Recurring Events:
1. WEEKLY DROP-IN SERVICES
2. WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS
This Week’s (and Next Week’s) Events:
3. AMPLIFYING UNHEARD VOICES
4. PUZZLE CHALLENGE FOR GRADS
5. POST-GTA WORKSHOP GLC CAFÉ
6. NEW GRADUATE STUDENT ORIENTATION AND GLC CAFÉ SPECIAL EDITION
Administrative Announcements:
7. AETNA HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR NEW STUDENTS – 1st posting
8. COMSCICON-VT SECOND ANNUAL EVENT – 1st posting
9. GRAD 5204: CITIZEN SCHOLAR SEMINAR (CRN 20270) – 1st posting
10. APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FOR GRAD STUDENT REP TO BOV POSITION – 1st posting
11. FAFSA AND SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION REMINDER – 3rd posting
12. JEAN B. DUERR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN STUDENTS – 3rd posting
13. GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM (GSARS) ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS OPEN – 3rd posting
14. REGISTER FOR RESEARCH TOOLS FOR GRAD STUDENTS WORKSHOP SERIES – 3rd posting
Jobs:
15. SCHIFFERT HEALTH CENTER GRADUATE ASSISTANT – 1st posting
16. PART-TIME (30 hr) WAGE POSITION IN HNFE AVAILABLE – 3rd posting
Volunteers and research participants sought:
17. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: HATE CRIME AND FIRST YEAR FRESHMEN – 1st posting
Upcoming events:
– NAVIGATING BLACKSBURG FOR NEW GRADUATE STUDENTS (1/21 – reg. required)
– GRADUATE STUDENT LIBRARY OPEN HOUSE (1/22)
– MANAGING YOUR NEW ASSISTANTSHIP (1/22 – reg. required)
– LUNCH WITH THE DEAN (1/23 – reg. required)
– JOIN THE LYRIC TOUR (1/23 – reg. required)
– 9th ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. SEMINAR (1/24)
– INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: WINTER RETREAT (1/24-25, reg. required)
– BASICS IN R (1/28; reg. required)
– ASK A COP (1/29; reg. required)
– CAREER OUTFITTERS – SHOP FOR YOUR OWN FREE PROFESSIONAL OUTFIT (1/31)
– SPRING KICK-OFF WELCOME CONNECT LUNCH (2/3; reg. required)
– GROCERY BINGO (2/4; reg. required)
– LUNCH WITH THE DEAN (2/5; reg. required)
– GSA SPRING BEER & WINE SOCIAL (2/7; reg. required)
Recurring Events
1. WEEKLY DROP-IN SERVICES
– Career Advising: Thursdays, 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby, On hiatus for break – Resumes next week. Also see: https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/gradcareeropportunity/.
– Cook Counseling: Thursdays & Fridays, 1:00-5:00pm. On hiatus for break – Resumes next week.
– 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 – On hiatus for break
– CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH SUPPORT FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS – On hiatus for break
– 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 – On hiatus for winter break
This Week’s Events
3. AMPLIFYING UNHEARD VOICES
Tuesday, Jan 14, 9:00am-3:00 p.m., Newman Library Multipurpose Room
Listen, partner, change. Academics and community members are invited to listen to and honor local stories that have been missing from media and research. Speakers include Hannah Martin (LGBT veteran, farmer and potter), Victoria Ferguson (Monacan Indian tribal elder), Chris Alderman (recovering substance user and peer advocate), Hothaifa Abu Samra (Syrian refugee and NRCC student), and Julia Dinsmore (poet and poverty abolitionist). Following lunch (provided), you will have the chance to partner directly in community-based research through facilitated conversations. More details and registration at https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/calendar/events/silencedvoices or email ndporter@vt.edu. Sponsored by University Libraries.
4. PUZZLE CHALLENGE FOR GRADS
Wednesday, Jan 15, 10:00am-3:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Help assemble a 2000-piece puzzle with fellow grad students in 5 hours! Come and go as your time allows to contribute pieces to the picture. Refreshments will be served during the 5-hour period.
5. POST-GTA WORKSHOP GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Jan 16, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
After a hard day of training, enjoy free coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of fellow grad students and Grad School staff; network, socialize, relax! Open to all grad students. Bring your own mug if you can.
