1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC
- Career services walk-in advising: not available in the GLC for rest of Spring 2011; please visit the Career Services Center on weekdays 12:00-3:00pm
- Walk-in counseling: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room (across from G)
- Writing support: Thursdays, 1:00-6:00pm, Video Conference Room
2. SHORT COURSES IN STATISTICS FOR NON-STAT MAJORS: INTRODUCTION TO R
Monday and Tuesday, Feb 28 and Mar 1, 4:00-6:00pm, 3080 TORG
R is a free computing and graphical software/environment for statistical analysis. This short course consists of 3 sections: (1) provides introduction to R programming basics, such as data objects in R, loops, import/export datasets, along with an example of data manipulation/cleaning; (2) discusses the R graphing environment and how to create some basic statistical plots; (3) introduces how to perform basic statistical analysis in R, such as t-test, ANOVA and linear regression. The Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) provides a 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. Visit LISA for instructions on how to register and to learn more. Refreshments are provided at the end of each short course. All courses are from 4:00-6:00pm in 3080 TORG.
The rest of Spring 2011 Schedule:
- Mar 14-15: Bayesian Methods for Regression in R* (these two sessions are the same)
3. GSA POTLUCK AND POT PAINTING
Tuesday, Mar 1, 6:30-8:00pm, GLC Room G
Join GSA for a potluck dinner and artistic escape! Use your creativity to paint a terra cotta pot and relax with friends while enjoying a potluck dinner. Terra cotta pots, paints, and brushes will be provided, but feel free to bring your own paint or decorations to add to the rainbow of choices. All guests are asked to bring a dish to add to the collective dinner. Be sure to wear clothes you can paint in! As always, children, spouses, and friends are welcome. Please register if you are planning to attend. Questions: Amanda Cronin Rumore (VP of Programs).
4. INTERVIEWING SKILLS WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Mar 2, 5:30pm, Room F
Be prepared for initial screening interviews as well as on-site interviews. This seminar addresses interviewing basics, employer expectations, and insights into behavioral interviews. Brought to you by VT Career Services.
5. PLANT WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Mar 2, 6:30-7:30pm, GLC Room D
Take a plant home for Spring Break! Learn about different indoor plant propagation techniques, growing conditions and basic horticulture principles. Start your own herb garden and take cuttings from common indoor plant varieties. For more information, contact GLC Resident Fellow Scott Lail.
6. GRAD SCHOOL WOMEN’S CONNECT LUNCHEON
Thursday, Mar 3, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room G
The Graduate School invites you to join its Women’s Month Luncheon and share what topics you would like to discuss. Please register here if you plan to attend.
7. ENDNOTE WEBINAR
Thursday, Mar 3, 6:30-7:30pm
Rebecca Miller, Science Librarian, will be providing an introduction to the citation software Endnote. If you have ever been interested in learning the basics of Endnote or finding out more about this software, this is a great opportunity. The webinar will be offered online and can be watched from your computer anywhere where you have a good internet connection (you are welcome to use the computer lab in the GLC). If you are interested in participating, please sign up. More information about the webinar will follow to the e-mail that you provide on the survey.
8. NEW MEMBERS SOUGHT FOR AEL GRAD HONOR SOCIETY
Application are now accepted for Alpha Epsilon Lambda (AEL) Graduate Honor Society, the only academic excellence and leadership honor society of graduate and professional school students. Graduate students may become members based on their academic achievements and leadership experiences. Apply by March 4, 2011. The induction ceremony for new members will take place during Graduate Education Week, March 21-25. Please contact Ganesh Balasubramanian with any questions.
9. ETHICAL DILEMMAS – SIGN UP NOW!
Come join a lively discussion about ethical dilemmas within and outside academe: test your sense of ethics, communication and critical thinking skills on Wednesday, Mar 16, 3:00-4:30pm in the GLC. You can participate as a team and compete in the Ethics Bowl, or as an audience member via Google Moderator. Bring your friends, bring a laptop or other mobile device, and discuss and resolve case-study-based ethical dilemmas with fellow students and faculty. You may sign up as a team of 3-4, as an individual and be assigned to a team, or as an audience member. Teams may include current VT students, faculty or staff, but team leaders must be graduate students. Register by Monday, Mar 14, 12:00 noon.
