Author: sjkass

Events:
1.  WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – last updated 1/3/18
2. WRITING STRATEGIES CONSULTATIONS
3. FACULTY & GRAD STUDENT LUNCH
4. GROCERY BINGO
5. READING GROUPS
6. GRAD MINDFULNESS
7. ASK THE ACADEMY: GTA WALK-IN ADVISING
8. THEATRE AUDITIONS FOR BICYCLING PLAY
9. LUNCH WITH THE DEAN
10. GLC CAFÉ – WEDNESDAY EDITION
11. GLC CAFÉ
12. CAREER FAIR PREP
13. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT (REGISTRATION NOW REQUIRED)
14. GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY MEETING
15. INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Administrative Announcements:
16. ON-CAMPUS FOOD PANTRY – 1st posting
17. CALL FOR RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM APPLICANTS — 1st posting
18. JOIN A HAPPINESS GROUP – 2nd posting
19. SIGN UP FOR A COOKING CLASS THROUGH VT RECREATIONAL SPORTS – 2nd posting
20. LITTLE HOKIE HANGOUT – SPACE STILL AVAILABLE – 2nd posting
21. VIRGINIA TECH LAUNCHES INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD (ISAB) – 2nd posting
22. CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR GSA SPRING BEER & WINE SOCIAL – 2nd posting
23. SUPPORT CAMPUS INCLUSIVITY – SERVE AS A CONVERSATION PARTNER – 2nd posting
24. COMMUNITY VOICES SEEKS NEW MEMBERS – 2nd posting
25. COMMUNITY CHANGE ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS – 2nd posting
26. JEAN B. DUERR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN STUDENTS – 3rd posting
27. ACADEMY FOR GTA EXCELLENCE (VTGRATE) CALL FOR MEMBERSHIP – 3rd posting
28. AETNA STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT – 3rd posting
29. NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS OPEN – 3rd posting
30. NOMINATE OUTSTANDING FACULTY MENTOR(S) FOR MENTOR AWARD – 3rd posting

Jobs: None at this time

Volunteers and research participants sought:
31. PARTICIPANTS AGES 14-18 NEEDED: CELEBRITY CREDIBILITY RESEARCH STUDY – 1st posting

Upcoming events:
— BEGINNING AND MAINTAINING ADVISOR RELATIONSHIP – Jan 30
— LUNCH WITH THE DEAN –Jan 31
— GUAC TALK WTH THE DEAN – Feb 1
— INTERVIEWING SKILLS – Feb 1
— GLC FELLOWS WELCOME SOCIAL – Feb 2
— GSA SPRING BEER & WINE SOCIAL – Feb 3
— VT VS. MIAMI MEN’S BASKETBALL WATCH PARTY – Feb 3
— BRUNCH WITH THE DEAN – Feb 4
— SIX MONTHS AFTER CHARLOTTESVILLE: CHRISTIAN REFLECTIONS ON RACE & POLITICS – Feb 5
— SPEED INTERVIEWING – REGISTER NOW! – Feb 7
— JOB SEARCHES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – Feb 8

Continue reading “January 22 – January 28, 2018”

Events:
1.   WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – last updated 1/3/18
2. GRAD MINDFULNESS
3. WELLFEST 2018 – STUDENT HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR
4. LYRIC THEATER TOUR
5. GLC CAFÉ
6. WRITING A WINNING CV/RESUME
7. JOIN IN THE FUN WITH THE LAIGSA WELCOME BACK EVENT

Administrative Announcements:
8.  JOIN A HAPPINESS GROUP – 1st posting
9. SIGN UP FOR A COOKING CLASS THROUGH VT RECREATIONAL SPORTS – 1st posting
10. LITTLE HOKIE HANGOUT – SPACE STILL AVAILABLE – 1st posting
11. VIRGINIA TECH LAUNCHES INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD (ISAB) – 1st posting
12. CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR GSA SPRING BEER & WINE SOCIAL – 1st posting
13. SUPPORT CAMPUS INCLUSIVITY – SERVE AS A CONVERSATION PARTNER – 1st posting
14. COMMUNITY VOICES SEEKS NEW MEMBERS – 1st posting
15. COMMUNITY CHANGE ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS – 1st posting
16. JEAN B. DUERR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN STUDENTS – 2nd posting
17. ACADEMY FOR GTA EXCELLENCE (VTGRATE) CALL FOR MEMBERSHIP – 2nd posting
18. AETNA STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT – 2nd posting
19. NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS OPEN – 2nd posting
20. NOMINATE OUTSTANDING FACULTY MENTOR(S) FOR MENTOR AWARD – 2nd posting
21. BIOL 5174: WORK/LIFE BALANCE IN ACADEMIA – SPRING 2018 GRADUATE SEMINAR – 3rd posting

Jobs:
22. LIBRARY QUALITATIVE ANALYTICS RESEARCHER – 2nd posting  NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Volunteers and research participants sought:
23. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR A WALKING AND RUNNING STUDY – 3rd posting

Upcoming events:
— GROCERY BINGO – Mon, Jan 22
— THEATRE AUDITIONS FOR BICYCLING PLAY – Tues, Jan 23
— LUNCH WITH THE DEAN – Tues, Jan 23
— CAREER FAIR PREP – Jan 25
— LUNCH WITH THE DEAN – Wed, Jan 31
— INTERVIEWING SKILLS – Thurs, Feb 1
— GLC FELLOWS WELCOME SOCIAL – Fri, Feb 2
— GSA SPRING BEER & WINE SOCIAL – Sat, Feb 3

Continue reading “January 16 – 21, 2018”

Events:
1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – last updated 1/3/18
2. GLC CAFÉ
3. NEW GRADUATE STUDENT ORIENTATION
4. WELCOME BACK GLC CAFE & VT ENGAGE: *SPECIAL EDITION*

Administrative Announcements:
5. JEAN B. DUERR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN STUDENTS – 1st posting
6. ACADEMY FOR GTA EXCELLENCE (VTGRATE) CALL FOR MEMBERSHIP – 1st posting
7. AETNA STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT – 1st posting
8. NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS OPEN – 1st posting
9. NOMINATE OUTSTANDING FACULTY MENTOR(S) FOR MENTOR AWARD – 1st posting
10. BIOL 5174: WORK/LIFE BALANCE IN ACADEMIA – SPRING 2018 GRADUATE SEMINAR – 2nd posting
11. SCHOOL OF PUBLIC & INT’L AFFAIRS (SPIA) SPRING COURSE OPPORTUNITIES – 3rd posting
12. ENTREPRENEUR CHALLENGE – PITCH YOUR IDEA! – 3rd posting
13. THREE MINUTE THESIS INTEREST SURVEY – 3rd posting
14. NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR WRITERS – 3rd posting

Jobs:
15. LIBRARY QUALITATIVE ANALYTICS RESEARCHER – 1st posting

Volunteers and research participants sought:
16. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR A WALKING AND RUNNING STUDY – 2nd posting

Upcoming events:
— OLYMPIC TAEKWONDO CLUB AT VIRGINIA TECH OPEN WORKOUT – Mon, Jan15
— NEW SEMESTER STARTS! – Tues, Jan 16
— LYRIC THEATER TOUR – Jan 17
— GROCERY BINGO – Mon, Jan 22
— LUNCH WITH THE DEAN – Tues, Jan 23
— LUNCH WITH THE DEAN – Wed, Jan 31

Continue reading “January 8 – 14, 2018”

Events:
1.   WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – last updated 1/3/18
2.  FIRST GLC CAFÉ OF 2018

Administrative Announcements:
3. NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS OPEN – 1st posting
4. NOMINATE OUTSTANDING FACULTY MENTOR(S) FOR MENTOR AWARD – 1st posting
5. BIOL 5174: WORK/LIFE BALANCE IN ACADEMIA – SPRING 2018 GRADUATE SEMINAR – 2nd posting
6. SCHOOL OF PUBLIC & INT’L AFFAIRS (SPIA) SPRING COURSE OPPORTUNITIES – 3rd posting
7. ENTREPRENEUR CHALLENGE – PITCH YOUR IDEA! – 3rd posting
8. THREE MINUTE THESIS INTEREST SURVEY – 3rd posting
9. NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR WRITERS – 3rd posting

Jobs:
None at this time

Volunteers and research participants sought:
10. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR A WALKING AND RUNNING STUDY – 2nd posting

Upcoming events:
— NEW GRADUATE STUDENT ORIENTATION AND GLC CAFE SPECIAL EDITION – Fri, Jan 12
— NEW SEMESTER STARTS! – Tues, Jan 16

Keep Reading

Events
1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – last updated 12/11/2017
– Career Advising: Wednesday, 2:00-5:00pm, Info kiosk in lobby
– Ask the Academy: GTA Walk-In Advising: On hiatus until 2018
– Cook Counseling: Thursdays and Fridays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
– Graduate School hours: MTTh 8:00-5:00pm, W 9:30-5:00 Closes 12:00pm Fri 12/22
– Immigration advising hours: MWF 1:00-4:00pm, TTh 9:00am-12:00pm Room 120
– Writing assistance: reserve appointment at https://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing-center.html

2. FINAL GLC CAFÉ OF 2017 AND BOOK SWAP
Monday, Dec 18, 3:00-4:30pm, GLC Reading Room
Stop by for the final café of the year and enjoy some hot beverages, home-baked goodies, and good conversation in good company. Take some books from our Reading Room collection to enjoy during the break! The Thursday café on Dec 21 is cancelled due to graduate commencement; the GLC café will return on Thursday, Jan 4.

3. YALDA NIGHT
Thursday, Dec 21, 6:00-10:30 pm, Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires Student Center
Yalda, the longest night of the year, one of the most important traditional Iranian festivals since thousands of years ago, is a night in which friends and families come together and stay up until after midnight. Playing traditional music, singing traditional Persian dance, and reading poems such as Divan-e-Hafez are some of the major activities in this event. Moreover, eating pomegranates as a sign of rebirth and revival of generations, and watermelons as summer fruit to prevent getting ill during the winter comprise the essential customs of Yalda. For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/262998837564912/, Come enjoy traditional Persian Music and Dance performance, Persian soup (Aash Reshteh) and more! Everyone is welcome to attend to this public event.

4. HEALTHY ANALYTICS SUMMIT KICKOFF EVENT – REGISTRATION ENDS DEC 21, 2017
Wednesday, Jan 10, 2018, 8:00am-4:00pm, Newman Library Multipurpose Room
Working with health data? Interested in learning how health data is used on campus? Hosted by the University Libraries’ Health Analytics Team, this unique event is for any students, faculty, and staff who want to learn about or are exploring the use and impact of health data on research.  Using real data, multiple breakout sessions will showcase skills and tools needed to manage, share, and visualize health data across the humanities and sciences. This one-day symposium will include breakfast and lunch as well as a keynote by Dr. Irene Eckstrand, a former NIH Program Director and current faculty in the Biocomplexity Institute. Anyone with an interest in health is welcome and encouraged to attend. Please RSVP by Dec 21, 2017. For current information and schedule: http://tinyurl.com/healthsummit2018.

Administrative Announcements
5. BIOL 5174: WORK/LIFE BALANCE IN ACADEMIA – SPRING 2018 GRADUATE SEMINAR
BIOL 5174: Work/Life Balance in Academia (1 credit; CRN 19073), will be offered spring 2018 by Dr. Lisa Belden (belden@vt.edu).  This discussion-based graduate seminar will meet Tuesdays from 1230-130 and will address some of the challenges facing academics as we try to balance our academic positions with other important life responsibilities.  We will be primarily discussing family-related issues, although most of the topics we will cover apply broadly to "life" outside of work.  This course can be applied to the elective requirement for the future professoriate certificate.

6. SCHOOL OF PUBLIC & INT’L AFFAIRS (SPIA)  SPRING COURSE OPPORTUNITIES – 2nd posting
SPIA 5984: Facilitating Intergroup Dialogue: 1 Credit 9:00am-5:30pm, Feb 24& 25 Only-CRN: 20208
Course Overview: Study and practice of human relations and intergroup dialogue facilitation skills, specifically for use in diverse, intercultural contexts.
SPIA 5984: Grassroots Organizing Theory & Practice: 1 Credit 9:00am-5:30pm, Mar 17&18 Only-CRN: 20207
Course Overview: Study and practice direct-action community organizing with emphasis on strategies for fostering coalitions among diverse communities.
SPIA 5984: Conflict Resolution and Mediation: 1 Credit 9:00am-5:30pm on Apr 21&22 Only-CRN: 20206
Course Overview: Study and practice conflict resolution and mediation techniques, including intercultural perspectives on conflict mediation.
Contact Christian Matheis at matheisc@vt.edu with questions on any of these courses.

7. ENTREPRENEUR CHALLENGE – PITCH YOUR IDEA! – 2nd posting
Calling all entrepreneurial-minded students!  Got a winning startup idea?  Working on a new concept? Pitch your idea at the Virginia Tech Entrepreneur Challenge for a chance to win up to $60,000 in cash and prizes, including the $25,000 grand prize!  Visit the Entrepreneur Challenge Website and sign up today!  Team registration is now open at http://ApexCIE.vt.edu/entrepreneurchallenge.  Teams are encouraged to sign up immediately (it takes 2 minutes) in order to secure a spot in our preliminaries and receive support from the Apex Center to further develop their business models and executive summaries. Entrepreneur Challenge Finals will take place on March 24, 2018 at The Lyric Theatre.

