Recurring Events:
1. WEEKLY DROP-IN SERVICES
2. WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS
This Week’s (and Next Week’s) Events:
3. NAVIGATING BLACKSBURG FOR NEW GRADUATE STUDENTS
4. GRADUATE STUDENT LIBRARY OPEN HOUSE)
5. MANAGING YOUR NEW ASSISTANTSHIP
6. JOIN THE LYRIC TOUR
7. 9th ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. SEMINAR
8. TURKISH STUDENT ASSOCIATION HOLDS FIRST MEETING OF SPRING 2020
9. INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: WINTER RETREAT
Administrative Announcements:
10A. NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS – 1st posting
10. GRAD 5024 DATA MANAGEMENT SKILLS COURSE OFFERED SPRING 2020 – 1st posting
11. NOMINATIONS FOR INTERNET2 INCLUSIVITY AWARD NOW BEING ACCEPTED – 1st posting
12. AETNA HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR NEW STUDENTS – 2nd posting
13. COMSCICON-VT SECOND ANNUAL EVENT – 2nd posting
14. GRAD 5204: CITIZEN SCHOLAR SEMINAR (CRN 20270) – 2nd posting
15. APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FOR GRAD STUDENT REP TO BOV POSITION – 2nd posting
16. FAFSA AND SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION REMINDER – 3rd posting
17. JEAN B. DUERR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN STUDENTS – 3rd posting
18. GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM (GSARS) ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS OPEN – 3rd posting
19. REGISTER FOR RESEARCH TOOLS FOR GRAD STUDENTS WORKSHOP SERIES – 3rd posting
Jobs:
20. SCHIFFERT HEALTH CENTER GRADUATE ASSISTANT – 2nd posting
21. PART-TIME (30 hr) WAGE POSITION IN HNFE AVAILABLE – 3rd posting
Volunteers and research participants sought:
22. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR NEUROSCIENCE STUDY – 1st posting
23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: HATE CRIME AND FIRST YEAR FRESHMEN – 2nd posting
Upcoming events:
– BASICS IN R (1/28; reg. required)
– ASK A COP (1/29; reg. required)
– CAREER OUTFITTERS – SHOP FOR YOUR OWN FREE PROFESSIONAL OUTFIT (1/31)
– VT ICE HOCKEY VS. JMU (1/31; reg. required)
– SPRING KICK-OFF WELCOME CONNECT LUNCH (2/3; reg. required)
– GROCERY BINGO (2/4; reg. required)
– LUNCH WITH THE DEAN (2/5; reg. required)
– INTERFAITH EVENING DIALOGUES FOR STUDENTS – DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE (2/5)
– GSA SPRING BEER & WINE SOCIAL (2/7; reg. required)
Recurring Events
1. WEEKLY DROP-IN SERVICES
– Career Advising: Thursdays, 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby, Also see: https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/gradcareeropportunity/.
– Cook Counseling: Thursdays & Fridays, 1:00-5:00pm.
– Graduate School advising hours: MTThF 8:00am-5:00pm, W 9:30-4:00, 120 GLC
– Immigration advising hours: MWF 1:00-4:00pm, TTh 9:00am-12:00pm, Room 120 GLC
– Writing assistance: reserve appointment at https://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing-center.html
2. WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS:
– WRITING STRATEGIES FOR GRADUATE WRITERS – On hiatus for break
– CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH SUPPORT FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS – On hiatus for break
– GLC CAFÉ
2nd and 4th Wednesday and every Thursday, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy free coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of fellow grad students and Grad School staff; network, socialize, relax! Bring your own mug if you can. See below for This Week’s Special Editions.
– FREE CHILDCARE – KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – On hiatus for winter break
This Week’s Events
3. NAVIGATING BLACKSBURG FOR NEW GRADUATE STUDENTS
Tuesday, Jan 21, 3:30-4;30pm, GLC Room C
Students new to Virginia Tech often have questions about how to go about dealing with day-to-day life here in Blacksburg. Learn about the best places to shop, where to get medical care, how to get a driver’s license, transportation, the school system, banking services, and more. Bring any questions you would like answered to help make your stay here in Blacksburg a great experience. Register here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1MHsslRdZ3AbkdD .
