Posted on by chameleo

March 14-20, 2016

1.  WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – updated 3/14/16

  • Career Services advising: Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
  • Cook Counseling: ThF 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: TTh 11:00-1:00, F 10:00-12:00, Room A
  • Writing assistance: Th 5:30-8:30pm, Room A

2. OPEN EDUCATION WEEK 2016
Monday-Friday, Mar 14-18, Newman Library
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday events. Graduate students involved in teaching, the future professoriate, or those who want to share their original works with a wider audience without creating financial barriers for readers may be interested in attending the keynote, presentations and discussions. Keynote on Thursday, Mar 17, 12:30-1:45pm. More information and RSVP: http://www.lib.vt.edu/oer/oe-week/2016-oeweek.html.

3. DISCOVER ISLAM
Tuesday, Mar 15, 12:00-2:00pm, Info Booth A 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). Contact grad student Haitham Elmarakeby (marakeby@vt.edu) for more information.

4. SHORT STATS COURSE FOR GRADS: COMPARING MEANS AND OTHER MEASURES OF LOCATION B/W TWO POPULATIONS BY SIGNIFICANCE TESTS & EFFECT SIZE
Tuesday, Mar 15, 4:00-6:00pm, 1100 Torg
Taught by Ting Guan, in this short course participants will compare averages and other measures of location using significance tests and effect size estimates. In classical hypothesis testing, significance tests assume the null hypothesis is true. Then the probability that data as extreme as or more extreme than those observed is calculated. If this probability is very low, then we reject the null hypothesis. The Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis provides these evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research. See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and to learn more.

 5. THE END OF GEOPOLITICS OF MIDDLE EAST OIL
Tuesday, Mar 15, 6:30-8:00pm, 146 Smyth Hall
Dr. Salehi-Isfahani, economics professor at Virginia Tech, will explore the economics and politics of oil in the Middle East and examine the future of the region based on the current oil situation. The event is sponsored by VT’s Economics Club, the Iranian Society, and Middle East Working Group. Posted on behalf of grad student Yousef Jalali.

6. UNDERSTANDING, NAVIGATING AND USING 4 EXISTING DATASETS (BLS, NCES, ASEE, Census) TO SUPPORT YOUR RESEARCH
Wednesday, Mar 16, 2:30-4:00pm, 207 Newman Library
Julia Ferrar will guest lecture and conduct a hands on session guiding you through 4 data bases. If you use or plan to use data from these data sources, you will find this session helpful. Seating is limited to the first 40 persons who register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_1KNfwrlxNUCk8It.

7. RESEARCH A LA MODE PRESENTS: EARTH’S HEAT IS LEAKING OUT INTO THE OCEANS
Wednesday, Mar 16, 5:30-6:30pm, Museum, 2062 Derring
Earth has abundant heat that is dissipating ever since its formation. One mode of heat flow is through the oceans, especially at the spreading mid-ocean ridges. This talk will be about how measurements are made and what it means. Posted on behalf of doctoral student Lisa Whalen, lashley@vt.edu.

8. ARE YOU LINKED IN?
Wednesday, Mar 16, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room G
Learn how to use LinkedIn effectively to build your professional network and harness its potential as you map your career. Presented by Career Services as part of the Graduate School’s professional development series.

9. WOMEN’S ALLIANCE MEETING
Thursday, Mar 17, 12:00-1:00pm, 2400 North End Center
The Virginia Tech community is welcome to join the conversation about critical needs of women at Virginia Tech. This is a great opportunity to have your voice heard and be involved in creating change and a more inclusive environment. RSVP to clyles@vt.edu. 

10. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Mar 17, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy free coffee, tea and cookies in the company of your grad student and Grad School colleagues. Relax, network, and load up on caffeine and/or carbs. Bring your own mug if you can.

 11. OUT AT WORK LGBTQ+ NETWORKING EVENT
Saturday, Mar 19, 4:00PM-6:00pm, Squires Brush Mountain A
Enjoy an afternoon of networking and hors d’oeuvres and listen to the keynote address by Christian Matheis, visiting assistant professor of Government and International Affairs.  This event connects students with professionals to explore topics related to LGBTQ+ issues in the workplace. Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to attend. Please register in advance at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dcIJaocB48FT4wZ. The event is free; Business casual/professional attire requested.  Direct questions to Latanya Walker at latanya@vt.edu.

12. NOROOZ PERSIAN NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
Saturday, Mar 19, 7:00-11:00pm, Owens Banquet Hall
Norooz (Nowruz, also known as Persian new year) is celebrated on the first day of spring in different countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. Norooz means new day, which brings the sense of renewal along with rich customs. The VT Iranian Society invites all grad students to join an evening full of presentation, music, and dance. Dinner will be served buffet style 7 to 8 pm. More information at: http://www.campuslife.vt.edu/tickets/events_and_tickets/index.html. Posted on behalf of grad student Yousef Jalali.