8. THREE MINUTE THESIS INTEREST SURVEY – 2nd posting
If you are currently involved in thesis work, or will be writing one in the future, consider taking part in Three Minute Thesis this upcoming year. This has been a highly successful event worldwide and will help you finely tune your thesis work. See https://threeminutethesis.uq.edu.au/ for more information. If this is of interest to you, please fill out the 1-minute survey: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b7vPlVnUJ28Eu3P. If you have any questions, please contact Kelly at kmfomenko@vt.edu.

9. NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR WRITERS – 2nd posting
The Interloper, Virginia Tech’s LGBTQ Magazine, is now accepting applications for writers, editors, photographers, and artists for Issue #8 this spring. If you have any questions or are interested in joining, email Maggie at theinterlopervt@gmail.com

10. GRADUATE STUDENT PHOTOS ON DISPLAY – 3rd posting
The photographs submitted by your fellow graduate students under the theme, " A Changing World," are now up in the GLC meeting rooms hallway.  Come on by!

11. THOUGHTSWAP – A TEACHING RESOURCE FOR GTAS/INSTRUCTORS – 3rd posting
We are looking for a small cadre of enterprising graduate student instructors and faculty to work with ThoughtSwap by using it as part of their teaching/pedagogy during the Spring 2018 semester. ThoughtSwap is a tool that can be used to change and deepen the infrastructure of face-to-face classroom interaction. Up to 10 graduate students will be selected for this opportunity in the spring. The ThoughtSwap tool is used to support the distribution of a prompt for writing 5-8 minute draft responses and for the gathering and redistribution (“Swapping”) of drafts for the depiction component. To be eligible for participation in this pilot study, a graduate student must: (1) be in a doctoral program or equivalent, (2) be the instructor of record, (3) have taught at least two years.  In addition to helping class instruction and learning, benefits of participation include the support and structure of the focus group and the potential to add this to the C.V. and Teaching Statements.  To learn more about ThoughtSwap go to http://thoughtswap.cs.vt.edu/  or contact: Prof. Deborah Tatar at dtatar@cs.vt.edu.

12. GRADUATE STUDENT TUTORS NEEDED FOR RECENT IMMIGRANTS/REFUGEES – 3rd posting
Tutors sought by The Blacksburg Refugee Partnership (BRP), a group founded in the summer of 2016 to partner with former refugees in our community. The organization seeks to provide tutoring for 16 students, ranging from elementary to high school. To do this requires the regular and energetic commitment of many volunteer tutors. Tutors work with the students for one hour, two to three times per week, throughout the semester, either in-home or in-school.  In some cases they help with homework, at other times the focus is on the development of skills in speaking and reading English.  We provide a training session and ongoing support, including feedback from teachers. Applicants will be requested to supply 1) a recent background check, 2) a commitment to tutoring at least two hours each week through the end of the semester, 3) a promise to maintain confidentiality about the students’ educational matters, and about the families in general, 4) a positive attitude. Please follow this link to indicate your interest. Contact Prof. Brett Shadle at shadle@vt.edu with any questions.

13. LITTLE HOKE HANGOUT – LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE FOR SPRING ’18 – 3rd posting
Little Hokie Hangout has limited spaces available for Spring ’18 semester. These spots will be assigned on a first-come-first-served basis, so don’t wait! Students may apply through Friday 12/8, then enrollment will open to faculty and staff. Please email childcare@vt.edu for information, an application or to schedule a visit.

14. INVITATION TO SUBMIT WRITING – 3rd posting
The Institute for Policy and Governance (IPG) invites graduate students to submit to the student blog RE: Reflections and Explorations, offered through the Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance. All VT graduate students are eligible to offer essays as long as they address a policy, politics or governance issue or concern, but we particularly encourage those in Agricultural Leadership and Community Education, ASPECT, Government and International Affairs, Human Development, P G and G, Natural Resources, Public Administration and Public Policy, Political Science, Rhetoric and Writing, Sociology and Urban Affairs and Planning to submit essays. For examples of past topics, please read the archived essays. The RE column appears weekly and everyone who signs up is responsible for writing one article during the Spring 2018 semester. Your entry will be a topic of your choosing and total approximately 1,000 words. At your earliest convenience, please complete this Schedule  to sign up for a week. Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Send questions to mneda14@vt.edu or regina50@vt.edu .

15. ROAD TO ZERO FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM – 3rd posting
The National Safety Council (NSC) seeks a student interested in motor vehicle injury prevention for the Road to Zero fellowship program. Fellows work with the NSC government affairs team on its leadership of the Road to Zero coalition, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2050. The selected student will receive a full fellowship and tuition waiver for spring semester. When travel is required, student will be reimbursed for cost of travel and meals. For more information, please contact Jane Terry, Senior Director of Government Affairs at jane.terry@nsc.org. To apply, send a cover letter and resume and writing sample to Jane Terry no later than December 8, 2017.

16. GRAD 5214: DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY—SPRING 2018 – 3rd posting
Tuesdays 5:30-8:30pm in GLC, Room C—CRN 19601 – 3 Credits Instructors: Christian Matheis and Tami Amos. The world is increasingly more complex and diverse with emerging cultures and trends that impact global higher education. As a part of their graduate education, it is important that graduate students prepare themselves for the diverse global society of the future. This course is offered through the Transformative Graduate Education (TGE) framework with the intention to allow for the content to reach beyond a single disciplinary perspective to allow many points of views and across multi disciplines. This course fulfills part of the requirements for the Future Professoriate Graduate Certificate. Contact: Christian Matheis at cmatheisc@vt.edu.

Jobs:
17. WINTER BREAK VIRTUAL REALITY EPIDEMIOLOGICAL VISUALIZATION OPPORTUNITY
We are seeking a software developer to work closely with School of Visual Arts professor Zach Duer and Biocomplexity Institute professor Bryan Lewis in the creation of a virtual reality visualization of an agent-based nuclear fallout simulation. Work will be completed in Unity and C#.  Code development experience is expected, but it does not need to be specific to Unity or C#.  Part-time work will be completed between mid-December to late-January and compensation for your time will be provided. Interested individuals should email Van Truong as soon as possible at heyvan@vt.edu.

 Volunteers and research participants sought
18. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR A WALKING AND RUNNING STUDY
Volunteers needed for a 2 visit study, each visit should be about 30 minutes. Participants will walk and run at three different paces: 20, 10 and 9 minutes per mile. Each of these will be performed uphill, downhill and flat for 1 minute. If you are interested please email granata-lab-g@vt.edu.

Upcoming events:
None at this time

Events
1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – last updated 12/11/2017
– Career Advising: Wednesday, 2:00-5:00pm, Info kiosk in lobby
– Ask the Academy: GTA Walk-In Advising: On hiatus until 2018
– Cook Counseling: Thursdays and Fridays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
– Graduate School hours: MTThF 8:00-5:00pm, W 9:30-5:00
– Immigration advising hours: MWF 1:00-4:00pm, TTh 9:00am-12:00pm Room 120
– Writing assistance: reserve appointment at https://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing-center.html

2. WELLNESS CONNECT LUNCH
Tuesday, Dec 12, 11:00am-1:00pm, GLC, Multipurpose Room
Take a lunch break and join us to learn about campus resources for graduate students! Meet representatives from Rec sports, Hokie Wellness, Cook Counseling and many more while enjoying some free food.
All are welcome to attend! Questions? Contact Luisa at luisab93@vt.edu.

3. COME CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF THE 7TH ISSUE OF THE INTERLOPER
Tuesday, Dec 12, 4:00-6:00pm, LGBTQ+ Resource Center, Squires Student Center Room 312
The Interloper, Virginia Tech’s LGBTQ Magazine, is proud to announce the release of their 7th issue and would love for you to come celebrate with us! In collaboration with the LGBTQ+ Resource Center, we are hosting a release tea on December 12th from 4:00-6:00 with treats from Bollo’s. Come get your copy hot off the press, enjoy treats, and bring your friends! More information can be found on our Facebook event or email Maggie at theinterlopervt@gmail.com.

4. GRAD MINDFULNESS – FINAL SESSION OF 2017
Wednesday, Dec 13, 11:00-11:30am, 5071 Derring Hall
Meets every Wednesday. At each meeting there will be a short guided mindfulness exercise followed by time to practice on your own. You don’t need to stay for the whole time. Feel free to just drop in, just take care to not disturb others.  Here is a link to a cool free mindfulness app! Email lashley@vt.edu with any questions.

5. GLC CAFÉ: BANANA PUDDING EDITION
Thursday, Dec 14, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Celebrate Reading Day with banana pudding and the usual coffee, tea and cookies in the company of your graduate student colleagues.  Enjoy good company, socialize and relax as you get ready for exams, final presentations and the last big push before the semester is over.

6. READING DAY DONUTS
Thursday, Dec 14, 6:00pm – until out of donuts, GLC Reading Room
The GLC Fellows are sponsoring donuts in the GLC Reading Room on Reading Day. Come take a break and enjoy a free donut!

7. YOGA AND MEDITATION
Friday Dec 15, 3:00-4:00pm; Monday, Dec 18, 8:00-9:00am, GLC Wellness Room
Take a study break and unwind with yoga and meditation in the new GLC Wellness Room. Open to all graduate students – no need to register. Sponsored by Recreational Sports.

Administrative Announcements
8. SCHOOL OF PUBLIC & INT’L AFFAIRS (SPIA)  SPRING COURSE OPPORTUNITIES
SPIA 5984: Facilitating Intergroup Dialogue: 1 Credit 9:00am-5:30pm, Feb 24& 25 Only-CRN: 20208
Course Overview: Study and practice of human relations and intergroup dialogue facilitation skills, specifically for use in diverse, intercultural contexts.
SPIA 5984: Grassroots Organizing Theory & Practice: 1 Credit 9:00am-5:30pm, Mar 17&18 Only-CRN: 20207
Course Overview: Study and practice direct-action community organizing with emphasis on strategies for fostering coalitions among diverse communities.
SPIA 5984: Conflict Resolution and Mediation: 1 Credit 9:00am-5:30pm on Apr 21&22 Only-CRN: 20206
Course Overview: Study and practice conflict resolution and mediation techniques, including intercultural perspectives on conflict mediation.
Contact Christian Matheis at matheisc@vt.edu with questions on any of these courses.

9. ENTREPRENEUR CHALLENGE – PITCH YOUR IDEA!
Calling all entrepreneurial-minded students!  Got a winning startup idea?  Working on a new concept?
Pitch your idea at the Virginia Tech Entrepreneur Challenge for a chance to win up to $60,000 in cash and prizes, including the $25,000 grand prize!  Visit the Entrepreneur Challenge Website and sign up today!  Team registration is now open at http://ApexCIE.vt.edu/entrepreneurchallenge.  Teams are encouraged to sign up immediately (it takes 2 minutes) in order to secure a spot in our preliminaries and receive support from the Apex Center to further develop their business models and executive summaries. Entrepreneur Challenge Finals will take place on March 24, 2018 at The Lyric Theatre.

10. THREE MINUTE THESIS INTEREST SURVEY – 1st posting
If you are currently involved in thesis work, or will be writing one in the future, consider taking part in Three Minute Thesis this upcoming year. This has been a highly successful event worldwide and will help you finely tune your thesis work. See https://threeminutethesis.uq.edu.au/ for more information. If this is of interest to you, please fill out the 1-minute survey: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b7vPlVnUJ28Eu3P. If you have any questions, please contact Kelly at kmfomenko@vt.edu.

11. NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR WRITERS – 1st posting
The Interloper, Virginia Tech’s LGBTQ Magazine, is now accepting applications for writers, editors, photographers, and artists for Issue #8 this spring. If you have any questions or are interested in joining, email Maggie at theinterlopervt@gmail.com

12. GRADUATE STUDENT PHOTOS ON DISPLAY – 2nd posting
The photographs submitted by your fellow graduate students under the theme, " A Changing World," are now up in the GLC meeting rooms hallway.  Come on by!

13. THOUGHTSWAP – A TEACHING RESOURCE FOR GTAS/INSTRUCTORS – 2ND posting
We are looking for a small cadre of enterprising graduate student instructors and faculty to work with ThoughtSwap by using it as part of their teaching/pedagogy during the Spring 2018 semester. ThoughtSwap is a tool that can be used to change and deepen the infrastructure of face-to-face classroom interaction. Up to 10 graduate students will be selected for this opportunity in the spring. The ThoughtSwap tool is used to support the distribution of a prompt for writing 5-8 minute draft responses and for the gathering and redistribution (“Swapping”) of drafts for the depiction component. To be eligible for participation in this pilot study, a graduate student must: (1) be in a doctoral program or equivalent, (2) be the instructor of record, (3) have taught at least two years.  In addition to helping class instruction and learning, benefits of participation include the support and structure of the focus group and the potential to add this to the C.V. and Teaching Statements.  To learn more about ThoughtSwap go to http://thoughtswap.cs.vt.edu/  or contact: Prof. Deborah Tatar at dtatar@cs.vt.edu.

