November 1-7, 2010

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

  • Career services walk-in advising: Wednesdays, 1:30-5:00pm, GLC Study Room
  • Walk-in counseling support: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 1-5pm, GLC Green Room
  • Writing support: Mondays (4-7pm) and Wednesdays (4-6pm), GLC Videoconference Room

2. SHORT COURSES IN STATISTICS: INTRODUCTION TO JMP
Monday, Nov 1, 5:00-7:00pm, 3060 Torg
The Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) offers a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research. These two-hour courses teach practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data. See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and to learn more. Refreshments provided at the end of each short course. Remaining schedule and topics:

  • Tuesday, Nov 2: Analyzing Non-Normal Data with Generalized Linear Models (GLMs);
  • Nov 8 & 9: * Intro to SAS;
  • Nov 15 & 16: * Using R for Your Basic Statistical Needs;

* Class will be held in 3060 Torgersen Hall.
LISA also provides free statistical collaboration and consulting: visit www.lisa.stat.vt.edu to schedule an appointment. Free daily walk-in consulting service is available from 12-2pm in 401 Hutcheson Hall.

3. BIKE MAINTENANCE BASICS
Monday, Nov 1, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room B
If you ride a bike, you need this class! In this informative presentation you’ll learn how to lube a chain, fix a flat tire in record time, and make other minor adjustments to your bike. No experience necessary. For more information please contact Scott Lail, GLC Resident Fellow.

4. GSA FAMILY GAME NIGHT
Tuesday, Nov 2, 6:00-9:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Come out and enjoy some quality time with your family and friends. All students, post-docs, faculty and their families are invited to enjoy an evening full of gaming! If you have a particular game that you want to play, feel free to bring it with you. Refreshments, snacks, and music will be provided. To sign up for the event, please register here. If you are bringing your family or a group of friends, only one person needs to register. Questions? Please contact Jay Pembridge.

5. NETWORKING: THE BACKBONE OF YOUR JOB SEARCH
Wednesday, Nov 3, 5:30pm, GLC Room G
Networking. You’ve heard the word and possibly even know what it means – but are you using this essential job search skill appropriately – or at all? Attend this session to demystify networking and learn the basics of how to get started. This program is brought to you by Career Services. Contact Amy McPherson, amcphers@vt.edu with any questions.

6. GSA GRADS GOT TALENT AUDITIONS
Wednesday, Nov 3, 8:30pm, GLC Auditorium
Do you have a talent that you would like to show off? Dreams of being the next American Idol? Then come on out to audition for the Annual GSA Grads Got Talent – a fundraiser for Relay for Life. All proceeds from the event will go towards Relay and the American Cancer Society. Please contact Jay Pembridge to schedule your audition or if you have any questions.

7. GRAD STUDENT GROUP: THRIVE OR SURVIVE?
Thursdays, 4:00-5:00pm, GLC Room C
You may feel overwhelmed by having to manage relationships with colleagues, advisors, family, friends, roommates; your support system may be in a different state or a different country; you may have a family to take care of in addition to graduate school. And then there are issues like prelims, theses, dissertations, teaching, research, etc. Meet on Thursday afternoons with Cook Counseling staff and fellow graduate students to talk about these and other issues, seek and provide support, empower each other, and learn how to navigate the university’s systems and resources.

8. GLC 5-YR CELEBRATION
Friday, Nov 5, 2:00-4:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
You are invited to the 5-year celebration of the opening of the GLC. The program will include displays depicting the 5-year history of the GLC in pictures and words, photo and art by current graduate students, a “dream wall” to envision the future of the GLC, cake and refreshments, remarks by Dean Karen DePauw, and awards to GLC contributors and students. Learn more and test your knowledge about the GLC. Please let us know if you are planning to attend by completing the survey here.

