September 28-October 4, 2009

1. GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL FAIR
Monday, Sep 28, 12:00-4:00pm in Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires
The Graduate Student Assembly presents the 2009 Graduate and Professional School Fair with over 120 graduate schools and professional programs to talk to you or your undergraduate students interested in graduate education! Free pizza!

2. AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION MTG
Monday, Sep 28, 4:00pm, in McBryde 136
If you are interest in water related issues or research, the VT Student Chapter of the American Water Resources Association is for you. If you are unable to attend this first meeting but are interested in membership, please contact Tammy Parece, MS/GEOG, at  and she will add you to their listserv for notices on meeting and activity dates.

3. WRITING SUPPORT FOR GRADS IN THE GLC: M-W
Free writing assistance is available in the Writing Center: call for appointment at 231-5436, or drop by 340 Shanks, 9-5 M-F. Assistance is also available on Mondays (4-6pm) and Wednesdays (4-7pm) in the GLC Student Lounge, provided by Jeremy Henry, a graduate student and writing coach. If you need help with your writing, stop by the Writing Center or see Jeremy in the GLC Grad Student Lounge (Rm 30 across from the Auditorium). You may e-mail him to set up an appointment as well. Receive assistance with personal statements, resumes, theses, research proposals, and more.

4. COUNSELING SUPPORT IN THE GLC
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 1:00-5:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room
The Cook Counseling Center provides counseling support specifically to graduate students in the GLC. No appointment necessary. Feel free to take advantage of this if you are stressed, anxious, need to develop better study habits, or just need someone to talk to. Resource materials are also available in the Reading Room for your perusal.

5. CAREER SERVICES WALK-IN ADVISING
Wednesday, Sep 23, 1:30-5:00pm, GLC Study Room
Amy McPherson, Associate Director of Career Services, is available to graduate students on Wednesdays (except during Thanksgiving Break) to assist with career preparation questions, resume review and more. No appointment necessary.

6. GRADS GOT TALENT! – REGISTER BY OCT 2
Do you dance? Sing? Act? Or perform something better? Would you like to showcase your talent for a cause? GSA & GLC fellows host "Grads Got Talent" on October 17 in Haymarket Theater is Squires to help raise funds for Relay for Life. Please complete a short survey by Friday to list your interest in participation and the type of performance you would like to showcase. Screening of all performances will be held on October 6th. Performers will be contacted through contact information provided in the survey. Contact Sruthi Atmakur, GSA Program Chair for Events if you have any questions.

7. HOKIE HOP SWING DANCE
Saturday, Oct 3, 7:00-11:30pm, Old Dominion Ballroom, Squires
Need a break from your adviser, classes or research? Join the VT Solely Swing Dance Club‘s Annual Hokie Hop Swing Dance! Wear orange & maroon/VT attire if you can, meet new friends, learn to dance, and have some fun with a live band! No partner required.  Free lesson with cost of admission ($10)!

8. OUTDOOR CLUB WHITEWATER RAFTING-REGISTER BY OCT 7
Sunday, Oct 11, 6:30am to 6:30pm
The Outdoor Club (OCVT) is organizing a whitewater rafting trip on the entire Gauley, upper and lower; 23 miles of river, over 100 rapids, in 1 day. Participate in one of the best whitewater rafting experiences in the country.  Rafters have to be at base camp in WV at 6:30am and will finish rafting at 6:30 pm.  There will be an orientation/safety briefing before rafting. For detailed trip information and costs please check the OCVT website. Must know how to swim. Sign up by October 7.  Contact Nimal Lobo with questions. 

9. STUDY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT – 1st posting
Do you have a child or children currently in childcare? VT researchers are exploring how information is documented, accessed, and made secure at your childcare provider. The study runs in September and October, with interviewing parents and compensating $10.00 for 20-30 minutes of your time. The researchers can meet you wherever is most comfortable. If you are interested, please contact Zalia Shams.

10. GRADUATE SCHOOL FEATURED GRADUATE STUDENT
Nominate yourself, a friend, or fellow graduate student to be recognized on the Graduate School website as a Featured Graduate Student! This program is designed to showcase the diversity of perspectives graduate students bring to our community and to present a more personal side of graduate student life.
View the Graduate School‘s current Featured Graduate Student and to nominate a graduate student!