4. GRADUATE STUDENT LIBRARY OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday, Jan 22, 2:00-4:00pm, Newman Library Multipurpose Room (101)
Who can help me at the library? How many books can I check out? What support do you offer for data management? Come find out the answers to these questions and more at the Graduate Student Library Open House! Stop in any time between 2:00-4:00pm to chat with representatives from across the library, ask questions, and learn about all the ways that the University Libraries support graduate students throughout their time at the university, from their first semester all the way to finishing a thesis or dissertation. We estimate that it will take around 30 minutes to visit each station. Talk to someone at each station, and you’ll be entered to win a library prize pack. Snacks and drinks will be served. Registration is requested. To register, visit https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/calendar/events/gradopenhousespring.
5. MANAGING YOUR NEW ASSISTANTSHIP
Wednesday, Jan 22, 4:00-5:00pm, GLC Room B
This informal workshop, for students with a first-time assistantship at VT, will answer a variety of questions often posed by students when first starting an assistantship such as payroll, tuition awards, maintaining eligibility, performance management, time worked, time off, and termination. We will also discuss how to work with your supervisor to get the most out of your assistantship experience. Register here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_czLDI7IdytwGRZX .
6. JOIN THE LYRIC TOUR
Thursday, Jan 23, 3:00pm, The Lyric Theatre
135 College Avenue, Blacksburg, VA
The beautiful Lyric Theatre is offering a free tour for graduate students. Participants will be shown the 1930s design and learn about opportunities to volunteer. Everyone who attends will also receive a free movie pass. Register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bDtVTKvaYkoTqpn. Please arrive at The Lyric five to ten minutes early.
7. 9th ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. SEMINAR
Friday, Jan 24, 12:20pm, Steger Hall Auditorium
On behalf of the Biological Sciences Diversity Committee, grad student Floricel Gonzalez invites you to the 9th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Seminar entitled “Worms, germs, and buffalo: a coinfection story” by Dr. Vanessa Ezenwa, professor in the Odum School of Ecology and department of Infectious Diseases at the University of Georgia.
8. TURKISH STUDENT ASSOCIATION HOLDS FIRST MEETING OF SPRING 2020
Friday, Jan 24, 5:00-8:00pm, Paragon Theater First & Main
On behalf of the TurkSA, grad student Hakan Unveren invites all new and current Turkish students to the first meeting of the Spring 2020 semester, a bowling night at Paragon Theaters.
9. INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: WINTER RETREAT
Friday-Saturday, Jan 24-25 (7pm Friday – 7pm Saturday) near Lexington, VA (1.5 hours from VT)
Join us on a 24-hour getaway in a beautiful mountain home for new friendships, delicious meals, indoor/outdoor recreation, group Bible discussion and prayer. Cost is $20 (scholarships are available). For more information and to register visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYhcRvbAFtP_kjzg5RMwysWtrrCn-UTz934L1ln_5h66MTLg/viewform
Administrative Announcements:
10A. NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS – 1st posting
A number of prestigious awards are granted to graduate students each year, carrying a monetary prize ($500-$1000 each) and award certificate. Discuss the possibility of your nomination with your advisor/department for any of the following awards:
– Outstanding Dissertation in (1) math, sciences and engineering, and (1) in social sciences, business and humanities – Preston Society Master’s Thesis Award
– Graduate Student Teaching Excellence (1) for GTA instructor of record (1) GTA instructor assistant
– Graduate Student Service Excellence
– Graduate Student of the Year (up to three awards given)
– Outstanding master’s and doctoral student in each college and in interdisciplinary programs.
More information about criteria, forms, and process for nomination are at: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/student.html. Deadline for submission is Jan 31.
10. GRAD 5024 DATA MANAGEMENT SKILLS COURSE OFFERED SPRING 2020 – 1st posting
Improve your data management skills towards your thesis/dissertation. Learn about the importance and benefits of data management including creating a data management plan. 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.
8-week course, 1-credit. Pass/ Fail Only. Graduate Standing required. For more information, go to https://lib.vt.edu/research-teaching/data-services.html.
11. NOMINATIONS FOR INTERNET2 INCLUSIVITY AWARD NOW BEING ACCEPTED – 1st posting
The deadline for applications is Friday, Feb 7. Award recipients will have the opportunity to attend the 2020 Global Summit Mar 29 – Apr 1 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The conference offers valuable professional development to our technical colleagues through presentations, working meetings, tutorials, and workshops. Additionally, Global Summit provides opportunities to network in-person with technical professionals, analysts and engineers, IT staff, C-level executives, and others across the broader R&E community. For more information regarding the application process, please visit https://www.internet2.edu/about-us/community-awards/internet2-inclusivity-initiative-scholarships/.
