1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC – updated 3/17
- Career Services walk-in advising: Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
- Cook Counseling walk-in services: Thursdays and Fridays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
- Financial Aid advising: Tuesdays 8:30-10:30 by appointment; 10:30-12:30 by walk-in, Room A
- GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursday, 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 4:30-7:30, Room D (additional hours in the Library)
2. CUPCAKES WITH THE FELLOWS
Monday, Mar 17, 5:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day themed cupcakes and goodies and learn what being a GLC Fellow is all about. There are two Fellow slots open for next year (application info is above in the listserve posting) and this is your chance to meet with the three current graduate students in the role and ask them about their life as a Fellow.
3. MIND AND MEDITATION
Tuesdays, Mar 18-Apr 19, 1:30-2:30pm, Cranwell International Center
Come and experience: enhanced focus and concentration, greater peace of mind, more enthusiasm and energy, effortless meditation, reduced anxiety levels and better health. This introduction to meditation involves some gentle stretches and provides guided meditation as a group. There are no prerequisites and everyone above the age of 14 is welcome to join. Please do not bring children to this meditation class.
4. SHORT STAT COURSE FOR GRADS: ADVANCED TOPICS IN R
Tuesday, Mar 18, 4:00-6:00pm, 3060 Torg
R is a powerful open-source programming environment primarily known for its statistical capabilities. This workshop will cover some advanced applications of R: distributed computing using the snowfall package, applications of the bootstrap, and structural equation modeling (SEM), as well as the basic theory and application of the bootstrap, show how it can be parallelized across a single multicore machine, and conclude with an application of the bootstrap to SEM. The prerequisites for the course are a basic familiarity with R, familiarity with the apply suite of functions, and the ability to define one’s own functions. For more information, visit www.lisa.stat.vt.edu. See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and to learn more. Remaining Spring 2014 Schedule:
- Tuesday, Apr 1 (no kidding): Survey Design and Analysis;
- Tuesday, Apr 10: Accelerating statistical calculations using inexpensive graphics cards;
- Tuesday, Apr 15: Multiple Imputation and Missing Data.
5. MARKETING THE BRAND: YOU!
Wednesday, Mar 19, 11:30 am-1:00pm, Brush Mountain Room A, Squires
Marketing “you” as a brand is not just about finding a new job. Join this Women’s Month program exploring how perception is brand; a job title does not define you; how to use online media, networking and traditional tactics to build a loyalty base among your colleagues, supervisors, and executives. Light lunch will be served. Sponsored by Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP) and The Graduate School. Register at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1392930036869.
6. WINE TASTING FOR GRADS
Wednesday, Mar 19, 4:00pm, Meet in GLC Lobby
Walk to Beliveau Estate Wine Bar (just a short walk from the GLC) to sip some vino with fellow grad students! Taste 6 glasses for only $5. Email ashleyf@vt.edu to RSVP as space is limited.
7. SURVIVAL IN ACADEMIC AMERICA: MULTICULTURAL ACADEMIC INTEGRITY FOR INTL STUDENTS
Thursday, Mar 20, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room C
Designed primarily for VT international students, this presentation will explain the concepts of academic integrity, plagiarism, and citations. Students will be guided in hands-on practice to easily make citations correctly and learn how to avoid infringement of the VT Undergraduate and Graduate Honor Systems. Lunch provided.
8. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Mar 20, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room 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. Bring your own mug if you can.
9. JER THORP: MAKING BIG DATA HUMAN
Thursday, Mar 20, 5:45pm, GLC Auditorium
Jer Thorp’s work focuses on adding meaning and narrative to huge amounts of data as a way to help people take control of the information that surrounds them. Jer Thorp, distinguished innovator in residence, will give a TED Talks-style presentation on big data visualization and digital art. Jer Thorp has given several TED Talks and was the former data-artist-in-residence for the New York Times. The Distinguished Innovator in Residence is a program co-sponsored by Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS) and the University Libraries. Event is free and open to the public.