11. GRADUATE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: OPEN NOW!
The GRDP, administered by the GSA, provides monetary support for degree-contingent research conducted by graduate students. This funding opportunity is available to graduate students in two cycles:

  • *Cycle I: Jul 1 – Dec 31 (2009) (submit application between Aug 31 and Oct 9)
  • *Cycle II: Jan 1 – Jun 30 (2010) (submit application between Jan 25 and Feb 26)

If you have any question, please send an email to the program chair: Amine Chigani.

12. GSA TRAVEL FUND APPLICATION: OPEN NOW!
The GSA Travel Fund Program (TFP) offers awards to support the cost of presenting your research at conferences. Master’s students can apply for up to $350 and PhD students up to $500.  The application period (Cycle I) for travel between Jul 1 and Dec 31 will be open from Sep 7 to Oct 16. Questions? Please contact Lora Cavuoto, the TFP Chair.

13. GRAD STUDENT JOB SEARCH CLUB
Recognizing the challenges and frustrations of job searching, Career Services is offering a unique opportunity for you to join a Job Search Club. Club members share one common link: a need or desire to obtain a job. For the next six weeks, this Club for graduate students will meet weekly to discuss and practice job search skills, techniques and strategies. Space is limited, so please only register if you can commit to the 6-week session and if you plan to graduate in Dec ’09 or May ’10, or if you will seek summer internships. Meetings weekly on Tuesdays, Oct 6–Nov 3, 3:30–5:00pm, 1st Floor Smith Career Center Meeting Room A. Register online.

14. UPCOMING EVENTS:

YOGA FOR RELAXATION
Monday, Oct 5, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room F
Attend this program if you are interested in body health, stilling the mind and meditation practice. The program will include 30 min of relaxing and restorative yoga postures to use at the end of your workday or before bed; simple breath-work for health and calmness and an introduction to meditation for centering and stillness. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows. With questions contact Lindsay Moss. 

INTL FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY INFO SESSIONS
Tuesday, Oct 6, 2:00pm and 5:30pm, GLC Room C
Funding opportunity for Ph.D. students conducting research in Latin America or the Caribbean! Come to one of two information sessions to learn about the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) Grassroots Development Fellowship that provides Ph.D. candidates funding for up to a year to conduct research on grassroots development issues in Latin America or the Caribbean, including round-trip international transportation, research and living allowances, health insurance, and attendance at a mid-year conference in a country in the region. Visit www.iie.org/iaf for specific benefits, eligibility requirements, and application instructions.

AUDITIONS FOR “GRADS GOT TALENT”
Tuesday, Oct 6, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Do you dance? Sing? Act? Or perform something better? Come and show it off at the auditions for Grads Got Talent. Please fill in the survey by October 2.  Once screened, perform for a cause at the HayMarket theater on October 17 to help raise funds for Relay for Life. Contact: Sruthi Atmakur, GSA Program Chair for Events, at satmakur@vt.edu (or) Lindsay Moss, GSA VP of programs.

CHANCELLOR’S GRADUATE STUDENT FELLOWSHIP
Wednesday, October 7:  1:30PM-4:00PM, GLC Room F
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Chancellor’s Graduate Student Fellowship program gives graduate students the opportunity to gain collegiate teaching experience while still in graduate school. This initiative creates statewide partnerships and aims to recruit students who represent varied ethnic, racial and social backgrounds who are interested in teaching careers. Come to this program to learn more about how you can become a teaching fellow and visit with representatives from New River and Virginia Western Community Colleges. Sponsored by the Graduate School Office of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives. Register online.

ETD SERIES: COPYRIGHT ISSUES
Wednesday, Oct 7, 7:00-8:30pm in Room F in the GLC
Presented by Gail McMillan of University Libraries to help you with copyright matters as you prepare to write your thesis or dissertation. Learn more at the ETD Wiki on the Graduate School’s website.  

