October 7-13, 2013

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

  • Career Services walk-in advising: Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
  •  Cook Counseling walk-in services: Thursdays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
  •  GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursdays, Reading Room – year round!
  • Graduate School business hours: M,Tu,Th,F: 8:00am-5:00pm; W: 9:30am-5:00pm
  • Writing Center walk-in assistance:  Thursdays 2-5pm, GLC Room D (additional hours available in the library)

2. SHORT STAT COURSES BY LISA THIS FALL: Graphing in R
Monday and Tuesday, Oct 7 & 8 (same session twice)
The Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) is providing a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research. The focus of these two-hour courses is on teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data. See here for instructions on how to register and learn more. Remaining Fall 2013 schedule:
Thursday, October 17: Survey Design and Analysis;
Thursday, October 24: Design of Experiments;
Thursday, October 31: T-tests and ANOVA;
Monday & Tuesday, November 4 & 5: Introduction to JMP;*
Tuesday, November 12: Nonparametric methods featuring the bootstrap;
Thursday, November 21: Regression Methods;
*Two sessions of the same course to accommodate more attendees. Follow LISA on Facebook or Twitter  to be the first to know about LISA events! More information

3. VT GRADUATION FAIR
Wednesday, Oct 9, 11:30am-7:30pm, Holtzman Alumni Center
VT’s graduation fair is a one-stop shop for all of your graduation needs. Purchase everything from your cap and gown to your diploma frame – specify graduate diploma and regalia! Music, free food, giveaways, and door prizes. Take a tour of the beautiful Holtzman Alumni Center and learn about all the programs and services the Virginia Tech Alumni Association has to offer. www.alumni.vt.edu/gradfair.

4. ARE YOU LINKEDIN?
Wednesday, Oct 9, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room G
Networking is essential in any job search, and LinkedIn can be a powerful tool in that process.  Attend this session to learn how to write a professional profile, basics of networking etiquette on LinkedIn, and tips for making LinkedIn work for you! Contact Amy McPherson if you have any questions at amcphers@vt.edu.

5. BELMASRY EVENT
Wednesday, Oct 9, 6:30-8:30pm, North Lounge, 3rd Floor Johnston Student Center
Come out and chat about Egypt and practice your Arabic at this Egyptian themed Arabic conversation table. Light Egyptian refreshments and tea will be served. Sponsored by Egypt Friends.

6. PEACE CORPS INTEREST MEETING
Wednesday, Oct 9, 7:30-8:30pm, GLC Room F
What will you do with your degree?  Want to work internationally? The Peace Corps can take you to exotic locations, help you learn new skills and give you a chance to be of service in a developing nation. All are invited to learn about the six program areas, find out how to qualify for an overseas assignment, and hear what it’s really like. Stay connected at Peace Corps at Virginia Tech on Facebook or contact Rachael.

7. FALL FOCUS CAREER FAIR
Thursday, Oct 10, 10:00am-4:00pm, Squires Student Center
See more information including list of participating employers and those seeking Master’s and PhD students here.

8. MIND AND BODY CHECK FAIR
Thursday, Oct 10, 11:00am-3:00pm, Lobby of McComas Hall (Health Ed/Rec Sports side)
The Cook Counseling Center in collaboration with Schiffert Health Center’s Health Education, Recreational Sports, the Women’s Center, and HNFE is sponsoring a Mind and Body Check fair:  students will have the opportunity to get a mental health check, talk to fitness staff and nutrition counselors, learn about sustainable happiness and get information on how to protect their skin from the sun (Facial Dermascan skin self-checks available).  Information will be provided to help improve your health and overall wellbeing. Giveaways and t-shirts for all student participants! For additional information, contact Charlotte Amenkhienan  (231-6557) or David Andrews  (231-7780).

9. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Oct 10, 3:30-5:00pm GLC Reading Room or side patio
The GLC Café is offered throughout the year with free coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues.

