Sep 28-Oct 4, 2015

1.  WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – break schedule; updated 9/21

  • Career Services advising: Wednesdays (starting Sep 23), 2:00-5:00 GLC Lobby
  • Cook Counseling: Thursday & Friday 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
  • LISA Statistical Consulting: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10am-12pm, GLC Room A
  • Writing assistance: Thursdays, 5:30-8:30pm, GLC Room A

2. MILK SENSORY PANELS
Monday 9/28: 10:00am-5:00pm
Tuesday 9/29: 10:00am-5:00pm

All at HABB1 Bldg, Rm 205, corner of Duck Pond Dr and Washington St SW
Sensory evaluation on milk – see if you can identify different samples. Only takes ~15 minutes. Come and bring your friends! 144 panelists needed each day. Anyone 18+ years old who does not have milk allergies is encouraged to participate. Get free snacks every day for participating including Carol Lee Donuts, ice cream, home made cookies and more. Contact master’s student Hayley Potts at hpotts45@vt.edu for more information.

3. INTERNATIONAL FULBRIGHT OPPORTUNITIES
Monday, Sep 28, 6:30pm, GLC Room G
Dr. Daniel Kramer, director of US student Fulbright programs, will be visiting the Blacksburg campus to discuss international opportunities. The Fulbright program is the flagship exchange program of the US State Department and offers funding for independent research/study projects, graduate degree enrollment, and English teaching assistantships in more than 130 countries. Special awards include Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling, Fulbright mtvU, and  Fulbright-Clinton fellowships. More information can be found at http://us.fulbrightonline.org/about/types-of-grants. Students at all levels of their academic careers are invited to attend. RSVPs to Betty Watts (bettyw@vt.edu) are appreciated.

4. DISCOVER ISLAM
Tuesday, Sep 29, 12:00-2:00pm, Info Booth A in front of Au Bon Pain at Squires
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world with more than 1.6 billion followers. Muslims come from almost every country in the world and speak almost every language. Learn more about Islam from your Muslim colleagues: stop by, ask questions, get your free copy of Quran interpretation in English, view Islamic art from different countries, get your name in Arabic, and enjoy tasty Arabian dates. Hosted by the Islamic Student Assembly (ISA). Posted on behalf of grad student Amr Nabil, anabil@vt.edu.

5. SHORT STATS COURSE FOR GRADS: BASICS OF R
Tuesday, Sep 29, 5:15-6:45pm, 1080 Torgersen Hall
R is a powerful, versatile, and free statistical programming language, which has become increasingly popular among industrial and academic data analysts. Taught by Ana Ortega, this introductory course covers programming basics in R, including the definition and manipulation of data objects, importing/exporting data, simple data summaries, simple graphs and if time permits, simple linear regression. The course format includes lecture and computer laboratory components and attendees will have the opportunity to write, modify, and execute R codes for these data. Register and learn more at  www.lisa.stat.vt.edu.

6. VT-ANS, OFFICIAL MEETING (FREE PIZZA)
Tuesday, Sep 29, 6:00-7:00pm, Randolph 117A
The officers of the Virginia Tech student section of the American Nuclear Society (VT-ANS) are pleased to announce the first official meeting of the Fall 2015 semester.  The meeting will include free pizza, a short introduction to VT-ANS, and a presentation from Dr. Mark Pierson, director of the VT Nuclear Engineering Program. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about nuclear technology and opportunities at VT. Posted on behalf of grad student Micah Esmond, mesmond@gmail.com.

7. GLC COMMUNITY MOVIE NIGHT
Tuesday, Sep 29, 7:45-9:45pm, GLC Room F
Need a break from studying? Come hang out and watch a ’90s classic, The Wedding Singer. The Graduate Fellows will provide snacks to enjoy during the movie so get there early to grab some snacks and secure your seat! If you have any questions, email Scarlet Soult at scarlet7@vt.edu.

8. DMV2GO – MOBILE DMV SERVICES IN THE GLC!
Wednesday, Sep 30, 9:00am-3:00pm, GLC Room D
If you don’t have time to travel to the DMV in Christiansburg, here is your chance to get DMV business done in the GLC! Get your state ID, veteran’s ID, driver’s license, disabled parking placard, vehicle title and registration and more.