9. SINKLAND FARMS CHILI COOK-OFF AND WINE & BEER FESTIVAL

Saturday, Nov 6, 11:30am, Meet in the GLC Lobby
The GLC Resident Fellows are sponsoring a trip to the Sinkland Farms’ 3rd Annual "Up In Smoke" Chili Cook-Off and Wine & Beer Festival! Cost is $10 for chili tasting & live music, and an additional $10 if you would like to partake in the wine & beer tasting. Worried about how to get to/from the event? No problem! The GLC Fellows will host a free van carpool that will meet in the GLC Lobby at 11:30am. Let us know if you plan on attending the event, and if you need a ride by completing.

10. CONNECT WITH THE GLC FELLOWS ON FACEBOOK
Three GLC Fellows reside in the GLC and organize programs and activities for GLC residents and the graduate student population in general. You can follow their efforts or submit programming ideas and requests on Facebook. Become their fan!

11. CITIZEN SCHOLAR APPLICATIONS INVITED
Have you used your research to benefit society in any way? If so, consider applying for the Citizen Scholar award.  If not, consider designing a Citizen Scholar project! Review program requirements.  Applications are due December 2.  For more information, email Eric Hodges at hodgeseb@vt.edu.

12. FITNESS MID-TERM SPECIAL
Rec Sports’ group exercise passes are now 50% off from now until the end
of the semester. Now is your chance to get a pass and head to a class to help reduce your mid-term stress, increase your concentration and make some new friends.  Learn more about this offer and other Rec Sports events and services.

13. GRA OPENING IN VTTI – 1st posting
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institution (VTTI) has an opening for a 12-m GRA starting Jan 2011. The ideal candidate has strong skill sets in vehicle dynamics, signal processing, programming, and technical writing. Master’s and doctoral students in ME, ESM or related disciplines with relevant interests and skills are encouraged to apply. Responsibilities include: 1) conducting comprehensive literature review on project-relevant materials, 2) defining methods to achieve objectives of development cycles, 3) programming and software development, and 4) composing technical documents for software modules.  Must have demonstrated proficiency in producing quality technical documents and the ability to communicate research results clearly and effectively.  Strong programming background in MATLAB and/or other scripting languages required.  Coursework or research experience in vehicle dynamics is preferred. If interested, email a resume and cover letter to Leslie Harwood, lharwood@vtti.vt.edu by Nov 30.  Interviews will be conducted by mid-December.

14. GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP OPPORTUNITY – 3rd posting
Long-term funding is available for two GRAs beginning January 2011 to help with multi-year project in Department of Engineering Education.  Initial research responsibilities include 1) conducting interviews with engineering faculty and focus groups with engineering students at multiple university locations, 2) data transcription and data analysis, 3) survey development and deployment, 4) teacher intervention development, deployment and assessment.  Travel is required periodically and is paid for by the grant. English proficiency is required.  Coursework or research experiences with qualitative and or quantitative data collection and analysis methods are preferred.  Familiarity with the engineering classroom settings is highly desirable.  Doctoral students from engineering, education, social science, or related disciplines with relevant interests and skills are encouraged to apply. If interested, please email a resume or CV and cover letter to Dr. Holly M. Matusovich at matushm@vt.edu. Apply by November 15th. Interviews will be conducted by early Dec. More information >> .

15. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are sought for a study investigating the effects of flexion and lifting on the biomechanics and neuromuscular control of the human torso.  The study consists of six separate experimental sessions (each lasting approximately 2 hours) and participants will be compensated $10/hour.  To qualify you must be between the ages of 18-29, have a lean body, and regularly exercise at least 2-3 times per week.  For more information or to inquire about participation, please contact Khoirul at khoirul@vt.edu

16. BROADBAND MAPPING: BE A PART OF HISTORY – 2nd posting
In an effort to expand high-speed Internet access across the state, VT’s eCorridors <http://www.ecorridors.vt.edu/>  program presents “Accelerate Virginia,” a new broadband mapping project. Consumers have a unique opportunity to provide information about Internet accessibility in their homes and communities. Along with other sources, this data will be used to inform the Virginia and national broadband maps, and identify areas in need of broadband infrastructure investment. If broadband is important to you, please visit  http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest/ and run a speed test from your off campus residence.  For more information please contact Jean Plymale at  vplymale@vt.edu, 231-2270.

