Month: April 2010

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

• Career services walk-in advising: Wednesdays, 1:30-5:00pm, GLC Study Room
• Walk-in counseling: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room (across from G)
• Writing support: Mondays (4-6pm) and Wednesdays (4-7pm), Student Lounge – available through May 5.

2. INTERVIEWING BEYOND ACADEME SEMINAR
Monday, Apr 26, 3:00pm, Squires 341/345
Dr. Wendy Perry, Director of Graduate and Postdoctoral Professional Programs at the University of Virginia, will give a seminar on interviewing outside of academia. Dr. Perry will address some challenges PhDs face in interviews, typical interview questions, and how to get the most out of your interview. Please contact Meredith Katz with any questions.

3. ST. BALDRICK’S FUNDRAISER
Wednesday, Apr 28, 11:00am-2:00pm, GLC Plaza
Come out to support your fellow graduate students in the fight against childhood cancer at KDR’s St. Baldrick’s. Watch participants go bald for donations to the charity and even participate yourself! This event is free and open to the public. A benefit concert will follow that evening featuring rap group The Hammer Boys at Awful Arthur’s at 10:00pm. The cover will be $3 and will all go to St. Baldrick’s.  Last minute donations can be made online. For more information, contact grad student Catherine Cotrupi.

4. APRIL MONTHLY BOOK CLUB
Wednesday, Apr 28, 6:30-8:00pm, The Easy Chair Coffee Shop
Kacie Allen, doctoral student in HNFE, invites you to the April Book Club meeting of the Bburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Each month the club reads a different book and then meets to discuss it.  The book for April is “Glorious” by Bernice L. McFadden (participants bring their own books). Both Barnes & Noble (in C’burg) and Books-A-Million (in B’burg) have Glorious in stock. If you are a graduate student or professional who enjoys extra-curricular reading and lively discussion, please join! All graduate students and faculty are welcome. For more information please contact Alicia Feagins.

5. CAMPUS SAFETY
Wednesday, Apr 28, 7:00pm, GLC Auditorium
Officer Allen from the VTPD will speak about different safety rules and tips to increase general awareness, which is a key factor in improving safety on campus.  All members of the community are invited and encouraged to attend.

6. PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION FORUM
Wednesday, Apr 28, 7:00pm, Commonwealth Ballrom in Squires
Have your voice heard in this parking and transportation forum – discuss parking problems, hear about parking garages on campus, parking permit increases and more. Transportation and Campus Services representatives will be available to answer your questions. You may also fill out the Parking Garage Survey initiated  by the Student Government Association.

7. CINEMATECH SCREENING SERIES
Thursday, Apr 29, 7:00pm, in 1045 Pamplin
You are invited by doctoral student Anja Haelg Bieri to CinemaTech’s screening of Jacques Tati’s “Play Time” (1967). Jacques Tati directs and plays the old-fashioned Monsieur Hulot in this gloriously choreographed, nearly wordless comedy about confusion in the age of technology. Play Time is a lasting testament to a modern age tiptoeing on the edge of oblivion. Color, 145 minutes. For more information contact Anja.

8. GSA CASINO NIGHT
Friday, Apr 30, 7:00-10:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Celebrate the end of the semester in style at the GSA Casino Night.  Come dressed in your formal attire and rack up the wins on a variety of Casino games (poker, craps, blackjack, roulette, etc.) hosted by professional dealers.  Entry tickets can be purchased for $10 with just an additional $5 for games.  Purchase tickets online. Celebrate with amazing h’orderves, wine, beer, a DJ, dancing, and raffle tickets for prize drawings!  Questions: contact Lindsay Moss. 

9. DOG WALK
Saturday, May 1, 2:00pm, meet in GLC Lobby and Otey Street entrance
Grab your four-legged friend and join fellow grads and families to enjoy the spring weather on the Huckleberry Trail. Meet inside (if w/o dog) or outside at the Otey Street entrance to depart together for the trail.  Plastic bags and treats will be provided! Questions: contact Lindsay Moss.

10. GLSIZZLE (BBQ)
Sunday, May 2, 2:00pm, Duck Pond
You don’t have to live in the hizzle to attend this GLSizzle! Enjoy the sunshine, outdoor games, sweet music and a pot-luck style BBQ.  All graduate students, family and friends are welcome.  The GLC Fellows will provide charcoal, all utensils and drinks, but organizers are relying on you to contribute a dish! Please help estimate attendance by filling out this survey. Questions: contact Lindsay Moss.

11. PART-TME JOB OPPORTUNITY FOR RETURNED PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER
The VT Office of International Research, Education, and Development (OIRED) is searching for a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) to serve as a part-time (20 hours/wk) Campus Peace Corps Recruiter. Successful candidate will serve as the main university and SW Virginia point of contact for students and others interested in joining the Peace Corps.  Subject to the availability of funding, the position will begin fall semester 2010 and run through spring 2011.  Interested persons should send a letter of application, a current resume, and names/addresses of three references to Alex Frane, phone 231-4266.  Application deadline: Apr 30, 2010 or until filled.  The successful candidate will be notified as soon as possible after selection.  For further information, see OIRED’s website.

12. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are wanted for a VT research study investigating the effects of physical and mental demands on physiological responses. Participants perform a physical static task in the presence and absence of a mental task. Must attend four sessions: one preliminary and 3 experimental. The preliminary session will last around an hour and each experimental session will last 2-3 hours. Participants must be 18-25 years old, and will be paid $10/hour for their time. If you are interested, please email Ranjana Mehta and include your name, age, and gender in the email.

13. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT FOR INFO ANALYTICS STUDY – 1st posting
You are invited to participate in a study that involves an experiment to investigate how grouping and spatial understanding of information affects information analytics in a virtual environment. You will be given a consent form upon arrival. If you agree to the conditions described, you will then be given full instructions to use each environment and then complete two analysis tasks, which involve answering questions about a set of images. A background questionnaire to gauge your experience with such systems and an abstract reasoning psychometric test will also be given. Location: 1137 Knowledge Work – II, Dept of Computer Science, VT. Contact Gaurav Tuli, 612-454-8691, or Adam Pickeral, 540-267-6390 for more info. If you are interested in participating, please indicate a preferred time slot in the sign up sheet.

14. VETERANS SOUGHT FOR VT STUDY – 3rd posting
Military veterans are needed for a study relating to experiences and needs of military veterans at Virginia Tech. An interdisciplinary team of faculty, administrators, and graduate students will conduct this research. Graduate students who are military veterans are invited to participate in interviews no more than an hour long in order to gather information on veterans pursuing graduate education at Virginia Tech.  Feel free to share this posting with friends who are military veterans and are pursuing graduate degrees at Virginia Tech.  If you are interested in participating in this study or would like more information, please contact Carson Byrd.

15. CITIZEN SCHOLAR APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED NOW
Have you used your research to benefit society in any way?  If so, consider applying for the Citizen Scholar award. Application deadline extended through April 30; review program requirements online . For more information, email Eric Hodges.

16. ON CAMPUS GRAD HOUSING FOR 2010-11
The waitlist for 2010-2011 graduate on-campus housing is available for next year. Graduate students interested in living on-campus in either the GLC or in Main Campbell Hall need to sign up on the waitlist online to be considered for housing. The waitlist is available at: http://www.studentprograms.vt.edu/housing/graduate.php. Eligible students will receive housing offers every 2-3 weeks via email until all of the spaces are filled. If you need further information, please contact Erin Foote, Assignments Manager in Housing and Dining.

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

3. SHORT COURSES IN STATISTICS: ANALYZING REAL DATA
Tuesday, Apr 20, 5:00-7:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
This mini course focuses on analyzing real datasets submitted by the short course attendees. While working through specific examples, general themes and techniques of statistical analysis will be highlighted and discussed. It is anticipated that three datasets will be analyzed using statistical tools highlighted in the previous LISA Short Courses, though attending prior short courses is not required. Datasets will be selected based on appeal to a general audience and serving as good examples for common statistical techniques that the attendees can use on other datasets. If you think your data might be interesting, please email Dr. Vance. See the LISA website for instructions on how to register and to learn more. Refreshments will be provided at the end of this course!

4. DIALOGUE WITH THE DEAN
Tuesday, Apr 20, 12:00-1:15pm, Room B in the GLC
The Graduate Student Assembly will host the last “Dialogue with the Dean” this semester to let you ask the Dean of the Graduate School your most pressing questions. There will be free pizza and drinks too! Please register online. If you have further questions, please contact Jenna Rae Vercillo, GSA Events Chair, at Vercillo@vt.edu.

6. GLC FELLOWS HIKE
Saturday, Apr 24, meet at 10:30am in GLC Lobby
Join fellow graduate students for a springtime hike to the Cascades! Meet in the GLC lobby area and depart at approximately 10:45 a.m. The Cascades is a moderate hike that culminates in a beautiful setting with a roughly 70-foot tall waterfall. The total distance from the parking lot and back again is 4.0 miles. The Cascades is located just outside of Pembroke, VA and is only about 20 miles away from Blacksburg. There is a $3 parking pass at the trail entrance but there are no other costs associated with the trip. If you are interested in participating, complete this survey. Questions? Contact GLC Fellow Michael Sage.

7. ROCK CLIMBING WITH THE OUTDOORS CLUB
Sunday, Apr 25
Grad student and Outdoors Club member Ben Freedman invites fellow grad students to join a trip with Via-Ferrata in the Nelson Rock Preserve in WV for a group of about 20 people to do some rock climbing for an afternoon. This guided trip is great for beginners interested doing basic climbing as well as the more experienced climbers looking for a thrill. Harnesses, clips, helmets and gear are all supplied by Via Ferrata. After a few minutes of instruction and equipment rental, participants will be up on the cliff for about 3-4 hours. There are 8 spots left. Deadline is approaching ASAP. The cost of the trip is $53 per person, with a non-refundable $20 deposit due immediately to reserve a spot. Preference will be given to OCVT members. Please contact Ben Freedman (bfreed05@vt.edu) for more info or to reserve a spot.