10. TOASTMASTERS INTEREST MEETING GLC
Thursday, Mar 20, 7:00-9:00pm, GLC Room F "Looking to improve your speaking and leadership skills? Ace a job interview, conference presentation or thesis defense? Blacksburg Toastmasters Club can help grad students achieve these goals in a no-pressure atmosphere, through prepared and impromptu speeches and peer feedback. Come see us at work, learn what is in it for you and get acquainted with our practices! http://www.toastmasters.org/"
11. ON-CAMPUS COMMENCEMENT LODGING FOR FAMILIES – 1st posting
Family and friends of graduating students who plan to attend commencement ceremonies and celebrations in Blacksburg May 15 to 18 may wish to consider convenient overnight accommodations right on campus. Virginia Tech will again provide residence hall rooms and suites for families and guests of graduates. Guests may opt for a two-night or three-night package which include on campus parking and all-you-care-to-eat meals in VT’s award-winning D2 Dining Center. Visit http://www.housing.vt.edu/conference/commencement/lodging.html to make reservations.
12. REGISTER NOW TO PARTICIPATE IN GRAD OLYMPICS 2014 DURING GRAD ED WEEK – 2nd posting
Grad student teams of 3-4 are invited to register for this light-hearted competition to put their wit, physical skills and team spirit to the test. Up to ten teams of 3-4 members may compete for great prizes, including $50 gift certificates to local restaurants. No prior experience necessary, but resourcefulness and knowledge of the GLC are a plus. All materials are provided. Teams must pre-register and wait for confirmation that their registration was accepted: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1395069004640.
13. GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK
The 14th annual Graduate Education Week (GEW) will be held March 24-28. A series of entertaining, celebratory and professional development events is offered to bring attention to graduate students and graduate education, including a movie night, workshops, research symposium, grad Olympics and more. Check out the GEW website at http://graduateschool.vt.edu/GEW for more information and to register for events.
14. vGLC ONLINE HOURS – 1st posting
Can’t make it to campus? Want a quick answer? No worries. Get Inspired. Even if you can’t visit the Graduate School, you can connect with staff online. Virtual office hours are offered 1:00pm-3:00pm EST Monday-Thursday. Virtual office hours and chats are an interactive and quick way to ask graduate policy/procedures and academic questions of Graduate School staff. To use, download the software at http://openlife01.cc.vt.edu:9500/wifi (Create Avatar) http://imprudence.googlecode.com/files/Imprudence-1.4.0-beta-2 (Imprudence Viewer/Software) 1.4.0-beta-2 Mac (Intel) http://imprudence.googlecode.com/files/imprudence-1.4.0-beta-2-mac.zip. If you have questions or suggestions, please email Marija Telbis-Forster mtelbisf@vt.edu.
15. CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR CISO BOARD MEMBERS – 1st posting
Nominations are now being accepted for Council of International Student Organizations (CISO) board members. Deadline: Mar 31. To apply or for more information visit: http://www.international.vt.edu/programs_and_activities/ciso/index.html.
16. FEEDBACK SOUGHT ABOUT STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN – 2nd posting
The student health insurance plan provided by Aetna must make some changes for the 2014-2015 academic year in order to meet minimum requirements for health plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Graduate Student Assembly and the Graduate School request student feedback about potential plan changes that will minimize cost increases, and gauge interest in student dental insurance. Please share your feedback at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1393610658427. There will be a student health-care forum on Monday, Mar 24 in the Graduate Life Center Multipurpose Room from 4-6 PM. Representatives from student health insurance services as well as the Graduate School will be on hand to answer questions and listen to student feedback. E-mail gsa@vt.edu with any questions.
17. GRAD STUDENTS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BIG EVENT – 2nd posting
The Big Event at Virginia Tech is a student-run community service effort that has grown into the 2nd largest event of its kind over the past 13 years. On Saturday, Apr 5, over 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students will come together to complete more than 1,000 community service projects throughout Blacksburg, Christiansburg and the New River Valley. Sign up to participate at http://www.registration.vtbigevent.org/signup?utm_campaign=gradschool&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=email, or email bigevent@vt.edu for more information. Follow The Big Event on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VTBigEvent.
