1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – last updated 1/23/2017
- Career Advising: W 2:00-5:00pm, Info kiosk in lobby
- Cook Counseling: Th, F 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
- Graduate School regular hours: 8:00am-5:00pm;
- Immigration advising hours: MWF 1:00-5:00pm, TTh 9:00am-12:00pm;
- Writing assistance: reserve appointment at http://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing/.
- Write-in with grads: Wednesdays 9:00-12:00, Room D
2. NAVIGATING YOUR PHD PROGRAM: CREATE A PERSONAL PLAN FOR WRITING
Monday, Feb 6, 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Room B
Monday, Feb 13, 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Room B
These interactive writing workshops are designed to help grad students create a personal plan for writing, with particular attention to comprehensive exams and dissertations/theses. Session is designed for students in the early stages of their program; session 2 is targeted for students in the latter stage of their doctoral studies. Brought to you by the Writing Center.
3. CAREER FAIR PREPARATION
Tuesday, Feb 7, 4:00-5:00pm, GLC Room G
Learn the ins and outs of how to approach a career fair. This event will be excellent practice for those attending the Career and Professional Development Connection Job Fair the week of Feb 20 or other career fairs. Led by a Career & Professional Development Career Advisor. Register online at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6D9gmNz6m4tdFmB. This event is part of the Graduate School’s professional development series.
4. WEEKLY WRITE-IN SESSIONS FOR GRADS
Wednesdays, 9:00am-12:00pm, GLC Room D
Do you need to focus on writing your thesis, dissertation or journal article? This weekly write-in session supported by the Writing Center might be just the place for you! A writing coach will be available for brief feedback, but the purpose of this time is to offer you a quiet and supportive place to establish a writing routine. You are free to come for all or part of the time. Reserve your spot online on the schedule at http://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing/graduate.html.
5. INFO SESSION ON RECENT EXECUTIVE ORDER ON IMMIGRATION
Wednesday, Feb 8, 4:30-6:00pm, Haymarket Theater, Squires Student Center
The Graduate School, Division of Student Affairs and Outreach and International Affairs will hold an open information session for the larger graduate community and Virginia Tech faculty, staff and students on the recent executive order on immigration and travel. Virginia Tech experts will be on hand to provide accurate information and updates and answer questions about the executive order and its impact on university students, employees and visitors. The event will be live-streamed; watch it online at http://gs.vt.edu/live.
6. GROCERY BINGO
Wednesday, Feb 8, 5:30pm, GLC Room G
Compete against other graduate students in Bingo for a chance to win free grocery items. Sign-up here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_5pr4TTnet8d23qJ. Brought to you by Graduate Student Services.
7. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Feb 9, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy free coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of fellow graduate students and Grad School staff; network, socialize, relax! Bring your own mug if you can.
8. H-1B (WORK VISA) AND PERMANENT RESIDENCY WORKSHOP FOR INTL GRAD STUDENTS
Thursday, Feb 9, 5:30-7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Learn about work visa and employment-based permanent residency options at this workshop presented by immigration attorneys. This workshop is most relevant for international students in F-1 status who are planning to graduate this spring and seek OPT and/or H-1B employment after graduation.
9. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE WEEKLY DROP IN CHILD CARE
Thursdays, 6:00-8:30pm, VT Women’s Center (206 Washington St)
Need a break? Have to study or attend a lecture? Want to catch up on work? Drop off your kids aged 2-12 (must be toilet trained) at the Women’s Center for some time off with games, toys, books, crafts, homework help, and plenty of fun with childcare provided by the volunteers of Chi Delta Alpha sorority. No need to pre-register. KNO will be held every Thursday throughout the semester with the exception of breaks when classes are not in session. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu or 231-7806.
10. “GLC CARES” CALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT
Many of our graduate students are struggling as a result of the executive order put in place last Friday. Some students are unable to travel, unable to conduct research, and are afraid to speak to officials. Through Wednesday, Feb 8, the Graduate Life Center will display flags of the countries our international students represent and a banner to show support for our colleagues. There are sticky notes at the GLC Welcome Center you can use to leave a message attached to the banner. You may also record and affirming message with the camera set up in the lobby. Please contact Dannette Gomez Beane at gomezds@vt.edu <mailto:gomezds@vt.edu> if you have any questions.