8. VOLUNTEER USHERS SOUGHT FOR COMMENCEMENT
Volunteer ushers are sought for the Spring 2010 University Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 14 in Lane Stadium. Time commitment: 5:00–9:00pm. Ushers need to be at the stadium by 5:00pm to help families that start arriving two hours before the ceremony. Ushers greet guests in attendance (families and friends of the graduates); hand out commencement programs; direct visiting families where to sit, where to find restrooms, etc.; direct families as they arrive or leave the stadium. Special assignments may include working with impaired mobility guests, which requires more walk than other assignments. If you are interested in this assignment, please indicate this preference when you sign up. There will be several training sessions for ushers during the week of commencement. The training is about 45 minute long and will walk you through the stadium, explain the assignment and familiarize ushers with the stadium layout. Schedule: May 11, 12, and 13, 3:00-4:00pm. All volunteers must attend one of these sessions. To sign up, contact Christina McIntyre, cmcintyre@vt.edu.

9. PART-TME JOB OPPORTUNITY FOR RETURNED PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER
The VT Office of International Research, Education, and Development (OIRED) is searching for a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) to serve as a part-time (20 hours/wk) Campus Peace Corps Recruiter. Successful candidate will serve as the main university and SW Virginia point of contact for students and others interested in joining the Peace Corps. Subject to the availability of funding, the position will begin fall semester 2010 and run through spring 2011. Interested persons should send a letter of application, a current resume, and names/addresses of three references to Alex Frane , 231-4266. Application deadline: Apr 30, 2010 or until filled. The successful candidate will be notified as soon as possible after selection. For further information, see the OIRED website.

10. CITIZEN SCHOLAR APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED NOW
Have you used your research to benefit society in any way? If so, consider applying for the Citizen Scholar award. Applications are due April 22, and program requirements can be found here. For more information, email Eric Hodges.

11. VETERANS SOUGHT FOR VT STUDY – 2nd posting
Military veterans are needed for a study relating to experiences and needs of military veterans at Virginia Tech. An interdisciplinary team of faculty, administrators, and graduate students will conduct this research. Graduate students who are military veterans are invited to participate in interviews no more than an hour long in order to gather information on veterans pursuing graduate education at Virginia Tech. Feel free to share this posting with friends who are military veterans and are pursuing graduate degrees at Virginia Tech. If you are interested in participating in this study or would like more information, please contact Carson Byrd.

12. NEED PARTICIPANTS FOR STROLLER SURVEY – 3rd posting
Data is needed from stroller users to apply to a new design as part of a VT research project. The estimated time to complete this survey is approximately ten minutes. There is no risk to survey participants. The survey is anonymous and the questions are created to simply gain stroller-user feedback. Participation in this research is completely voluntary. Complete the survey here.

13. PARTICIPANTS WANTED FOR FOOD CHOICE STUDY – 3rd posting
Parents and their children (ages 9 – 15) are sought to participate in hour-long interviews about their food choices. Families will be compensated $100. Contact ahamby@vt.edu or kdanilos@vt.edu for more information.

14. UPCOMING EVENTS:

INTERVIEWING BEYOND ACADEME SEMINAR
Monday, Apr 26, 3:00pm, Squires 341/345
Dr. Wendy Perry, Director of Graduate and Postdoctoral Professional Programs at the University of Virginia, will give a seminar on interviewing outside of academia. Dr. Perry will address some challenges PhDs face in interviews, typical interview questions, and how to get the most out of your interview. Please contact Meredith Katz with any questions.

CAMPUS SAFETY
Wednesday, Apr 28, 7:00pm, GLC Auditorium
Officer Allen from the VTPD will speak about different safety rules and tips to increase general awareness, which is a key factor in improving safety on campus. All members of the community are invited and encouraged to attend.

LUNCH WITH THE PRESIDENT – Sign up now
Friday, Apr 30, 12:00-1:30pm, The Inn at Virginia Tech
The Grad Rep to the BOV invites you to chat with President Steger, Provost McNamee, and Dean DePauw. Lunch will be provided. All graduate students are invited to attend. Sign up by April 23. Questions? Contact Rebecca French, Grad Rep to VT BOV.

GSA CASINO NIGHT
Friday, Apr 30, 7:00-10:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Celebrate the end of the semester in style at the GSA Casino Night. Come dressed in your formal attire and rack up the wins on a variety of Casino games (poker, craps, blackjack, roulette, etc.) hosted by professional dealers. Entry tickets can be purchased for $10 with just an additional $5 for games. Purchase online. Celebrate with amazing h’orderves, wine, beer, a DJ, dancing, and raffle tickets for prize drawings! Questions: Lindsay Moss.

GLSIZZLE (BBQ)
Sunday, May 2, 2:00pm, Duck Pond
You don’t have to live in the hizzle to attend this GLSizzle! Enjoy the sunshine, outdoor games, sweet music and a pot-luck style BBQ. All graduate students, family and friends are welcome. The GLC Fellows will
provide charcoal, all utensils and drinks, but organizers are relying on you to contribute a dish! Please help estimate attendance by filling out this survey. If you have questions, contact Lindsay Moss.