9. HISPANIC-LATINO CONNECT LUNCH
Wednesday, Sep 30, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room G
Would you like to connect with other graduate students and faculty/ staff that identify with the Hispanic/Latino community? If yes, don’t miss out on this great opportunity. The Graduate School hosts this luncheon to facilitate dialogue and fellowship. Register at http://graduateschool.vt.edu/connect_lunch if you plan to attend. If you have any questions, contact Dannette Gomez Beane at dannette@vt.edu.

10. ARABIC COFFEE HOUR
Wednesday, Sep 30, 4:30-5:30pm, Major Williams Atrium
Join the VT Arabic Language Club and the Arabic Program for their first Arabic coffee hour of the semester. During this informal gathering, students, faculty, and anyone interested in Arabic will have the chance to  enjoy Arabic coffee and sweets, practice their Arabic, and learn more about the Arabic program (particularly the new Arabic minor). This free event is hosted by the Arabic Language Club and the Arabic Program. This message is posted on behalf of grad student Turki Al Zahrani, turki82@vt.edu.

11. OVER-30 GRADS MEET-UP AT THE CELLAR
Wednesday, Sep 30, 6:00pm, The Cellar (302 N Main, Bburg)
Join other over-30 grads at the Cellar for some drinks and conversation. Meet at the Cellar entrance at 6:00pm.

12. DISTINGUISHED LECTURE: DIGITAL MEDIA USE AND THE EXPERIENCE OF CHILDHOOD IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Wednesday, Oct 7, 7:00-8:00pm, Fife Theatre, Moss Arts Center
This presentation by Amy Jordan explores the role of media technologies in defining the experience of childhood. Jordan holds a teaching appointment at the Annenberg School for Communication of the University of Pennsylvania, where she is also Director of Graduate Student Professional Development. Her expertise is in the area of youth and media, with a particular interest in health outcomes. Her work has been funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute of Child Health and Development, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Free and open to the public. Posted on behalf of grad student Anjelica Smith, anjelica@vt.edu <mailto:anjelica@vt.edu> .

13. THESIS THURSDAYS
Thursdays, 8:30am-3:30pm
Need a quiet space to work on your thesis, dissertation, or course work? Gotta study for exams? Absolutely have to get that article out, like, yesterday? Thesis Thursday is your answer! This weekly gathering is for grad students who want to keep accountable to a regular work time and need a guaranteed quiet place to work. Meet each Thursday just a few blocks off campus at 107 Church Street – 2nd floor of the State Farm office (entrance on Church Street). Free coffee and wi-fi, plus multiple spots to sit and study alone or in groups. Stop in any time during study hours. Limited parking available. For more details, contact grad student Morgan Franke at fmorg14@vt.edu.

14. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Oct 1, 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. Have you ever heard of/tried cubicle-farm tiramisu? If not, here is your opportunity! Live dangerously – give it a try.

15. KIDS NIGHT OUT – FREE WEEKLY DROP-IN CHILD CARE
Thursdays, starting Sep 10, 2015 6:00-8:30pm, 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 (must be toilet trained); no need to pre-register. Games, toys, books, crafts, homework help, and plenty of fun for participants. Childcare provided by the volunteers of Chi Delta Alpha sorority. KNO will be held every Thursday throughout the semester with the exception of breaks when classes are not in session. The Women’s Center is located at 206 Washington Street, enter up the stairs in the parking lot. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu or 231-7806.

16. QGPA HAPPY HOUR AND DARTS AND CHAMPS SPORTS BAR
Thursday Oct 1, 7:00-9:00pm, Champs Sportsbar and Cafe, Top Floor, 111 N Main St join Join the Queer Grads, Professionals, and Allies (QGPA) for a fun evening of conversation, darts and drinks. Posted on behalf of Nazana Weeks at nazana9@vt.edu.

17. ENGINEERING EDUCATION OPEN HOUSE
Friday, Oct 2
The Department of Engineering Education at VT is hosting open house on Oct 2 and Nov 6. Stop by to talk with current faculty, attend the weekly seminar, and learn more about the new and emerging field of engineering education. For more information or to register for the October or November Open House, please email Lindawh@vt.edu; visit the program at www.enge.vt.edu.

18. JOURNAL ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS SOUGHT FOR SPECTRA -1st posting
Spectra, the ASPECT (Alliance for Social, Political, Ethical, and Cultural Thought) graduate journal, is currently seeking submissions for its next issue, especially about research at the intersections of the social sciences, the natural sciences, the humanities, and the arts.  Potential submissions can include essays, reflection pieces, book reviews, and multimedia.  Abstracts for consideration are due by Oct 15. For more information visit: https://spectrajournal.org/index.php/SPECTRA/announcement/view/6.  Email any questions to Jordan Laney and Anthony Szczurek at editor@spectrajournal.org.

