October 1-7, 2012

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC  

  • Career advising (walk in, no appointment needed): Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
  • Cook Counseling (walk in, no appointment needed): Thursdays and Fridays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
  • GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursdays, Reading Room
  • Statistical consulting by LISA: Weekdays, 1:00-3:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room
  • Writing Center support for grads: Thursdays 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room (additional hours are available in the Library)

2. GET INVOLVED WITH THE GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM!
Monday, Oct 1, 4:00-5:00pm, GLC videoconference room
The Graduate Honor System is currently recruiting student and faculty volunteers to serve as panelists who hear and decide on cases. Interested individuals need to attend any one of the one-hour training sessions, and then will be able to serve on cases as their schedules allow. Remaining sessions:
– Wednesday, Oct 3, 2:00pm. GLC Room D
– Friday, Oct 5, 11:00am, GLC videoconference room
If you are interested, please email ghs@vt.edu.

3. VT HOSTS ‘DEMOCRACY NOW!’
Monday, Oct 1, 7:00pm, McBryde Hall 100
Democracy Now! is an independent, non-profit news program broadcast on TV, radio, and the internet. As part of their 100-city tour between the Democratic and Republican National Conventions and election day, Democracy Now! will be hosted at Virginia Tech. Award-winning journalist and Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman will be hosting the event with a focus on the issues of violence. Come and enjoy this rare opportunity presented for the Virginia Tech community. This message is posted on behalf of graduate student George Batten.  

4. DONATE ITEMS FOR LITTLE HOKIES SWAP
Donations accepted Oct 1-10, GLC
The Graduate School, the Graduate Student Assembly and the Women’s Center are sponsoring a first ever grab bag for Little Hokies to benefit VT graduate students and their children. Unused or gently used children’s items for ages 0-10 are collected (toys [including music and film DVDs], clothing, formula (that is not expired), medical supplies (breast pumps, other lactation devices), strollers, car seats, school supplies, bedding, bathing and grooming supplies (bathers, unopened/unused creams, lotions, powders), feeding supplies (bibs, baby bottles, food warmers), baby gear (activity gyms, bassinets, play mats, baby carriers, swings), diapers. All donations can be dropped off at the Graduate Life Center from Oct 1-10. On Oct 11, 3:00-8:00pm, the donated items will be displayed in the GLC Multipurpose Room. Bags will be provided at entry and graduate students can fill their bag with as many items as they may need.

5. GSA CUPCAKES WITH THE DEAN
Tuesday, Oct 2, 12:00–1:30pm, Graduate School Lobby
Please join the Grad School Dean Dr. Karen DePauw, GSA representatives and fellow graduate students for cupcakes and discussion. This is an exciting opportunity to meet Dean DePauw and bring up any questions or concerns you might have and mingle with fellow graduate students while enjoying delicious cupcakes.  Discussion will take place in the.  We hope to see you there!  Please direct any questions to Elaine Mathis, VP of Programs.

6. SHORT STAT COURSE: ANALYZING SURVEYS

Tuesday, Oct 2, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC
Taught by Marcos Carzolio, this course will follow the Designing Surveys course focusing on analyzing the data collected from surveys. Different statistical approaches will be discussed as well as graphing and presentation of results. Instructions on how to register and to learn more. Courses are held 5:00-7:00 pm. Remaining fall 2012 Schedule:
– Monday & Tuesday, Oct 15 & 16: How to make plots to tell the story of your data. For more information, please visit our website www.lisa.stat.vt.edu. Follow LISA on Facebook.

7. PAYCHECK TAXES: WHAT IS FIT/SIT & WHY DO YOU HAVE TO PAY THEM?
Wednesday, Oct 3, 3:00pm, GLC Room G
This workshop will provide an in-depth explanation of the taxes that are required to be withheld from your VT paycheck and how the taxes are calculated. If you have questions, please contact international tax specialist, Janet Kunz, at jakunz@vt.edu.

8. THE DEBATES: YOU DECIDE

Wednesday, Oct 3, 9:00-10:30pm, GLC TV Lounge
Watch the nationally televised presidential debates with your fellow graduate students in the GLC TV lounge and engage in dialogue about foreign & domestic policies, campaigns and issues that matter to you and your vote for 2012 presidential elections. Sponsored by GLC Fellows. Contact Emily Eskew at eceskew@vt.edu if you have any questions.

9. VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE

Are YOU registered to VOTE? There’s no better time than now! Your VOICE is your VOTE!
The Blacksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will be hosting a Voter Registration Drive on October 4th from 10am-2pm in the lobby of the Graduate Life Center. Visit our booth for registration forms, deadline information, and to ask your many questions about casting your vote. Regardless of which candidate you decide to support, if you are Virginia resident or would like to change your registration to a Virginia voter, you must be registered by October 15, 2012.   For more information, please visit http://www.sbe.virginia.gov/. Check your voter eligibility for any state>>
Questions: contact Kacie Allen.

10. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Oct 4, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
The GLC Café is offered throughout the semester with free coffee and tea in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. This week’s special: share your favorite poetry or quote! Bring it on a piece of paper and post in on a bulletin board in the Reading Room for everyone to enjoy. Bring your own mug if you can.  

11. SAFE ZONE 101 TRANING FOR GRADS – REGISTER NOW!
Friday, Oct 5, 1:00pm-3:00pm, GLC Room B
Interested in becoming Safe-Zone certified? This session is for individuals interested in learning more about the LGBTQ community. Topics addressed in the first training session include: common LGBTQ terms, sexual orientation vs. sexual identity, the coming out process, experiences of LGBTQ individuals, and how you can be a Safe-Zone ally. Please register here.  Questions?  Contact Tara Frank at tara@vt.edu.  Sponsored by Multicultural Programs and Services and the Graduate Student Services Office.

12. SUBMISSIONS ARE INVITED FOR GLC ART, PHOTO AND WRITING CONTEST -2nd posting
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work, photography and written work by graduate students for display in the GLC during GLC Open House on Oct 19, 2012 and beyond. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art, photography, or written work) per graduate student. Submission deadline: Tuesday, Oct 16, 5:00pm. Learn more>>.

13. REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT – SIGN UP NOW!
The second annual GLC Open House Cornhole Tournament will take place on Friday, Oct 19, 1:00-3:00pm on the Graduate School Lawn.  Up to ten teams of two will compete in a double-elimination tournament. At least one member of each team must be a graduate student. Sign up here. Please contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu if you have questions.

14. NEW BUSINESS HOURS IN GRAD STUDENT SERVICES
The Graduate School’s student services and advising area (120 GLC) will operate with new business hours starting Oct 1. On Wednesdays the service area will open at 9:30am and close at 6:00pm. This is a pilot program for the fall semester; at the end of fall we will evaluate the impact of this change and decide whether to continue with altered hours or return to an 8-5/M-F schedule. Send comments to grads@vt.edu.

15. CALL FOR ABSTRACTS FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
The Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society (IDR) is now accepting undergraduate and graduate student abstract submissions for the poster session of the Second Annual Interdisciplinary Research Symposium, held at Virginia Tech on Nov 2, 9:00am-3:00pm, in the Graduate Life Center (GLC) Multipurpose room. Abstracts will be selected primarily on the extent of integration of distinct disciplines into the author’s work and secondarily on the results, outcomes, impact of the work. Submission deadline: Monday, Oct 8. Abstract format & submission guidelines>>. Abstract notifications will be sent on Oct 22. Any Questions? Contact Megan Holcomb at mkh@vt.edu or Elizabeth Elvington at esavage@vt.edu.

16. JOIN THE GRAD SCHOLARS SOCIETY NOW!

Graduate students are invited to participate in the Graduate Scholars Society. The GSS believes being a graduate student should also be about scholarship, and scholars can apply their reason, training, and perspective to all issues. GSS offers a forum for graduate students from any department and any origin to examine the broader issues effecting our lives and times. Each group is limited in size and meets based on its own needs (most in the evenings, some off campus, some on). For more information, email Gold Darr at grd0001@gmail.com. The topics: The Financial Future of America! Election platforms, domestic policy–making sense of the proposed financial strategies; Current Events in Global Economics: Should Greece stay in the Euro? What are the implications of China’s currency strategies?; Future of Robotics – In 50 years and what should the world look like?; One topic TBA. Please complete this poll to determine which group you are interested in and to receive more information regarding GSS.

17. GRADUATE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 1st posting
The Graduate Student Assembly’s Graduate Research Development Program (GRDP) is now accepting applications. GRDP provides monetary support to graduate students for research associated with their thesis or dissertation. The maximum award amounts 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, go to http://www.gsa.graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/grdp.  Email Amanda Shea (ashea04@vt.edu) with any questions.

18. TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM (TFP) NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 2nd posting
The Graduate Student Assembly’s Travel Fund Program (TFP) is now accepting applications.  The TFP provides monetary support in the form of a reimbursement to graduate students presenting at conferences. The GSA is offering a TFP Application Workshop on Friday, Oct 5, at 5:30pm in the Graduate Life Center, Room G.  The workshop is for students with questions about the application and funding process.  More information about the program, eligibility, application process, and FAQs may be found online at  http://www.gsa.graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/tfp; email gsatfpchair@gmail.com  if you have any questions.