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

2. SHORT COURSES IN STATISTICS: MULTIVARIATE METHODS
Monday, Apr 12, 5:00-7:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
This mini course focuses on common multivariate methods such as principal component analysis, factor analysis, Hotelling’s T2, etc. Each method will be introduced by identifying problems where it could be used, what kinds of assumptions are made, what kinds of interpretations they lead to, and some pros and cons of the method. A basic level of understanding of both statistics and matrix algebra will be very helpful to those in attendance. LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) provides this series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research.  The focus of these two-hour courses is on teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data.  Register and learn more. Refreshments will be provided at the end of each short course! All courses are held in Fralin Auditorium from 5-7PM. Rest of Spring 2010 Schedule:

• April 20, Tuesday, Dr. Eric Vance – Analyzing Real Data

3. CONNECTIONS: A COMMUNITY ARTS PROJECT
Tuesday-Friday, Apr 13-16, GLC Multipurpose Room
The Connections project is an exciting opportunity for local creative professionals and VT students and professors to demonstrate their commitment to one another through art. As a cornerstone for Ut Prosim month, this forum will unveil and display numerous projects in the GLC Multipurpose Room. Additionally, many VT graduate students will be presenting their research interests and/or projects in an effort to promote their commitment to citizen scholar engagement in the community. For more information, contact project leader Deepu George.

4. GLOBAL DIALOGUE/CONNECTIONS ART PROJECT
Wednesday, Apr 14, 6:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Graduate Dean Karen DePauw hosts this reception and program for graduate students, featuring “Connections: A Community Art Project,” and an opportunity to meet and engage with international visitors through the Global Dialogue project. Visit this website for a complete listing of Global Dialogue programs. 

5. HOKIES HONORING HAITI
Thursday, Apr 15, various times and locations
Four months ago the Republic of Haiti was impacted by a 7.0 earthquake that caused widespread destruction and death. From the onset, the VT community came together to provide support and assistance to the Haitian people. All events are free (unless otherwise noted) and open to the public. Review the full listing of events and details.

6. A TRIBUTE TO HAITI & UT PROSIM
Thursday, Apr 15, 7:00pm, Burruss Hall
Hear an update from Haiti’s Ambassador to the US, Raymond Joseph, about Haiti’s earthquake recover and learn about ongoing VT service projects in Haiti. Celebrate Ut Prosim with string performances, signing, and a steel drum orchestra. This event is coordinated by the Center for Student Engagement and Community Partnerships and several graduate students. Contact Dr. Jim Dubinsky for more information.

REMEMBER: NO CLASSES ON FRIDAY, APR 16

7. HOKIE STONE
Friday, Apr 16, 11:00am–3:00pm, Squires Colonial Hall
The Day of Remembrance offers the first Hokie Stone: An Event of Student-Shared Knowledge, a showcase of presentations from VT students. Live streaming video of the event will bring together Hokies from all around the world in an effort to respectfully remember and honor those lost. Hokie Stone is based on TED and focuses on three central themes “Invent, Change, and Sustain.”   Presentations include education, entrepreneurship, a dance performance, poetry reading, sustainability in food production, and many others. More information.  Support the beginning of a new tradition by attending.

8. MOVIE NIGHT IN THE GLC: UP
Friday, Apr 16, 7:30-9:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
The GLC Fellows will be showing UP, a heartwarming animated movie. Join your fellow graduate students to watch this movie and relax at the end of a long week. If you are interested in attending, please fill out this survey to help organizers plan for popcorn and lemonade. If you have any questions, contact Josey Chacko.

9. BOB DUNCAN 5K RUN/WALK
Saturday, Apr 17, 11:00am, VT Cross Country Course
Registration: $20 before Apr 3. Join veterinary students and support the Vet School and the Diagnostic Pathology Scholarship.  Entry fee includes t-shirt, race support, finish-line food, music, and great door prizes.  Visit  the event site for more information or contact Ellen Binder  with questions

10. THE BIG EVENT
Saturday, Apr 17, 11:00am-3:00pm
Want to get together with your fellow graduate students and other Hokies to help out the Blacksburg community? The Big Event is back! If you are interested in being part of the Graduate Students Team, please register online. You can create an account and then click to volunteer with the GSA Team. Please contact Jenna Rae Vercillo, GSA Events Chair, for detailed directions about registration!

11. NEED INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR HONORS/AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS for 2009-10
Every year since 2004-05 the Graduate School has published Graduate Students of Distinction,  an online document listing awards, honors, fellowships and scholarships received by graduate students. Please let us know of any honors, awards, etc. that you have received since April 2009 by completing a quick, simple survey  by April 15.

12. PART-TME JOB OPPORTUNITY FOR RETURNED PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER
The VT Office of International Research, Education, and Development (OIRED) is searching for a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) to serve as a part-time (20 hours/wk) Campus Peace Corps Recruiter. Successful candidate will serve as the main university and SW Virginia point of contact for students and others interested in joining the Peace Corps.  Subject to the availability of funding, the position will begin fall semester 2010 and run through spring 2011.  Interested persons should send a letter of application, a current resume, and names/addresses of three references to Alex Frane, phone 231-4266.  Application deadline: Apr 30, 2010 or until filled.  The successful candidate will be notified as soon as possible after selection.  For further information, see OIRED website.

13. SUMMER JOB OPPORTUNITY
University Studies is seeking orientation assistants to work with academic advisors Jul 7-23. Approximately 1500 new students and their families will participate in Summer Orientation in July. Orientation assistants help with check-in process at the Math Emporium, direct flow of traffic and answer parent questions, support advisors, help students w/ Hokie SPA and timetable, and other support as needed. Must be able to work 7:45am-12:00pm Tue-Fri and on other days and times for training, must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and be able to lift up to 15 lbs. Send resume and cover letter to Jennie Kelly by Apr 19, 117 Femoyer Hall.

14. PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL EDITORIAL BOARD CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Are you looking for an opportunity to serve the graduate student community in a scholarly fashion and build experience working with a peer-reviewed scholarly journal? If yes, consider applying for a position on the Editorial Board of the interdisciplinary student journal Public Knowledge Journal (ISSN 1948-3511).  Contact the current Editor-in-Chief to learn more about the available positions, or read about each position on the editor recruitment page. The deadline for applications (statement of interest, CV, and contact information) is April 15, 2010.  Please contact Kim Carlson with questions or concerns.

15. CITIZEN SCHOLAR APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED NOW
Have you used your research to benefit society in any way?  If so, consider applying for the Citizen Scholar award. Applications are due April 22; review program requirements on the CSE website. For more information, email Eric Hodges.

16. CONVERSATION PARTNERS SOUGHT FOR HUMPHREY FELLOWS
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Long Term English Training Program is a signature initiative of the VT Language and Culture Institute (LCI). LCI is looking for 20 conversation partners who are asked to volunteer one hour per week to speak with one of the Humphrey fellows. All of the fellows are visiting international mid-career professionals.  The conversation times and locations would be arranged between individual partners and fellows, and the topics of conversation would be informal. This is an opportunity for friendship and sharing information about personal experience, interests, hobbies, and the local community. If interested in becoming a conversation partner, please contact Letitia Montgomery-Rodgers. Conversation partners will be paired by the third week of April and have a meet and greet event. The program runs from April through mid August. The Fellowship is a Fulbright exchange activity, administered by the Institute of International Education.  More information on the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is available here.

17. VETERANS SOUGHT FOR VT STUDY – 1st posting
Military veterans are needed for a study relating to experiences and needs of military veterans at Virginia Tech. An interdisciplinary team of faculty, administrators, and graduate students will conduct this research. Graduate students who are military veterans are invited to participate in interviews no more than an hour long in order to gather information on veterans pursuing graduate education at Virginia Tech.  Feel free to share this posting with friends who are military veterans and are pursuing graduate degrees at Virginia Tech.  If you are interested in participating in this study or would like more information, please contact Carson Byrd.

18. NEED PARTICIPANTS FOR STROLLER SURVEY – 2nd posting
Data is needed from stroller users to apply to a new design as part of a VT research project. The estimated time to complete this survey is approximately ten minutes. There is no risk to survey participants. The survey is anonymous and the questions are created to simply gain stroller-user feedback. Participation in this research is completely voluntary. Complete the survey.

19. PARTICIPANTS WANTED FOR FOOD CHOICE STUDY – 2nd posting
Parents and their children (ages 9 – 15) are sought to participate in hour-long interviews about their food choices.  Families will be compensated $100. Contact kdanilos@vt.edu for more information.

20. RESEARCH SUBJECTS NEEDED FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 3rd posting
Research subjects are needed for a study to investigate various aspects of balance in the Kevin P. Granata Biomechanics Lab.  Subjects must be aged 18-28, and will be paid $10/hour for their participation. If you are interested, please email Sara Matrangola and include the following information in the body of the email: name, age, gender, height, weight.

21. GRADUATE STUDENT WAITLIST FOR 2010-11 HOUSING AVAILABLE NOW – 3rd posting
Graduate students interested in living on-campus in either the Graduate Life Center or in Main Campbell Hall will need to sign up on the waitlist online in order to be considered for housing. Room and board rates for next year are not yet available, but they will be posted as soon as possible.  Offers to eligible students will be sent every 2-3 weeks via email until all of the beds are filled.

22. CALL FOR PROPOSALS – 3rd posting
The VT Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention is accepting proposals for the first ACCIAC Student Research Symposium, Cultivating Peace: A Symposium for Violence Prevention, to take place on Nov 12–14, 2010, on campus in conjunction with VT’s International Summit on Transdisciplinary Approaches to Violence Prevention.  Proposals may include both individual and collaborative work from diverse fields and in a range of presentation formats, such as papers, oral or poster presentations, and multi-media projects.  Topics of particular interest include: campus violence prevention and university community partnerships, violence prevention in socioeconomic and cultural context, sustainable development and peace, social media and violence, and creatively fostering nonviolence: peace, the arts, and literature.  Individuals and teams should submit one-page proposals for review by April 30, 2010.  Please contact Dr. Marc Lucht with any questions.

23. UPCOMING EVENTS:

DIALOGUE WITH THE DEAN
Tuesday, Apr 20, 5:30-6:45pm, Room G in the GLC
The Graduate Student Assembly will host the last “Dialogue with the Dean” this semester to let you ask the Dean of the Graduate School your most pressing questions. There will be free pizza and drinks too! Please register online. If you have further questions, please contact GSA Events Chair Jenna Rae Vercillo.

“WHAT EDITORS REALLY WANT” WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Apr 21, 9:00am-4:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
This workshop is offered to faculty, researchers, postdocs, and graduate students to teach them how to select the right journal for their papers, how to manage citations, how to respond to reviewers’ comments, do’s and don’ts of manuscript submission, writing a cover letter and more. Register by April 16 by contacting Dr. Janet Webster, 231-9547.

