Month: October 2009

0. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

• Writing support: Mondays (4-6pm) and Wednesdays (4-7pm), Student Lounge
• Walk-in counseling: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 1:00-5:00pm, Videoconference Room
• Career services walk-in advising: Wednesdays, 1:30-5:00pm, GLC Study Room

1. CHINESE THERAPEUTIC MOVEMENT
Monday, Oct 26, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room F           
There are many powerful tools for inviting serenity into your daily life through the exploration of movement and stillness. During this session learn head-to-toe body movements that serve to rejuvenate the connective tissue that holds our skeletal frame together, our organs in place, and provides nutrients to our cells.  The gentleness of these movements have both neurological and physiological benefits in reducing body fatigue.  Sponsored by the GLC Fellows.  Questions: contact Lindsay Moss. 

2. STAT SHORT COURSE: CLUSTER ANALYSIS
Tuesday, Oct 27, 5:00-7:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
Register for this short course on cluster analysis, an exploratory data analysis tool that focuses on putting objects into groups of the same kind based on measures of similarity, such as distance, defining association of objects within groups, and disassociation between objects of different groups. It can be used to discover structures in data without providing an interpretation. This course mainly focuses on reviewing those algorithms and techniques that lead to produce clusters for different real-life data types. The Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) offers a series of short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research through teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data. 

3. THE GREAT DEBATE
Tuesday, Oct 27, 7:00-9:00pm, GLC Auditorium
Sponsored by the Political Science Club, the great debate provides a forum for the College Republicans and the Young Democrats (both registered VT student organizations) to debate current issues before the upcoming election. The debate is open to the campus and local communities. Admission free.

4. GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY MEETING
Tuesday, Oct 27, 7:00pm, Torg 1010
Tammy Parece, graduate student and president of the VT Geographic Society, invites you to the next meeting of this interest group. If you have any questions, contact Tammy.

5. PEACE CORPS INFORMATION SESSION
Wednesday, Oct 28, 6:30-7:30pm, GLC Room C
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a Peace Corps volunteer?  This Information Session will give you an overview of the experiences of volunteers in some of the 73 countries that Peace Corps serves in. Presenters will discuss a variety of projects, including Agriculture, Health and HIV Awareness, English as a Second Language, Environmental Education, Youth Development, Business, and more, and review the qualifications and process of becoming a volunteer.  There will be a video presentation and discussion, followed by a Q&A session. Brought to you by Alex Frane, graduate student and former PC volunteer.

6. TRICK OR TREAT IN THE GLC
Friday, Oct 30, 1:00-5:00pm, GLC first floor and Grad School offices
Stop by the GLC for some tricks and treats on Friday afternoon. Look for black spider webs and evil eyes to find treats. Kids are welcome! No age limit! Must wear a costume or perform a trick to qualify for treats.  Booo!

7. DIWALI NIGHT:  FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Saturday, Oct 31, 5:00pm  in Burruss and on the Drillfield
The Indian Students Association (ISA), a grad student organization, invites you to the Festival of Lights. The biggest Indian event held on campus, Diwali is an occasion for celebration and communal harmony, showcasing the rich diversity of Indian culture, heritage and history. Catch a glimpse of India through cultural performances in Burruss Hall, followed by fireworks on the Drillfield, and dinner under the stars. 5-7:15 Cultural Performances in Burruss Auditorium; (free);  7:30 Fireworks on the Drillfield; 8:00 Dinner on the Drillfield (ticket required) [Dinner by "Copper", Charlotte]. Purchase your dinner coupon in advance. Tickets are limited and sold on a first-come-first-served basis.

8. CALL FOR SURVEY PARTICIPANTS – 1st posting
An MBA marketing class needs your opinion! The group is doing a marketing plan for a company that created a local website to advertise events in the NRV.  They need as many people as possible to complete this survey. Feel free to share this survey invitation with your friends! If you have questions, contact Josey Chacko.

9. FACEBOOK FAN PAGE ON ETHICS
Please join the Graduate School’s new Facebook fan page for ethics, where we post articles, stories, and media on ethics in scholarship, teaching, service, and life. You may also follow the ethics conversation on Twitter.