17. CALL FOR GRDP REVIEWERS – 3rd posting
The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) is looking for candidates to serve as reviewers for the Graduate Research and Development Program (GRDP). The GRDP provides monetary support for degree-contingent research conducted by graduate students. More information can be found on the GSA website. Reviewers will be responsible for assessing research proposals in their research area or related fields, using specific rubrics provided to them. The proposals are about 1-2 pages in length. This is a great opportunity for those who are interested in applying to the GRDP to learn about the process and also for those who would like to be involved with the GSA. If you are interested, please fill out this survey. Direct any questions to Ranjana Mehta, GRDP Chair (gsagrdpchair@gmail.com).

18. UPCOMING EVENTS:

WOMENS’ HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERIES: BREATHWORKS WITH ANNA PITTMAN
Monday, Nov 8, 6:30-8:00pm, GLC Room D
Breathworks is a healing modality designed to bring the nervous system back into relaxation. Breath is directly affected by stress, emotional distress, anxiety and chronic worry, yet these conditions are changeable with simple tools. This workshop is designed to introduce one breathing technique and one mindfulness technique.  Combined, the participant should walk away with a life tool that could mean the difference between experiencing struggle or joy. Co-sponsored by the Women’s Center and the Graduate School. Contact Sharbari Dey with any questions, sharbari@vt.edu.

STUDENT VOICES: STORIES OF STUDENT VETERANS AT VT
Tuesday, Nov 9, 5:30-7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
A panel of VT student veterans will bring to light important issues and concerns that student veterans face when entering or resuming their college studies. This event is part of the Principles of Community Speaker Series, developed to provide the campus community more frequent facilitated interactions and dialog concerning diversity issues at VT. The series is sponsored by the Office for Diversity and Inclusion and the Center for Instructional Development and Educational Research, http://www.cider.vt.edu/.

VT STAND PRESENTS: VALENTINO ACHAK DENG
Tuesday, Nov 9, 7:00pm, GLC Auditorium
The Virginia Tech STAND Chapter, in conjunction with many other departments and student organizations, will host distinguished speaker Valentino Achak Deng, one of the Sudanese "Lost Boys," who will talk about his experiences in Sudan at the outbreak of the second Civil War (1983-2005) and as a refugee within Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, and finally the United Sates.

ETD WORKSHOP SERIES: GRAD SCHOOL REVIEW OF YOUR ETD
Wednesday, Nov 10, 7:00-8:00pm, GLC Room G
Learn more about what the Graduate School does with your ETD after you submit it: what items are checked, what is the timeline of the submission process, what you might need to do if corrections are needed. Contact Janice Austin if you have any questions about this program.

GSA GRADS GOT TALENT
Thursday, Nov 11, 8:30pm, GLC Auditorium
Grads Got Talent is a fundraiser for Graduate Relay for Life Teams. Come on out and support your fellow grad students as they showcase their talents and skills while raising money for Relay for Life, one of the  main volunteer-driven cancer fundraising event of the American Cancer Society. During the event you will have the opportunity to vote for your favorite act through donations to Relay. Questions? Contact Jay Pembridge.

INTERNATIONAL BEER TASTING
Friday, Nov 12, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
The GSA is sponsoring this international beer tasting to kick-off International Education Week. The cost is $5.00 per person (cash) at the door for 2 beers and snacks ($2 for snacks only). All grad students, post-docs, and faculty members are invited to come and enjoy beers from around the world! Must be 21 & older to attend. Please direct any questions to Amanda Cronin Rumore at arumore@vt.edu.