19. PEO INTERNNATIONAL PEACE SCHOLARSHIP FOR INTL GRAD WOMEN – 1st posting
This scholarship is designed for women who are qualified for admission to full-time graduate study, working toward a graduate degree in the college or university she will attend. Requirements: Applicants must not hold U.S. or Canadian citizenship or permanent residency; must submit a witnessed statement certifying that upon completion of degree program, she will return to her own country to pursue her professional career; must have a full year of course-work remaining and be enrolled and on campus for the entire school year. Doctoral students who have completed coursework and are working on dissertation only are not eligible as first-time applicants. The maximum scholarship for one year of study is $10,000, based upon need (year runs from August to August). Complete details are available at http://www.peointernational.org/about-peo-international-peace-scholarship-ips. Send questions to Terry Arthur at arthurt@cs.vt.edu.

20. SHORT STATS COURSES FOR GRADS BY LISA
LISA (Virginia Tech’s Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) is providing a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research. Visit the LISA website at http://www.lisa.stat.vt.edu for instructions on how to register and to learn more. Fall 2015 Schedule:

  • Tuesday, Sep 29, 5:15-6:45 pm: Basics of R;
  • Tuesday, Oct 6, 4:30-6:30 pm: T-tests and ANOVA;
  • Tuesday, Oct 13, 4:30-6:30 pm: Calculating Sample Sizes and Power for Research;
  • Tuesday, Oct 20, 5:00-7:00 pm: World Statistics Day Celebration: Re-envisioning the 21st Century Global Land Grant University to Build Research Capacity in Developing Countries;
  • Tuesday, Oct 27, 4:30-6:30 pm: Multivariate Clustering Analysis;
  • Tuesday, Nov 3, 4:30-6:30 pm: Intro to SAS University Edition;
  • Tuesday, Nov 10, 4:30-6:30 pm: Comparing Means and Other Measures of Location between Two Populations by Significance Tests and Effect Size;
  • Tuesday, Nov 17, 4:30-6:30 pm: Data Analytics – Classification;
  • Tuesday, Dec 1, 4:30-6:30 pm: Visualizing and Analyzing Spatial Data with R;

21. INTERDISCIPLINARY HONOR SOCIETY NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 1st posting
The Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society (IDR) is accepting new applications for membership up through Friday, Nov 20. IDR was founded at Virginia Tech in 2011 by graduate students to promote and facilitate interdisciplinary cooperation, research, and networking at VT and other universities. Currently there are more than 20 active members and the society offers opportunities to network with professionals and peers, present your own work at an annual poster day, and attend spotlight talks given by individuals heavily involved in interdisciplinary work. Plus, there is food at meetings! Any students, graduate or undergraduate, who are actively involved in research combining multiple disciplines, including science, engineering, business, or education, are encouraged to apply. More details about the society, membership requirements, and the membership application can be found at http://www.idrsociety.org/membership/application. Direct questions to VP of membership, Shabnam Kavousi, at shabnamk@vt.edu.

22. CHILDCARE SPACES STILL AVAILABLE FOR FALL AND SPRING – 2nd posting
The Little Hokie Hangout still has space available! If you are interested in learning more about the Parent Cooperative CHILD CARE option offered through the Graduate School, email childcare@vt.edu for information or to express interest. This conveniently-located program is for children approaching 2 years of age through 5 years of age, and is designed to fit your scheduling needs! Schedule a visit to take a look at the Little Hokie Hangout!

23. PAPERS, WORKSHOPS, PERFORMANCE PIECES AND PANEL PROPOSALS INVITED – 2nd posting
Scholars, activists, and artists from the humanities, social and natural sciences, visual and performing arts, life sciences, disability studies, STEM fields, and queer and feminist science studies are invited to submit papers, panels, workshops, new media, art, and performance pieces that explore the intersections of gender, bodies & technology in contexts ranging from virtual reality labs and engineering classrooms to grassroots movements and queer and feminist hacking spaces. Proposals should be submitted by Nov 15, 2015 to genbodtech@gmail.edu. See complete CFP at: http://www.cpe.vt.edu/gbt/. The “Gender, Bodies & Technology: (In)Visible Futures” event will take place in The Hotel Roanoke, Apr 21-23, 2016. For more information or questions contact Christine Labuski, GBT Coordinator and Conference Director, chrislab@vt.edu. Posted on behalf of grad student Rayanne Streeter, streetrc@vt.edu.