10. GRADUATE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT FOCUS GROUP
Dr. John Dooley, VP for Outreach and International Affairs, is supporting a research project to enhance community engagement opportunities and related scholarship at Virginia Tech.  As part of this effort, the research team will be holding three graduate student focus groups to ascertain the graduate student experience with community engagement.  The three dates for these focus groups are: Nov 16 (10:30-12:00), Nov 17 (10:30-12:00), and Nov 19 (2:30-4:00). If you are interested in community engagement, please consider attending one of these groups. For more information or to sign up, contact Eric Hodges.

11. SHORT COURSES IN STATISTICS
Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) offers a series of short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research through teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data.  Registration required. Refreshments will be provided at the end of each short course! All courses will be held in Fralin Auditorium from 5:00-7:00pm. Remaining courses in the Fall 2009 schedule:

• Wednesday, Nov 4: Intro to SAS
• Tuesday, Nov 10: How to Analyze Repeated Measures and Other Random Effects

LISA also provides free statistical collaboration and consulting by appointment. Free daily walk-in consulting service is also available from 12-2pm in 401 Hutcheson Hall. 

12. LEADERSHIP AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
VT Residence Life is looking for new staff members for the 2010- 2011 academic year. Resident Advisor positions are available in every residence hall and open to both graduate and undergraduate students. Staff members often comment on the high level of leadership skills they develop and their increased sense of connection to the campus community. Resident Advisors receive a room scholarship and a semi-monthly pay check. Candidates must attend an interest session in order to apply.  Visit Student Programs for more information.

13. FLU VACCINE COVERAGE THROUGH GM SOUTHWEST
Students insured through the university-approved GM Southwest plan have coverage for the seasonal flue vaccine, as well as the H1N1 vaccine. Schiffert Health Center scheduled student vaccine clinics beginning Tuesday, Oct 27. See later postings for further details. Through a special arrangement between GM-Southwest and Intravene (the vaccine provider), students who receive the flu vaccines will not incur out-of-pocket expenses. Insured students will need to present their student insurance ID card to receive this benefit. Students who receive the vaccines from any other provider must file a claim.

14. UPCOMING EVENTS:

STUDENT CONDUCT FORUM
Wednesday, Nov 4, 6:30pm in GLC Auditorium
The Office of Student Conduct is sponsoring this open forum for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to solicit feedback regarding the Hokie Handbook, specifically the Code of Student Conduct that governs student conduct at Virginia Tech. This is your chance to voice your opinion about VT standards of conduct, judicial procedures, and other aspects of the Hokie Handbook.

DIALOGUE WITH THE DEAN
Thursday, Nov 5, 6:00-7:00pm, GLC Room C
Register online to attend the last Dialogue with the Dean for the fall semester, hosted by the GSA.  Visit with Dr. Karen DePauw and discuss issues that matter to you most!  Questions: contact Lindsay Moss. 

AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH CONNECT LUNCH
Friday, Nov 6, 11:30am-1:30pm, GLC Room F
Join the Graduate School Office of Diversity Initiatives in the university-wide celebration of American Indian Heritage Month. Have lunch, meet and greet Native American students, and visit with the Gradate School deans. This is also an opportunity for graduate students to share ideas and discuss issues relating to the American Indian community. Please RSVP online by Nov 4.  For more information, contact Jane Rorrer by phone at 231-2494 or e-mail.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

• Writing support: Mondays (4-6pm) and Wednesdays (4-7pm), Student Lounge
• Walk-in counseling: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 1:00-5:00pm, Videoconference Room
• Career services walk-in advising: Wednesdays, 1:30-5:00pm, GLC Study Room

2. NATIONAL DAY ON WRITING
Tuesday, Oct 20, 11:00-2:00 in Shanks 370/380
Jennifer Cover, GTA and composition program assistant invites you to celebrate this day dedicated to writing as recognized by Congress. Refreshments and displays starting at 11; at noon, a panel including Rachel Holloway, associate dean of undergraduate academic affairs; Clara Cox, director of university publications; Gail Billingsley, executive director of VT YMCA,  Matthew Vollmer, author and English instructor; and Sara Kajder in English education will talk about the importance of writing in our community. At 1:00, Virginia Tech writers will share their work. Learn more about this event and opportunities for participation.

3. WORKING MOMS’ SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Oct 20, Noon-1:00pm, GLC Room C
Topic: Children & Books (recipe for the most special memories & kids who love to read); Speaker: Cathy Jacobs, VT Work/Life Office. This event provides an opportunity for working mothers to come together to share, vent, network, and support one another. For more information, contact Christine Dennis Smith. 