GLC FELLOWS HIKE
Saturday, Apr 24, meet at 10:30am in GLC Lobby
Join fellow graduate students for a springtime hike to the Cascades! Meet in the GLC lobby area and depart at approximately 10:45 a.m. The Cascades is a moderate hike that culminates in a beautiful setting with a roughly 70-foot tall waterfall. The total distance from the parking lot and back again is 4.0 miles. The Cascades is located just outside of Pembroke, VA and is only about 20 miles away from Blacksburg. There is a $3 parking pass at the trail entrance but there are no other costs associated with the trip. If you are interested in participating, contact GLC Fellow Michael Sage.

LUNCH WITH THE PRESIDENT – Sign up now
Friday, Apr 30, 12:00-1:30pm, The Inn at Virginia Tech
The Grad Rep to the BOV invites you to chat with President Steger, Provost McNamee, and Dean DePauw. Lunch will be provided. All graduate students are invited to attend. Sign up by April 23.  Questions? Contact Rebecca French, Grad Rep to VT BOV.

GSA CASINO NIGHT
Friday, Apr 30, 7:00-10:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Celebrate the end of the semester in style at the GSA Casino Night.  Come dressed in your formal attire and rack up the wins on a variety of Casino games (poker, craps, blackjack, roulette, etc.) hosted by professional dealers.  Entry tickets can be purchased for $10 with just an additional $5 for games.  Purchase tickets online. Celebrate with amazing h’orderves, wine, beer, a DJ, dancing, and raffle tickets for prize drawings!  Questions: Lindsay Moss. 

DOG WALK
Saturday, May 1, 2:00pm, meet in GLC Lobby and Otey Street entrance
Grab your four-legged friend and join fellow grads and families to enjoy the spring weather on the Huckleberry Trail. Meet inside (if w/o dog) or outside at the Otey Street entrance to depart together for the trail.  Plastic bags and treats will be provided! Questions: Lindsay Moss.

GLSIZZLE (BBQ)
Sunday, May 2, 2:00pm, Duck Pond
You don’t have to live in the hizzle to attend this GLSizzle! Enjoy the sunshine, outdoor games, sweet music and a pot-luck style BBQ.  All graduate students, family and friends are welcome.  The GLC Fellows will provide charcoal, all utensils and drinks, but organizers are relying on you to contribute a dish! Please help estimate attendance by filling out this survey. Questions: Lindsay Moss.

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

2. NEED INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR HONORS/AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS for 2009-10
Every year since 2004-05 the Graduate School has published Graduate Students of Distinction,  an online document listing awards, honors, fellowships and scholarships received by graduate students. Please let us know of any honors, awards, etc. that you have received since April 2009 by completing this quick, simple survey by April 15.

3. JEWISH STUDENT UNION EXEC BOARD INTEREST MEETINGS
Monday and Tuesday, Apr 5 and 6, 5:00pm, Multicultural Ctr, Squires
The Jewish Student Union (JSU) will hold two interest meetings regarding the upcoming JSU executive board elections. Both meetings will cover the same information – attend one of these sessions to find out more about JSU and leadership opportunities in its exec board. JSU serves as a unifying body for its constituent organizations and coordinates their efforts, including AEPi, CEI, Friends of Israel, Hillel, Kesher, Mazon, SAEPi, and Teva. Open positions include President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Contact Rachel Lamanna for more information.

4. SHORT COURSES IN STATISTICS: GENERAL LINEAR MODELS
Tuesday, Apr 6, 5:00-7:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
This mini course focuses on appropriate model building using generalized linear models, introducing attendees to linear models used for non-Normal data, with an emphasis on categorical response data such as binary or count. The most common way to analyze a binary response (Y/N or 0/1 outcomes) is the Logistic regression model; to analyze a count response (whole numbers) is the Poisson regression model. The course will explain these two models in detail, how to interpret the results, and work through examples of the application of each model using statistical package JMP. All produced output will also be explained. LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) provides this series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research.  The focus of these two-hour courses is on teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data.  Refreshments will be provided at the end of each short course! All courses are held in Fralin Auditorium from 5-7PM. Rest of Spring 2010 Schedule:

• April 12, Monday, Nels Johnson and Matt Williams – Multivariate Regression
• April 20, Tuesday, Dr. Eric Vance – Analyzing Real Data

5. PEACE CORPS INFORMATION SESSION
Wednesday, Apr 7, 6:00-7:00pm, Squires Student Center, Room 342
Attend this special info session to learn more about Peace Corps service! A video presentation featuring the experiences and projects of a variety of volunteers in their host countries will be followed by a Q&A session. Presenters will review a variety of Peace Corps projects, including agriculture, English teaching, water & sanitation, NGO development, and business advising, and youth development. Don’t miss this chance to get an in depth review of the qualifications and process of becoming a volunteer. Contact Alex Frane for more info.

6. FREE FUNDRAISER YOGA CLASSES AT IN BALANCE YOGA STUDIO
Thursday, Apr 8, 4:00pm, In Balance Yoga Studio, downtown Blacksburg
Suggested donation $10/class (donations over $10 are entered into raffle). Money raised will be donated to Bike the US for MS as they collect funds to donate to a Multiple Sclerosis Clinic in Charlottesville, VA. Bike the US for MS organizes yearly cross-country bike trips during the summer to fundraise and volunteer to raise awareness and money for Multiple Sclerosis clinics and research. To sign up for the yoga classes, please call In Balance Yoga Studio, 961-1030. Find out more about Bike the US for MS. This message is posted on behalf of vet med student Carmen Ledesma.

7. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT
Thursday, Apr 8, 6:00-8:30pm, Women’s Center Conference Room
Weekly drop-in evening child care program for kids: If you need a break, must catch up on work or want to attend a lecture, drop off your kids aged 2-12 at the Women’s Center for a couple of hours. Childcare provided by the women of Chi Delta Alpha sorority.  Additional April dates are 4/15, 4/22, and 4/29.  For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner.

8. FULBRING AFTERNOON TEA SERIES
Friday, Apr 9, 23 and 30, 3:00-4:30pm, Hillcrest Livingroom
If you are interested in traveling, exploring other cultures, and applying for a Fulbright Scholarship, attend some of the weekly Fulbright Fridays Afternoon Tea. Come when you can, leave when you need to. Remaining topics: Apr 9: Mary Marchant – Italy; Apr 23: Robin Panneton –Canada; Apr 30 – Matthew McMullen – Germany.

9. STEM CELL BONE MARROW DRIVE FOR RECENT GRAD STUDENT
Friday, Apr 9, 3:00-9:00pm, 124 War Memorial
A recent graduate students and TA in the biology department needs a bone marrow donor. He was recently diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer, multiple myeloma. He needs a transplant and neither of his sisters is a match. There will be another bone marrow drive through the Be A Match registry at the same time as Relay For Life to help him and others needing a match. An information booth will be in at the Relay event on the Drillfield, and the drive will be in War Memorial. Questions, contact Addie Sanders at 704-942- 6971 or Paul Stevens.

10. BIKE TO UGANDA ON APR 10 – FUNDRAISER
Saturday, Apr 10, 12:00-5:00pm, Weight Club in University Mall
A grad student-led organization, Poverty Awareness Coalition for Equality (PACE), and the Weight Club will host the second annual Bike to Uganda event for members of VT and the surrounding community to collectively bike the distance to Uganda, and for each mile raise money to build a school in Uganda. Sign up today for a vigorous spin class for a great cause (you do not need to be a weight club member to participate). Register here.  For registering and meeting your minimum fundraising goal ($25/ first hour, $10/each additional hour) you will get a free T-shirt, a raffle ticket for a chance to win great local prizes, and an after party with free food at the Weight Club. Prize for the top fund-raiser is a brand new Trek FX 7.3 bike from East Coasters!  Please contact randihl@vt.edu or jarnagin@vt.edu for more information, or visit onepace.org for details about PACE and events.

11. CROC TOURS AVAILABLE NOW – THIS IS NOT AN APRIL FOOL’S PRANK
Based on popular demand, CROC tours that were advertised in our April Fool’s edition are becoming a reality. CROC inmates are making their cell available for public viewing. If you are interested in visiting the Coolest Room On Campus (CROC) [as advertised on April 1, 2010] please register for a guided tour. Surely you have 20  minutes to spare this week to be dazzled by the CROC!
   
12. JOB OPENING IN SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID (OSFA)
OSFA is looking for a Community Service Coordinator to work with the off-campus federal work-study program, including the Literacy Corp Program and direct supervision of the Literacy Corp Coordinator(s). Incumbent is responsible for supervision of two work-study Literacy Corp Coordinators; serves as main contact for students and employers for the Community Service Federal Work Study Program; processes all paperwork for this program; actively works with the Asst Director to increase the number of Community Service agencies that hire VT federal work-study students and other duties. The successful candidate must be enrolled in (or accepted into) a masters or doctoral program, have strong communication and organizational skills, be able to work well with the public and undergraduate students, be able to work independently, and have basic skills in Access, Excel and Word. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience in community service work and some supervision experience. Begins in Fall 2010 as a FWS hourly wage position, but has the potential to turn into a Graduate Assistantship as of Spring 2011. Pay rate: $15/hr, 20 hours a week, M-F. To apply, call for an appointment: Wendy Meehan, 231-1447. 

13. SUMMER JOB OPPORTUNITY
University Studies is seeking orientation assistants to work with academic advisors Jul 7-23. Approximately 1500 new students and their families will participate in Summer Orientation in July. Orientation assistants help with check-in process at the Math Emporium, direct flow of traffic and answer parent questions, support advisors, help students w/ Hokie SPA and timetable, and other support as needed. Must be able to work 7:45am-12:00pm Tue-Fri and on other days and times for training, must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and be able to lift up to 15 lbs. Send resume and cover letter to Jennie Kelly by Apr 19, 117 Femoyer Hall.

14. PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL EDITORIAL BOARD CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Are you looking for an opportunity to serve the graduate student community in a scholarly fashion and build experience working with a peer-reviewed scholarly journal? If yes, consider applying for a position on the Editorial Board of the interdisciplinary student journal Public Knowledge Journal (ISSN 1948-3511).  Contact the current Editor-in-Chief to learn more about the available positions, or read about each position on the editor recruitment page. The deadline for applications (statement of interest, CV, and contact information) is April 15, 2010.  Please contact Kim Carlson  with questions or concerns.