TOWN COUNCIL GRAD RECEPTION
Wednesday, Oct 7, 8:30-9:30pm, GLC Student Lounge
Join the candidates running for Town Council for coffee and conversation: This is your opportunity find out what town decisions are going to affect your time here at VT.  Find out more about the candidates at: http://www.citizensfirstforblacksburg.org/node. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows.  Questions or concerns, please contact Lindsay Moss.

 

September 21-27, 2009

1. WHAT IS PEACE?
Monday, Sep 21, 12:30-1:30pm, GLC Room C
Change your lunch routine in honor of International Peace Day! Explore what peace means in the world and in our hearts this moment. Take this time to discover a personal obstacle to greater peace for you and walk out of the room with a lighter step. Facilitated by Sandy Burg. Event sponsored by GSA. Questions? Contact: Sruthi Atmakur 

2. ABOARD THE PEACE TRAIN
Monday, Sep 21, 7:15-8:15pm, GLC Room C
"You can argue with a philosopher, but you can’t argue with a good song." ~ Yusuf (Cat Stevens). Celebrate International Peace Day through expressions of poetry and song.  Feel free to bring a musical instrument as well as the words to a favorite poem or song that celebrate peace for you! Facilitated by Sandy Burg. Event sponsored by GSA. Questions? Contact: Sruthi Atmakur.

 3. GRAD FITNESS FAIR
Tuesday, Sep 22, 4:00-7:00pm in GLC Multipurpose Room
FREE to all graduate students who want to learn about their fitness levels and the programs that can help them reach their fitness goals. Seven health-related components will be measured by trained staff members from Rec Sports to establish your fitness level: cardio-respiratory endurance; body composition; muscular strength; muscular endurance; flexibility; resting heart rate; and blood pressure. Stop by the GLC anytime between 4pm and 7pm. For a list of all VT Rec Sports special events visit http://www.recsports.vt.edu/special/.

4. COUNSELING SUPPORT IN THE GLC
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 1:00-5:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room
The Cook Counseling Center provides counseling support specifically to graduate students in the GLC. No appointment necessary. Feel free to take advantage of this if you are stressed, anxious, need to develop better study habits, or just need someone to talk to. Resource materials are also available in the Reading Room for your perusal.

5. SLOW FOODS, LOCAL FOODS
Wednesday, Sep 23, 12:00-1:00pm, Room D in the GLC
Get the scoop on the local sustainable food movement! Slow Foods Board Member Megan Foster will facilitate an informational discussion on how, where, and why access to local healthy food is easier than you’d think. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows. Questions: Lindsay Moss. 

6. CAREER SERVICES WALK-IN ADVISING
Wednesday, Sep 23, 1:30-5:00pm, GLC Study Room
Amy McPherson, Associate Director of Career Services, is available to graduate students on Wednesdays (except during Thanksgiving Break) to assist with career preparation questions, resume review and more. No appointment necessary.

7. GTA/FACULTY WORKSHOP: PREVENTING CAMPUS VIOLENCE
Thursday, Sep 24, 3:00-5:00pm, The Inn – Latham Ballroom
This workshop, led by national threat-assessment expert Dr. Marisa Randazzo, will help attendees learn how to recognize signs of distress in students, address when interventions are necessary, and offer advice on diffusing conflict situations.  Virginia Tech Dean Emeritus Jerry Niles and Deputy Chief of Police Gene Deisinger will provide information about support services on campus.  A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation. Register at http://tinyurl.com/assessthreat. This workshop can be used to satisfy GTA Phase II credit requirements (to take credit, sign up at https://www.fdi.vt.edu/public/?term_pk1=8440).

8. HONOR SYSTEM PANELIST TRAINING SESSION
Thursday, Sep 24, 5:30-6:30pm in Room D in the GLC
Attend a one-hour training session to become an Graduate Honor System (GHS) panelist: the GHS is seeking new student and faculty panelists to work with the Honor System to help improve and uphold academic integrity at Virginia Tech. Send questions to ghs@vt.edu.

9. GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY FIRST MEETING
Thursday, Sep 24, 7:00pm, in McBryde 136
If you are interest in physical geography, human geography or the interaction of the environment and humans, this is the organization for you: participate in recycling events, stream clean ups, International GIS Day and Geographic Awareness week and more. If you are unable to attend this first meeting but are interested in membership, please let contact Tammy Parece, MS/GEOG, and she will add you to their listserve for notices on meeting and activity dates.

10. HISPANIC/LATINO HERITAGE MONTH LUNCH
Friday, Sep 25, 11:30am-1:30pm, GLC Room F
The Graduate School Office of Diversity Initiatives is celebrating Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month by sponsoring a CONNECT lunch for graduate students and faculty in our Hispanic/Latino campus community as well as undergraduate seniors interested in attending the Graduate School.  Register online by Wednesday, Sep 23. For more information contact Jane Rorrer at 231-2494.

11. FALL SOCIAL
Friday, Sep 25, 6:00-9:00pm in GLC Multipurpose Room

Meet your fellow graduate students and unwind with playing giant twister, dancing to good music and more! GSA hosts Fall Social 2009. An evening filled with fun games, music and food. Please RSVP if you plan on attending this event
. For more information contact Sruthi Atmakur, GSA Program Chair for Events. 

12. RAS GARBA 2009: INDIAN DANCE NIGHT
Sunday, Sep 27, 5:00-8:00pm in Commonwealth Ballroom in Squires.
The Indian Students Association at VT and Indian Cultural Society of the NRV invite you "Ras Garba 2009", a celebratory evening of dancing and dining. Learn to sway to traditional Indian music from trained dancers. Event followed by dinner ($5 ticket for dinner). Questions and comments or to RSVP for dinner ticket: Email isa@vt.edu or call 216-225-5077.

13. GRADUATE SCHOLARS SOCIETY REGISTRATION STILL OPEN
The Graduate Scholars Society encourages and facilitates lively and interdisciplinary discussions on current topics and events. The topics this semester range from Understanding Islam, Healthcare Reform, Ethics in Education, to Sustainable Agriculture.  Sign up or learn more at the GSS website. If you’d like more information, contact Eric Hodges.

14. TECHNICAL WRITING WORKSHOP: REGISTER BY OCT 1
Register to participate in a technical writing workshop for faculty, postdocs, and graduate students. This free workshop will take place on Saturday, Oct 24, in Fralin Auditorium. Registration required: contact Dr. Janet Webster, 231-1957. Learn how to write and publish a scientific paper, review university resources, explore scientific ethics, grammar, and proofreading strategies and more.

15. GRADS GOT TALENT! – REGISTER BY OCT 2
Do you dance? Sing? Act? Or perform something better? Would you like to showcase your talent for a cause? GSA & GLC fellows host "Grads Got Talent" on October 17 in Haymarket Theater is Squires to help raise funds for Relay for Life. Please complete a short survey to list your interest in participation and the type of performance you would like to showcase. Screening of all performances will be held on October 6th. Performers will be contacted through contact information provided in the survey. Contact Sruthi Atmakur, GSA Program Chair for Events.

16. OUTDOOR CLUB WHITEWATER RAFTING-REGISTER BY OCT 7
Sunday, Oct 11, 6:30am to 6:30pm
The Outdoor Club (OCVT) is organizing a whitewater rafting trip on the entire Gauley, upper and lower; 23 miles of river, over 100 rapids, in 1 day. Participate in one of the best whitewater rafting experiences in the country.  Rafters have to be at base camp in WV at 6:30am and will finish rafting at 6:30 pm.  There will be an orientation/safety briefing before rafting. For detailed trip information and costs please check the OCVT website. Must know how to swim. Sign up: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1253026168617 Contact Nimal Lobo with questions.

17. GLC ROOM RESERVATIONS
Graduate students and graduate student organizations may reserve meeting rooms in the GLC at no charge. Major venue spaces are also available at a small fee. Some rooms are equipped with computer and projector, others have whiteboards. To make a reservation, call 231-6500 or email to glc@vt.edu. Learn more about available spaces and reservation guidelines on the GLC website.