6. NEW GRADUATE STUDENT ORIENTATION AND GLC CAFÉ SPECIAL EDITION
Friday, Jan 17, 2:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
New grad students are invited to learn about the expectation for graduate education, discover resources that will keep them on track from start to finish, meet the Grad School dean and staff, and pick up materials about campus/local resources. The program will conclude with a special GLC Café at about 3:30, to which returning grad students are also welcome!
Administrative Announcements:
7. AETNA HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR NEW STUDENTS – 1st posting
Spring enrollment is open for new students starting in Spring 2020. Deadline: Jan 21, 2020. Contact the Student Medical Insurance office with questions at smi@vt.edu, 231-6226. Visit their website at http://risk.controller.vt.edu/studentmedicalinsurance.html for more info.
8. COMSCICON-VT SECOND ANNUAL EVENT – 1st posting
Interested in spreading your research findings to the general public, but don’t know how or where to start? ComSciCon is a national conference created at Harvard University to help graduate students in STEAM get started in communicating science. The Communicating Science Club is proud to sponsor our franchise ComSciCon-Virginia Tech, free to all graduate and upper level undergraduate students. This year’s theme is Inclusion, Diversity, and Accessibility in Science Communication. Conference is limited to 80 participants, so apply soon! Learn how to talk about your research in a nutshell, write a science story, make your communication accessible to all audiences, discuss policy and advocacy, and more. To apply, complete the ComSciCon-VT application by Feb 3. View full schedule and find out more on the Center for Communicating Science website. Email Stephanie Edwards Compton at sedwrds3@vt.edu or Susan Chen at schen518@vt.edu with questions.
9. GRAD 5204: CITIZEN SCHOLAR SEMINAR (CRN 20270) – 1st posting
Spring 2020, Tuesdays, 1:00-3:30pm, GLC Room B
Course Description: An integral part of the Graduate School’s Transformative Graduate Education initiative, the course will examine university-community engagement from perspectives of pedagogy, research, and outreach, enabling students to understand how their disciplinary expertise can be applied to advance social well-being. Understanding the value of being a citizen-scholar, elucidating the connection between scholarship and citizenship in the contemporary global society and encouraging engagement in public scholarship, i.e., scholarship in the service to community, the region, the state and the world. Graduate standing required (3H, 3C).For more information, please contact the instructors, Bill Huckle (wrhuckle@vt.edu) and Catherine Cotrupi (cotrupi@vt.edu).
10. APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FOR GRAD STUDENT REP TO BOV POSITION – 1st posting
Applications for Graduate Student Representative to the VT Board of Visitors are accepted until Feb 14, 2020. All currently enrolled graduate students in good standing are encouraged to consider this great leadership and service opportunity to represent graduate students’ voices, needs and interest on the VT Board of Visitors. Learn more at https://bov.vt.edu/studentrepsapply.html, or attend an info session on Wednesday, Feb 5, 7:00-8:00pm, New Classroom Building 220.
11. FAFSA AND SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION REMINDER – 3rd posting
This is just a quick reminder that the 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available now. The 2020-21 FAFSA will determine your federal aid eligibility for Fall 2020, Spring and Summer 2021. While the March 2 priority deadline does not impact graduate students, it is recommended you submit the FAFSA by early spring semester to give time to process it and prepare your aid for the new academic year. The FAFSA is available at https://fafsa.gov. Please keep in mind, students must be enrolled half-time (5 credits) per semester to be eligible to receive federal loans.
12. JEAN B. DUERR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN STUDENTS – 3rd posting
The Jean B. Duerr Memorial Fund awards scholarships to women in an accredited college or university for the entire 2020-2021 academic year. Awards of $2,000 will be given to those applicants who best demonstrate academic achievement and community service. Must be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student with a minimum GPA of 3.6. Include a full official transcript with the application and postmark it by Mar 9, 2020 for scholarships awarded for the 2020/21 academic year. No applications, including those with Mar 9, 2019 postmarks, will be accepted after for consideration after Mar 11,2020. Please use USPS – do not send via registered mail. For more information and a link to the application go to https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/types-of-funding/funding-opportunities/duerr.html. Questions? Contact Susan Butler at smcbutler@aol.com or call 540-552-2307.
13. GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM (GSARS) ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS OPEN – 3rd posting
Start crafting your submissions for the Graduate Student Association’s 36th Annual Research Symposium and Exposition! This year’s theme is “Innovation and Creativity in Research”. Come compete in oral and poster presentations, as well as Flash Talks and Installations, in order to gain experience and win cash prizes. ALL degree programs are welcome to apply before the early abstract deadline of January 27 for a chance to receive feedback, revise, and resubmit. Our “Annual Research Symposium and Exposition” webpage has more details and a link to the submission form. All other abstracts will be due by February 14. Contact either of the co-chairs with questions or comments: Callie Clayton (callc13@vt.edu) and Keely Ledford (keelyl1@vt.edu), or contact the GSA Director of Programs, Sharon Stidham (sharon62@vt.edu).