12. AETNA HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR NEW STUDENTS – 2nd posting
Spring enrollment is open for new students starting in Spring 2020. Deadline: Jan 21, 2020. Contact the Student Medical Insurance office with questions at smi@vt.edu, 231-6226. Visit their website at http://risk.controller.vt.edu/studentmedicalinsurance.html for more info.
13. COMSCICON-VT SECOND ANNUAL EVENT – 2nd posting
Interested in spreading your research findings to the general public, but don’t know how or where to start? ComSciCon is a national conference created at Harvard University to help graduate students in STEAM get started in communicating science. The Communicating Science Club is proud to sponsor our franchise ComSciCon-Virginia Tech, free to all graduate and upper level undergraduate students. This year’s theme is Inclusion, Diversity, and Accessibility in Science Communication. Conference is limited to 80 participants, so apply soon! Learn how to talk about your research in a nutshell, write a science story, make your communication accessible to all audiences, discuss policy and advocacy, and more. To apply, complete the ComSciCon-VT application by Feb 3. View full schedule and find out more on the Center for Communicating Science website. Email Stephanie Edwards Compton at sedwrds3@vt.edu or Susan Chen at schen518@vt.edu with questions.
14. GRAD 5204: CITIZEN SCHOLAR SEMINAR (CRN 20270) – 2nd posting
Spring 2020, Tuesdays, 1:00-3:30pm, GLC Room B
Course Description: An integral part of the Graduate School’s Transformative Graduate Education initiative, the course will examine university-community engagement from perspectives of pedagogy, research, and outreach, enabling students to understand how their disciplinary expertise can be applied to advance social well-being. Understanding the value of being a citizen-scholar, elucidating the connection between scholarship and citizenship in the contemporary global society and encouraging engagement in public scholarship, i.e., scholarship in the service to community, the region, the state and the world. Graduate standing required (3H, 3C).For more information, please contact the instructors, Bill Huckle (wrhuckle@vt.edu) and Catherine Cotrupi (cotrupi@vt.edu).
15. APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FOR GRAD STUDENT REP TO BOV POSITION – 2nd posting
Applications for Graduate Student Representative to the VT Board of Visitors are accepted until Feb 14, 2020. All currently enrolled graduate students in good standing are encouraged to consider this great leadership and service opportunity to represent graduate students’ voices, needs and interest on the VT Board of Visitors. Learn more at https://bov.vt.edu/studentrepsapply.html, or attend an info session on Wednesday, Feb 5, 7:00-8:00pm, New Classroom Building 220.
16. FAFSA AND SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION REMINDER – 3rd posting
This is just a quick reminder that the 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available now. The 2020-21 FAFSA will determine your federal aid eligibility for Fall 2020, Spring and Summer 2021. While the March 2 priority deadline does not impact graduate students, it is recommended you submit the FAFSA by early spring semester to give time to process it and prepare your aid for the new academic year. The FAFSA is available at https://fafsa.gov. Please keep in mind, students must be enrolled half-time (5 credits) per semester to be eligible to receive federal loans.
17. JEAN B. DUERR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN STUDENTS – 3rd posting
The Jean B. Duerr Memorial Fund awards scholarships to women in an accredited college or university for the entire 2020-2021 academic year. Awards of $2,000 will be given to those applicants who best demonstrate academic achievement and community service. Must be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student with a minimum GPA of 3.6. Include a full official transcript with the application and postmark it by Mar 9, 2020 for scholarships awarded for the 2020/21 academic year. No applications, including those with Mar 9, 2019 postmarks, will be accepted after for consideration after Mar 11,2020. Please use USPS – do not send via registered mail. For more information and a link to the application go to https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/types-of-funding/funding-opportunities/duerr.html. Questions? Contact Susan Butler at smcbutler@aol.com or call 540-552-2307.
18. GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM (GSARS) ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS OPEN – 3rd posting
Start crafting your submissions for the Graduate Student Association’s 36th Annual Research Symposium and Exposition! This year’s theme is “Innovation and Creativity in Research”. Come compete in oral and poster presentations, as well as Flash Talks and Installations, in order to gain experience and win cash prizes. ALL degree programs are welcome to apply before the early abstract deadline of January 27 for a chance to receive feedback, revise, and resubmit. Our “Annual Research Symposium and Exposition” webpage has more details and a link to the submission form. All other abstracts will be due by February 14. Contact either of the co-chairs with questions or comments: Callie Clayton (callc13@vt.edu) and Keely Ledford (keelyl1@vt.edu), or contact the GSA Director of Programs, Sharon Stidham (sharon62@vt.edu).