14. GRADUATE STUDENT TUTORS NEEDED FOR RECENT IMMIGRANTS/REFUGEES – 2nd posting
Tutors sought by The Blacksburg Refugee Partnership (BRP), a group founded in the summer of 2016 to partner with former refugees in our community. The organization seeks to provide tutoring for 16 students, ranging from elementary to high school. To do this requires the regular and energetic commitment of many volunteer tutors. Tutors work with the students for one hour, two to three times per week, throughout the semester, either in-home or in-school.  In some cases they help with homework, at other times the focus is on the development of skills in speaking and reading English.  We provide a training session and ongoing support, including feedback from teachers. Applicants will be requested to supply 1) a recent background check, 2) a commitment to tutoring at least two hours each week through the end of the semester, 3) a promise to maintain confidentiality about the students’ educational matters, and about the families in general, 4) a positive attitude. Please follow this link to indicate your interest. Contact Prof. Brett Shadle at shadle@vt.edu with any questions.

15. LITTLE HOKE HANGOUT – LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE FOR SPRING ’18 – 2nd posting
Little Hokie Hangout has limited spaces available for Spring ’18 semester. These spots will be assigned on a first-come-first-served basis, so don’t wait! Students may apply through Friday 12/8, then enrollment will open to faculty and staff. Please email childcare@vt.edu for information, an application or to schedule a visit.

16. INVITATION TO SUBMIT WRITING – 2nd posting
The Institute for Policy and Governance (IPG) invites graduate students to submit to the student blog RE: Reflections and Explorations, offered through the Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance. All VT graduate students are eligible to offer essays as long as they address a policy, politics or governance issue or concern, but we particularly encourage those in Agricultural Leadership and Community Education, ASPECT, Government and International Affairs, Human Development, P G and G, Natural Resources, Public Administration and Public Policy, Political Science, Rhetoric and Writing, Sociology and Urban Affairs and Planning to submit essays. For examples of past topics, please read the archived essays. The RE column appears weekly and everyone who signs up is responsible for writing one article during the Spring 2018 semester. Your entry will be a topic of your choosing and total approximately 1,000 words. At your earliest convenience, please complete this Schedule  to sign up for a week. Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Send questions to mneda14@vt.edu or regina50@vt.edu .

17. ROAD TO ZERO FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM – 2nd posting
The National Safety Council (NSC) seeks a student interested in motor vehicle injury prevention for the Road to Zero fellowship program. Fellows work with the NSC government affairs team on its leadership of the Road to Zero coalition, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2050. The selected student will receive a full fellowship and tuition waiver for spring semester. When travel is required, student will be reimbursed for cost of travel and meals. For more information, please contact Jane Terry, Senior Director of Government Affairs at jane.terry@nsc.org. To apply, send a cover letter and resume and writing sample to Jane Terry no later than December 8, 2017.

18. GRAD 5214: DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY—SPRING 2018 – 2nd posting
Tuesdays 5:30-8:30pm in GLC, Room C—CRN 19601 – 3 Credits Instructors: Christian Matheis and Tami Amos. The world is increasingly more complex and diverse with emerging cultures and trends that impact global higher education. As a part of their graduate education, it is important that graduate students prepare themselves for the diverse global society of the future. This course is offered through the Transformative Graduate Education (TGE) framework with the intention to allow for the content to reach beyond a single disciplinary perspective to allow many points of views and across multi disciplines. This course fulfills part of the requirements for the Future Professoriate Graduate Certificate. Contact: Christian Matheis at cmatheisc@vt.edu.

Jobs: 
19. GA (WEB DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT) IN ACADEMIC DECISION SUPPORT – 3rd posting
VT’s Office of Academic Decision Support is looking for a full-time (20 hrs/wk) Graduate Assistant for Spring 2018. GA’s primary responsibilities include designing and creating web site/web-application. Must have strong and verifiable UI/UX and web programming skills. Other requirements include UI/UX design and development skills; knowledge of web markup and scripting languages (HTML5, CSS3, Javascript and jQuery) with an understanding translating mockups to code; demonstrated evidence in UI/UX design and development; evidence of creativity and innovation; ability to work in collaborative environment and excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Preferred skills include knowledge of server-side CSS pre-processing platforms, such as LESS and SASS; experience with web frameworks/CMS; experience in Javascript/jQuery; experience in Django; and web app design and/or development experience. Interested students can email their CV with links to supplementary materials such as sample websites/applications and code repositories along names and contact information of two to three references to Daniel Hung at chung@vt.edu.

Volunteers and research participants sought
20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR TRANSPORT SATISFACTION STUDY – 3rd posting
(Dis)satisfied with your commute? We are seeking participants for a study on neighborhood and transport satisfaction. Participants will (1) install an Android GPS app called Daynamica, (2) answer a 10-minute entry survey, and (3) use the app to track transportation mode, route, and distance of your daily travel. Upon completing each trip, you will report your satisfaction with a 1-minute survey. Must be 18 or older. A $25 Amazon gift card will be awarded to each participant who completes an entrance survey and at least 5 trip surveys, and upload all trip data in one week. If interested, visit the study website at http://uap.vt.edu/travelmood or contact Steve Hankey at hankey@vt.edu, (540) 231-7508.

21. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR OSTEOPATHIC ASSESSMENT AND MANIPULATION – 3rd posting
The Kevin P. Granata Lab is seeking volunteers for a study examining osteopathic assessment and manipulation. Participation in the study would include an osteopathic assessment and a biomechanical assessment; osteopathic manipulation and a second biomechanical assessment may also be included in participation. Volunteers must be 1) between 18 and 35 years of age, 2) have no history of lower limb musculoskeletal surgery or disease, 3) and have no lower limb musculoskeletal injuries in the past 3 months that restricted physical activity for more than 1-2 days. If you meet these requirements and are interested in participating, please contact Cherice Hughes-Oliver at granata-lab-g@vt.edu or (540) 231-4294.

Upcoming events:
FINAL GLC CAFÉ OF 2017 AND BOOK SWAP
Monday, Dec 18, 3:00-4:30pm, GLC Reading Room
Stop by for the final café of the year and enjoy some hot beverages, home-baked goodies, and good conversation in good company. Take some books from our Reading Room collection to enjoy during the break! The Thursday café on Dec 21 is cancelled due to graduate commencement; the GLC café will return on Thursday, Jan 4.

YALDA NIGHT
Thursday, Dec 21, 6:00-10:30 pm, Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires Student Center
Yalda, the longest night of the year, one of the most important traditional Iranian festivals since thousands of years ago, is a night in which friends and families come together and stay up until after midnight. Playing traditional music, singing traditional Persian dance, and reading poems such as Divan-e-Hafez are some of the major activities in this event. Moreover, eating pomegranates as a sign of rebirth and revival of generations, and watermelons as summer fruit to prevent getting ill during the winter comprise the essential customs of Yalda. For more information visit the website of the event: https://www.facebook.com/events/262998837564912/, Come enjoy traditional Persian Music and Dance performance, Persian soup (Aash Reshteh) and more!

HEALTHY ANALYTICS SUMMIT KICKOFF EVENT – REGISTRATION ENDS DEC 21, 2017
Wednesday, Jan 10, 2018, 8:00am-4:00pm, Newman Library Multipurpose Room
Working with health data? Interested in learning how health data is used on campus? Hosted by the University Libraries’ Health Analytics Team, this unique event is for any students, faculty, and staff who want to learn about or are exploring the use and impact of health data on research.  Using real data, multiple breakout sessions will showcase skills and tools needed to manage, share, and visualize health data across the humanities and sciences. This one-day symposium will include breakfast and lunch as well as a keynote by Dr. Irene Eckstrand, a former NIH Program Director and current faculty in the Biocomplexity Institute. Anyone with an interest in health is welcome and encouraged to attend. Please RSVP by Dec 21, 2017. For current information and schedule: http://tinyurl.com/healthsummit2018.

Events
1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – last updated 9/25/2017
– Career Advising: Wednesday, 2:00-5:00pm, Info kiosk in lobby
– Ask the Academy: GTA Walk-In Advising: Tuesday and Wednesday, GLC Room A, 4:00-6:00pm
– Cook Counseling: Thursdays and Fridays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
– Graduate School hours: MTThF 8:00-5:00pm, W 9:30-5:00
– Immigration advising hours: MWF 1:00-4:00pm, TTh 9:00am-12:00pm Room 120
– Writing assistance: reserve appointment at https://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing-center.html

2. ASK THE ACADEMY: GTA WALK-IN ADVISING
Tuesday & Wednesday, Dec 5 & 6, GLC Room A, 4:00-6:00pm
Do you have questions about teaching or grading? Are you experiencing a challenge in the classroom that you don’t know how to resolve? Drop by to chat, share experiences, and get advice from Fellows of the Graduate Academy for Teaching Excellence. Light refreshments will be provided; bring your own mug if you can. Can’t make it in person? Send your questions and comments to Ask a Fellow.

3. FREE ADMISSION FILM NIGHT AT THE LYRIC!
Dec 5, 2017, 6:30-9:00pm, The Lyric Theater
Showing “A Separation.” Sponsored by The College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences, the English Department, and Mozaiko: A Global Living Learning Community. The event is open to the public and refreshments will be provided.

4. GRAD MINDFULNESS
Wednesday, Dec 6, 11:00-11:30am, 5071 Derring Hall
Meets every Wednesday. At each meeting there will be a short guided mindfulness exercise followed by time to practice on your own. You don’t need to stay for the whole time. Feel free to just drop in, just take care to not disturb others.  Here is a link to a cool free mindfulness app! Email lashley@vt.edu with any questions.

5. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Dec 7, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room       
Enjoy free coffee, tea, and snacks.  Join your fellow graduate students and GLC staff.  Socialize and relax!   Bring your own mug if you can.

6. PANEL DISCUSSION: CLASSROOM CHALLENGES FOR INTERNATIONAL GTAs
Thursday, Dec 7, 4:00-5:00pm, GLC Room C
The Academy for Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Excellence (VTGrATE) invites GTAs to a panel discussion on challenges that international GTAs/instructors-of-record may face in the classroom.  Panelists will share personal experiences and strategies on how they managed some of the challenges and how they use language and background differences as a tool for enhancing diversity in the classroom. Although the workshop is primarily directed at international students interested in teaching, all GTAs and instructors are welcome to attend. For questions, may contact Julio Roa (julioroa@vt.edu).

7. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE WEEKLY DROP IN CHILD CARE (REGISTRATION NOW REQUIRED)
Thursday, Dec 7, 6:00-8:30pm, Women’s Center, 206 Washington St., Bburg
On a trial basis Kids’ Night Out (KNO) is going to try a system of preregistering. Each week there will be a link on the home page (www.womenscenter.vt.edu) where parents can sign kids up. The aim is to have the link posted to the website by Monday afternoon each week. There will a “Doodle Poll” with a limited number of spots and when that is full, additional children for that week will no longer be accepted. Because of this, the following is requested: 1) Please only register if you are sure you are going to be able to make it; 2) so that everyone can have a chance to utilize KNO, if you have been coming regularly, perhaps wait until later in the week to see if there are still spots available. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu or 231-7806.

8. INTERNATIONAL CAFÉ HOUR: ISRAEL
Friday, Dec 8, 4:00-5:30pm, Deet’s Place, Dietrick Dining Center
The International Café Hour is an opportunity for all to engage in conversations, create friendships, share their culture, and to connect with the VT community in a casual and comfortable environment. The program is designed to be both social and educational so join us. This program is a wonderful opportunity for students to connect and learn across cultures! This month’s café hour is sponsored by Hillel at Virginia Tech. For more info, see our webpage: International Café Hour.

Administrative Announcements
9. GRADUATE STUDENT PHOTOS ON DISPLAY
The photographs submitted by your fellow graduate students under the theme, " A Changing World," are now up in the GLC meeting rooms hallway.  Come on by!

10. THOUGHTSWAP – A TEACHING RESOURCE FOR GTAS / INSTRUCTORS
We are looking for a small cadre of enterprising graduate student instructors and faculty to work with ThoughtSwap by using it as part of their teaching/pedagogy during the Spring 2018 semester.  ThoughtSwap is a tool that can be used to change and deepen the infrastructure of face-to-face classroom interaction. Up to 10 graduate students will be selected for this opportunity in the spring. The ThoughtSwap tool is used to support the distribution of a prompt for writing 5-8 minute draft responses and for the gathering and redistribution (“Swapping”) of drafts for the depiction component. To be eligible for participation in this pilot study, a graduate student must: (1) be in a doctoral program or equivalent, (2) be the instructor of record, (3) have taught at least two years.  In addition to helping class instruction and learning, benefits of participation include the support and structure of the focus group and the potential to add this to the C.V. and Teaching Statements.  To learn more about ThoughtSwap go to http://thoughtswap.cs.vt.edu/  or contact: Prof. Deborah Tatar at dtatar@cs.vt.edu.