4. STAT SHORT COURSE—USING JMP: SPECIFIC EXAMPLES IN REGRESSION
Wednesday, Oct 21, 5:00-7:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
The goal of this session is to illustrate how to use JMP in linear regression analysis. The three main topics will be: (1) Exploratory data analysis, simple liner regression and polynomial regression; (2) How to fit a multiple regression model, how to fit a multiple regression model with interactions and how to generate and compare candidate models; (3) Regression diagnostics with focus on evaluating the assumptions of regression, and recommendations when assumptions have not been met.  Register and learn more.

5. DISSERTATION WRITING WORK GROUP
Wednesdays, next on Oct 21, 9:00am, Women’s Center Library
Designed for women graduate students and post-docs who are working on their dissertation or thesis, preparing for prelims or writing an article, to provide support, motivation, goal-setting, accountability, and a place to unwind during the research and writing phase. All are welcome! For more information, contact Anna Lomascolo.

6. FREE ZUMBA CLASS
Wednesday, Oct 21, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Get a free workout in the GLC Multipurpose Room through Zumba, a fusion of Latin and International music combined with aerobic dance themes that create a dynamic, exciting, effective fitness system. The routines feature aerobic/fitness interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body. Questions: contact Lindsay Moss. 

7. COMMUNICATING HONESTLY
Thursday, Oct 22, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room D
This one-hour workshop offers participants an opportunity to explore and practice a way of communicating that is powerful, honest and compassionate; an approach to interacting with themselves and others in a way that does not inflict emotional pain and does not lead to physical violence but rather leads to mutual understanding, respect and peace. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows.  Questions: contact Lindsay Moss. 

8. BRING YOUR FAVORITE PICTURE
Thursday, Oct 22, 6:00-7:00pm, GLC Room C
De-stress yourself by indulging in a creative craft, family-friendly event hosted by the GSA. Bring in your favorite picture and have an hour of fun, creating frames for your pictures. Glue, paper, scissors and other supplies will be provided. Contact Kristen Pujari, co-ordinator for the event, with questions.

9. MOVIE NIGHT IN THE GLC: GRAN TORINO
Friday, Oct 23, 7:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
Take a load off with other grad students and watch "Gran Torino." Free popcorn and refreshments provided. Contact Josey Chacko, GLC Resident Fellow, with questions.

10. PRE-HALLOWEEN SWING DANCE
Saturday, Oct 24, 7:00-11:30pm, Old Dominion Ballroom, Squires
Want to test out that Halloween Costume? Matt Bays, doctoral student in mechanical engineering invites you to join the VT Solely Swing Dance Club‘s Annual Pre-Halloween Swing Dance! Wear a costume or Halloween colors if you can, meet new friends, learn to dance, participate in a costume contest, and bring a carved pumpkin to be judged! No partner required.  Free lesson with cost of admission ($5)!

11. PUMPKIN FESTIVAL TRIP
Sunday, Oct 25, 1:00-4:00pm, meet in GLC Lobby
Enjoy the fall colors in Virginia at the Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival with your fellow grad students! Meet in the GLC lobby and carpool to Christiansburg for the pumpkin festival. If you are interested in joining, please complete this survey.  Contact Jeanne Mouton, GLC Resident Fellow, with questions.

12. SHORT COURSES IN STATISTICS
Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) offers a series of short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research through teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data.  Registration required. Refreshments will be provided at the end of each short course! All courses will be held in Fralin Auditorium from 5:00-7:00pm. Remaining courses in the Fall 2009 schedule:

• Tuesday, Oct 27: Cluster Analysis
• Wednesday, Nov 4: Intro to SAS
• Tuesday, Nov 10: How to Analyze Repeated Measures and Other Random Effects

LISA also provides free statistical collaboration and consulting by appointment. Free daily walk-in consulting service is also available from 12-2pm in 401 Hutcheson Hall.  

13. LEADERSHIP AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
VT Residence Life is looking for new staff members for the 2010- 2011 academic year. Resident Advisor positions are available in every residence hall and open to both graduate and undergraduate students. Staff members often comment on the high level of leadership skills they develop and their increased sense of connection to the campus community. Resident Advisors receive a room scholarship and a semi-monthly pay check. Candidates must attend an interest session in order to apply. 

