Blacksburg Community Center on 725 Patrick Henry Drive. The League plays six aside on a good sized playing area with a high ceiling. Two Referees and a Scorekeeper are provided for each game. The BISL is an opportunity to play fast-paced soccer during the winter months.  The League starts in December; games are played on weekend afternoons, evenings, and nights.  E-mail the BISL at blacksburgindoor@gmail.com if you would like to enter a team or have any questions. Posted on behalf of Rec Sports, aglick@vt.edu.

Jobs:
14. GRAD ASSISTANT: CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING – 2nd posting
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning seeks a graduate student with strong organization and communication skills, as well as an interest in higher education pedagogy, for the Spring 2020 semester. This position will involve responsibilities related to the planning and completion of projects and events, supporting center staff, conducting research and case studies, and other duties as assigned. Requires 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 also required. Successful candidates will be able to work both independently and in a team, have strong organizational skills, and be flexible. 20 hours/week, with stipend and tuition remission. If interested, email cover letters and CVs to James Harder, Research and Project Specialist, at jharder@vt.edu. Indicate “Applying for Graduate Assistantship” in the subject line of your email.

15. HALF-TIME GRA OPENING FOR SPRING 2020 – 2nd posting
Graduate student sought for a half-time (10 hrs/wk) assistantship for research team to help investigate the nature of contemporary engineering work by comparing descriptions of work reported in interviews to representations of that work in LinkedIn profiles of recent engineering graduates. Seeking a research assistant with skills and interest in natural language processing or related areas to help develop tools and strategies for analyzing LinkedIn profiles.  This project is a collaboration between the Department of Science, Technology, and Society (STS) and the Department of Engineering Education (EngE). If you have any questions or are interested in the position, contact Dr. Lee Vinsel at leev@vt.edu.

16. FULL-TIME GRAD ASSISTANTSHIP WITH ENGINEERING EDUCATION – 3rd posting
Seeking a GTA for the Graduate Student Success in Multicultural Environments (GSSME) course. GSSME helps first-year engineering graduate students (1) integrate into the university, (2) navigate relationships associated with graduate school, (3) prepare for professional success, and (4) build awareness of diversity and inclusion values. The desired applicant is at least a 3rd-year graduate student, has a social science and/or engineering background, can aid with the assessment and evaluation of the course, and has teaching/facilitation experience. Will receive a graduate stipend (20 hrs) and tuition remission for Spring 2020 ONLY. Attendance is required during class times, Fridays 1:20-3:50pm, and hours beyond are flexible. If interested, please send your resume to Drs. Walter Lee (walterl@vt.edu) and Jeremi London (jslondon@vt.edu).

Volunteers and research participants sought:
17. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR DRIVING SIMULATOR STUDY – 2nd posting
The Mind Music and Machine Lab at Virginia Tech is seeking individuals to participate in a study to determine the effects of in-vehicle auditory alerts on driver behaviors at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings (HRGCs) on driver response. During the study, volunteers will be asked to drive in a driving simulator environment for 2 to 3 minutes before listening to various auditory alerts. The study will last approximately one hour. $10 compensation for participation. For more information, contact Chihab Nadri (cnadri@vt.edu). This study is being conducted under the supervision of Dr. Myounghoon Jeon (myounghoonjeon@vt.edu).To participate, please fill the following form, https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aY09meRwbbMJ1Zj.

18. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR NEUROSCIENCE STUDY – 3rd posting
The Neural Dynamics and Neural Engineering Lab (ICTAS II) is seeking participants for a neuroscience research study about the neural dynamics associated with learning finger-tapping tasks and the effects of sleep on learning these tasks. Must be 18 years or older, with no history of neurological or sleep disorders. During this task, participants will perform a repetitive finger-tapping sequence with their thumb and fingers while wearing a glove. Afterwards, participants will take a nap or watch a nature documentary, or sleep overnight in the lab. Electrooculography (EOG) and electromyography (EMG) will be recorded as a step-in quantifying quality of learning and sleep staging. Electroencephalography (EEG) will be utilized to record the task and sleep. Up to 5 (afternoon session) or 10 (overnight session) SONA credits will be provided. If interested visit https://vt-psyc.sona-systems.com/default.aspx?p_return_experiment_id=1133 or contact ndnestudies@gmail.com for more info.

19. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: SELF DRIVING CAR RESEARCH STUDY – 3rd posting
The Mind Music and Machine Lab at Virginia Tech is seeking individuals to participate in a study to determine the usability and effect of In-Vehicle displays (Visual, Auditory & Tactile) on driver state and performance in an autonomous vehicle. During the study, volunteers will be asked to drive in a driving simulator environment. Driving performance may be recorded with cameras/screen recordings during the study. Participants may be asked to wear an eye tracker during the study. Study will last about one hour. Compensation of $10 for participation. For more information, please contact Harsh Sanghavi (harshks@vt.edu). Study is being conducted under the supervision of Dr. Myounghoon Jeon (myounghoonjeon@vt.edu). To participate, please fill the following form:
https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3E1ZGgT1QyItFgF  

Upcoming events:
YALDA NIGHT CELEBERATION
Saturday, Dec 21, 6:00-10:00pm, Squires Commonwealth Ballroom
Celebrate the longest night of the year (Yalda) with friends, food, Persian music and dance. All are welcome. Please RSVP before Dec 14: https://forms.gle/GK8E9NUPZeQ7RERj8. Posted on behalf of grad student Neda Moayerian mneda14@vt.edu.