18. GIVE YOUR "TAKE" IN THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS’ GALLERIES – 2nd posting
The Center for the Arts’ “My Take” series invites people from all walks of life to share their “take” on the visual art in the center’s galleries. These short talks (15 minutes) provide an inviting space for university faculty, students, and community members to experience exemplary works of art through the lenses of diverse disciplines. Previous speakers include computer scientists, biologists, geographers, designers, community leaders, and more. We invite graduate students to contact us if you are interested in giving a talk on your take for the next series, “Aspect of the Self: Portraits of Our Times,” an exhibition that traces the evolution of how many of the most prominent artists of our times have presented the self: exploring issues of race, class and gender, and merging diverse media such as painting, photography, 3-D, virtual and internet-based art. If interested, contact Sarah at sarahhf@vt.edu with why this series and exhibition appeal to you.
19. GSA TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS MARCH 10–28 – 2nd posting
From Mar 10 to Mar 28 5pm, the Graduate Student Assembly’s Travel Fund Program (TFP), a small grants program that supports student travel for conference presentations, will accept online applications for reimbursement of travel-related expenses for eligible graduate students who have presented or will present at professional conferences with rigorous peer-review standards during the 2013 – 2014 academic year (July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014). Visit http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/travel-fund-program/travel-fund-application-form/ to view frequently asked questions and submit your application. Disregard all information on the GSA TFP website and refer only to the above link. Email any questions to the TFP Chair at tfp2014@vt.edu; note that if you have emailed gsatfpchair@gmail.com with questions before now, this email address is now defunct, so please resubmit them at tfp2014@vt.edu.
20. CALL FOR POSTER ABSTRACTS – THE FIRST ANNUAL COLLOIDS AND SURFACES SYMPOSIUM – 2nd posting
Submit your abstract for an interdisciplinary symposium sponsored by Colloids and Surfaces at Virginia Tech. If you wish to gain experience presenting your research to a large audience and talk about your research to fellow scientists, then submit an abstract for this symposium’s poster session. All graduate and undergraduate students may participate. World-renowned scientist Jacob Israelachvili will deliver the keynote speech preceded by student posters sessions and faculty oral presentations. Submission deadline is Mar. 20st, and registration is required for attendance at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16LbvBEcxP7KMhc7anUyfYerUSV-WXtlUY8an3BjUJzk/viewform or go to www.colloidsvt.org.vt.edu/events<http://www.colloidsvt.org.vt.edu/events Once registered, students will be notified of approval of participation and/or attendance. For more information contact Milad Radiom at mradiom@vt.edu.
21. GRADUATE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 3rd posting
The Graduate Student Assembly’s Graduate Research Development Program (GRDP) will be accepting applications Mar 24-31 for the 2014 spring cycle. GRDP provides monetary support to graduate students for research associated with their thesis or dissertation. The maximum awards are $500 for master’s students and $700 for doctoral students. To submit applications or for more information about the program, eligibility, application process, and FAQs, search scholar for “GSA GRDP Spring 2014” to access the site. Note that the current GSA website does not have the most up to date forms and information. Please disregard all information found on the GSA website. Applications are due by Apr 1, 2014. Email Amanda Nelson (GSAGRDPChair@gmail.com) with any questions.
22. STREET FAIR REGISTRATION NOW OPEN – 3rd posting
The Council of International Student Organization (CISO) invites student organizations to participate in the 55th annual International Street Fair on Sunday, Apr 27 from 12:00-5:00pm on College Avenue near Squires Student Center. You can participate by applying for a booth at https://docs.google.com/a/vt.edu/spreadsheet/viewform?usp=drive_web&formkey=dGw3UjJIdXpOVU1QWmdERDJGV3hFMmc6MA#gid=0 and/or applying for a performance slot here https://docs.google.com/a/vt.edu/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ah5WfC33KALWdDFPU0JBdUdId1o2WVJ4QURHZzFOSGc&usp=drive_web#gid=0. Contact Noha at noha@vt.edu with any questions.