14. FLU VACCINE COVERAGE THROUGH GM SOUTHWEST
Students insured through the university-approved GM Southwest plan have coverage for the seasonal flue vaccine, as well as the H1N1 vaccine. Schiffert Health Center scheduled student vaccine clinics beginning Tuesday, Oct 27. See later postings for further details. Through a special arrangement between GM-Southwest and Intravene (the vaccine provider), students who receive the flu vaccines will not incur out-of-pocket expenses. Insured students will need to present their student insurance ID card to receive this benefit. Students who receive the vaccines from any other provider must file a claim.

15. UPCOMING EVENTS:

THE GREAT DEBATE
Tuesday, Oct 27, 7:00-9:00pm, GLC Auditorium
Sponsored by the Political Science Club, the great debate provides a forum for the College Republicans and the Young Democrats (both registered VT student organizations) to debate current issues before the upcoming election. The debate is open to the campus and local communities. Admission free.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC:

• Writing support: Mondays (4-6pm) and Wednesdays (4-7pm), Student Lounge
• Walk-in counseling: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 1:00-5:00pm, Videoconference Room
• Career services walk-in advising: Wednesdays, 1:30-5:00pm, GLC Study Room

2. STAT SHORT COURSE: DESIGNING EXPERIMENTS
Tuesday, Oct 13, 5:00-7:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) offers a series of short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research through teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data.  Visit the LISA website to register or learn more. The goal of this session is to introduce methods for creating well-designed experiments, with focus on basic principles, terminology, and concepts such as: steps for planning, designing, and analyzing an experiment; the importance of replication, randomization, and controlling error; the difference between experimental and observational units; fixed versus random effects; sample size and power; the importance of the sequential process of carrying out experiments. The session will not cover how to do ANOVA or how to use any software packages.

3. WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
Wednesday, Oct 14, 11:30am-12:30pm, GLC Room D
You’ve heard it before: your beliefs and attitudes affect your experience of life.  But how does this process work?  Physics, biology and psychology can lend some insights. Take the mystery out of the dynamic and explore how you can consciously co-create your experiences toward greater meaning and fulfillment.  Sponsored by the GLC Fellows.  Questions: Lindsay Moss. 

4. BALANCING ACT—HOW TO CREATE AND MAINTAIN HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS IN GRAD SCHOOL 
Wednesday, Oct 14, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room C
Graduate students are often pulled in many different directions professionally, academically, and personally. Relationships with family and significant others frequently drop in priority. This interactive workshop will help participants create and maintain healthy relationships while also balancing the demands of graduate school. The workshop includes information on dynamics of healthy relationships, healthy interpersonal boundaries, and practical skills that can be used in real-life relationships. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows.  Questions: contact Lindsay Moss.

5. RETURNED PEACE CORPS PANEL
Thursday, Oct 15, 6:00-7:00pm, GLC Room G
If you are interested in the Peace Corps but have not had the opportunity to speak with a returned volunteer, here is your chance to speak with people in the Blacksburg area who have volunteered all over the world in a wide variety of projects including, agriculture, NGO development, water & sanitation, English teaching and business advising. Volunteers receive excellent language, cultural and programmatic training in over 73 countries. Take the first step in an adventure of a lifetime…learn about the joys and requirements of Peace Corps service as well as how to apply. Contact Alex Frane with questions and concerns.

6. STRONGER THAT WE THINK: SELF-EMPOWERING SKILLS THAT REDUCE THE RISK OF VIOLENCE
Thursday, Oct 15, 7:00pm, Smyth 146
The Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention and the Students for Non-Violence organization are hosting a public seminar featuring Dr. James Kenny, Professor of Criminal Justice from Fairleigh Dickinson University. The seminar will address identifying early warning signs, causes, and stages of violence, developing a proactive approach to personal safety, and discuss strategies to defuse dangerous situations.  This event is open to the entire Virginia Tech community.

7. DOCUMENTARY SERIES BY LATIN-AMERICAN/IBERIAN GRAD STUDENT ASSOCIATION
Saturday, Oct 17, 3:00pm, The Lyric
The Latin American and Iberian Graduate Student Association invites you to two movie presentations in The Lyric: on Oct 3, to the documentary “Hartos Evos Aqui Hay” directed by Manuel Ruiz; on Nov 14, to the documentary “En lo Escondido”, by Nicolas Rincon. Both movies are shown with English subtitles. Free and open to all.

8. GRADS GOT TALENT
Saturday, Oct 17, 6:00-8:00pm, Haymarket Theater, Squires
The GSA & GLC Fellows host "Grads Got Talent" to help raise funds for Relay for Life. Show your care and support: Bring all your pennies, dimes, bills and more! Help raise funds for Relay For Life. Donations accepted at the door. Contact Sruthi Atmakur, GSA Program Chair for Events, or Lindsay Moss, GSA VP of Programs,  with questions and concerns.