14. REGISTER FOR RESEARCH TOOLS FOR GRAD STUDENTS WORKSHOP SERIES – 3rd posting
There’s a lot to learn in graduate school, and the library can help! This spring, 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:
15. SCHIFFERT HEALTH CENTER GRADUATE ASSISTANT – 1st posting
The GA works closely with the Health Quality Outreach Manager to promote health education and market services provided by the health center. The ideal candidate has public health knowledge, experience with marketing and outreach events, can work independently and efficiently, communicates effectively, demonstrates competence in graphic design and social media management, and can comfortably engage with student groups. Proficiency with the Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) preferred.
In addition to developing educational and marketing materials the GA will co-manage social media outlets and assist with health promotion events throughout the year, including summer break, and some nights or weekends. 20 hours/week, with stipend and tuition remission. Interested candidates should email their resume, cover letter, list of three references, and one work sample to Monica Goyanko at mgoyanko@vt.ed. For questions, contact Monica Goyanko via email or call (540)231-7705.
16. MARKETING PROGRAM ASSISTANT, HOKIE WELLNESS – 1st posting
This Graduate Student Wage position pays $15/hr. Must be a current grad student enrolled at VT through at least Fall 2020. Requires experience in marketing, design, or other creative services field; excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills; and an interest in supporting health and wellness initiatives on campus. Must be familiar with current software such as Adobe Creative Suite or other relevant media platform. Will work with marketing team to promote Hokie Wellness’ services to the larger campus community by developing engaging media for departmental campaigns, awareness weeks. outreach, and events.Can begin in Spring 2020 with preference for work to continue to next academic year (summer hours possible). If interested, contact Kelsey O’Hara-Marasigan at kelsey12@vt.edu, or (540) 231-4813 for full position description. Applicants must submit a current resume, cover letter, three references, and at least one work sample by Jan 31.
Volunteers and research participants sought:
17. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: HATE CRIME AND FIRST YEAR FRESHMEN – 1st posting
Volunteers needed for a study to explore how bias offenses differ between young adults and older populations. Participants must be 18 years of age or older and a first-year freshman at Virginia Tech. During the study, you will be asked to do the following: read and acknowledge an Informed Consent Form and then take a Qualtrics survey. The survey will last approximately 15 minutes. If graduate students know eligible students who are interested, please direct them to https://tinyurl.com/ygcftj5d. For more information, please email Jonathan LLoyd at lloydj16@vt.edu.
Upcoming events:
NAVIGATING BLACKSBURG FOR NEW GRADUATE STUDENTS
Tuesday, Jan 21, 3:30-4;30pm, GLC Room C
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 here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1MHsslRdZ3AbkdD .
GRADUATE STUDENT LIBRARY OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday, Jan 22, 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. We estimate that it will take around 30 minutes to visit each station. Talk to someone at each station, and you’ll be entered to win a library prize pack. Snacks and drinks will be served. Registration is requested. To register, visit https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/calendar/events/gradopenhousespring.
MANAGING YOUR NEW ASSISTANTSHIP
Wednesday, Jan 22, 4:00-5:00pm, 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 first 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 here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_czLDI7IdytwGRZX .
LUNCH WITH THE DEAN
Thursday, Jan 23, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room C
Meet Graduate School Dean Dr. Karen DePauw and graduate students at a free lunch. Learn about the latest in graduate education and share your perspectives in a casual setting. Sign-up here:
https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e2iYHoqI71yaoVT. Please note that with such a short time to eat and have a discussion, it is important that you arrive on time for this lunch.
JOIN THE LYRIC TOUR
Thursday, Jan 23, 3:00pm, The Lyric Theatre
135 College Avenue, Blacksburg, VA
The beautiful Lyric Theatre is offering a free tour for graduate students. Participants will be shown the 1930s design and learn about opportunities to volunteer. Everyone who attends will also receive a free movie pass. Register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bDtVTKvaYkoTqpn. Please arrive at The Lyric five to ten minutes early.