19. PHI BETA DELTA INTL EDUCATION HONOR SOCIETY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 2nd posting

PBD recognizes the scholarly achievement of international students and scholars, U.S. students who have studied abroad, and faculty and staff who are involved in international activities and provides a network on each campus for faculty, staff, and international students involved in international endeavors. PBD is looking for new members who are willing to help expand program activities and increase PBD’s visibility on campus through work with special events, public relations, awarding of scholarships and recognitions, and membership development.  For more information contact Dr. Amer Fayad afayad@vt.edu, 231-9668.  Application>>; deadline: 10/5.  

20. APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH HONOR SOCIETY – 3rd posting
Iota Delta Rho, the Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society is now accepting applications for membership. Applications and FAQs can be found on IDR’s website. Applications are accepted through Oct 3, 2012. If you have any questions, please contact Tammy Parece, the Vice-President of Membership, tammyep@vt.edu.

21. GA POSITION OPEN IN INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH & EFFECTIVENESS – 1st posting
VT’s IRE office is looking for a Graduate Assistant for Spring 2013, 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 ASP.NET, using C# or VB.NET would be great. Preferred skills include HTML, IIS, a fun personality, dependability, and good communication skills. Interested grad students can send their information to Dennis Catley, dcatley@vt.edu by October 15, 2012 or until position is filled.

22. WAGE POSITION OPEN FOR GRAD STUDENTS – 1st posting
Drs. Holly Matusovich and Marie Paretti in the Department of Engineering Education are currently seeking graduate students to transcribe interviews associated with an NSF-funded project entitled “Understanding Barriers to Engineering as a Career Choice Among Appalachian Youth”.  The interviews are one-on-one and are approximately one hour long.  Participants range from high school students to working professionals.  The position will be approximately 10-20 hours of time per week at $10.00/hour to start. Experience with interview transcription is preferred but not required. Please contact Matthew Boynton at matthew5@vt.edu if interested or to seek additional information.
 
23. GRA POSITION OPENING – 2nd posting
The Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resource Collaborative Research Support Program (SANREM CRSP) is a USAID-funded project that conducts applied research to support the implementation of sustainable agriculture and natural resource management practices in developing countries. A GRA is sought to conduct research in soil and crop management for conservation agriculture farming systems, soil-based carbon sequestration, and climate change. Must have BS in agronomy, crop or soil science, chemistry, or a closely related field of study that has equipped the applicant with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; excellent written and oral English skills. Learn more about the position at http://www.oired.vt.edu/GRA-Crop-Soil-Environmental-Sciences-JobListing.html.

24. CALL FOR GSA PROGRAM CHAIR APPLICATIONS – 2nd posting
If you are looking to get involved on campus and gain valuable leadership experience, consider serving the graduate student community in a GSA Program Chair position! As Program Chair you will have the opportunity to be creative, work with a diverse group of students, and actively participate in an assortment of events. The GSA is currently accepting applications from pro-active students for Website Director and GSA Historian.  Please view the GSA website at http://www.gsa.graduateschool.edu for a full description of each position. Send a letter of interest, resume/CV, and goals for the academic year if interested.  Please direct any questions and send resumes to Elaine Mathis, VP of Programs at efm28@vt.edu.  

25. CHILDREN SOUGHT FOR STUDY – 1st posting
A study through the VT Department of Psychology is examining mother-child interactions in children without a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Researchers seek children ages 4-11 without an Autism Spectrum Disorder (Autism, Asperger’s, or PDD-NOS) to complete age-appropriate play-based tasks involving mother and child (1 visit) in the VT Autism Clinic in Blacksburg or Roanoke Higher Education Center in Roanoke. Flexible scheduling – daytime, evening, or weekend appointments available. Families will be compensated $15 for participation; a brief summary of the autism and cognitive assessments is also available. If you are interested in participating, please contact Tyler Hassenfeldt at thassen@vt.edu or (412) 600-8304.

26. REVIEWERS NEEDED FOR PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL – 2nd posting
The Public Knowledge Journal is seeking reviewers for the 2012-2013 year.  Articles are reviewed through a double-blind peer review process. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about the ins and outs of the academic publication world, and is a great way to add a line to your CV!  The Public Knowledge Journal is an interdisciplinary graduate student journal committed to the exchange of ideas and information about policy, issues, and research relevant to the public sphere.  More information about the journal can be found at pkjournal.org.  Please contact Stefanie Georgakis at sgeorgakis@vt.edu by Oct 1 if you’re interested in being a peer reviewer for this academic year.