11. GRADUATE STUDENTS SOUGHT AS TUTORS FOR RECENT IMMIGRANTS / REFUGEES
Tutors sought by The Blacksburg Refugee Partnership (BRP), a group founded in the summer of 2016 to partner with former refugees in our community.  The organization seeks to provide tutoring for 16 students, ranging from elementary to high school.  To do this requires the regular and energetic commitment of many volunteer tutors.  Tutors work with the students for one hour, two to three times per week, throughout the semester, either in-home or in-school.  In some cases they help with homework, at other times the focus is on the development of skills in speaking and reading English.  We provide a training session and ongoing support, including feedback from teachers. Applicants will be requested to supply 1) a recent background check, 2) a commitment to tutoring at least two hours each week through the end of the semester, 3) a promise to maintain confidentiality about the students’ educational matters, and about the families in general, 4) a positive attitude. Please follow this link to indicate your interest. Contact Prof. Brett Shadle at shadle@vt.edu with any questions.

12. LITTLE HOKE HANGOUT – LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE FOR SPRING ‘18
Little Hokie Hangout has limited spaces available for Spring ’18 semester. These spots will be assigned on a first-come-first-served basis, so don’t wait! Students may apply through Friday 12/8, then enrollment will open to faculty and staff. Please email childcare@vt.edu for information, an application or to schedule a visit.

13. INVITATION TO SUBMIT WRITING – 1st posting
The Institute for Policy and Governance (IPG) invites graduate students to submit to the student blog RE: Reflections and Explorations, offered through the Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance. All VT graduate students are eligible to offer essays as long as they address a policy, politics or governance issue or concern, but we particularly encourage those in Agricultural Leadership and Community Education, ASPECT, Government and International Affairs, Human Development, P G and G, Natural Resources, Public Administration and Public Policy, Political Science, Rhetoric and Writing, Sociology and Urban Affairs and Planning to submit essays. For examples of past topics, please read the archived essays. The RE column appears weekly and everyone who signs up is responsible for writing one article during the Spring 2018 semester. Your entry will be a topic of your choosing and total approximately 1,000 words. At your earliest convenience, please complete this Schedule  to sign up for a week. Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Send questions to mneda14@vt.edu or regina50@vt.edu .

14. ROAD TO ZERO FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM – 1st posting
The National Safety Council (NSC) seeks a student interested in motor vehicle injury prevention for the Road to Zero fellowship program. Fellows work with the NSC government affairs team on its leadership of the Road to Zero coalition, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2050. The selected student will receive a full fellowship and tuition waiver for spring semester. When travel is required, student will be reimbursed for cost of travel and meals. For more information, please contact Jane Terry, Senior Director of Government Affairs at jane.terry@nsc.org. To apply, send a cover letter and resume and writing sample to Jane Terry no later than December 8, 2017.

15. GRAD 5214: DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY—SPRING 2018 – 1st posting
Tuesdays 5:30-8:30pm in GLC, Room C—CRN 19601 – 3 Credits Instructors: Christian Matheis and Tami Amos. The world is increasingly more complex and diverse with emerging cultures and trends that impact global higher education. As a part of their graduate education, it is important that graduate students prepare themselves for the diverse global society of the future. This course is offered through the Transformative Graduate Education (TGE) framework with the intention to allow for the content to reach beyond a single disciplinary perspective to allow many points of views and across multi disciplines. This course fulfills part of the requirements for the Future Professoriate Graduate Certificate. Contact: Christian Matheis at cmatheisc@vt.edu.

17. UH3004: IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS FOR ART, DATA, AND RESEARCH – 3rd posting
This winter semester class in the Cube at the Moss Arts Center, hosted by the Honors College and the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology, is now open to Graduate Students. This class provides students with a unique Wintermester experience in Blacksburg to receive hands on experience learning about immersive environments in the Cube, a facility like no other in the world. By the end of this class, you will create a project that includes: motion capture, virtual reality, immersive projection, and spatial audio.  e course will demonstrate the applicability of virtual environments across a wide range of disciplines. Course meets Jan 2-13, 2018 on MTWHF from 9:00am – 12:45pm and is instructed by Zachary Duer, School of Visual Arts (zachduer@vt.edu) and Tanner Upthegrove, Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (tannerupthegrove@vt.edu). For more info, go to  http://icat.vt.edu/uh3004/. To register, visit www.winter.edm.vt.edu

18. FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION NOW OPEN – 3rd posting
The 2018-2019 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is open now for US citizens and permanent resident.  The 18-19 FAFSA will determine your federal aid eligibility for Fall 2018, Spring 2019 and Summer 2019.  While there is not a specific deadline for graduate students, it is recommended that you submit the FAFSA by early spring semester so that the financial aid office has time to process the application and prepare your aid for the new academic year.   The FAFSA is available at http://www.fafsa.gov.  If you need help with your FAFSA, stop by the financial aid office during one of their FAFSA Friday events on Dec 1  from 3:00-7:00pm. Staff will be available to help you submit the FAFSA as well as answer any questions you may have.  Posted on behalf of Stephanie Breeding, sbreed@vt.edu.

Jobs: 
19. GA (WEB DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT) IN ACADEMIC DECISION SUPPORT – 2nd posting
VT’s Office of Academic Decision Support is looking for a full-time (20 hrs/wk) Graduate Assistant for Spring 2018. GA’s primary responsibilities include designing and creating web site/web-application. Must have strong and verifiable UI/UX and web programming skills. Other requirements include UI/UX design and development skills; knowledge of web markup and scripting languages (HTML5, CSS3, Javascript and jQuery) with an understanding translating mockups to code; demonstrated evidence in UI/UX design and development; evidence of creativity and innovation; ability to work in collaborative environment and excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Preferred skills include knowledge of server-side CSS pre-processing platforms, such as LESS and SASS; experience with web frameworks/CMS; experience in Javascript/jQuery; experience in Django; and web app design and/or development experience. Interested students can email their CV with links to supplementary materials such as sample websites/applications and code repositories along names and contact information of two to three references to Daniel Hung at chung@vt.edu.

Volunteers and research participants sought
20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR TRANSPORT SATISFACTION STUDY – 2nd posting
(Dis)satisfied with your commute? We are seeking participants for a study on neighborhood and transport satisfaction. Participants will (1) install an Android GPS app called Daynamica, (2) answer a 10-minute entry survey, and (3) use the app to track transportation mode, route, and distance of your daily travel. Upon completing each trip, you will report your satisfaction with a 1-minute survey. Must be 18 or older. A $25 Amazon gift card will be awarded to each participant who completes an entrance survey and at least 5 trip surveys, and upload all trip data in one week. If interested, visit the study website at http://uap.vt.edu/travelmood or contact Steve Hankey at hankey@vt.edu, (540) 231-7508.

21. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR OSTEOPATHIC ASSESSMENT AND MANIPULATION – 2nd posting
The Kevin P. Granata Lab is seeking volunteers for a study examining osteopathic assessment and manipulation. Participation in the study would include an osteopathic assessment and a biomechanical assessment; osteopathic manipulation and a second biomechanical assessment may also be included in participation. Volunteers must be 1) between 18 and 35 years of age, 2) have no history of lower limb musculoskeletal surgery or disease, 3) and have no lower limb musculoskeletal injuries in the past 3 months that restricted physical activity for more than 1-2 days. If you meet these requirements and are interested in participating, please contact Cherice Hughes-Oliver at granata-lab-g@vt.edu or (540) 231-4294.

22. FACIAL EMOTION RECOGNITION INTERVENTION FOR CHILDREN WITH ASD – 3rd posting
The goal of this study is to assess the feasibility of an attention modification intervention to attenuate deficits in facial emotion recognition and expression in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We are enrolling children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 9 to 12 years of age, who may show difficulties recognizing facial expressions for 5 week, 10 session computer treatment. Parent and child will also be asked to complete three assessment sessions during the course of the treatment. Participants will receive $20 per assessment session, in addition to $20 for completing all treatment sessions, for up to $80 total.
Study will take place at the Child Study Center at Virginia Tech. If interested, contact Andrea Trubanova Wieckowski at atruban@vt.edu or call (540) 231-2024.

23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BETTER UNDERSTAND CAUSES OF FEAR – 3rd posting
Yes, Halloween is gone but our study is still here. We are looking for participants over 18 years old to measure their physiological changes while they watching video clips that cause fear, as defined in entertainment industry. We are exploring ways to build a stimulus that arose fear. If you are interested, please email rtasooji@vt.edu.

Upcoming events:
WELLNESS CONNECT LUNCH
Tuesday, Dec 12, 11:00am-1:00pm, GLC, Multipurpose Room
Take a lunch break and join us to learn about campus resources for graduate students! Meet representatives from Rec sports, Hokie Wellness, Cook Counseling and many more while enjoying some free food. All are welcome to attend! Questions? Contact Luisa at luisab93@vt.edu.

READING DAY DONUTS
Thursday, Dec 14, 6:00pm – until out of donuts, GLC Reading Room
The GLC Fellows are sponsoring donuts in the GLC Reading Room on Reading Day. Come take a break and enjoy a free donut!

YOGA AND MEDITATION
Friday Dec 15, 3:00-4:00pm; Monday, Dec 18, 8:00-9:00am, GLC Wellness Room
Take a study break and unwind with yoga and meditation in the new GLC Wellness Room. Open to all graduate students – no need to register. Sponsored by Recreational Sports.

YALDA NIGHT
Dec 21, 6:00-10:30 pm, Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires Student Center
Yalda, the longest night of the year, one of the most important traditional Iranian festivals since thousands of years ago, is a night in which friends and families come together and stay up until after midnight. Playing traditional music, singing traditional Persian dance, and reading poems such as Divan-e-Hafez are some of the major activities in this event. Moreover, eating pomegranates as a sign of rebirth and revival of generations, and watermelons as summer fruit to prevent getting ill during the winter comprise the essential customs of Yalda. Tickets are available at https://tickets.artscenter.vt.edu/studentcenters/online/default.asp, Come enjoy traditional Persian Music and Dance performance, Persian soup (Aash Reshteh) and more!

HEALTHY ANALYTICS SUMMIT KICKOFF EVENT – REGISTRATION ENDS DEC 21, 2017
Wednesday, Jan 10, 2018, 8:00am-4:00pm, Newman Library Multipurpose Room
Working with health data? Interested in learning how health data is used on campus? Hosted by the University Libraries’ Health Analytics Team, this unique event is for any students, faculty, and staff who want to learn about or are exploring the use and impact of health data on research.  Using real data, multiple breakout sessions will showcase skills and tools needed to manage, share, and visualize health data across the humanities and sciences. This one-day symposium will include breakfast and lunch as well as a keynote by Dr. Irene Eckstrand, a former NIH Program Director and current faculty in the Biocomplexity Institute. Anyone with an interest in health is welcome and encouraged to attend. Please RSVP by Dec 21, 2017. For current information and schedule: http://tinyurl.com/healthsummit2018.

Events
1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – last updated 9/25/2017
– Career Advising: Wednesday, 2:00-5:00pm, Info kiosk in lobby
– Ask the Academy: GTA Walk-In Advising: Tuesday and Wednesday, GLC Room A, 4:00-6:00pm
– Cook Counseling: Thursdays and Fridays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
– Graduate School hours: MTThF 8:00-5:00pm, W 9:30-5:00
– Immigration advising hours: MWF 1:00-4:00pm, TTh 9:00am-12:00pm Room 120
– Writing assistance: reserve appointment at https://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing-center.html

2. PREPARING TO TEACH FOR THE FIRST TIME DISCUSSION PANEL
Monday, Nov 27, GLC Room F, 5:30-7:00p.m
Teaching for the first time this Spring? Have questions? The Virginia Teach Academy of Graduate Teaching Excellence is happy to host a panel of experienced teachers to talk about the first time teaching experience! Come ask questions and engage in some seriously fun pedagogical discussion!

3. ASK THE ACADEMY: GTA WALK-IN ADVISING
Tuesday & Wednesday, Nov 28 & Nov 29, GLC Room A, 4:00-6:00pm
Do you have questions about teaching or grading? Are you experiencing a challenge in the classroom that you don’t know how to resolve? Drop by to chat, share experiences, and get advice from Fellows of the Graduate Academy for Teaching Excellence. Light refreshments will be provided; bring your own mug if you can. Can’t make it in person? Send your questions and comments to Ask a Fellow.

4. INKING ON TABLET COMPUTERS: OFFICE AND ONENOTE TRAINING
Wednesday, Nov 29, 10:30am-12:30pm, Torgersen 1100
We are conducting a 2-hour NLI training session to familiarize participants with Pen-Enabled features of their tablet PC, and to demonstrate the practical uses of inking through Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and especially OneNote. To register, please visit https://app.nli.tlos.vt.edu/registration/all_courses/#?offering=6105. Course Credits: 2

5. GRAD MINDFULNESS
Wednesday, Nov 29, 11:00-11:30am, 5071 Derring Hall
Meets every Wednesday. At each meeting there will be a short guided mindfulness exercise followed by time to practice on your own. You don’t need to stay for the whole time. Feel free to just drop in, just take care to not disturb others.  Here is a link to a cool free mindfulness app! Email lashley@vt.edu with any questions.

6. ADVANCING THE HUMAN CONDITION SYMPOSIUM
Wednesday, Nov 29, 9:00am-Noon, Smithfield Room, Inn at Virginia Tech
Please join the Office for Inclusion and Diversity and the Graduate School Office of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives for a research poster session on topics relevant to the theme of advancing the human condition. To register please go to: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4Smi6yDiWX2xVXL or contact Christian Matheis at matheisc@vt.edu.

7. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Nov 30, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room       
Enjoy free coffee, tea, and snacks.  Join your fellow graduate students and GLC staff.  Socialize and relax!   Bring your own mug if you can.

8. EPORTFOLIO STUDENT SHOWCASE
Thursday, Nov 30, 5:30-8:00pm, Newman Library Multipurpose Room
Come and explore ePortfolios created by undergraduate and graduate students at Virginia Tech. This open house showcase will highlight the experiences of students and best practices to create effective ePortfolios. This event is open to students, faculty, and staff. Refreshments will be provided. For registration, go to https://goo.gl/a34KQ2 or contact Miko Nino at mnino@vt.edu.

9. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE WEEKLY DROP IN CHILD CARE (REGISTRATION NOW REQUIRED)
Thursday, Nov 30, 6:00-8:30pm, Women’s Center, 206 Washington St., Bburg
On a trial basis Kids’ Night Out (KNO) is going to try a system of preregistering. Each week there will be a link on the home page (www.womenscenter.vt.edu) where parents can sign kids up. The aim is to have the link posted to the website by Monday afternoon each week. There will a “Doodle Poll” with a limited number of spots and when that is full, additional children for that week will no longer be accepted. Because of this, the following is requested: 1) Please only register if you are sure you are going to be able to make it; 2) so that everyone can have a chance to utilize KNO, if you have been coming regularly, perhaps wait until later in the week to see if there are still spots available. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu or 231-7806.

10. AMERICAN INDIAN CONNECT LUNCH
Friday, Dec 1, 12:00-1:00pm, Graduate Life Center, Room F
Join the Graduate School Office of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives for lunch in honor of Native American Heritage Month and connect with fellow Native American faculty, staff and students while enjoying some free food! RSVP here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2fe8LAuRh2E5Ed7. All are welcome to attend! Questions? Contact Luisa at luisab93@vt.edu.

11. GRAD WOMEN’S ALLIANCE COOKIE EXCHANGE
Friday, Dec 1, 12:00 – 2:00pm, Norris 325
Bake and bring a dozen (or two!) of your favorite cookies to share with the Graduate Student Women’s Alliance in our First Annual Cookie Exchange. Be sure to bring a copy of your recipe so we can make a recipe book and send it to all of the attendees! Happy Holidays!

12. WINTER LIGHTS, MUSIC, & PARADE
Friday, Dec 1, 5:25-8pm, GLC Lobby/Henderson Lawn
Come join the Graduate Fellows and fellow students for the Blacksburg Tree Lighting Ceremony (5:40pm), followed by Tuba Christmas (6pm), and Holiday Parade (7pm)! We will meet in GLC Lobby at 5:25pm and then walk over to Henderson Lawn. Anyone is welcome to join us for this family friendly event! Contact Athulya Simon at aasimon@vt.edu with any questions.

13. SYMPOSIUM ON ART & ICONOGRAPHY
Saturday, Dec 2, 2:00pm, St. Philip’s Anglican Church, 306 Progress Street NE, Blacksburg
Graduate Student Rebecca Williams invites you to a free symposium on art and iconography with Russian Orthodox, Los Angeles-based professor and iconographer Jonathan Edwards. This event will explore the continuing relevance of antiquity to the modern day and provide an opportunity for discourse on the topic. There will be a discussion panel and Q&A session along with the talk. This is the perfect event for historians, artists, philosophers, theologians, and humanists of all backgrounds to expand their knowledge of an ancient art form and contribute their own insights. Visit the website for more information!

14. JOIN IN THE LAIGSA WINTER DINNER
Saturday, Dec 2, 7:00pm, Zeppoli’s Restaurant, 810 University City Blvd #22, Blacksburg.
LAIGSA, Latin American and Iberian Graduate Students Association, invites you to celebrate the Holiday Season. Tickets available ($20) at https://tinyurl.com/y73gxkaf, for kids ($8)  https://tinyurl.com/y837gbag.  Cocktail/Semi-Formal attire, limited tickets available. This event is open to all graduate students. There will not be tickets available at the event.

15. GLC LASER TAG AT PANDAPAS POND (OUTDOOR AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY)
Sunday, Dec 3, 1:30pm–5:30pm
It is time for bonding fun, teamwork collaboration, and stress relief physical activity. Rain or shine, we will run around outdoors and play laser tag, a family friendly outdoor game! Join your fellow grad students on a free trip to Pandapas Pond. This event is hosted by your graduate fellows and LCAT: Laser Tag Club at Virginia Tech. To sign up, fill out this survey: https://survey.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_29lrhw99HAkD5Ix. Contact GLC fellow Erik Fendik at ef@vt.edu if you have any questions.

Administrative Announcements
16. TFP APPLICATION REVIEW – 1st posting
The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) is looking for graduate student volunteers to review applications for the Travel Fund Program (TFP). To review applications, you must be a graduate student, and you must be one that did not apply to the fall 2017 TFP application cycle. Although we cannot compensate you with money, we do compensate with free food and eternal gratitude. To sign up, visit: bit.ly/TFP-fall2017-appreview.

17. UH3004: IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS FOR ART, DATA, AND RESEARCH – 2nd posting
This winter semester class in the Cube at the Moss Arts Center, hosted by the Honors College and the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology, is now open to Graduate Students. This class provides students with a unique Wintermester experience in Blacksburg to receive hands on experience learning about immersive environments in the Cube, a facility like no other in the world. By the end of this class, you will create a project that includes: motion capture, virtual reality, immersive projection, and spatial audio.  e course will demonstrate the applicability of virtual environments across a wide range of disciplines. Course meets Jan 2-13, 2018 on MTWHF from 9:00am – 12:45pm and is instructed by Zachary Duer, School of Visual Arts (zachduer@vt.edu) and Tanner Upthegrove, Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (tannerupthegrove@vt.edu). For more info, go to  http://icat.vt.edu/uh3004/. To register, visit www.winter.edm.vt.edu

18. FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION NOW OPEN – 2nd posting
The 2018-2019 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is open now for US citizens and permanent resident.  The 18-19 FAFSA will determine your federal aid eligibility for Fall 2018, Spring 2019 and Summer 2019.  While there is not a specific deadline for graduate students, it is recommended that you submit the FAFSA by early spring semester so that the financial aid office has time to process the application and prepare your aid for the new academic year.   The FAFSA is available at http://www.fafsa.gov .  If you need help with your FAFSA, stop by the financial aid office during one of their FAFSA Friday events on Dec 1  from 3:00-7:00pm. Staff will be available to help you submit the FAFSA as well as answer any questions you may have.  Posted on behalf of Stephanie Breeding, sbreed@vt.edu.

19. NOMINATIONS & APPLICATIONS FOR 2017-2018 DIVERSITY SCHOLARS INVITED – 3rd posting
Diversity scholars are graduate students who specialize in and advocate for the awareness, knowledge, and skills associated with diversity and inclusion in the Graduate School and greater community. Diversity scholars propose, design, and implement projects that enhance the quality of life at Virginia Tech. Nominations are due by Friday, December 1st (self-nominations accepted). Applications are due by Friday, December 15th, and must include: 1) A recent copy of your C.V./Resume. 2) A brief proposal (overview/extended abstract). 3) A one-page, draft timeline of the steps required to carry out the project. Additional information and instructions available at the Application website: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eJ3zc4T21iUnORL. Contact Christian Matheis at matheisc@vt.edu for more info.

20. GSA "DR. RICH" CAP & GOWN LOTTERY – 3rd posting
Open until Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 11:59pm
If you are participating in commencement ceremonies this fall, you are eligible to borrow a graduate cap and gown from the GSA for $10! Note that the $10 fee helps us to keep the program running. You can access the lottery by visiting this link: bit.ly/capandgown_fall2017. The lottery (and the link) will close this Wednesday, November 29th at 11:59pm. Those chosen in the lottery will be notified no later than December 6th, and must still purchase their own hoods, tassels, and any other required regalia. All items are used, but gowns have been steam-cleaned, and caps have been disinfected. Email GSA Director of Programs Brittany Boribong at boribong@vt.edu with questions.

21. EPORTFOLIO STUDENT SHOWCASE – 3rd posting
As part of the ePortfolio initiative at Virginia Tech, the Libraries and its partners invite you to participate in the Fall 2017 Showcase. There will be 3 cash awards for graduate students: $500 for the 1st place, $250 for the second place, and $100 for the third place. Participating is pretty simple: Join the Portfolium network, add at least 5 samples of your work, and reflect on the learning in each one of these entries. For more information, visit eportfolios.vt.edu/showcase or email Miko Nino (mnino@vt.edu).

22. JOIN THE NANOTECHNOLOGY ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGE – 3rd posting
NanoEarth, an NSF center on earth and environmental nanotechnology housed here at VT-ICTAS, is hosting a Nanotechnology Entrepreneurship Challenge. All VT students are eligible to enter to complete with a business idea that utilizes nanotechnology to tackle sustainability challenges in aras like public health, agriculture, clean water, renewable energy, and beyond. Winners will be awarded a $2,500 grant to help turn the business idea into reality. Proposals are due Dec 1. Check out the top of the NanoEarth news page for more details and application forms www.nanoearth.ictas.vt.edu/news.html. For more information please contact Dr. Matt Hull at mahull@vt.edu.

23. APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED: $10,000 PHI KAPPA PHI DISSERTATION FELLOWSHIP – 3rd posting
Writing your dissertation? Apply for a $10,000 Phi Kappa Phi #DissertationFellowship by Nov 30 at www.phikappaphi.org/dissertation. Ten fellowships of $10,000 each will be awarded in 2018. To be eligible, applicants must be an active Phi Kappa Phi member in the dissertation writing stage of doctoral study. All pre-dissertation requirements should be met by the November 30 deadline including approval of the dissertation proposal. The selection process for a dissertation fellowship examines how the fellowship will contribute to the completion of the dissertation, the significance of original research, and endorsement by the dissertation chair. Recipients will receive $10,000 to apply toward 12 months of dissertation writing. Click here, to start your application. For more information read the Dissertation Fellowship FAQs or download the Dissertation Fellowship fact sheet. If you have additional questions, please contact Kelli Partin at kpartin@phikappaphi.org.

24. GRAD 5024 DATA MANAGEMENT SKILLS COURSE OFFERED SPRING ’18 – 3rd posting
Learn about the importance and benefits of data management including creating a data management plan. Covers data organization, policies, documentation, storage, ethics, access, security, analytical tools, grant requirements (proposal and post- award), proper attribution, archiving, other issues and topics related to data in scholarly communication. Pass/ Fail Only, 1 Credit Hour, Online Lecture.

Jobs: 
25. GA (WEB DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT) IN ACADEMIC DECISION SUPPORT – 1st posting
VT’s Office of Academic Decision Support is looking for a full-time (20 hrs/wk) Graduate Assistant for Spring 2018. GA’s primary responsibilities include designing and creating web site/web-application. Must have strong and verifiable UI/UX and web programming skills. Other requirements include UI/UX design and development skills; knowledge of web markup and scripting languages (HTML5, CSS3, Javascript and jQuery) with an understanding translating mockups to code; demonstrated evidence in UI/UX design and development; evidence of creativity and innovation; ability to work in collaborative environment and excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Preferred skills include knowledge of server-side CSS pre-processing platforms, such as LESS and SASS; experience with web frameworks/CMS; experience in Javascript/jQuery; experience in Django; and web app design and/or development experience. Interested students can email their CV with links to supplementary materials such as sample websites/applications and code repositories along names and contact information of two to three references to Daniel Hung at chung@vt.edu.

Volunteers and research participants sought
26. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR TRANSPORT SATISFACTION STUDY – 1st posting
(Dis)satisfied with your commute? We are seeking participants for a study on neighborhood and transport satisfaction. Participants will (1) install an Android GPS app called Daynamica, (2) answer a 10-minute entry survey, and (3) use the app to track transportation mode, route, and distance of your daily travel. Upon completing each trip, you will report your satisfaction with a 1-minute survey. Must be 18 or older. A $25 Amazon gift card will be awarded to each participant who completes an entrance survey and at least 5 trip surveys, and upload all trip data in one week. If interested, visit the study website at http://uap.vt.edu/travelmood or contact Steve Hankey at hankey@vt.edu, (540) 231-7508.

27. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR OSTEOPATHIC ASSESSMENT & MANIPULATION – 1st posting
The Kevin P. Granata Lab is seeking volunteers for a study examining osteopathic assessment and manipulation. Participation in the study would include an osteopathic assessment and a biomechanical assessment; osteopathic manipulation and a second biomechanical assessment may also be included in participation. Volunteers must be 1) between 18 and 35 years of age, 2) have no history of lower limb musculoskeletal surgery or disease, 3) and have no lower limb musculoskeletal injuries in the past 3 months that restricted physical activity for more than 1-2 days. If you meet these requirements and are interested in participating, please contact Cherice Hughes-Oliver at granata-lab-g@vt.edu or (540) 231-4294.