24. SUBMISSIONS INVITED FOR 10TH ANNIVERSARY GLC ART & PHOTO CONTEST – 3rd posting
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the opening of the GLC  by participating in the next GLC photo and art contest! Theme: (Snapshots) of Graduate Student Life. Get creative and submit whatever depicts you as a grad student. 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, Oct 19.  Learn more at http://www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/contest/.

25 CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR EXHIBITION OF CULTURES – 3rd posting
An Exhibition of Cultures at the School of Architecture + Design is organized to display the great diversity of creative works  from various countries and from different parts of the United States. Undergrad and graduate students are asked to bring creative works or objects demonstrating the art and craftsmanship of their respective countries and communities (various media – pottery, calligraphy, fabric, etc.). Register your craft example by Oct 19 at: http://goo.gl/forms/ETnfYpmkz6. See more at: http://graduateschool.vt.edu/CAUS_Exhibition_of_Cultures. This message is posted on behalf of grad student organizer Shabnam Kavousi, shabnamk@vt.edu.

26. FUNDRAISER FOR VT RESEARCH TEAM WORKING ON FLINT WATER STUDY – 3rd posting
The VT research team behind FlintWaterStudy (www.flintwaterstudy.org) is fundraising on GoFundMe to help the economically disadvantaged people of Flint, MI, protect themselves from lead in their water, by buying and giving away NSF certified lead filters. Consider donating for the cause. For more details on the campaign and to donate, visit http://www.gofundme.com/safewater4flint. Posted on behalf of grad student Anurag Mantha, anuragm@vt.edu.

27. GRAD STUDENT WAGE POSITIONS OPEN  IN ARTS & TECHNOLOGIES RESEARCH PROJECT – 1st posting
VT University Libraries and the School of Performing Arts are seeking enthusiastic students to fill multiple positions on a funded research project. Positions start Oct 1, for 10-20 hrs/wk and continue through the end of the semester (possibly beyond). Competitive pay. The VTArtWorks project seeks to develop a prototype of a new online platform to encourage connection and communication among members of the performing arts community. Positions will: research how arts and community building organizations are currently using technology, social media, and different web programs to document, archive, communicate, and share their work; connect with professionals in the field and collect information about their documentation needs, their current processes, and how they interact online; work closely with Bob Leonard and visiting guest artists. Applicants with at least one of the following qualifications are particularly encouraged to apply: interest in helping to create a prototype that combines features designed to encourage communication and connection within the field of community cultural development; experience and skills for understanding how people use software systems, including HCI methods such as interviewing, surveys, participant observation, logs analysis, and competitive analysis; experience studying and/or using online or collaborative software; experience with web design, web development, digital libraries/archives, and/or content management systems; skill with creating wireframes and mockups, prototyping, and creating usable, attractive user interfaces. To apply, email a resume and a short cover letter (1 page max) to: Andi Ogier, University Libraries, alop@vt.edu. Review begins Sep 21.

28. GA OPENING FOR 2015-16 – 3rd posting
The Office of First Year Experiences has an immediate graduate assistantship opening for the 2015-2016 academic year. The GA works closely with the Director of First Year Academic Initiatives in the array of responsibilities associated with the university-wide first year experience programs, faculty, staff and partners. Required qualifications: earned Master’s degree in education or related discipline; evidence of strong oral and written communication skills; ability to work both independently and in collaboration with FYE collaborators; experience with quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Preferred qualifications: enrollment in an education or related discipline PhD program and experience with assessment of educational programs. If interested, submit a current CV, cover letter describing your interest in First Year Experiences and 3 professional references to Jennifer Culhane, Director of First Year Academic Initiatives, at jculhane@vt.edu.  

29. SCHOOL-DAY PERFORMANCE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – 2nd posting
Since the Center for the Arts’ opening in 2013, nearly 8,000 students, teachers, parents, and chaperones have participated in Kindergarten-12 arts activities at the Moss Arts Center (MAC). School-day performances are here again and volunteers are needed to ensure that the students’ experience is top notch. If you are interested in helping, please email Donna Thompson at tdonna27@vt.edu for more information and schedule.

