March 31 – April 6, 2014

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. VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR – REGISTER NOW!
April 1-3, live online      
Register online at http://secacc.careereco.net/students-alumni/virtual-career-fair-registration/; meet more than 60 employers and explore opportunities for full-time jobs, internships, co-ops in engineering, technology, business, accounting, marketing, sales, science, HR and more.

3. EVERYONE MATTTERS DAY: HOKIE IDENTITY DIGITAL EXHIBIT
Wednesday, Apr 2, 10:30am-2:00pm,  Newman Library Multipurpose Room
This event will highlight the diversity that exists within the Hokie community. Everyone Matters is a global campaign advocating for everyone’s dignity and respect. This digital exhibit will feature photographs and video clips of VT students, faculty, and staff. Organizers are looking for a picture or video clip highlighting who you are and why you matter. Photos and videos will be continuously displayed from 10:30am to 2:00pm. Refreshments will be served.

4. WOMEN’S CENTER CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL 2014
Wednesday, Apr 2, 3:00-6:00pm, Old Dominion Ballroom in Squires
The Women’s Center invites all grad students to its annual chocolate festival and culminating event of their 20th anniversary celebrations. The event will feature chocolate and baked goods from local restaurant and bakers, a women and wellness resource fair, live music, fun games, and a silent auction. Proceeds will benefit programming and outreach efforts of the Women’s Center and the Women’s Resource Center of the NRV. Advance tickets $8 for students; at the event $10 for students. Learn more at http://www.womenscenter.vt.edu/.

5. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Apr 3, 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, or test your luck in the mug raffle.

6. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE WEEKLY DROP IN CHILD CARE
Thursdays, 6:00pm, Women’s Center
Need a break? Have to study or attend a lecture? Want to catch up on work? If you are a VT student with children, bring your kids aged 2-12. No need to pre-register. Childcare provided by the women of Chi Delta Alpha sorority. KNO will be held every Thursday throughout the semester except when classes are not in session. For more information contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu.

7. GRADUATION 101 SERIES: ETD REVIEW
Friday, Apr 4, 1:00pm, Online
The Graduate School is hosting monthly Graduation 101 Webinars.  Webinar participants will need a computer with Internet access, microphone and speakers to fully participate. Meeting number: 645 468 465. This meeting does not require a password. Hosted by Marija Telbis-Forster.  Join at https://virginiatech.webex.com/virginiatech/j.php?ED=268947082&UID=0&RT=MiMxMQ%3D%3D. For assistance contact Marija at mtelbisf@vt.edu. 

8. DATA SCIENCE MEETUP
Saturday, Apr 5, 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Room B
Graduate students, faculty and professionals can benefit from learning more about how to apply data science in their work. Data Science with R Meetup is a local platform for discussing interesting problems and their solutions from a data science perspective, using R, Python and other programming languages. On Saturday the group will examine a case study with data available from LinkedIn, the world largest professional network. Join to learn more!

9. GSA WINE AND BEER SOCIAL
Saturday, Apr 5, 5:00-9:00pm, University Club
The GSA invites you to its spring wine and beer social for an evening of fun and socializing with fellow students. An assortment of beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres will be provided. Must be 21+ with a valid state ID to consume alcohol. General admission is $8 and delegates will be admitted for $4. Non-drinking guests are welcome for $2. Please contact Mordecai Harvey at mordie02@vt.edu with questions. 

10. CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR GLC-NEWS APR 1 SPECIAL EDITION – deadline tonight
Here is your opportunity to get published in a peer-viewed online weekly notice: Submit your fake event description, faux call for research subjects, and other nonexistent opportunities for graduate students for the April 1 special edition of the GLC weekly listserv posting. Exercise your imagination and writing skills and earn extra points (in the form of chocolates and candy in 117 GLC) for a creative event or research idea, succinct description, and completeness of details. Submission deadline: March 31, midnight. Send to gibsonm@vt.edu, with subject line: You are a fool.

11. QUEER GRADS, PROFESSIONALS AND ALLIES WEB UPDATE
The Queer Grads, Professionals, and Allies group has done a major overhaul to its website and would like to get the word out to all graduate students about their existence and the website changes. Learn more about the group at their newly refurbished site at http://qgpavt.wix.com/qgpavt. For more information contact Ayanda at ayamm12@vt.edu.