19. REGISTER FOR RESEARCH TOOLS FOR GRAD STUDENTS WORKSHOP SERIES – 3rd posting
There’s a lot to learn in graduate school, and the library can help! This spring, the library will offer a series of free workshops (offered both in-person and through Zoom) to help you develop the research skills you need to succeed in graduate school. Learn about literature reviews and database searching, citation management, data management, and developing your scholarly presence. For registration links and detailed information about each workshop, visit guides.lib.vt.edu/gradworkshops.
Jobs:
20. SCHIFFERT HEALTH CENTER GRADUATE ASSISTANT – 2nd posting
The GA works closely with the Health Quality Outreach Manager to promote health education and market services provided by the health center. The ideal candidate has public health knowledge, experience with marketing and outreach events, can work independently and efficiently, communicates effectively, demonstrates competence in graphic design and social media management, and can comfortably engage with student groups. Proficiency with the Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) preferred.
In addition to developing educational and marketing materials the GA will co-manage social media outlets and assist with health promotion events throughout the year, including summer break, and some nights or weekends. 20 hours/week, with stipend and tuition remission. Interested candidates should email their resume, cover letter, list of three references, and one work sample to Monica Goyanko at mgoyanko@vt.ed. For questions, contact Monica Goyanko via email or call (540)231-7705.
21. MARKETING PROGRAM ASSISTANT, HOKIE WELLNESS – 2nd posting
This Graduate Student Wage position pays $15/hr. Must be a current grad student enrolled at VT through at least Fall 2020. Requires experience in marketing, design, or other creative services field; excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills; and an interest in supporting health and wellness initiatives on campus. Must be familiar with current software such as Adobe Creative Suite or other relevant media platform. Will work with marketing team to promote Hokie Wellness’ services to the larger campus community by developing engaging media for departmental campaigns, awareness weeks. outreach, and events.Can begin in Spring 2020 with preference for work to continue to next academic year (summer hours possible). If interested, contact Kelsey O’Hara-Marasigan at kelsey12@vt.edu, or (540) 231-4813 for full position description. Applicants must submit a current resume, cover letter, three references, and at least one work sample by Jan 31.
Volunteers and research participants sought:
22. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR NEUROSCIENCE STUDY – 1st posting
The Neural Dynamics and Neural Engineering Lab (ICTAS II) is seeking participants for a neuroscience research study about the neural dynamics associated with learning finger-tapping tasks and the effects of sleep on learning these tasks. Must be 18 years+ with no history of neurological or sleep disorders. During this task, participants will perform a repetitive finger-tapping sequence with their thumb and fingers while wearing a glove. Afterwards, participants will take a nap or watch a nature documentary, or sleep overnight in the lab. Electrooculography (EOG) and electromyography (EMG) will be recorded as a step-in quantifying quality of learning and sleep staging. Electroencephalography (EEG) will be utilized to record the task and sleep. Up to 5 (afternoon session) or 10 (overnight session) SONA credits will be provided. For those who cannot avail SONA credits, a monetary compensation of up to $15 will be awarded. Go to https://vt-psyc.sona-systems.com/default.aspx?p_return_experiment_id=1133 or contact ndnestudies@gmail.com for more info.
23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: HATE CRIME AND FIRST YEAR FRESHMEN – 2nd posting
Volunteers needed for a study to explore how bias offenses differ between young adults and older populations. Participants must be 18 years of age or older and a first-year freshman at Virginia Tech. During the study, you will be asked to do the following: read and acknowledge an Informed Consent Form and then take a Qualtrics survey. The survey will last approximately 15 minutes. If graduate students know eligible students who are interested, please direct them to https://tinyurl.com/ygcftj5d. For more information, please email Jonathan LLoyd at lloydj16@vt.edu.
Upcoming events:
BASICS IN R
Tuesday, Jan 28, 4:30-6:30pm, Torgerson 1100
Are you a researcher who has recently collected data? Do you want help learning how to use a software package to analyze your data? R is a free statistical software used for data analysis in a variety of fields. This hands-on and interactive course covers the following topics: Navigating RStudio; Reading a data file into R; Computing Descriptive Statistics; Generating Graphics for Exploratory Data Analysis; Exporting a file from R. No previous coding experience required. This course is jointly sponsored by the Statistical Application and Innovations Group (SAIG) and Networked Learning Initiatives (NLI). Enroll Today: https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/browse/teachingandlearning/courses/saig1-012820. Free to VT Faculty & Student Researchers.