10. TAXES WITHELD FROM PAYMENTS – WORKSHOP FOR INTL STUDENTS
Thursday, Oct 10, 4:30-6:30pm, GLC Room G
This workshop will provide an understanding of the tax issues surrounding payments to foreign national students directly employed by Virginia Tech.  Included in the review will be how to determine US tax status; types of employment and income taxes, tax withholding forms (Federal and Virginia State); calculation of taxes; tax treaties; travel grants (scholarship); travel reimbursements; prizes/awards and gifts. Presenter: Janet Kunz, International Tax Specialist.

11. VIRTUAL GLC (vGLC) CAFÉ
Fridays, starting October 11, 12:00-1:00 pm, Lobby of vGLC.  
Join the Graduate School Staff weekly for online chats in the vGLC. This week’s topic: Completion Guidelines. Enter the vGLC lobby here. The vGLC extends VT’s graduate-education community from campus to computer. Using avatars, visitors to the vGLC can currently visit with Graduate School staff about general academic questions; find Grad-School forms and policy information; consult with the Graduate Student Ombudsperson; attend virtual seminars and workshops; socialize with other vGLC visitors; and explore the vGLC space, which mirrors the real-world Graduate Life Center on the Blacksburg campus. For instructions on creating an account and downloading the software please visit this site. If you have questions or suggestions, please email Marija Telbis-Forster. Looking forward to seeing you in the virtual world!

12. HUGH AND ETHEL KELLY LECTURE SERIES
Friday, Oct. 11, 1:00-2:30pm, Burruss Hall Auditorium
Dr. Steven Chu, Nobel Laureate and distinguished 12th Secretary of Energy, now professor at Stanford University will be speaking.   This is a great opportunity to hear from one of the world’s leading scientists and administrators. More information can be found here.

13. BLACKSBURG SUPERHERO OBSTACLE CHALLENGE
Sunday, Oct 13
The Blacksburg Superhero Obstacle Challenge is a 5k (3 miles) run similar to Tough Mudder or Spartan Race.  Enter yourself or join our graduate student team. Kids over 13 are allowed to compete with a parent’s signature, kids 10 and over can compete if there is a parent or guardian competing with them and we have a parent’s signature). It’s a great course, the weather looks great, and there is no water (maybe around your ankles) and little to no mud. There is lots of climbing, crawling, carrying, throwing and laughing. You will love this type of adventure.  Participants get finisher medals AND a T-shirt. Sign up here and email christk@vt.edu if you want to get together.

14. CALLING ALL GRADUATE STUDENT PERFORMERS – 1st posting
The Graduate School is seeking graduate students who would like to provide entertainment for the Graduate Life Center Open House on Friday, October 25.  The open house will run from 10am-3pm. Musicians, singers, dancers, comedians, jugglers, etc, are welcome. To join the slate of performers, please fill out the this survey.   You will be contacted via email with more details.  Please contact Lauren Surface at 231-9561 if you have questions.

 
 

15. SUBMISSIONS ARE INVITED FOR GLC ART AND PHOTO CONTEST – 2nd posting
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work and photography by graduate students for display in the GLC during GLC Open House on Oct 25, 2013 through end of March 2014. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art and/or photography) per graduate student. Photos may be submitted online to be printed by the Graduate School. Submission deadline: Monday, Oct 21, 5:00pm. Learn more here. www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/contest.html.

16. GRAD STUDENTS INVITED TO SERVE ON STUDENT CONDUCT COMMITTEES – 2nd posting
VT Student Conduct invites students to submit an application to serve on the Student Conduct Committee during the 2014-2015 academic year!  Student conduct is looking for outstanding graduate students to support and advance the educational mission of Student Conduct and the VT community.  Selected candidates will complete an eight-week competency-based training program during the Spring 2014 semester that equips new committee members with the leadership, conflict resolution, communication, and critical thinking skills needed to be a successful member of our team.  Committee members will serve with a group of 4-5 other undergraduate and graduate students during the 2014-2015 academic year. Learn more here.  Online applications are due by Oct 10  (Recommendations are accepted after this date). Contact Jeff Gardner at 540-231-3790 with any questions. 