12. VT ENGAGE APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MAR 31 – deadline today
The John E. Dooley Student Engagement Grant (JEDSEG) application deadline has been extended until Mar 31 at midnight. This grant funds highly motivated students or student teams who plan to invest in their community by creating an opportunity for active civic engagement. Two awards of $750 each are available. Student teams can be informal or formal registered student organizations. Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply. Check out all the details and apply for the grant at www.engage.vt.edu or contact Lauren at kennedy0@vt.edu with any questions.

13. ON-CAMPUS COMMENCEMENT LODGING FOR FAMILIES – 3rd 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. 

14. GA POSITION OPEN IN INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH & EFFECTIVENESS FOR FALL 2014 – 1st posting
VT’s IRE office is looking for a Graduate Assistant for Fall 2014 and possibly immediately to assist with the conversion of some static web-site activity to dynamic, user-driven, SQL-Server apps. Required skills include SQL, with ideally at least an awareness of SQL Server Reporting Services. Additionally some experience with JavaScript and ASP.NET, using C# or VB.NET would be great. Preferred skills include HTML, IIS, a fun personality, dependability, and very good communication skills. Interested grad students can send their information to Dennis Catley, dcatley@vt.edu by April 15, 2014, or until the position is filled.

15. RESIDENTIAL GRAD FELLOW OPENING IN HONORS RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE – 1st posting
The HRC Grad Fellow serves the intellectual life and educational mission of the HRC and University Honors, and works closely with the faculty principal. Duties include:  maintaining a collegial working relationships with HRC-affiliated students and staff; residing and participating in life of HRC, including weekly events and meetings; work 20 hrs/wk under supervision of HRC principal, organizing events, overseeing blogging; coordinating publicity and leadership; serving as a resource and liaison; possessing general knowledge of residential and judicial policies and procedures as well as Grad School role and responsibilities. Compensation: housing and meal plan (approx.. = $14,500 provided by HRL and UH), meals during training periods, in-state tuition scholarship from Graduate School. Grad Fellow may not take up any additional employment without prior approval of Faculty Principal. To apply, send one pdf document that includes cover letter and resume or CV, to Jamie Penven, jpenven@vt.edu, by Friday, Apr 4. Send all inquiries about the position to Mr. Penven.

16. PARTICIPATE IN VT COMMUTING SURVEY – 1st posting
The VT Office of Alternative Transportation is conducting the university’s first commuting survey, the results of which will provide invaluable data about commuting patterns and needs on the Blacksburg campus. The survey will be live until Friday, Apr 11 and is open to all students, faculty and staff. Please access the survey at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_88QKrTnUKK4U8jH. 

17. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR DOCUMENTATION STYLES STUDY – 1st posting
VT researchers are seeking participants 18 or older for a study on how-to documentation styles. Sign-up at https://doodle.com/v8p52i8e36cchuzr for a one-hour session. Location: McBryde Hall 110. The experiment will take about one hour. Prior to testing, participants will be asked to complete a pre-questionnaire asking basic demographic and background information, then will be presented with three short how-to documents for questions and document evaluation. Afterwards, they will complete a post-questionnaire on their experience. The survey is online, thus participants will be asked to bring their laptops. If a participant does not have access to a laptop, he or she is asked to please contact Rebecca Zeitz at razeitz@vt.edu. Data collected during this study will contribute knowledge in terms of technical documentation discourse and format type, relating to both authorship and readership.  The findings will be analyzed for contributions towards a foundation for technical communications.

18. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR HUMAN GAIT STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are needed for a VT study investigating the biomechanics of human gait, including low-back fatigue. The study (IRB # 10-117) consists of one session for about 3-4 hours. Requirements: male or female with no recent history of musculoskeletal disorders within the age range of 18-30. Participants will be compensated $10/hr. If interested, please email your name, gender, age, height, and weight to rashedi@vt.edu.

19. LGBQ YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS WANTED FOR RESEARCH PROJECT – 1st reposting
VT researchers are recruiting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer youth and young adults age 13-21 to participate in a project exploring the decision to come out to family as gay, lesbian, bisexual or queer.  The questionnaire and in-depth interview will take about 2-2.5 hours and participants will receive a $10 gift card for their feedback. The PI is in the process of developing a program to help youth make safe and successful disclosure decisions to family; this research will help inform that project.  Researchers would like to hear from youth that have and have not yet come out to family.  Participation is voluntary and strictly confidential (VT IRB 13-331).  If you have questions or would like to discuss eligibility, email VTProjectSMYLE@gmail.com or call (540)-231-4235, or visit https://www.facebook.com/VTProjectSMYLE