28. FACIAL EMOTION RECOGNITION INTERVENTION FOR CHILDREN WITH ASD – 2nd posting
The goal of this study is to assess the feasibility of an attention modification intervention to attenuate deficits in facial emotion recognition and expression in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We are enrolling children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 9 to 12 years of age, who may show difficulties recognizing facial expressions for 5 week, 10 session computer treatment. Parent and child will also be asked to complete three assessment sessions during the course of the treatment. Participants will receive $20 per assessment session, in addition to $20 for completing all treatment sessions, for up to $80 total. Study will take place at the Child Study Center at Virginia Tech. If interested, contact Andrea Trubanova Wieckowski at atruban@vt.edu or call (540) 231-2024.

29. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED TO BETTER UNDERSTAND CAUSES OF FEAR – 2nd posting
Yes, Halloween is gone but our study is still here. We are looking for participants over 18 years old to measure their physiological changes while they watching video clips that cause fear, as defined in entertainment industry. We are exploring ways to build a stimulus that arose fear. If you are interested, please email rtasooji@vt.edu.

30. SHORT WALKING AND RUNNING STUDY – 3rd posting
Male and female participants are needed for a study that requires two short (20-40 minutes) visits. Participants must be 18-30 years old and able to run at a 9 minute/mile pace for a short time. If you are interested, please email us at granata-la-g@vt.edu

31. 2 AND 4 MILE RUNNING STUDY – 3rd posting
Female participants are needed for a study that requires two visits (less than 1 hour each). Participants must be 18-30 years old and able to complete a 4 mile outdoor run. If you are interested, please email us at granata-la-g@vt.edu.

Upcoming events:
INTERNATIONAL CAFÉ HOUR: ISRAEL
Friday, Dec 8, 4:00-5:30pm, Deet’s Place, Dietrick Dining Center
The International Café Hour is an opportunity for all to engage in conversations, create friendships, share their culture, and to connect with the VT community in a casual and comfortable environment. The program is designed to be both social and educational so join us. This program is a wonderful opportunity for students to connect and learn across cultures! This month’s café hour is sponsored by Hillel at Virginia Tech. For more info, see our webpage: International Café Hour.

YOGA AND MEDITATION
Friday Dec 15, 3:00-4:00pm; Monday, Dec 18, 8:00-9:00am, GLC Wellness Room
Take a study break and unwind with yoga and meditation in the new GLC Wellness Room. Open to all graduate students – no need to register. Sponsored by Recreational Sports.

Events
1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – last updated 9/25/2017
THE GRADUATE SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED AT 12:00 11/22; CLOSED 11/23 & 11/24
– Career Advising: Wednesday, 2:00-5:00pm, Info kiosk in lobby
– Ask the Academy: GTA Walk-In Advising: Tues & Wed, GLC Room A, 4:00-6:00pm
– Cook Counseling: Thursdays and Fridays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
– Graduate School hours: MTThF 8:00-5:00pm, W 9:30-5:00
– Immigration advising hours: MWF 1:00-4:00pm, TTh 9:00am-12:00pm Room 120
– Writing assistance: reserve appointment at https://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing-center.html

2. GLC CAFÉ: THANKSGIVING WEEK EDITION
Monday, Nov 20, 2:30-4:30pm, GLC Reading Room       
In addition to the usual free coffee, tea, and snacks, enjoy some hot cider and hot chocolate made from scratch (forget the prefab pack of powder with hot water and savor some milky goodness.  Socialize and relax!   Bring your own mug if you can.

3. T-BREAK LUNCH 2017
Tuesday, Nov 21, 11:30am-1:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
You are not alone! Join others who don’t get to leave for Thanksgiving break for some meat and vegetarian chili, brownies and banana pudding, games and conversation. Meet other graduate students, international students, and staff, and enjoy some good food in good company. Please sign up at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0GtybwvqYY7Pm3X to help us estimate the food that will be needed. This event is co-sponsored by the Graduate School and the Cranwell International Center.

Administrative Announcements
4. TFP APPLICATION REVIEW – 1st posting
The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) is looking for graduate student volunteers to review applications for the Travel Fund Program (TFP). To review applications, you must be a graduate student, and you must be one that did not apply to the fall 2017 TFP application cycle. Although we cannot compensate you with money, we do compensate with free food and eternal gratitude. To sign up, visit: bit.ly/TFP-fall2017-appreview.

5. UH3004: IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS FOR ART, DATA, AND RESEARCH – 2nd posting
This winter semester class in the Cube at the Moss Arts Center, hosted by the Honors College and the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology, is now open to Graduate Students. This class provides students with a unique Wintermester experience in Blacksburg to receive hands on experience learning about immersive environments in the Cube, a facility like no other in the world. By the end of this class, you will create a project that includes: motion capture, virtual reality, immersive projection, and spatial audio.  e course will demonstrate the applicability of virtual environments across a wide range of disciplines. Course meets Jan 2-13, 2018 on MTWHF from 9:00am – 12:45pm and is instructed by Zachary Duer, School of Visual Arts (zachduer@vt.edu) and Tanner Upthegrove, Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (tannerupthegrove@vt.edu). For more info, go to  http://icat.vt.edu/uh3004/. To register, visit www.winter.edm.vt.edu

6. FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION NOW OPEN – 2nd posting
The 2018-2019 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is open now for US citizens and permanent resident.  The 1819 FAFSA will determine your federal aid eligibility for Fall 2018, Spring 2019 and Summer 2019.  While there is not a specific deadline for graduate students, it is recommended that you submit the FAFSA by early spring semester so that the financial aid office has time to process the application and prepare your aid for the new academic year.   The FAFSA is available at http://www.fafsa.gov .  If you need help with your FAFSA, stop by the financial aid office during one of their FAFSA Friday events on Dec 1  from 3:00-7:00pm. Staff will be available to help you submit the FAFSA as well as answer any questions you may have.  Posted on behalf of Stephanie Breeding, sbreed@vt.edu.

7. NOMINATIONS & APPLICATIONS FOR 2017-2018 DIVERSITY SCHOLARS INVITED – 3rd posting
Diversity scholars are graduate students who specialize in and advocate for the awareness, knowledge, and skills associated with diversity and inclusion in the Graduate School and greater community. Diversity scholars propose, design, and implement projects that enhance the quality of life at Virginia Tech. Nominations are due by Friday, December 1st (self-nominations accepted). Applications are due by Friday, December 15th, and must include: 1) A recent copy of your C.V./Resume. 2) A brief proposal (overview/extended abstract). 3) A one-page, draft timeline of the steps required to carry out the project. Additional information and instructions available at the Application website: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eJ3zc4T21iUnORL. Contact Christian Matheis at matheisc@vt.edu for more info.

8. GSA "DR. RICH" CAP & GOWN LOTTERY – 3rd posting
If you are graduating this fall and/or participating in commencement ceremonies, you are eligible to borrow a graduate cap and gown from the GSA for $10! Note that the $10 fee helps us to keep the program running. The "Dr. Rich" Cap & Gown Lottery loans a limited number of gowns and caps to grad students participating in Fall 2017 graduation ceremonies via a lottery. Caps and gowns must then be returned to the GSA in acceptable condition for cleaning and use by future graduating students. The lottery opened on November 15th, and close and can be accessed by visiting this link: bit.ly/capandgown_fall2017. Those chosen in the lottery will be notified no later than December 6th, and must still purchase their own hoods, tassels, and any other required regalia. All items are used, but gowns have been dry cleaned and steamed, and caps have been disinfected. Email GSA Director of Programs Brittany Boribong at boribong@vt.edu with questions.

9. EPORTFOLIO STUDENT SHOWCASE – 3rd posting
As part of the ePortfolio initiative at Virginia Tech, the Libraries and its partners invite you to participate in the Fall 2017 Showcase. There will be 3 cash awards for graduate students: $500 for the 1st place, $250 for the second place, and $100 for the third place. Participating is pretty simple: Join the Portfolium network, add at least 5 samples of your work, and reflect on the learning in each one of these entries. For more information, visit eportfolios.vt.edu/showcase or email Miko Nino (mnino@vt.edu).

10. JOIN THE NANOTECHNOLOGY ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGE – 3rd posting
NanoEarth, an NSF center on earth and environmental nanotechnology housed here at VT-ICTAS, is hosting a Nanotechnology Entrepreneurship Challenge. All VT students are eligible to enter to complete with a business idea that utilizes nanotechnology to tackle sustainability challenges in aras like public health, agriculture, clean water, renewable energy, and beyond. Winners will be awarded a $2,500 grant to help turn the business idea into reality. Proposals are due Dec 1. Check out the top of the NanoEarth news page for more details and application forms www.nanoearth.ictas.vt.edu/news.html. For more information please contact Dr. Matt Hull at mahull@vt.edu.

11. APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED: $10,000 PHI KAPPA PHI DISSERTATION FELLOWSHIP – 3rd posting
Writing your dissertation? Apply for a $10,000 Phi Kappa Phi #DissertationFellowship by Nov 30 at www.phikappaphi.org/dissertation. Ten fellowships of $10,000 each will be awarded in 2018. To be eligible, applicants must be an active Phi Kappa Phi member in the dissertation writing stage of doctoral study. All pre-dissertation requirements should be met by the November 30 deadline including approval of the dissertation proposal. The selection process for a dissertation fellowship examines how the fellowship will contribute to the completion of the dissertation, the significance of original research, and endorsement by the dissertation chair. Recipients will receive $10,000 to apply toward 12 months of dissertation writing. Click here, to start your application. For more information read the Dissertation Fellowship FAQs or download the Dissertation Fellowship fact sheet. If you have additional questions, please contact @Kelli Partin at kpartin@phikappaphi.org.

12. GRAD 5024 DATA MANAGEMENT SKILLS COURSE OFFERED FOR SPRING ’18 – 3rd posting
Learn about the importance and benefits of data management including creating a data management plan. Covers data organization, policies, documentation, storage, ethics, access, security, analytical tools, grant requirements (proposal and post- award), proper attribution, archiving, other issues and topics related to data in scholarly communication. Pass/ Fail Only, 1 Credit Hour, Online Lecture.

Jobs:  None at this time

Volunteers and research participants sought
13. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR TRANSPORT SATISFACTION STUDY – 1st posting
(Dis)satisfied with your commute? We are seeking participants for a study on neighborhood and transport satisfaction. Participants will (1) install an Android GPS app called Daynamica, (2) answer a 10-minute entry survey, and (3) use the app to track transportation mode, route, and distance of your daily travel. Upon completing each trip, you will report your satisfaction with a 1-minute survey. Must be 18 or older. A $25 Amazon gift card will be awarded to each participant who completes an entrance survey and at least 5 trip surveys, and upload all trip data in one week. If interested, visit the study website at http://uap.vt.edu/travelmood or contact Steve Hankey at hankey@vt.edu, (540) 231-7508.

14. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR OSTEOPATHIC ASSESSMENT AND MANIPULATION – 1st posting
The Kevin P. Granata Lab is seeking volunteers for a study examining osteopathic assessment and manipulation. Participation in the study would include an osteopathic assessment and a biomechanical assessment; osteopathic manipulation and a second biomechanical assessment may also be included in participation. Volunteers must be 1) between 18 and 35 years of age, 2) have no history of lower limb musculoskeletal surgery or disease, 3) and have no lower limb musculoskeletal injuries in the past 3 months that restricted physical activity for more than 1-2 days. If you meet these requirements and are interested in participating, please contact Cherice Hughes-Oliver at granata-lab-g@vt.edu or (540) 231-4294.

15. FACIAL EMOTION RECOGNITION INTERVENTION FOR CHILDREN WITH ASD – 2nd posting
The goal of this study is to assess the feasibility of an attention modification intervention to attenuate deficits in facial emotion recognition and expression in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We are enrolling children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 9 to 12 years of age, who may show difficulties recognizing facial expressions for 5 week, 10 session computer treatment. Parent and child will also be asked to complete three assessment sessions during the course of the treatment. Participants will receive $20 per assessment session, in addition to $20 for completing all treatment sessions, for up to $80 total. Study will take place at the Child Study Center at Virginia Tech. If interested, contact Andrea Trubanova Wieckowski at atruban@vt.edu or call (540) 231-2024.

16. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BETTER UNDERSTAND CAUSES OF FEAR – 2nd posting
Yes, Halloween is gone but our study is still here. We are looking for participants over 18 years old to measure their physiological changes while they watching video clips that cause fear, as defined in entertainment industry. We are exploring ways to build a stimulus that arose fear. For those of you who watch too many TV shows instead of doing your research (like me), this is NOT that episode from “Black Mirror”, you will survive. If you are interested, please email me at rtasooji@vt.edu.

17. SHORT WALKING AND RUNNING STUDY – 3rd posting
Male and female participants are needed for a study that requires two short (20-40 minutes) visits. Participants must be 18-30 years old and able to run at a 9 minute/mile pace for a short time. If you are interested, please email us at granata-la-g@vt.edu

18. 2 AND 4 MILE RUNNING STUDY – 3rd posting
Female participants are needed for a study that requires two visits (less than 1 hour each). Participants must be 18-30 years old and able to complete a 4 mile outdoor run. If you are interested, please email us at granata-la-g@vt.edu.