9th ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. SEMINAR
Friday, Jan 24, 12:20pm, Steger Hall Auditorium
On behalf of the Biological Sciences Diversity Committee, grad student Floricel Gonzalez invites you to the 9th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Seminar entitled “Worms, germs, and buffalo: a coinfection story” by Dr. Vanessa Ezenwa, professor in the Odum School of Ecology and department of Infectious Diseases at the University of Georgia.
INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: WINTER RETREAT
Friday-Saturday, Jan 24-25 (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 $20 (scholarships are available). For more information and to register visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYhcRvbAFtP_kjzg5RMwysWtrrCn-UTz934L1ln_5h66MTLg/viewform
BASICS IN R
Tuesday, Jan 28, 4:30-6:30pm, Torgerson 1100
Are you a researcher who has recently collected data? Do you want help learning how to use a software package to analyze your data? R is a free statistical software used for data analysis in a variety of fields. This hands-on and interactive course covers the following topics: Navigating RStudio; Reading a data file into R; Computing Descriptive Statistics; Generating Graphics for Exploratory Data Analysis; Exporting a file from R. No previous coding experience required. This course is jointly sponsored by the Statistical Application and Innovations Group (SAIG) and Networked Learning Initiatives (NLI). Enroll Today: https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/browse/teachingandlearning/courses/saig1-012820. Free to VT Faculty & Student Researchers.
ASK A COP
Wednesday, Jan 29, 6:00pm, GLC Room C
Dunk into the dos and don’ts of what to do if you get pulled over by the police. Also learn when to call the police for assistance and hear about the services and events the Virginia Tech Police Department offers to students. Ever wonder why cops are always associated with donuts? Find out the answer at this session! This is tailored for international students but anyone is welcome to attend. Bring your questions. Yes, there will be donuts! Register at: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7PoRz95aqumRc0J.
CAREER OUTFITTERS – SHOP FOR YOUR OWN FREE PROFESSIONAL OUTFIT
Friday, Jan 31, 10:00am-3:00pm, Smith Career Center
Career Outfitters is an event sponsored by Career and Professional Development where any Virginia Tech student can shop, free of charge, for business attire and professional clothing they will need for interviews, career fairs and other recruiting events. All new and gently-used clothing is donated by alumni, faculty, staff and other community members. A limited supply of a variety of sizes of clothing is offered. Career and Professional Development offers assistance with sizing and styling of clothing, and there are dressing rooms for students to try on clothes. Because shopping space is small, students should expect a wait of 15 minutes or more to get into the shopping area after they check-in. Students should plan enough time to wait in line and shop for clothing. Students will be allowed to take home a suit (or equivalent), a shirt/blouse and one accessory. For more information go to: https://career.vt.edu/events/CareerOutfitters.html
SPRING KICK-OFF WELCOME CONNECT LUNCH
Monday, Feb 3, 12:00-1:00pm, Graduate Life Center, Multipurpose Room
Come out and meet representatives from university offices, learn about student resources, and network with other new and returning students, faculty, and staff with lunch provided. Please register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dd4K3AXN74JFGZL by Jan 31. For accommodations related to disabilities, contact Justin Grimes at jgrimes18@vt.edu at least 72 hours in advance of the event.
GROCERY BINGO
Tuesday, Feb 4, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room F
Compete against other graduate students in Bingo for a chance to win free grocery items! Sign-up here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_883ij9xTJOjP8HP .
LUNCH WITH THE DEAN
Wednesday, Feb 5, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room C
Meet Graduate School Dean Dr. Karen DePauw and graduate students at a free lunch. Learn about the latest in graduate education and share your perspectives in a casual setting. Sign-up here:
https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1GQMrZ6V7gjJpGZ . Please note that with such a short time to eat and have a discussion, it is important that you arrive on time for this lunch.
GSA SPRING BEER & WINE SOCIAL
Friday, Feb 7, 5:00-9:00pm, Lane Stadium South End Zone Club
The Graduate Student Assembly is gearing up for an exciting Spring Beer & Wine Social in Lane Stadium! Tickets will be $18 ahead of time, $20 at the door, and will include drinks, appetizers and an incredible DJ. There is also a non-alcohol-drinking entry option, which is $10 at the door. Come relax and enjoy the company of other graduate students! Everyone is encouraged to dress in semi-formal attire. To buy tickets online click here. Volunteers for this event are also needed. All volunteers will receive free admission to the social. To sign-up as a volunteer click here. Questions? Contact Cortney Steele, GSA Director of Events at cnsteele@vt.edu.