13. SNEAK PEAK OF GRAD ED WEEK DESIGN – 2nd posting
See the final logo and slogan for this year’s Grad Ed Week t-shirts and preview the upcoming programs at https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaTechGLC/ or http://graduateschool.vt.edu/GEW.

14. GSA TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM OPENS FOR SPRING CYCLE – 1st posting
The Graduate Student Assembly’s Travel Fund Program will open on Monday, Mar 14 and close on Sunday, Mar 27, 11:59PM. Apply during this period for funding to offset your costs for professional/conference travel between Jan 1–Jun 30, 2016. Final decisions will be emailed by April 30, 2016. If you have questions, contact Marie Stettler Kleine and Omchand Mahdu, GSA TFP Co-Chairs: gradtravelfund1516@vt.edu.

15.  DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR PROPOSALS FOR GRAD ART COUNCIL’S ART SHOWCASE
Are you a graduate student with an interest in the arts? Do you make sculptures out of recyclables, play the banjo, or write comedic poetry? Whatever your artistic talent and regardless of your field of study, the Graduate Arts Council (a campus organization dedicated to exploring, supporting, and expanding the arts in and around Virginia Tech) invites you to participate in its First Annual Art Showcase! The showcase, to be held on Ap 28 (time and location TBA), will feature exciting live performances as well as a diverse exhibit of artwork to peruse. This curated event is free and open to the public and will be followed up with a gallery display running from Apr 28-May 2. Submit proposals by Mar 21 at http://goo.gl/forms/1ZdGAq0nzE. Contact Ana-Christina Acosta at acostaa@vt.edu with any questions.

16. JUMR MEMBER REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN – APPLY BY MAR 21
The Journal for Undergraduate Materials Research (see http://www.jumr.mse.vt.edu/) is a student-run online and print journal. The leadership is made up of mostly graduate students from all disciplines. Positions open to support the publication of Volume 6 include Layout Designer, Marketing and Finance, Staff Writers, Technical Editors and Support Staff positions. A listing of positions and descriptions along with a short application can be found at Organizational Structure for JUMR <https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1VNaoSI4Gu8U2JTMFpSbzlmVFE/view?usp=sharing>  and Volume 6 Application for JUMR https://kmcnabb.typeform.com/to/yXkabX. Posted on behalf of grad student Kelly Stinson-Bagby.

17. JOIN THE WELLNESS PROGRAM, FITEX!
Help VT continue as the fittest college in America! Fit-Ex is an 8-week, online-facilitated healthy eating and physical activity program. Serve as a team captain and recruit 5 other people to join your team and together make goals to improve your health.  The overall goal of the program is for teams to “walk” across Virginia.  15 minutes of physical activity is equivalent to 1 FitEx “mile.” Progress is tracked weekly and participants can see how they match up against other teams. Nine evidence-based weekly newsletters help provide tips, motivation, fun recipes, and at-home exercises.  Registration opens March 20, 2016. The program will run Apr 3-May 28, 2016; http://www.fit-ex.org. Posted on behalf of HNFE grad student Alicia Everette.

18. GRAD RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT FUNDING CYCLE TO OPEN SOON – 2nd posting
Do you have an awesome research idea that deserves funding?  Apply to the GSA’s Graduate Research Development Program, which provides monetary support for graduate student research twice each academic year. PhD students can be awarded up to $1,000 and master’s students up to $750 to conduct their projects. The spring cycle for applications is Mar 21-Apr 1, 2016, with winners announced in early May.  Get more information and apply online through the GSA website: https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/graduate-research-development-program/. Contact GRDP Chair Hannah Lane at hglane07@vt.edu with any questions.

19. SUBMISSIONS INVITED TO GLC PHOTO AND ART CONTEST – deadline 3/16!
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work and photography by graduate students for display in the GLC during Graduate Education Week (Mar 21-25) and beyond. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art and/or photography) per graduate student. Learn more at http://www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/contest/.  Submission deadline: Wednesday, Mar 16, 2016.

20. GRADS GOT TALENT – SAVE THE DATE: APR 8 – 3rd posting
Grad students are invited to show off their talent(s)! The GLC Fellows are hosting a talent competition in early April. Mark your calendars, figure out your act, start practicing, and get ready for an awesome evening. To sign up to perform your talent, fill out the following survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1457624448088 For any questions, reach out to GLC Fellow Scarlet at scarlet7@vt.edu.