Upcoming events:
PREPARING TO TEACH FOR THE FIRST TIME DISCUSSION PANEL
Monday, Nov 27, GLC Room F, 5:30-7:00p.m
Teaching for the first time this Spring? Have questions? The Virginia Teach Academy of Graduate Teaching Excellence is happy to host a panel of experienced teachers to talk about the first time teaching experience! Come ask questions and engage in some seriously fun pedagogical discussion!

ASK THE ACADEMY: GTA WALK-IN ADVISING
Tuesday & Wednesday, Nov 28 & Nov 29, GLC Room A, 4:00-6:00pm
Do you have questions about teaching or grading? Are you experiencing a challenge in the classroom that you don’t know how to resolve? Drop by to chat, share experiences, and get advice from Fellows of the Graduate Academy for Teaching Excellence. Light refreshments will be provided; bring your own mug if you can. Can’t make it in person? Send your questions and comments to Ask a Fellow.

INKING ON TABLET COMPUTERS: OFFICE AND ONENOTE TRAINING
Wednesday, Nov 29, 10:30am-12:30pm, Torgersen 1100
We are conducting a 2-hour NLI training session to familiarize participants with Pen-Enabled features of their tablet PC, and to demonstrate the practical uses of inking through Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and especially OneNote. To register, please visit https://app.nli.tlos.vt.edu/registration/all_courses/#?offering=6105. Course Credits: 2

GRAD MINDFULNESS
Wednesday, Nov 29, 11:00-11:30am, 5071 Derring Hall
Meets every Wednesday. At each meeting there will be a short guided mindfulness exercise followed by time to practice on your own. You don’t need to stay for the whole time. Feel free to just drop in, just take care to not disturb others.  Here is a link to a cool free mindfulness app! Email lashley@vt.edu with any questions.

ADVANCING THE HUMAN CONDITION SYMPOSIUM
Wednesday, Nov 29, 9:00am-Noon, Smithfield Room, Inn at Virginia Tech
Please join the Office for Inclusion and Diversity and the Graduate School Office of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives for a research poster session on topics relevant to the theme of advancing the human condition. To register please go to: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4Smi6yDiWX2xVXL or contact Christian Matheis at matheisc@vt.edu.

EPORTFOLIO STUDENT SHOWCASE
Thursday, Nov 30, 5:30-8:00pm, Newman Library Multipurpose Room
Come and explore ePortfolios created by undergraduate and graduate students at Virginia Tech. This open house showcase will highlight the experiences of students and best practices to create effective ePortfolios. This event is open to students, faculty, and staff. Refreshments will be provided. For registration, go to https://goo.gl/a34KQ2 or contact Miko Nino at mnino@vt.edu.

KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE WEEKLY DROP IN CHILD CARE (REGISTRATION NOW REQUIRED)
Thursday, Nov 30, 6:00-8:30pm, Women’s Center, 206 Washington St., Bburg
On a trial basis Kids’ Night Out (KNO) is going to try a system of preregistering. Each week there will be a link on the home page (www.womenscenter.vt.edu) where parents can sign kids up. The aim is to have the link posted to the website by Monday afternoon each week. There will a “Doodle Poll” with a limited number of spots and when that is full, additional children for that week will no longer be accepted. Because of this, the following is requested: 1) Please only register if you are sure you are going to be able to make it; 2) so that everyone can have a chance to utilize KNO, if you have been coming regularly, perhaps wait until later in the week to see if there are still spots available. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu or 231-7806.

AMERICAN INDIAN CONNECT LUNCH
Friday, Dec 1, 12:00-1:00pm, Graduate Life Center, Room F
Join the Graduate School Office of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives for lunch in honor of Native American Heritage Month and connect with fellow Native American faculty, staff and students while enjoying some free food! RSVP here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2fe8LAuRh2E5Ed7. All are welcome to attend! Questions? Contact Luisa at luisab93@vt.edu.

GRAD WOMEN’S ALLIANCE COOKIE EXCHANGE
Friday, Dec 1, 12:00 – 2:00pm, Norris 325
Bake and bring a dozen (or two!) of your favorite cookies to share with the Graduate Student Women’s Alliance in our First Annual Cookie Exchange. Be sure to bring a copy of your recipe so we can make a recipe book and send it to all of the attendees! Happy Holidays!

WINTER LIGHTS, MUSIC, & PARADE
Friday, Dec 1, 5:25-8pm, GLC Lobby/Henderson Lawn
Come join the Graduate Fellows and fellow students for the Blacksburg Tree Lighting Ceremony (5:40pm), followed by Tuba Christmas (6pm), and Holiday Parade (7pm)! We will meet in GLC Lobby at 5:25pm and then walk over to Henderson Lawn. Anyone is welcome to join us for this family friendly event! Contact Athulya Simon at aasimon@vt.edu with any questions.

SYMPOSIUM ON ART & ICONOGRAPHY
Saturday, Dec 2, 2:00pm, St. Philip’s Anglican Church, 306 Progress Street NE, Bburg
Graduate Student Rebecca Williams invites you to a free symposium on art and iconography with Russian Orthodox, Los Angeles-based professor and iconographer Jonathan Edwards. This event will explore the continuing relevance of antiquity to the modern day and provide an opportunity for discourse on the topic. There will be a discussion panel and Q&A session along with the talk. This is the perfect event for historians, artists, philosophers, theologians, and humanists of all backgrounds to expand their knowledge of an ancient art form and contribute their own insights. Visit the website for more information!

GLC LASER TAG AT PANDAPAS POND (OUTDOOR AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY)
Sunday, Dec 3, 1:30pm–5:30pm
It is time for bonding fun, teamwork collaboration, and stress relief physical activity. Rain or shine, we will run around outdoors and play laser tag, a family friendly outdoor game! Join your fellow grad students on a free trip to Pandapas Pond. This event is hosted by your graduate fellows and LCAT: Laser Tag Club at Virginia Tech. To sign up, fill out this survey: https://survey.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_29lrhw99HAkD5Ix. Contact GLC fellow Erik Fendik at ef@vt.edu if you have any questions.

INTERNATIONAL CAFÉ HOUR: ISRAEL
Friday, Dec 8, 4:00-5:30pm, Deet’s Place, Dietrick Dining Center
The International Café Hour is an opportunity for all to engage in conversations, create friendships, share their culture, and to connect with the VT community in a casual and comfortable environment. The program is designed to be both social and educational so join us. This program is a wonderful opportunity for students to connect and learn across cultures! This month’s café hour is sponsored by Hillel at Virginia Tech. For more info, see our webpage: International Café Hour.

Events
1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – last updated 9/25/2017
– Career Advising: Wednesday, 2:00-5:00pm, Info kiosk in lobby
– Ask the Academy: GTA Walk-In Advising: Tuesday and Wednesday, GLC Room A, 4:00-6:00pm
– Cook Counseling: Thursdays and Fridays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
– Graduate School hours: MTThF 8:00-5:00pm, W 9:30-5
– Immigration advising hours: MWF 1:00-4:00pm, TTh 9:00am-12:00pm Room 120
– Writing assistance: reserve appointment at https://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing-center.html

2. GUAC TALK WITH THE DEAN
Monday, Nov 13, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room B
How’s your semester going? Do you have questions or comments about graduate life? If you answered yes — or if you answered no, but still want to attend a discussion about graduate life — join this month’s Guac Talk with Dean DePauw. There will be guacamole (of course), great conversation, and hopefully you! This event is brought to you by the Graduate Student Assembly.

3. INFO FROM DEAN DEPAUW ON IMPACT TO GRAD STUDENTS OF PROPOSED TAX CUTS
Monday, Nov 13, 4:30pm, GLC Room B
The Graduate School and university administrators and faculty are aware of graduate students’ concerns about the potential financial impacts of proposed tax reform bills in Congress. Please visit our web page on the Graduate School website (https://graduateschool.vt.edu/tax-bill-potential-impact.html) for information about the House and Senate tax bills, with links to them, a statement about what university administrators are doing, and additional resources and news articles about the tax bills. This page will be updated regularly as we receive new information. Dean DePauw will be available at 4:30pm today (Nov 13) to answer questions.

4. GLC WELLNESS ROOM GRAND OPENING DAY OF EVENTS – registration requested
Tuesday, Nov 14, 8:00am-4:00pm, GLC Wellness Room (formerly known as Room G)
Stop by the newly refurbished wellness room to participate in gentle yoga (8-9am), mindfulness exercises (9-10am), gratitude practices (10am-2pm), lunch refreshments (11am-1pm), mindful tea (2-3pm), or recharge yoga (3-4pm). Meet with representatives from health and wellness related officec during lunch and share your ideas for how graduate students may be best served by Rec Sports, Hokie Wellness, Schiffert, and Cook Counseling. Light refreshments served all day. Bring your Hokie Passport to swipe into the room!  Please register at https://graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/svs-at-the-glc/Wellness.html for the activities you are planning to attend.

5. ASK THE ACADEMY: GTA WALK-IN ADVISING
Tuesday & Wednesday, Nov 14 & Nov 15, GLC Room A, 4:00-6:00pm
Do you have questions about teaching or grading? Are you experiencing a challenge in the classroom that you don’t know how to resolve? Drop by to chat, share experiences, and get advice from Fellows of the Graduate Academy for Teaching Excellence. Light refreshments will be provided; bring your own mug if you can. Can’t make it in person? Send your questions and comments to Ask a Fellow.

6. LITTLE HOKIE(TM) HAND-ME-DOWN
Tuesday, Nov 14, 12:00-6:00pm, GLC Multi-purpose Room (Students)
Wednesday, Nov 15, 9:00am-12:00pm, GLC Multi-purpose Room (Staff)
Shop for gently used clothes, books, toys, bedding, medical supplies, school supplies, formula (unexpired), bathing & grooming supplies (unopened), strollers, car seats, baby gear, diapers, etc.  Students come by the GLC Multi-Purpose room Nov 14 from 12:00-6:00pm and Staff come by the same location on Nov 15 from 8:00am-12:00pm. Bags are provided. For more information, click here or contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu.

7. LETTERS OF LOVE TO REFUGEE CHILDREN
Tuesday, Nov 14, 1:30-6:00pm, GLC Lobby
Write a short note of support, love, and holiday greeting to the people displaced by violence in Syria. You will be guided on how to submit a letter of love through Letters of Love website, where they will be translated, printed, and sent to Syrian, Iraqi, Yazidi and Rohingya refugee communities’ children. For more information refer to Letters of Love’s Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/lettersoflove2017/ or contact graduate student Jeena Sajimon at jeenams@vt.edu.

8. MINGLE LIKE YOU MEAN IT
Tuesday, Nov 14, 5:30-7:00pm, GLC Room F
How are you at networking when it comes to large receptions, conferences or other professional events? Feel like you need to get better? Improve your mingling skills at this interactive session where you’ll practice introductions, opening lines and more with fellow graduate students. Sign-up here.

9. GRAD MINDFULNESS
Wednesday, Nov 15, 11:00-11:30am, 5071 Derring Hall
Meets every Wednesday. At each meeting there will be a short guided mindfulness exercise followed by time to practice on your own. You don’t need to stay for the whole time. Feel free to just drop in, just take care to not disturb others.  Here is a link to a cool free mindfulness app! Email lashley@vt.edu with any questions.

10. "THE LOST ART OF DISAGREEMENT: CIVIL DISCOURSE IN A CULTURE OF OUTRAGE"
Wednesday, Nov 15, 8-9:30pm, Colonial Hall, Squires Student Center
American society is deeply fractured.  Our current moment makes discussion of important social, political, and religious issues difficult and risky.  The temptation to label those with whom we disagree ("extremist", "racist", "unpatriotic", "hateful") makes conversation beyond our differences extremely challenging.  Is there a way to bridge these differences and have conversation across deep disagreement?  Dr. Christian Lundberg (UNC) and Dr. Christian Matheis (VT) will discuss how we can engage important issues with others, even those with whom we strongly disagree.  Grad student Daniel Chen invites you to come to this event ready to be challenged to step out of your comfort zone and engage across differences. Sponsored by the Bradley Study Center and Chi Alpha.

11. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Nov 16, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room       
Enjoy free coffee, tea, and snacks.  Join your fellow graduate students and GLC staff.  Socialize and relax!   Bring your own mug if you can.

12. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE WEEKLY DROP IN CHILD CARE (REGISTRATION NOW REQUIRED)
Thursday, Nov 16, 6:00-8:30pm, Women’s Center, 206 Washington St., Bburg
On a trial basis Kids’ Night Out (KNO) is going to try a system of preregistering. Each week there will be a link on the home page (www.womenscenter.vt.edu) where parents can sign kids up. The aim is to have the link posted to the website by Monday afternoon each week. There will a “Doodle Poll” with a limited number of spots and when that is full, additional children for that week will no longer be accepted. Because of this, the following is requested: 1) Please only register if you are sure you are going to be able to make it; 2) so that everyone can have a chance to utilize KNO, if you have been coming regularly, perhaps wait until later in the week to see if there are still spots available. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu or 231-7806.