27. PIANIST NEEDED FOR GSA WINE SOCIAL – 2nd posting
The GSA is searching for a pianist to play for about an hour during the fall wine social on Friday, Oct 19, 5–8 pm. If you are able to play and interested in providing live entertainment for fellow graduate students please contact the GSA. The volunteer will receive free entry to the event, which includes wine and snacks.  A piano will be provided and you are not expected to play for the entire time.  It is preferred that any interested volunteers have a piano available for an audition before obtaining the job.  Please direct any questions to Cory Brozina, Events Chair (sbrozina@vt.edu).    

28. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO FORM GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM SUB-COMMITTEES
Monday, Oct 1, 5:00-6:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
The GSA is looking for sub-committee members to help plan the Research Symposium on Mar 27, 2013. The meeting on Oct 1 is dedicated to forming sub-committees for judging, sponsorship, the keynote speaker, and event promotion. This is a great way to gain event-planning experience, boost your resume, and be involved in one of the GSA’s largest events of the year. For more information contact George (gpb2c@vt.edu) or Diana (dwilson4@vt.edu), co-chairs of the Research Symposium.

29. CHILD PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STORYTELLING ACTIVITY – 2nd posting
Researchers are looking for children aged 8-10 to participate in a study on enactment-based creative storytelling.  The child will be asked to enact and create stories using gestures and physical objects. The storytelling session will last around an hour, and will take place on the VT campus conducted by researchers from the VT Center for Human-Computer Interaction. Researchers are also willing to keep your child for longer should it be more convenient for you.  Transport arrangements can also be made if necessary. Please contact Sharon  or 540-998 6488 if interested in participating.

30. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR READING PRACTICES STUDY – 3rd posting
Participants are needed for a study investigating reading practices on different media (i.e., paper, computer, iPad). This study will take around 3 hours to complete and participants will be compensated $10/hour (total $30). Requirements: Native English speaker, age 35-80. If interested, please contact Kyunghui Oh for further details.

31. UPCOMING EVENTS:

TOUR THE HAHN HORTICULTURE GARDEN – SIGN UP NOW!
Tuesday, Oct 9, 1:30pm
The Hahn Horticulture Garden encompasses nearly six acres of teaching and display gardens on Virginia Tech’s campus. The garden serves as a Learning resource for plant material, landscaping concepts, and environmental awareness.  Features include perennial borders, water gardens, shade gardens, and meadow garden, and the Peggy Lee Hahn Garden Pavilion. Learn more about the Hahn Horticulture Garden with this special tour!  Space is limited so please sign up. Questions? Contact Tara Frank at tara@vt.edu. Sponsored by the Graduate Student Services Office.

FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS’ FALL MEETING

Thursday, Oct 11, 6:00pm, The Cellar
Get to know fellow Fulbright Scholars (current, Alumni & friends) at Virginia Tech and enjoy a couple of hours of conversation in a multicultural and diverse group. Please RSVP. Contact Tobias (ecker@vt.edu, (202)870-9722) for questions and comments.

LEARN TURKISH AT VT: FREE LANGUAGE CLASSES
Wednesdays, starting Oct 17, 6:00-7:00pm, Cranwell International Center
Sponsored by the Intercultural Understanding Club (ICUC), experienced teachers are offering Turkish language classes from beginner to advanced levels. You don’t need to know any Turkish to start. One hour class per week and four classes in a month. Registration: http://www.icuc.org.vt.edu/turkish/
Questions: Haktan Suren – hsuren@vt.edu.

NUTRITION WORKSHOP
Thursday, Oct 18, 2:00-3:30pm, GLC Room F
Are you curious about how to eat healthy on and off campus?  How to read a food label?  How to identify serving sizes?  This interactive workshop will go over common food myths, help you examine what you are currently eating, and give you realistic tips and resources on how to create a better plate.  Please register online. Questions? Contact Tara Frank at tara@vt.edu.

GLC OPEN HOUSE 2012
Friday, Oct 19, 10:00am-3:00pm, GLC
The Graduate School and Graduate Life Center will host an open house in the nationally recognized, award-winning Graduate Life Center (GLC).  Special events for graduate students and visitors include: art, writing and photo contest; tour of the GLC residence hall on upper floors; scavenger hunt – win a limited-edition GLC t-shirt and other small prizes; cornhole tournament; free refreshments all day; and more!

GAME NIGHT IN THE GLC
Tuesday, Oct 23, 8:00-10:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
Take a break from homework, meetings and tests and have a little fun! Enjoy some healthy competition with other grad students in a variety of games. Feel free to bring food, drinks, and of course, your favorite games. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows. Contact Emily Eskew for more details.