30. CHILD PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR EYE, GAZE & EMOTIONS TREATMENT STUDY – 2nd posting
If you are a parent or legal guardian of a child/children who are having problems with all of the following: * breaking rules, arguing or fighting; * seem insensitive to punishment; * lack concern or empathy for others, contact VT researchers about a free IRB-approved research study on the VT campus for children ages 6-9. Parents/legal guardians complete questionnaires and children complete in-lab tasks and computer games.  Receive between $10-$30 per assessment session, up to $100 total. Contact Lauren at (540) 231-9735; Email:EyeGazeEmotions@gmail.com.

31. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR SOCIAL ANXIETY STUDY – 2nd posting
Free confidential research study for eligible individuals who are anxious or nervous in social situations; struggle with talking to members of the opposite sex; constantly concerned that they may do or say something that will embarrass them. Participants must be ages 18-55; research study involves brain imaging in social anxiety. If you are interested, or would like more information, contact the VT Social-Cognitive-Affective-Neuroscience Laboratory at (540) 231-8504 or email to  VT.scanlab@gmail.com.

32. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY OF CHILDREN’S CONNECTIONS WITH THEIR FRIENDS – 3rd posting
Can your (pre)teens help with a VT research project, Colisten? The ThirdLab at VT is recruiting children aged 9-15 to participate in a research study about children feeling connected with each other. Participating children will bring a friend (also aged 9-15) and try out an app to listen to music together and talk about their schoolwork and social lives. Participants will be compensated. This is an IRB-approved research study (# 14-709), and results may be published. Contact Michael Stewart at tgm@vt.edu to participate.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

MY SISTER’S KEEPER: FINDING YOUR PATH
Wednesday, Oct 7, 8:00am, Virginia Tech Inn, Latham Ballroom D
Join a conversation with Dr. Bevlee Watford, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs in the College of Engineering, who will share her journey through the academy and lessons she has learned along the way. Breakfast will be served. Register by Oct 1 at http://goo.gl/forms/A9NfQjlfDl.  Program sponsored by Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP) and the Provost Office. For more information contact grad student Delight Yokley, b18409y@vt.edu.

LGBTQ CONNECT LUNCH
Wednesday, Oct 7, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room F
Would you like to connect and network with other graduate students and faculty/staff that identify with the LGBTQ community or are community allies? If yes, don’t miss out on this great opportunity. The Graduate School hosts this luncheon to facilitate dialogue and fellowship. Register at http://graduateschool.vt.edu/connect_lunch if you plan to attend. If you have any questions, contact Dannette Gomez Beane at dannette@vt.edu.

DANCE OF NATIONS AUDITIONS
The Council of Intl Student Organizations (CISO) invites groups to participate in the annual Dance of Nations program to be held Nov 11 in the GLC Auditorium, showcasing a variety of solo to large group performances from around the world. Auditions will be held Mon, Oct 12, 6-8pm; Tue, Oct 13, 5.30-7.30pm; Fri, Oct 16, 6-8pm. Fill out this online form at http://goo.gl/forms/A4YYXnBxsQ by Oct 10 to be scheduled for an audition slot. Slots are limited and will be allotted first come, first served. Send questions to Haseeb Chaudhry at haseeb7@vt.edu.

FREE ANXIETY AND OCD SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Oct 13, 7:00pm, GLC Student Org Suite conference area
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety? Do you struggle with OCD? A free monthly support group meets the second Tuesday of every month. Join the group to learn more about anxiety disorders and OCD, hear success stories from those who have worked to overcome their anxiety and OCD, and receive support in an informal setting. Family members and significant others are also welcome. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact the Psychological Services Center at 231-6914, visit www.psyc.vt.edu/outreach/psc or email ajsmith1@vt.edu.

GRADUATE STUDENT TRIP TO JOE’S TREES
Saturday, Oct 17, 10:00am – 1:00pm, Meet in the GLC Lobby
Join the GLC Fellows for a fun-filled trip to Joe’s Trees. It’s their Farm Festival Weekend, with exciting activities such as a hayride to the pumpkin patch, corn maze, horse rides, awesome jellies and jams, and much more. Registration required at: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1443151974781. Transportation is limited, so sign-up soon! Be sure to bring money for lunch, pumpkins or whatever else you want to buy. For more information about Joe’s Trees, check-out their website at http://joestrees.com/. If you have questions, e-mail GLC Fellows at kmpark07@vt.edu or scarlet7@vt.edu.