18. GRADUATE SCHOOL FEATURED GRADUATE STUDENT
Nominate yourself, a friend, or fellow graduate student to be recognized on the Graduate School website as a Featured Graduate Student! This program is designed to showcase the diversity of perspectives graduate students bring to our community and to present a more personal side of graduate student life. View the Graduate School‘s current Featured Graduate Student or nominate a graduate student!

19. LEARNING CPR – SURVEY OF INTEREST
According to the American Heart Association, about 80% of cardiac arrests occur in private residential settings, so being trained to perform CPR can mean the difference between life and death for a loved one. Knowing CPR is an invaluable skill and GLC Resident Fellows are working on bringing a CPR class to the GLC. To express your interest in possibly participating in a CPR class, please complete the survey. If you have any questions, contact Josey Chacko.

20. GRADUATE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: OPEN NOW!
The GRDP, administered by the GSA, provides monetary support for degree-contingent research conducted by graduate students. This funding opportunity is available to graduate students in two cycles:

  • Cycle I: Jul 1-Dec 31 (2009) (submit application between Aug 31 and Oct 9)
  • Cycle II: Jan 1-Jun 30 (2010) (submit application between Jan 25 and Feb 26)

For more information, visit: http://www.gsa.uusa.vt.edu/programs/research_program. If you have any question, please send an email to the program chair, Amine Chigani.

21. GSA TRAVEL FUND APPLICATION: OPEN NOW!
The GSA Travel Fund Program (TFP) offers awards to support the cost of presenting your research at conferences. Master’s students can apply for up to $350 and PhD students up to $500.  The application period (Cycle I) for travel between Jul 1 and Dec 31 will be open from Sep 7 to Oct 16. Visit http://www.gsa.uusa.vt.edu/programs/travel_fund for instructions on how to apply.  Questions? Please contact Lora Cavuoto, the TFP Chair.

22. WRITING SUPPORT FOR GRADS IN THE GLC
Free writing assistance is available in the Writing Center: call for appointment at 231-5436, or drop by 340 Shanks, 9-5 M-F.  Assistance is also available on Mondays (4-6pm) and Wednesdays (4-7pm) in the GLC Student Lounge, provided by Jeremy Henry, a graduate student and writing coach. If you need help with your writing, stop by the Writing Center or see Jeremy in the GLC Grad Student Lounge (Rm 30 across from the Auditorium). You may e-mail him to set up an appointment as well. Receive assistance with personal statements, resumes, theses, research proposals, and more.

23. UPCOMING EVENTS:

GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL FAIR
Monday, Sep 28, 12:00-4:00pm in Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires
The Graduate Student Assembly presents the 2009 Graduate and Professional School Fair with over 100 graduate schools and professional programs to talk to you or your undergraduate students interested in graduate education! List of schools attending: http://www.gsa.uusa.vt.edu/programs/school_fair/participating_school Free pizza!

AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION MTG
Monday, Sep 28, 4:00pm, in McBryde 136
If you are interest in water related issues or research, the VT Student Chapter of the American Water Resources Association is for you. If you are unable to attend this first meeting but are interested in membership, please let contact Tammy Parece, MS/GEOG, and she will add you to their listserve for notices on meeting and activity dates.

HOKIE HOP SWING DANCE
Saturday, Oct 3, 7:00-11:30pm, Old Dominion Ballroom, Squires
Need a break from your adviser, classes or research? Join the VT Solely Swing Dance Club‘s Annual Hokie Hop Swing Dance! Wear orange & maroon/VT attire if you can, meet new friends, learn to dance, and have some fun with a live band! No partner required.  Free lesson with cost of admission ($10)!

 AUDITIONS FOR “GRADS GOT TALENT”
Tuesday, Oct 6, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Do you dance? Sing? Act? Or perform something better? Come and show it off at the auditions for Grads Got Talent. Please complete the survey.Once screened, perform for a cause at the HayMarket theater on October 17 to help raise funds for Relay for Life. Contact: Sruthi Atmakur, GSA Program Chair for Events, or Lindsay Moss, GSA VP of programs.

For a complete calendar of events visit: http://www.glc.vt.edu/ . Please contact Monika Gibson if you have any questions.