ASK A COP
Wednesday, Jan 29, 6:00pm, GLC Room C
Dunk into the dos and don’ts of what to do if you get pulled over by the police. Also learn when to call the police for assistance and hear about the services and events the Virginia Tech Police Department offers to students. Ever wonder why cops are always associated with donuts? Find out the answer at this session! This is tailored for international students but anyone is welcome to attend. Bring your questions. Yes, there will be donuts! Register at: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7PoRz95aqumRc0J.
CAREER OUTFITTERS – SHOP FOR YOUR OWN FREE PROFESSIONAL OUTFIT
Friday, Jan 31, 10:00am-3:00pm, Smith Career Center
Career Outfitters is an event sponsored by Career and Professional Development where any Virginia Tech student can shop, free of charge, for business attire and professional clothing they will need for interviews, career fairs and other recruiting events. All new and gently-used clothing is donated by alumni, faculty, staff and other community members. A limited supply of a variety of sizes of clothing is offered. Career and Professional Development offers assistance with sizing and styling of clothing, and there are dressing rooms for students to try on clothes. Because shopping space is small, students should expect a wait of 15 minutes or more to get into the shopping area after they check-in. Students should plan enough time to wait in line and shop for clothing. Students will be allowed to take home a suit (or equivalent), a shirt/blouse and one accessory. For more information go to: https://career.vt.edu/events/CareerOutfitters.html
VT ICE HOCKEY VS. JMU
Friday, Jan 31, 7:30pm, LancerLot Stadium (near Roanoke)
This semester the GLC Fellows are planning a sports series. To start off the year, the GLC Fellows are planning a trip to a VT Ice Hockey game at LancerLot Stadium in Vinton, VA near Roanoke. Tickets are $2 each (with a student ID) to see the Virginia Tech’s Men’s Ice Hockey team play against JMU on January 31st at 7:30pm. If you are interested in joining your GLC Fellows and fellow graduate students please sign up by Tues Jan 28 at: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4IbnfT9ZVGJUDrL. This is a great opportunity to enjoy time with your fellow Hokies, watch a hockey game, and possibly learn something new.
SPRING KICK-OFF WELCOME CONNECT LUNCH
Monday, Feb 3, 12:00-1:00pm, Graduate Life Center, Multipurpose Room
Come out and meet representatives from university offices, learn about student resources, and network with other new and returning students, faculty, and staff with lunch provided. Please register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dd4K3AXN74JFGZL by Jan 31. For accommodations related to disabilities, contact Justin Grimes at jgrimes18@vt.edu at least 72 hours in advance of the event.
GROCERY BINGO
Tuesday, Feb 4, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room F
Compete against other graduate students in Bingo for a chance to win free grocery items! Sign-up here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_883ij9xTJOjP8HP .
LUNCH WITH THE DEAN
Wednesday, Feb 5, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room C
Meet Graduate School Dean Dr. Karen DePauw and graduate students at a free lunch. Learn about the latest in graduate education and share your perspectives in a casual setting. Sign-up here:
https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1GQMrZ6V7gjJpGZ . Please note that with such a short time to eat and have a discussion, it is important that you arrive on time for this lunch.
INTERFAITH EVENING DIALOGUES FOR STUDENTS – DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE
Wednesday, Feb 5, 5:30-7:00pm, 3310 Torgersen Hall
Participate in a dialogue with people with diverse worldviews. Discussions about world issues through an interfaith lens. Conversations about religious, spiritual, and secular diversity. All are welcome.
GSA SPRING BEER & WINE SOCIAL
Friday, Feb 7, 5:00-9:00pm, Lane Stadium South End Zone Club
The Graduate Student Assembly is gearing up for an exciting Spring Beer & Wine Social in Lane Stadium! Tickets will be $18 ahead of time, $20 at the door, and will include drinks, appetizers and an incredible DJ. There is also a non-alcohol-drinking entry option, which is $10 at the door. Come relax and enjoy the company of other graduate students! Everyone is encouraged to dress in semi-formal attire. To buy tickets online click here. Volunteers for this event are also needed. All volunteers will receive free admission to the social. To sign-up as a volunteer click here. Questions? Contact Cortney Steele, GSA Director of Events at cnsteele@vt.edu.