9. SHORT COURSES IN STATISTICS
Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) offers a series of short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research through teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data.  Visit LISA’s website  to register or learn more. Refreshments will be provided at the end of each short course! All courses will be held in Fralin Auditorium from 5:00-7:00pm. Fall 2009 schedule:

Tuesday, Oct 13: Designing Experiments
Wednesday, Oct 21: Using JMP: Specific Examples in Regression
Tuesday, Oct 27: Cluster Analysis
Wednesday, Nov 4: Intro to SAS
Tuesday, Nov 10: How to Analyze Repeated Measures and Other Random Effects

LISA also provides free statistical collaboration and consulting by appointment. Free daily walk-in consulting service is also available from 12-2pm in 401 Hutcheson Hall. 

10. FLU VACCINE COVERAGE THROUGH GM SOUTHWEST
Students insured through the university-approved GM Southwest plan have coverage for the seasonal flue vaccine, as well as the H1N1 vaccine. Schiffert Health Center scheduled student vaccine clinics beginning Tuesday, Oct 27. See later postings for further details. Through a special arrangement between GM-Southwest and Intravene (the vaccine provider), students who receive the flu vaccines will not incur out-of-pocket expenses. Insured students will need to present their student insurance ID card to receive this benefit. Students who receive the vaccines from any other provider must file a claim.

11. NEW LIBRARY RESOURCE AVAILABLE
The University Libraries recently rejoined the Center for Research Libraries (CRL), a rich and growing supply of resources, especially from abroad. The Center offers rapid delivery and generous borrowing privileges for member institutions, including scanned copies of many materials. Learn more details about CRL and their offerings.You can identify CRL materials by searching their site or via the WorldCat union catalog.  Place your requests for physical materials through ILLiad, using the notes box to indicate that the work you request is a CRL resource to alert the Interlibrary Loan staff. Contact Edward Lener with any questions about this new service.

12. CAMPUS-WIDE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT
Laura Pennington, a graduate student in political science, invites you to participate in VT Dress Drive, a community service project to collect gently used formalwear gowns to be donated to Caitlin’s Closet. This organization provides dresses to women who can’t afford to purchase their own to attend homecoming, prom, and other special high school events. This is a great way to clean out your closet and donate to a great cause! Gowns of any style, size, or color in good condition are accepted. If you have a dress or dresses to donate, please email Laura Pennington.

13. LEADERSHIP AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
VT Residence Life is looking for new staff members for the 2010- 2011 academic year. Resident Advisor positions are available in every residence hall and open to both graduate and undergraduate students. Staff members often comment on the high level of leadership skills they develop and their increased sense of connection to the campus community. Resident Advisors receive a room scholarship and a semi-monthly pay check. Candidates must attend an interest session in order to apply.  Please find more information at: http://www.studentprograms.vt.edu/employment/resed/.

14. UPCOMING EVENTS:

PRE-HALLOWEEN SWING DANCE
Saturday, Oct 24, 7:00-11:30pm, Old Dominion Ballroom, Squires
Want to test out that Halloween Costume? Matt Bays, doctoral student in mechanical engineering invites you to join the VT Solely Swing Dance Club’s Annual Pre-Halloween Swing Dance! Wear a costume or Halloween colors if you can, meet new friends, learn to dance, participate in a costume contest, and bring a carved pumpkin to be judged! No partner required.  Free lesson with cost of admission ($5)! For more info visit http://www.swingin.org.vt.edu/

0. LUNCH WITH THE PRESIDENT
Wednesday, Oct 14, 12:00pm, The Inn at Virginia Tech
Join President Steger, Provost McNamee, and Dean DePauw for the first graduate student lunch with university leaders at the Inn at Virginia Tech. This is an excellent opportunity to voice your questions and concerns to the administration at Virginia Tech through an informal discussion over lunch. Please fill out the following survey by Oct 7 to sign up. Space is limited to 20 students, so don’t wait! Please contact Rebecca French, VT Board of Visitors Graduate Student Representative, with any questions.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC
– Writing support: Mondays (4-6pm) and Wednesdays (4-7pm), Student Lounge
– Walk-in counseling: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 1:00-5:00pm, Videoconference Room
– Career services walk-in advising: Wednesdays, 1:30-5:00pm, GLC Study Room

2. 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. 