15. CITIZEN SCHOLAR APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED NOW
Have you used your research to benefit society in any way?  If so, consider applying for the Citizen Scholar award. Applications are due April 22, and program requirements can be found on the CSE website. For more information, email Eric Hodges at hodgeseb@vt.edu.

16. NEED PARTICIPANTS FOR STROLLER SURVEY – 1st posting
Data is needed from stroller users to apply to a new design as part of a VT research project. The estimated time to complete this survey is approximately ten minutes. There is no risk to survey participants. The survey is anonymous and the questions are created to simply gain stroller-user feedback. Participation in this research is completely voluntary. Complete the survey.

17. PARTICIPANTS WANTED FOR FOOD CHOICE STUDY – 1st posting
Parents and their children (ages 9 – 15) are sought to participate in hour-long interviews about their food choices.  Families will be compensated $100. Contact kdanilos@vt.edu for more information.

18. RESEARCH SUBJECTS NEEDED FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 2nd posting
Research subjects are needed for a study to investigate various aspects of balance in the Kevin P. Granata Biomechanics Lab.  Subjects must be aged 18-28, and will be paid $10/hour for their participation. If you are interested, please email Sara Matrangola and include the following information in the body of the email: name, age, gender, height, weight.

19. iPHONE STUDY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT – 3rd posting
Participants sought for a study on mobile information in everyday human activity to explore how iPhone users look up and capture information with their device in their everyday activities. The study consists of three parts, including a short questionnaire, a diary study, and a follow-up interview. Two $25 gift cards will be raffled off among active participants in the diary study, those who participate in the follow-up interview get a $10 gift card. Must be at least 18 years old, own and use an iPhone for at least 6 months, and have an unlimited data plan from your wireless provider. Please contact Ricardo for more details.

20. STUDY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT TO EVALUATE LEARNING ASSESSMENT TOOL – 3rd posting
Doctoral student in the VT School of Education is looking for graduate students to evaluate a learning assessment tool developed as part of a dissertation research. The evaluation is one-on-one, conducted in the Educational Technology Lab in 220 War Memorial Hall. The entire process can be completed in about 1.5 hours. If you are interested or have questions, please email to Jianhua Liu.

21. GRAD STUDENTS SOUGHT FOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM – 3rd posting
The Department of Student Activities is seeking graduate students to serve as small group facilitators for an undergraduate leadership development program, Leadership Tech. Facilitators will work in teams of two or three to guide a group of 10-15 junior and/or senior students organized around one of the following issues: Environmental Sustainability, Community Vitality, Social Justice, Global Issues, Multiculturalism, and Health and Wellness. Positions open until filled. Submit your resume to Allison Dunn, adunn@vt.edu, and complete the application. An interview will be scheduled for those who meet minimum qualifications. Questions: contact Allison Dunn.

22. GRADUATE STUDENT WAITLIST FOR 2010-11 HOUSING AVAILABLE NOW – 2nd posting
Graduate students interested in living on-campus in either the Graduate Life Center or in Main Campbell Hall will need to sign up on the waitlist online in order to be considered for housing. Room and board rates for next year are not yet available, but they will be posted as soon as possible.  Offers to eligible students will be sent every 2-3 weeks via email until all of the beds are filled.

23. CALL FOR PROPOSALS – 2nd posting
The VT Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention is accepting proposals for the first ACCIAC Student Research Symposium, Cultivating Peace: A Symposium for Violence Prevention, to take place on Nov 12–14, 2010, on campus in conjunction with VT’s International Summit on Transdisciplinary Approaches to Violence Prevention.  Proposals may include both individual and collaborative work from diverse fields and in a range of presentation formats, such as papers, oral or poster presentations, and multi-media projects.  Topics of particular interest include: campus violence prevention and university community partnerships, violence prevention in socioeconomic and cultural context, sustainable development and peace, social media and violence, and creatively fostering nonviolence: peace, the arts, and literature.  Individuals and teams should submit one-page proposals for review by April 30, 2010.  Please contact Dr. Marc Lucht, with any questions.

24. UPCOMING EVENTS:

MOVIE NIGHT IN THE GLC: UP
Friday, Apr 16, 7:30-9:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
The GLC Fellows will be showing UP, a heartwarming animated movie. Join your fellow graduate students to watch this movie and relax at the end of a long week. If you are interested in attending, please fill out this survey to help organizers plan for popcorn and lemonade. If you have any questions, contact Josey Chacko.

BOB DUNCAN 5K RUN/WALK
Saturday, Apr 17, 11:00am, VT Cross Country Course
Registration: $20 before Apr 3. Join veterinary students and support the Vet School and the Diagnostic Pathology Scholarship.  Entry fee includes t-shirt, race support, finish-line food, music, and great door prizes.  Visit  the event site for more information or contact Ellen Binder  with questions

“WHAT EDITORS REALLY WANT” WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Apr 21, 9:00am-4:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
This workshop is offered to faculty, researchers, postdocs, and graduate students to teach them how to select the right journal for their papers, how to manage citations, how to respond to reviewers’ comments, do’s and don’ts of manuscript submission, writing a cover letter and more. Register by April 16 by contacting Dr. Janet Webster, 231-9547.