21. 2016-2017 GLC FELLOW POSITION OPENINGS – 3rd posting
Residence Life and the Graduate School are seeking motivated graduate students who are committed to building graduate community, for GLC Fellow positions for the 2016-17 academic year. An ideal candidate would have previous residence life and/or event planning experience, though it is not a requirement. Applicants must submit a formal cover letter, resume and letter of recommendation, and fully complete the following survey: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8j2LrGqsi4kv4cB. Information about cover letter requirements is detailed in the survey and the full job description is at www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu.  Apply by midnight on Sunday, Mar 27, 2016. Contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu or Caraline Moholland at cmoholla@vt.edu  if you have questions.

22. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH STUDY ABOUT MENSTRUAL CYCLE AND FOOD CRAVINGS – 3rd posting
Participants between the ages of 18-30 years, female, not currently taking hormonal birth control, not pregnant, have self-reported “regular” menstrual cycles are currently being sought for an IRB approved study on the relationship between the menstrual cycle and food cravings using the phone app Clue. Participants will be entered to receive $20 Kroger gift card in compensation. To participate or for more information contact Meredith Young at mjyoung@vt.edu.

23. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH STUDY ABOUT VIDEO CONFERENCING – 3rd posting
Participants are sought for an IRB-approved study about video as a medium of communication, and specifically from the perspective of the feedback image. Must be at least 18 years old to participate. If you are interested, please contact grad student Shiwani Dewal for more information at shiwanid@vt.edu.

24. GRAD STUDENTS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BIG EVENT – 3rd posting
John Tedesco and Tristen Asrejadid, co-directors of Student Outreach for VT’s The Big Event, invite graduate students to participate. The Big Event is a student-run community service effort that has grown into the second largest event of its kind in the nation. This year the event will be on Apr 9, and organizers set out a goal to recruit 10,000 volunteers. This is a great way to get involved and have fun with other graduate students (or undergrads!) while also working to help the local Blacksburg community. To make a team, go to http://vtbigevent.org/volunteer and follow the steps to create a team. Once the team is set up, you can share the name of your team (or the provided access code) with the rest of your friends or fellow graduate students for them to join. Contact the organizers at studentoutreach@vtbigevent.org with any questions.

25. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR SCISSOR DESIGN STUDY – 3rd posting
Participants are needed for a study on the "Impact of Different Scissor Designs on Physical Demands and Performance." The experiment involves two sessions (one training ~1 hr, and one data collection ~2 hrs), and participants will be compensated $10/hr. Requirements: 18 -35 years old, right-handed only, must have normal or corrected to normal vision, and no current or recent (past 1 year) musculoskeletal injuries or other health conditions. For further information and scheduling, contact 786-450-0509 or aanuolu@vt.edu.

26. SURVEY PARTICIPATION NEEDED FOR PILOT TO EASE PARKING AT VT – 3rd posting
Student researchers are trying to prototype a mobile application to ease the Commuter/Student parking on Virginia Tech campus. Please fill this 15 seconds survey to help with the process. Link: http://goo.gl/forms/vsVsqG41qf. For more information contact master’s student Namitha at snamitta@vt.edu.

 UPCOMING EVENTS:

CREATE YOUR OWN BEACHY TERRARIUM – GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK EVENT
Monday, Mar 21, 2pm, Horticulture Gardens
Learn about the VT Horticulture program while you create an easy-to-care-for miniature garden for your home or office.  Registration is limited so sign-up soon! https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_29OLJKFZWbwMus5

THEOLOGY ON TAP: MORE THAN JUST HOLY SPIRITS
Monday, Mar 21, Sycamore Deli
Kick off event! From breweries to bible studies, small groups to socializing, how can you be radically faithful in the day to day? Don’t miss out on the Blacksburg area’s first Theology on Tap at Sycamore Deli – everything on the menu is $5! Talk begins at 7pm, arrive early for dinner and drinks, stay late for discussion. Chris Hitzelberger, Director of VT Catholic Campus Ministry will speak on how to integrate your faith with everyday life, followed by Q&A. For more information contact grad student Mary Claire Gibson (mcg226@vt.edu).