3. INTERNATIONAL 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.

4. 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.

5. GROOVE TO BOLLYWOOD MOVES
Tuesday, Oct 6, 7:00-8:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
GSA is hosting a Bollywood workshop every month during the fall semester. Burn a few calories in grace, style, and rhythm. Join a FREE dance session to spice up your personal dancing style by learning some classic Bollywood dance moves. Bring water and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Add your personal twist: Dance barefoot and for the girls: style up by wearing a flowy skirts. Contact Sruthi Atmakur or Ranjana Mehta with questions.

6. DISSERTATION-WRITING WORK GROUP
Wednesdays, 9:00am in Women’s Center Library
Designed for women graduate students and post-docs working on their dissertation or thesis, preparing for prelims or writing an article, to provide support, motivation, goal-setting, accountability, and a place to simply unwind during the research and writing phase. All are welcome! For more information, contact Anna LoMascolo.

7. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT
Thursdays, 6:00-8:30pm in Women’s Center Conference Room
Take advantage of this free weekly drop-in evening child care program for kids (aged 2-12). Need a break? Have to study or attend a lecture?  Want to catch up on work? No need to pre-register. Childcare provided by the women of Chi Delta Alpha sorority. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner.

8. 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.

9. 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.  

10. 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.

11. PEACE CORPS INFORMATION SESSION
Thursday, Oct 8, 6:00-7:00pm, Squires Room 342
Learn more about Peace Corps service at this special information session! Presenters will review the variety of projects and countries that Peace Corps serves in, and the qualifications and process of becoming a volunteer.  There will be a video presentation featuring the experiences and projects of a variety of volunteers in their host countries, followed by a Q&A session. Contact graduate student and former PC volunteer Alex Frane with questions.

12. GSA HAPPY HOUR
Friday, Oct 9, 5:00-7:00pm in the GLC Student Lounge (across from Auditorium)
The GSA will host its only Happy Hour of the semester! All graduate students and faculty are invited to come and have a good time. $5.00 at the door is good for 2 brews and snacks ($2.00 for those not drinking alcohol). Make sure to bring your ID! Contact Sruthi Atmakur, GSA Program Chair for Events, with questions and concerns.

13. 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.

14. SHORT COURSES IN STATISTICS
Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) offers a series of short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research through teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data.  Visit their website
 to register or learn more. Refreshments will be provided at the end of each short course! All courses will be held in Fralin Auditorium from 5:00-7:00pm. Fall 2009 schedule:

• Tuesday, Oct 13: Designing Experiments
• Wednesday, Oct 21: Using JMP: Specific Examples in Regression
• Tuesday, Oct 27: Cluster Analysis
• Wednesday, Nov 4: Intro to SAS
• Tuesday, Nov 10: How to Analyze Repeated Measures and Other Random Effects

LISA also provides free statistical collaboration and consulting by appointment. Free daily walk-in consulting service is also available from 12-2pm in 401 Hutcheson Hall. 

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.

16. PRESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT FELLOWS (PMF) SOUGHT
The PMF Program is designed to attract to the Federal service outstanding students from a variety of academic disciplines who have a clear interest in and commitment to excellence in the leadership and management of public policies and programs. The two-year paid fellowship includes 160 hours of formal classroom training, challenging assignments, potential for accelerated promotions, developmental assignments, and networking opportunities. Fellows are hired by Federal Agencies and engage in solving domestic and/or international issues in areas such as public administration, engineering, technology, science, criminal justice, health, and financial management. For the PMF Class of 2010, students who complete a graduate degree doctoral-level degree during the 2009-10 academic year (September 1, 2009 – August 31, 2010) are eligible for consideration. Apply online by  Oct 15, 2009. Send your Nomination Form 1300 to: Karen P. DePauw, VP and Dean for Graduate Education, grads@vt.edu, 540-231-4558. For more information and to apply, visit www.pmf.opm.gov.

17. 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!

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. UPCOMING EVENTS:

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
Wednesday, Oct 14, 11:30am-12:30pm, GLC Room D
You’ve heard it before: your beliefs and attitudes affect your experience of life.  But how does this process work?  Physics, biology and psychology can lend some insights. Take the mystery out of the dynamic and explore how you can consciously co-create your experiences toward greater meaning and fulfillment.  Sponsored by the GLC Fellows.  Questions: Lindsay Moss.