23. SUBMISSIONS ARE INVITED FOR GLC ART AND PHOTO CONTEST – deadline today
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work and photography by graduate students for display in the GLC during Graduate Education Week (Mar 24-28) and beyond. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art and/or photography) per graduate student. Photos may be submitted online at https://secure.graduateschool.vt.edu/imageupload/ to be printed by the Graduate School. Submission deadline: Monday, Mar 17, 2014. Learn more at http://www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/contest.html.
24. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS- 3rd posting
International students 18 or older who have left their country to study in the United States are sought for this study. Must not have grown up in the US and have English as a second language to participate in an online survey on “International Students’ Barriers While Pursuing Higher Education in the US.” As an international student, your thoughts and experiences are valuable in helping researchers raise awareness about foreign students` difficulties, facilitate international students` adjustment process, and improve international college students’ well-being and health in the U.S. Access the survey at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bHMGR1zzZP7ue4l; takes 30-40 minutes to complete. If you have any questions, please contact Elmira Hamidi at elmirah@vt.edu.
25. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR FOCUS GROUPS ON GRAD STUDENT NEEDS – 3rd posting
Graduate students are conducting focus groups in order to better understand and serve the needs of VT graduate students. Following a Graduate School Climate Survey completed last April, three themes were identified which will drive the continuing discussion. The last focus group will be held on:
Adult learners/students over the age of 30: Mar 21, 3:30-4:30pm, GLC Room G.
All graduate students are welcome to come and voice their experiences on what can be done to make the Graduate School accommodating to all! No registration required. If interested, please attend. For more information, contact Bethany Martindale at blmart@vt.edu.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
GRAD ED WEEK 2014: http://graduateschool.vt.edu/GEW !
GEW KICKOFF AT NEWMAN
Monday, Mar 24, 8:30-10:30am, Newman Library 1st floor Multipurpose Room
Jump-start Grad Ed Week with coffee and a continental breakfast at Newman and meet, chat, and have coffee with experts at the library who can help you with a number of things related to your research and teaching.
MINDFULNESS TECHNIQUES SESSION
Monday, Mar 24, 1:00-2:00pm, GLC Room B
Learn how to get rid of some of your stress and relax in 15 minutes. Sponsored by Cook Counseling Center.
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE FORUM
Monday, Mar 24, 4:00-6:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room Representatives from the Student Medical Insurance office as well as the Graduate School will be on hand to answer questions and listen to student feedback. E-mail gsa@vt.edu with any questions.
BUILDING A PROFESSIONAL CAREER WITH PURPOSE: DR. RACHEL WILLIAMS Tuesday, Mar 25, 12:00-1:15pm, GLC Room C
Meet over lunch with graduate alumna Dr. Rachel K. Williams, director of operations and deputy at a business in Northern Virginia. Learn about Dr. William’s journey through graduate school and the steps she took to build a highly successful professional career, balancing work and life. Free lunch.
NETWORK LUNCHEON FOR JEWISH GRADUATE STUDENTS
Tuesday, Mar 25, 12-1pm, GLC Room D Come and connect with fellow graduate students of Jewish background and hear their experiences with their culture and religion. Lunch will be provided. Fill out this survey: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_9F5STTXYKtiYsaV by Monday, March 24!
GLOBAL CAFÉ AT DEETS
Wednesday, Mar 26, 11:00am-1:00pm, Deet’s Place (first floor of D2) This is a time for international and domestic students to come together in candid conversation, in hopes of encouraging relationships across diverse student groups. Come and go as you please; there will be free drinks and snacks provided by Deet’s Place. All are welcome!
PARADE OF NATIONS – SIGN UP NOW!
Friday, Mar 28, 3:30-4:15pm, GLC Plaza (Starting point)
Register now to showcase a flag representing one of the 108 countries at Virginia Tech! This event is free and open to everyone. Participants will walk from GLC Plaza to Burruss Hall, to West Campus Drive and McComas Hall showcasing global Hokie pride! All participants are also welcome to enjoy free food and fun at the Hokie World Games which will begin immediately afterwards in McComas Gym. Sponsored by Recreational Sports.