11. RESEARCH A LA MODE INVITES SPEAKER APPLICATIONS – 2nd posting
Want to give a talk on your research? Research a la Mode is a monthly venue for graduate students from different departments to come together and hear a talk by one of their peers. This is an opportunity to practice communicating your research to an audience unfamiliar with your discipline, and help you cut down on reliance on jargon and simplify and clarify your points and delivery. Use RALM to become better teachers, researchers and communicators!Talks are usually around 30 minutes. Email LASHLEY@VT.EDU <mailto:LASHLEY@VT.EDU> if interested in joining the ranks of RALM presenters.
12. CITIZEN SCHOLAR APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW – 2nd posting
Have you used your research to benefit society in any way? Are you currently working, or have worked on a project in the past year, that has community impact, either locally or globally? If so, consider applying for the Citizen Scholar Award. If not, consider designing a Citizen Scholar Project! Program requirements are described on the CSE website: http://graduateschool.vt.edu/transformative-graduate-education-experience/citizen-scholar-engagement/program-requirements.html. Applications are due 5 p.m. on Monday, March 13, 2017. For more information, email Helen Kamandhari at helen74@vt.edu <mailto:helen74@vt.edu> .
13. GA POSITION TO SUPPORT GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY FOR 2017-18 – 1st posting
Student Engagement and Campus Life and the Graduate School are looking for a full-time graduate student to support the GSA during the 2017-18 academic year. This 12-month position begins in May. Primary duties include advising members of the GSA Executive Board and Executive Council, providing logistics support for GSA events and operation, and assisting with small- and large-scale event planning throughout the year. Full position description available at http://gsa.vt.edu/how-to-get-involved/gsa-graduate-assistant/. Apply by Feb 21 at 5pm by sending a letter of interest and CV in PDF format to jedens@vt.edu <mailto:jedens@vt.edu> . Email questions to kasey@vt.edu <mailto:kasey@vt.edu> .
14. GA POSITION FOR SPRING 2017 IN LEARNING EXPERIENCE DESIGN – 3rd posting
Learning Experience Design (LED) in TLOS is seeking a graduate assistant for Spring 2017 to provide assistance with programming and data management associated with the development of digital and web-based learning objects, assessment matrices, and machine-directed learning. Programing and data management include knowledge of Python and Java, Google analytics, programming for ‘hot spots’ linking to information and resources, and programming for user interfaces and interactivity. Personalized, machine-directed learning include data point identification, algorithm development and application, data mining and analysis, data visualization, and system interoperability. To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to Dr. Lujean Baab, Senior Director, lbaab@vt.edu <mailto:lbaab@vt.edu> . Review of applications will begin immediately. Position to be filled as soon as possible.
15. GA OPENING IN INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH FOR SPRING 2017 – 3rd posting
The Institutional Research & Effectiveness office is seeking a GA to carry out data analysis and web applications/visualizations development. Applicants must have strong and verifiable programming skills; knowledge of scripting languages: Javascript, jQuery, Python, SQL, HTML, and CSS with ability to translate mockups to working code; knowledge of open source visualization tools like D3, Charts.js etc; demonstrated evidence in web application programming; experience in collaborative work environments; creativity and innovation; good communication skills. Preferred: experience in Javascript, JQuery, D3, Python, SQL, open source visualization libraries; knowledge of SAS statistical software; software application development experience. To apply, email CV with links to supplementary materials such as sample websites/applications, software projects in code repositories to: Daniel Hung @ chung@vt.edu <mailto:chung@vt.edu> . Position open until filled.
16. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR MUSCLE METABOLISM STUDY – 2nd posting
Volunteers needed for a study examining how diet influences muscle metabolism. Must be:
Between ages 18-40; females must be on monophasic oral contraceptive and not pregnant; not currently taking any medications (other than above); non-smokers; without any major medical problems; willing to eat a high fat diet for 5 days. Participants will receive extensive health information and may receive up to $400 in compensation. If you meet these requirements and are interested in participating, contact the VT Human Integrative Physiology Laboratory at westerndiet@gmail.com <mailto:westerndiet@gmail.com> . website: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_eKX222gpcgRqZLv.
Upcoming events:
BICYCLE DOCUDRAMA: "THE RIGHT OF WAY"
Saturday, Feb 11, 2:00pm, Theatre 101 (200 College Ave.)
Written and directed by MFA candidate Thomas Murray. In 2013, 28 year-old Hector Avalos was riding his bicycle home from work when he was struck and killed by a drunk driver on Chicago’s West Side. Composed from interviews with Avalos’s family, transportation experts, urban planners, lawyers, automobile historians, and bicycling activists, this documentary play asks who really has the right of way on city streets – and how those ideas may be changing. Event is FREE.
OVER-30 GRADS INTEREST MEETING
Wednesday, Feb 15, 3:00-4:30pm, GLC Room D
Join other over-30 grads for some light refreshments and conversation and build your network of potentially like-minded students and colleagues. Fill out the survey to indicate your interest in attending this event and about your future availability for regularly scheduled events: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5bfugffqiMt6Ebr. Join a google group to stay in touch: https://groups.google.com/a/vt.edu/d/forum/vt-grads-over-30-g. Posted on behalf of grad student Mahi Abdelbar, mohelmi@vt.edu
SPEED INTERVIEWING – register now!
Wednesday, Feb 15, 5:30-7:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Looking to practice your interviewing skills? Take advantage of the opportunity to practice interviewing in a low-key environment and receive immediate feedback from career advisors and VT staff. Every 6 minutes you rotate from one interviewer to the next, answering a different question each time. Register for a one-hour time slot: 5:30–6:30pm or 6:30–7:30pm online at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6yxL3D3NRXSjAQR. Space is very limited; only register if you are committed to come! Accepted registrations and time slots will be confirmed by email. If you cannot attend after registering, please email to marge12@vt.edu <mailto:marge12@vt.edu> so that your spot can be reassigned to a fellow grad on wait list.
DISSERTATION BOOT CAMP
Sundays, Feb 19, 26 and Mar 19, 2:00-6:00pm, Writing Center
This workshop series provides three separate 4-hour sessions in the Writing Center for PhD students working on their dissertations. During these meetings, students will have their own quiet space to work, and grad-level Writing Center coaches will be present to provide assistance. Brought to you by the Writing Center.
DINING ETIQUETTE
Tuesday, 2/21, 5:30-7PM, GLC Multipurpose Room
Learn how to conduct yourself during a formal meal in a professional setting, whether the dinner is part of an interview, a conference, or other engagement. The program will include a presentation, helpful props and tips, and an informal meal during which you can network with graduate students and VT staff. Pizza or other similar food will be served; unfortunately we are unable to entertain dietary restrictions beyond meat/vegetarian. Must register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_727wBQbvoa3ranP to attend.
CONVERSATION WITH AND FOR WOMEN DOCTORAL STUDENTS
Wednesday, Feb 22, 8:30am, Owens Banquet Hall
The VT Women’s Alliance and the VP for Strategic Affairs/Vice Provost for Inclusion and Diversity, invite you to a conversation with and for women doctoral students. The conversation will provide an opportunity to share ideas and suggestions related to promoting and enhancing the success of women at VT. Your perspectives will inform the development of specific follow up strategies. Register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6Gv0YeazTkuemJn if planning to attend.
DATA MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP
Tuesday, Mar 7, 9:00am-4:00pm, Scale-Up Room (101S) Newman Library
This workshop will give attendees practical hands-on experience to improve their research data management by making research datasets FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable). Following FAIR practices for thoughtful and well-planned research data management can increase project efficiency, smooth the research process, improve the soundness of research results, and maximize the reusability of the data. The workshop is limited to 50 participants, so register today at bit.li/FAIRData <http://bit.li/FAIRData> .