13. TAKE A BREAK(ZONE) WITH THE GLC FELLOWS
Thursday, Nov 16, 2017, 7:00 – 9:00pm, BreakZone
Join the GLC Fellows at the BreakZone on Thursday, November 16 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm for FREE bowling! This event will be a great way to relax and have some fun before the Thanksgiving holiday break. Come bowl as many or as few games as you would like. More information about the BreakZone, located in Squires Student Center, can be found here. If you are interested in attending, please fill out this survey before it closes on Tuesday, November 14 at 11:59pm. As this event is sure to be fun for all ages, please indicate if you plan to bring any non-student individuals (ie. a spouse, significant other, children, etc.). Contact Danielle Lewis at mdlewis4@vt.edu if you have any questions.

Administrative Announcements
14. UH3004: IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS FOR ART, DATA, AND RESEARCH – 1st posting
This winter semester class in the Cube at the Moss Arts Center, hosted by the Honors College and the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology, is now open to Graduate Students. This class provides students with a unique Wintermester experience in Blacksburg to receive hands on experience learning about immersive environments in the Cube, a facility like no other in the world. By the end of this class, you will create a project that includes: motion capture, virtual reality, immersive projection, and spatial audio.  e course will demonstrate the applicability of virtual environments across a wide range of disciplines. Course meets Jan 2-13, 2018 on MTWHF from 9:00am – 12:45pm and is instructed by Zachary Duer, School of Visual Arts (zachduer@vt.edu) and Tanner Upthegrove, Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (tannerupthegrove@vt.edu). For more info, go to  http://icat.vt.edu/uh3004/. To register, visit www.winter.edm.vt.edu.

15. FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION NOW OPEN – 1st posting
The 2018-2019 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is open now for US citizens and permanent resident.  The 1819 FAFSA will determine your federal aid eligibility for Fall 2018, Spring 2019 and Summer 2019.  While there is not a specific deadline for graduate students, it is recommended that you submit the FAFSA by early spring semester so that the financial aid office has time to process the application and prepare your aid for the new academic year.   The FAFSA is available at http://www.fafsa.gov .  If you need help with your FAFSA, stop by the financial aid office during one of their FAFSA Friday events on Dec 1  from 3:00-7:00pm. Staff will be available to help you submit the FAFSA as well as answer any questions you may have.  Posted on behalf of Stephanie Breeding, sbreed@vt.edu.

16. NOMINATIONS & APPLICATIONS FOR 2017-2018 DIVERSITY SCHOLARS INVITED – 2nd posting
Diversity scholars are graduate students who specialize in and advocate for the awareness, knowledge, and skills associated with diversity and inclusion in the Graduate School and greater community. Diversity scholars propose, design, and implement projects that enhance the quality of life at Virginia Tech. Nominations are due by Friday, December 1st (self-nominations accepted). Applications are due by Friday, December 15th, and must include: 1) A recent copy of your C.V./Resume. 2) A brief proposal (overview/extended abstract). 3) A one-page, draft timeline of the steps required to carry out the project. Additional information and instructions available at the Application website: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eJ3zc4T21iUnORL. Contact Christian Matheis at matheisc@vt.edu for more info.

17. GSA "DR. RICH" CAP & GOWN LOTTERY – 2nd posting
If you are graduating this fall and/or participating in commencement ceremonies, you are eligible to borrow a graduate cap and gown from the GSA for $10! Note that the $10 fee helps us to keep the program running. The "Dr. Rich" Cap & Gown Lottery loans a limited number of gowns and caps to grad students participating in Fall 2017 graduation ceremonies via a lottery. Caps and gowns must then be returned to the GSA in acceptable condition for cleaning and use by future graduating students. The lottery will open on November 15th, and close on November 29th. You can access the lottery by visiting the link: bit.ly/capandgown_fall2017. Those chosen in the lottery will be notified no later than December 6th, and must still purchase their own hoods, tassels, and any other required regalia. All items are used, but gowns have been dry cleaned and steamed, and caps have been disinfected. Email GSA Director of Programs Brittany Boribong at boribong@vt.edu with questions.

18. EPORTFOLIO STUDENT SHOWCASE – 2nd posting
As part of the ePortfolio initiative at Virginia Tech, the Libraries and its partners invite you to participate in the Fall 2017 Showcase. There will be 3 cash awards for graduate students: $500 for the 1st place, $250 for the second place, and $100 for the third place. Participating is pretty simple: Join the Portfolium network, add at least 5 samples of your work, and reflect on the learning in each one of these entries. For more information, visit eportfolios.vt.edu/showcase or email Miko Nino (mnino@vt.edu).

19. JOIN THE NANOTECHNOLOGY ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGE – 2nd posting
NanoEarth, an NSF center on earth and environmental nanotechnology housed here at VT-ICTAS, is hosting a Nanotechnology Entrepreneurship Challenge. All VT students are eligible to enter to complete with a business idea that utilizes nanotechnology to tackle sustainability challenges in aras like public health, agriculture, clean water, renewable energy, and beyond. Winners will be awarded a $2,500 grant to help turn the business idea into reality. Proposals are due Dec 1. Check out the top of the NanoEarth news page for more details and application forms www.nanoearth.ictas.vt.edu/news.html. For more information please contact Dr. Matt Hull at mahull@vt.edu.

20. APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED: $10,000 PHI KAPPA PHI DISSERTATION FELLOWSHIP – 2nd posting
Writing your dissertation? Apply for a $10,000 Phi Kappa Phi #DissertationFellowship by Nov 30 at www.phikappaphi.org/dissertation. Ten fellowships of $10,000 each will be awarded in 2018. To be eligible, applicants must be an active Phi Kappa Phi member in the dissertation writing stage of doctoral study. All pre-dissertation requirements should be met by the November 30 deadline including approval of the dissertation proposal. The selection process for a dissertation fellowship examines how the fellowship will contribute to the completion of the dissertation, the significance of original research, and endorsement by the dissertation chair. Recipients will receive $10,000 to apply toward 12 months of dissertation writing. Click here, to start your application. For more information read the Dissertation Fellowship FAQs or download the Dissertation Fellowship fact sheet. If you have additional questions, please contact @Kelli Partin at kpartin@phikappaphi.org.

21. GRAD 5024 DATA MANAGEMENT SKILLS COURSE OFFERED FOR SPRING ’18 – 2nd posting
Learn about the importance and benefits of data management including creating a data management plan. Covers data organization, policies, documentation, storage, ethics, access, security, analytical tools, grant requirements (proposal and post- award), proper attribution, archiving, other issues and topics related to data in scholarly communication. Pass/ Fail Only, 1 Credit Hour, Online Lecture.

22. SEEKING SCHOLARLY ARTICLES FOR GRAD STUDENT-RUN JOURNAL AT VT – 3rd posting
Community Change, an online, peer-reviewed, graduate student-run journal at Virginia Tech that explores multiple approaches to democratic community development and change, is accepting submissions for its second issue. We solicit scholarly articles (4,000-6,000 words), book reviews (1,000-1,500 words), multimedia, and artwork that analyze responses to the evolving political and social landscape since the 2016 election. This might include, but is not limited to: 1) explorations of new initiatives, on-going activism, and community organizing and how they have changed their work since 2015 campaign and 2016 election; 2) historical movements and groundwork that have informed current responses; and 3) pieces reflecting on tactics and strategies employed to resist, counter, and educate about xenophobia, white supremacy, and other ideologies or political doctrines. The submission deadline is December 18, 2017. For more information and submission instructions, please visit www.communitychange.ipg.vt.edu.

23. GRDP APPLICATION REVIEW – 3rd posting
The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) is looking for graduate student volunteers to review applications for the Graduate Research Development Program (GRDP). To review applications, you must be a graduate student, and you must be one that did not apply to the fall 2017 GRDP application cycle. Although we cannot compensate you with money, we do compensate with free food and eternal gratitude. To sign up, visit bit.ly/GRDP-fall2017-appreview.

Jobs:  None at this time

Volunteers and research participants sought
24. FACIAL EMOTION RECOGNITION INTERVENTION FOR CHILDREN WITH ASD – 1st posting
The goal of this study is to assess the feasibility of an attention modification intervention to attenuate deficits in facial emotion recognition and expression in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We are enrolling children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 9 to 12 years of age, who may show difficulties recognizing facial expressions for 5 week, 10 session computer treatment. Parent and child will also be asked to complete three assessment sessions during the course of the treatment. Participants will receive $20 per assessment session, in addition to $20 for completing all treatment sessions, for up to $80 total.
Study will take place at the Child Study Center at Virginia Tech. If interested, contact Andrea Trubanova Wieckowski at atruban@vt.edu or call (540) 231-2024.

25. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BETTER UNDERSTAND CAUSES OF FEAR – 1st posting
Yes, Halloween is gone but our study is still here. We are looking for participants over 18 years old to measure their physiological changes while they watching video clips that cause fear, as defined in entertainment industry. We are exploring ways to build a stimulus that arose fear. For those of you who watch too many TV shows instead of doing your research (like me), this is NOT that episode from “Black Mirror”, you will survive. If you are interested, please email me at rtasooji@vt.edu.

26. SHORT WALKING AND RUNNING STUDY – 2nd posting
Male and female participants are needed for a study that requires two short (20-40 minutes) visits. Participants must be 18-30 years old and able to run at a 9 minute/mile pace for a short time. If you are interested, please email us at granata-la-g@vt.edu

27. 2 AND 4 MILE RUNNING STUDY – 2nd posting
Female participants are needed for a study that requires two visits (less than 1 hour each). Participants must be 18-30 years old and able to complete a 4 mile outdoor run. If you are interested, please email us at granata-la-g@vt.edu.

28. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR VIRTUAL REALITY STUDY – 3rd posting
The 3DI group is seeking volunteers to participate in a research study with virtual reality (VR) technologies. Our team is exploring user interfaces that can help users to mark distant objects in a simulated scene (for VR). The project is supervised by Dr. Doug Bowman in Computer Science and will make use of state-of-the-art VR equipment. If you are interested in participating, please contact Yuan Li at yli92@vt.edu for more details.

Upcoming events:
GLC CAFÉ: THANKSGIVING WEEK EDITION
Monday, Nov 20, 2:30-4:30pm, GLC Reading Room       
Enjoy free coffee, tea, and snacks.  Join your fellow graduate students and GLC staff.  Socialize and relax!   Bring your own mug if you can.

T-BREAK LUNCH 2017
Tuesday, Nov 21, 11:30am-1:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
You are not alone! Join others who don’t get to leave for Thanksgiving break for some soup (meat and vegetarian versions), dessert, games and conversation. Meet other graduate students, international students, and Grad School, Cranwell and Division of Student Affairs staff, and enjoy some good food in good company. Please sign up at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0GtybwvqYY7Pm3X to help us estimate the food that will be needed. This event is co-sponsored by the Graduate School and the Cranwell International Center.

PREPARING TO TEACH FOR THE FIRST TIME DISCUSSION PANEL
Monday, Nov 27, GLC Room F, 5:30-7:00p.m
Teaching for the first time this Spring? Have questions? The Virginia Tech Academy of Graduate Teaching Excellence is happy to host a panel of experienced teachers to talk about the first time teaching experience! Come ask questions and engage in some seriously fun pedagogical discussion!

AMERICAN INDIAN CONNECT LUNCH
Friday, Dec 1, 12:00-1:00pm, Graduate Life Center, Room F
Join the Graduate School Office of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives for lunch in honor of Native American Heritage Month and connect with fellow Native American faculty, staff and students while enjoying some free food! RSVP Link coming soon. All are welcome to attend! Questions? Contact Luisa at luisab93@vt.edu.

GRAD WOMEN’S ALLIANCE COOKIE EXCHANGE
Friday, Dec 1, 12:00 – 2:00pm, Norris 325
Bake and bring a dozen (or two!) of your favorite cookies to share with the Graduate Student Women’s Alliance in our First Annual Cookie Exchange. Be sure to bring a copy of your recipe so we can make a recipe book and send it to all of the attendees! Happy Holidays!

WINTER LIGHTS, MUSIC, & PARADE
Friday, Dec 1, 5:25-8pm, GLC Lobby/Henderson Lawn
Come join the Graduate Fellows and fellow students for the Blacksburg Tree Lighting Ceremony (5:40pm), followed by Tuba Christmas (6pm), and Holiday Parade (7pm)! We will meet in GLC Lobby at 5:25pm and then walk over to Henderson Lawn. Anyone is welcome to join us for this family friendly event! Contact Athulya Simon at aasimon@vt.edu with any questions.

SYMPOSIUM ON ART & ICONOGRAPHY
Saturday, Dec 2, 2:00pm, St. Philip’s Anglican Church, 306 Progress Street NE, Blacksburg
Graduate Student Rebecca Williams invites you to a free symposium on art and iconography with Russian Orthodox, Los Angeles-based professor and iconographer Jonathan Edwards. This event will explore the continuing relevance of antiquity to the modern day and provide an opportunity for discourse on the topic. There will be a discussion panel and Q&A session along with the talk. This is the perfect event for historians, artists, philosophers, theologians, and humanists of all backgrounds to expand their knowledge of an ancient art form and contribute their own insights. Please see the attached flyer and visit the website for more information!

Please let me know if you have any questions. Have a great week!

Sue

Susan Kass
Student Services Coordinator
Virginia Tech Graduate School
120 Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown
(0325) Blacksburg, VA 24061
540.231.4558 (p)
540.231.3714 (f)
www.graduateschool.vt.edu 
www.glc.vt.edu