20. PARENTS OF LGB YOUTH/YOUNG ADULTS WANTED FOR RESEARCH  PROJECT -1st reposting
Researchers are recruiting parents who have had a child disclose to them in the last five years that they are lesbian, gay or bisexual when the child was 13-21.  The brief questionnaire and in-depth interview will take approximately 1-2 hours and participants will receive a $10 gift card for their feedback.  The PI is in the process of developing a program to help youth make safe and successful disclosure decisions to family; this research will help inform that project. Participation is voluntary and strictly confidential(VT IRB 13-331).   If you have questions or would like to discuss eligibility, email VTProjectSMYLE@gmail.com or call (540)-231-4235, or visit https://www.facebook.com/VTProjectSMYLE.

21. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON MOTHERS AND CHILDREN – 1st posting
Are you a mother who sometimes worries or has fears? Do you have a child between 7 and 12 years of age? An ongoing study is investigating how mothers and children interpret situations in their day-to-day lives. The study is being conducted at the Child Study Center at 460 Turner Street, Suite 207, Blacksburg. For more information please contact Kristin Austin at momanxiety@vt.edu or call 540-231-8276. Compensation: $50.

22. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR DRIVING SIMULATOR STUDY – 2nd posting
VT-SCORES (VT Signal Control & Operation Research and Education Systems lab) is conducting a driving simulator study to investigate driver behavior, performance, and attention when encountering car-following situations.  The study looks at the effects of emotions on driver behavior through the use of psychological (emotion) and physiological (heart rate, skin conductance) data. The study will take no more than two hours, and participants will deal with driving simulation equipment to help contribute to the understanding of dangerous driving behaviors that could reduce frequency of these behaviors and ultimately save lives. You can opt out of the experiment at any time if you experience dizziness or any similar minimal risks associated with driving simulation studies, or for any other reason. Must be licensed drivers at least 18 or older. Data obtained from the simulator will be confidential. If you are interested in participating or have questions about the procedure, contact Bryan at 540-921-7150, bryan.higgs@vt.edu.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

EXPLORING SPACE IN SEARCH OF OUR COSMIC ROOTS AND GALACTIC COUSINS
Tuesday, Apr 8, 7:00-9:00pm, GLC Auditorium
ISVT and CISO are proud to present Dr. Firouz Naderi, director of NASA’s solar system exploration directorate. He has lead noteworthy projects such as the Mars Exploration Program, and oversaw the successful launch of Mars Odyssey, the landing of the Mars Exploration Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter construction. The talk is open to the public and aimed for a general audience. For more information visit Virginia Tech’s Iranian Society website: www.iranian.org.vt.edu.

IMRPOV WORKSHOP
Tuesday, Apr 8, 7:00-9:00, GLC Room B
Ever wanted to try Imrpov? Come out and learn the basics from VT’s Bob Leonard of Theater Arts. This workshop is open to all grads. Seating is limited. RSVP to Ashley at ashleyf@vt.edu.

DMV SERVICES AT THE CRANWELL LOT
Monday-Tuesday, Apr 14 – 15, 9:00am– 3:00pm, Cranwell International Center Parking Lot
The DMV (The Department of Motor Vehicles) is coming to the Cranwell International Center, performing all functions that are normally done at the Christiansburg location (i.e. Driver’s License and Virginia State IDs) can be performed.

FULBRIGHT RECRUITMENT RECEPTION
Tuesday, Apr 15, 5:30-7:30pm
The VT Honors Program and the Blue Ridge Chapter of the Fulbright Alumni Association announces the 2014 Fulbright Recruitment Dinner Reception at Virginia Tech. This invitation-only event offers contacts and information for students, staff and faculty alike who are interested in applying for this most prestigious U.S. Exchange Program. Food will be provided. Due to space limitations, seats for interested students, staff and faculty will be given away on a first come first serve basis; please register at: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1395055465780. For questions and comments email Tobias Ecker ecker@vt.edu.

SPEED DATING SPRIING 2014
Saturday, Apr 19, 7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The GSA, QGPA and BGSO invites all grad students to Speed Dating Spring 2014! Doors will open at 6:30. This is a great opportunity to meet potential dating interests or new friends, and it is an inclusive event for graduate students of all genders and orientations. Please sign up for the event at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1390769895999. Contact Cory Brunson at jabrunso@vt.edu or Mordecai Harvey at mordie02@vt.edu if you have any questions or concerns.