BREAKFAST SOCIAL AT NEWMAN LIBRARY – GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK EVENT
Tuesday, Mar 22, 8:00-9:30am, Newman Library Multipurpose Room
Celebrate Graduate Education Week with Newman Library! Eat, relax, and meet dedicated librarians that can help with literature reviews, managing data, assessing scholarly impact, and using citation management software. Sign-up here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_byi63kMBwDICV5r

 SHORT STAT COURSES FOR GRADS BY LISA – SPRING SCHEDULE
LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) provides a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research. These two-hour courses teach practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data. See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and to learn more. This semester all courses will also be available via WebEx for distance attendees. Spring 2016 Schedule:

  • Tuesday, Mar 22, 4:00-6:00 pm: Data Analytics – Classification;
  • Tuesday, Mar 29, 4:00-6:00 pm: Basics of R;
  • Tuesday, Apr 5, 4:00-6:00 pm: Statistical Analysis Using R;
  • Tuesday, Apr 12, 4:00-6:00 pm: Better Data Visualization in R Using the ggplot2 Package;
  • Tuesday, Apr 19, 4:00-6:00 pm: Introduction to Web Scraping in R;
  • Tuesday, Apr 26, 4:00-6:00 pm: Introduction to Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) in JMP.
    Follow LISA on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Statistical.collaboration) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/LISA_VT) to be the first to know about LISA events! Learn more at www.lisa.stat.vt.edu.

GRAD MOVIE NIGHT AT THE LYRIC: The Revenant– GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK EVENT
Tuesday, Mar 22, 7:00pm, The Lyric Theatre
Enjoy a night at the movies, compliments of the Graduate School and The Lyric.  Pick-up a free ticket at the GLC Welcome Center or in 120 GLC.

VT BLACK BEAR RESEARCH CENTER TOUR – GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK EVENT
Wednesday, Mar 23, 8:15 and 9:00am, Meet in GLC Lobby
Take a tour of the VT Black Bear Research Center and learn how data is taken from the
bears. A van will leave the GLC at 8am and 8:45am and take students to the center and will also bring them back to the GLC. The tours start at 8:15 and 9:00 and are expected to last 30 minutes. Space is limited to 8-10 people per tour and registration is required. Register for the 8:15am tour here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4T8Ijm0bhFk3nOB and the 9:00am tour here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8pklX4CCmGB2RFz

GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM & EXPO – GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK EVENT
Wednesday, Mar 23, 9:00am-5:00pm, Keynote at 7:00pm, GLC
With over 190 poster, oral, panel, roundtable, and creative presentations representing more than 55 departments and programs, this is the largest GSA symposium to date. See the work of your fellow grads, and take part in 3 featured workshops offered by the Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society, the Writing Center, and SafeZone. Then at 7pm attend the keynote address by Abhi Nemani, a writer, speaker, organizer, and technologist who most recently served as the first Chief Data Officer for the City of Los Angeles. More info on the presentations, keynote speaker, and workshop registration at https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/graduate-research-symposium/.

MOONLIGHT BOWLING – GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK EVENT
Thursday, Mar 24, 8:00-11:00pm, BreakZONE in Squires Student Center
Join fellow grad students for Moonlight Bowling to celebrate Graduate Education Week! Enjoy reserved lanes at the BreakZONE. Food, games, and shoes will be provided, but bring some cash if you’d like to play billiards, foosball, or any of the other games in the center. Register for the event at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jONMVHooIFwvR3. If you have any questions, email Laura Koehler at lkkoehle@vt.edu.

MINDFULNESS STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES- GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK EVENT
Friday, Mar 25, 1:00pm, GLC Room B
Participate in an interactive introduction to mindfulness-based stress management techniques and enjoy light refreshments.  Sponsored by Cook Counseling Center.  There will be a gift raffle! Sign-up here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e8Qen6uM5QWhxxb

GRADUATE STUDENT WOMEN’S MONTH CONNECT LUNCH
Tuesday, Mar 29, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room G
Celebrate the achievements of women and female-identified individuals in our community and discuss our success and challenges on the Virginia Tech campus and in the New River Valley.  The Connect Lunch will be a space where graduate students, faculty, staff and administrators can fellowship, network, and connect with one another.  Registration will close at 5pm on Tuesday, March 22, 2016.  For questions, contact Whitley Johnson at whitley09@vt.edu. To register, please visit
https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_81CuzSvBk4yWLCB.

BEING BLACK IN WHITE SPACES
Thursday, Mar 31, 5:00pm, 335 Lavery Hall
The Grapevine Conference will host this student session with Dr. Stacey Pearson Wharton.  The program includes a light reception.  Please register at: http://survey.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_cAwX7fERni3yjch

CASCADES TRIP
Saturday, Apr 2, 10:00am-2:00pm, Pembroke, VA
Mark your calendars for a graduate student hike in early April. The GLC Fellows are planning to journey to the beautiful Cascades (pending good weather). In order to help organizers gauge interest and finalize the details of this event, fill out the following survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1457713639094. Transportation may be provided but will be first come, first served. If you have any questions, email Kevin Parker at kmpark07@vt.edu.