17. GRADUATE SCHOOL FEATURED GRADUATE STUDENT NOMINATIONS OPEN – 3rd posting
Nominate yourself, a friend, or fellow graduate student to be recognized on the Graduate School website as a Featured Graduate Student! This program is designed to showcase the diversity of perspectives graduate students bring to our community and to present a more personal side of graduate student life. To view the Graduate School’s current featured graduate student and to nominate a graduate student, go to this site

18. VT ENGAGE ANNUAL TRAVEL GRANTS OPEN – 3rd posting
VT Engage annual travel grant is now open and accepting applications for the 2013-14 academic year. This grant awards full or part-time students up to $300 to present at or participate in a conference or professional meeting on a topic relevant to the VT Engage Core Values. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for all travel completed between Sep 13, 2013 and May 1, 2014. For details about the grant, please visit
this site.  Application can be found here. For more information contact Lauren Kennedy  or go here.

19. GLC STUDENT BUILDING MANAGER POSITION OPENINGS
The GLC Student Building Manager works closely with the Student Centers and Activities Operations Manager and Graduate School to provide services to the patrons who use the GLC. Building Managers are expected to be “building generalists” charged with general trouble-shooting, making and supervising event reservations and/or services, providing a safe and secure environment for students, guests, and clients alike, supporting custodial, maintenance and event management staffs working within the building whenever necessary, and maintaining superior customer service for all guests. The Student Building Manager has primary responsibility, including emergency response, for the building during evening and weekend hours. Applicants must be currently enrolled in a graduate program at Virginia Tech; must possess demonstrated customer service skills and excellent communication skills; ability to work independently and interface effectively with a diverse clientele. Must be able to move and handle up to 50 lbs. Graduate coursework in Property Management, Hospitality and Tourism Management or Business Management, knowledge of campus and previous facility management work a plus. Apply here,  click “Wage” and then “Student Jobs.”  Apply in the “Student Centers & Activities ‘VT Graduate Student’ Pool.” Please contact Eric Margiotta with any questions.

20. CALLING SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES GRAD STUDENTS – 1st posting
Gilbert Linkous Elementary School in Blacksburg is hosting the Second Annual Social Science Fair on Nov 14, 6:00-8:00pm where students in grades 3-5 will present their studies in a poster session. A group of brilliant-minded volunteers are needed to inspire a new generation of social scientist. Volunteers will serve as judges and work in teams of three. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Brett Shadle.

21. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR VISUAL NUMBER SENSE STUDY – 1st posting
This study is to learn more about how people make sense of numbers. In particular, your ability to estimate different numbers of objects will be studied. You will be asked to make decisions about the number of objects briefly presented on a computer screen and to make responses to the images by pressing a button. The study lasts no longer than an hour and you will be paid $10 for participating.Please contact vtvneurolab@gmail.com for more information or to sign up. (VT IRB #13-354)

22. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR WALKING, SLIPPING & TRIPPING STUDY – 1st posting
The Kevin P. Granata Biomechanics Lab is performing a study on walking, slipping and tripping.  The study involves one lab session, during which the subject will perform a series of walking trials while gait measurements are collected.  The participant may be slipped or tripped during the session, but all participants wear a harness to ensure safety.  The session takes approximately 1.5 hours, and each participant will receive $20 compensation.  Participants must be 18-30 or 60-80 years old.  Both healthy-weight and overweight subjects are needed.  If interested, please contact biomechanics.esm@gmail.com.

23. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY WITH WALKING TRIALS – 3rd posting
Does the way you move and perform daily activities determine your proneness to falls? Participants in this study on functional and movement variability in laboratory and semi-naturalistic environments will perform walking trials on treadmill and floor with various daily activities, along with pillow carriage. There may be a random slip perturbation anytime while walking, but you will be fully secured in harness. This study will include an in-person lab session, for which you may sign up by emailing the co-investigators.  The study will last approximately 5 hours and $10/hour will be awarded to the participants. Participants must be 18-30 or 65-85 years old. Contact locomotionVT@gmail.com for further information.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY (AFM) WORKSHOP
Mondays, Oct 14, 21, 28 and November 4, 9:30am, Randolph Hall
These AFM session titles are: "History and Application of AFM", "Imaging with AFM", "High Resolution Force Measurements with AFM" and "How to Custom Design an AFM,” respectively. This workshop is organized by COLLOIDS AND SURFACES in association with the laboratories of Prof. William Ducker and Prof. John Walz.  This four-series workshop is designed for faculty, post-doctoral associates, graduate students and undergraduate students who are planning on using atomic force microscopy for research or need some support with various applications. Participation in the workshop is free but limited to only 20 persons.  For more information on each session and registration click here.  For more information on our events, workshops and annual symposia please visit here. To join the COLLOIDS AND SURFACES society and listserve please contact Milad Radiom.

GLOBAL CAFÉ – FALL BREAK SESSION
Friday, Oct 18, 10:00am-12:00pm, Cranwell International Center
Gather and converse in a relaxed atmosphere over refreshments and snacks courtesy of Party Positive.  Everyone is welcome. Co-sponsored by Campus Alcohol Abuse Prevention Center (CAAPC) and the Cranwell International Center.

GONE WITH THE WIND FREE SCREENING
Saturday, Oct. 19, 1:00-5:30pm, The Lyric
The Virginia Center for Civil War Studies invites you to a free screening of Gone with the Wind at Blacksburg’s historic Lyric Theatre. The afternoon will begin with a brief presentation on the historical significance of this iconic movie. This is the opening event in the Civil War Film Series. Over the next couple of years, we’ll screen the best Civil War movies, old and new—from Birth of a Nation to Glory, from Shenandoah to Lincoln. The Lyric Theatre is located at 135 College Avenue in downtown Blacksburg. 540/951-0604. For more information, contact VCCWS director Paul Quigley; 540/231-9090. You can keep up with the latest news and events at the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies website or our Facebook page.

EFFECTIVE READING WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Oct 23, 5:00-8:00pm, GLC Room C
Educational researchers estimate that, at best, we retain only about 10 percent of the information that we read. The key to becoming a more effective reader is to learn how academic information in published papers is structured and then to discipline one’s self to hunt for information actively rather than passively wait for the information to appear on the page. This workshop will describe how you can read more actively and purposely in order to locate needed information, increase comprehension, and boast retention for later use. Please register here if you are planning to attend.

SHORT STAT COURSES BY LISA THIS FALL
The Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) is providing a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research. The focus of these two-hour courses is on teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data. See here for instructions on how to register and learn more. Remaining Fall 2013 schedule:
Thursday, October 17: Survey Design and Analysis;
Thursday, October 24: Design of Experiments;
Thursday, October 31: T-tests and ANOVA;
Monday & Tuesday, November 4 & 5: Introduction to JMP;*
Tuesday, November 12: Nonparametric methods featuring the bootstrap;
Thursday, November 21: Regression Methods;
*Two sessions of the same course to accommodate more attendees. Follow LISA on Facebook or Twitter  to be the first to know about LISA events! More information

BGSO EBONY AFFAIR 2013
Friday, Nov 1, 7:00-9:00pm, Custom Catering
The Ebony Affair is a formal/semi-formal dinner banquet in which we recognize those who actively engaged in BGSO’s motto: "Lifting as we climb". It’s a great excuse to get dressed up for an evening of dinner and entertainment. Tickets can be purchased here for only $12! If you know of someone or a group of individuals who have made a significant impact on the VT community, please take a moment to complete the online nomination form by October 10th.