10. SPRING 2011 ART, PHOTO & WRITING CONTEST: FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD
The Graduate School invites submissions of food-themed art work, photography and as a new addition, written work, by graduate students for display in the GLC during Graduate Education Week 2011 and beyond. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art, photography, or written work) per graduate student. Submissions may depict anything related to food, including but not limited to growing, preparing, experimenting with, missing, consuming, sharing, and enjoying food. Submission deadline: Mar 16, 2011. Read more.
11. GRAD ED WEEK 2011: REGISTER NOW FOR GRAD OLYMPICS
Put your wit, physical skills and team spirit to the test in a light-hearted competition among graduate student teams. Up to ten teams of 4-6 members may compete for great prizes. No prior experience necessary, but resourcefulness and knowledge of the GLC are a plus. All materials are provided. All teams must pre-register and wait for confirmation that their registration was accepted. To pre-register, fill out this survey. You will be notified if your registration is accepted. Teams will receive extra points for a creative team name, flag design and team cheer.
12. IDR HONOR SOCIETY CALLS FOR COMMUNICATION NETWORK PARTICIPANTS
As part of its launch, the Interdisciplinary Research (IDR) Honor Society intends to create a forum for open discussion of interdisciplinary issues. In conjunction with this forum, they hope to establish a list of contacts on their website, which will serve as nodes of communication to facilitate interdisciplinary contact within the university. Students interested in participating will be a source of contact for others by either responding to questions directly or providing further direction to other resources. Please contact Risa Pesapane with your contact information such as email, office location, area of expertise/department, and work phone (optional) if you are interested in being listed as part of the communication network. All disciplines are encouraged to apply!
13. ULAX IS COMING TO VT – SRPING MEN’S LACROSSE LEAGUE – 2nd posting
Graduate student Zach Geller invites you to join: cost per player: $115.00, which includes 6 regular season games and a playoff for the top teams (weather permitting); ULAX Jersey; photos and stats each week; professional referees; champions shirts for the winners; games played at VT’s SRA fields. Sign up deadline: Mar 12, 2011 ($25 late fee). First week starts Mar 20. Sign up fast! Space available for 8 teams! Email Zach Geller for more info or visit the league website.
14. DOCTORAL STUDENT PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR SURVEY ON POST-PHD CAREER CHOICES – 2nd posting
Doctoral students are invited to participate in a short survey (approx. 10 min) on factors that influence post-PhD career choices. The information you provide on what will influence your career choice after completing your PhD will enable VT to better serve you as a valued professional. It will form the basis of some preliminary recommendations to improve PhD student experiences and professional preparation that will be shared with senior university leaders as well as President Steger. For more information and to complete the survey, follow this link. Contact Mike Garvin at garvin@vt.edu with any questions.
15. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR MINDFULNESS STUDY – 3rd posting
Participants are sought for a mindfulness study aimed at increasing cardio-respiratory fitness in sedentary adults. Participants must be in good health (e.g. non-smoker, no history of diabetes, heart, liver, or pulmonary disease, no orthopedic injury or musculoskeletal disability), between the ages 18-64, and NOT engage in any regular physical activity (but willing to start!). Participation will involve weekly group workshop sessions over a 10-week period. These workshops will use mindfulness practices to help increase your adherence to a fitness-based walking program. For more information, please call Emily Martin, MS at the Center for Research in Health Behavior with the Department of Psychology at Virginia Tech, 231-8746 or email.
16. GET INVOLVED WITH LEANTEAM@VIRGINIATECH – 3rd posting
LeanTeam@VirginiaTech is recruiting and developing high performing, keen to learn to be lean students from across disciplines. You will get the chance to develop and run Lean workshops and summits for professionals from a broad range of organizations, participate in continuous improvement events, and undertake fun team events. If this is what you always wanted, then contact the LeanTeam by email, or phone at 540-443-6688. Learn more>>.
17. FREE TAX ASSISTANCE FOR INCOME ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES
Wednesdays by appointment
Free tax assistance is available to eligible employees, including graduate assistants, by appointment every Wednesday afternoon through Apr 13. International student taxes are beyond the scope of this service, but tax software for international students is available through the Cranwell International Center. Visit this website for details.
18. GSA 27TH ANNUAL RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM: (RE)SEARCH: WHY IT MATTERS!
There are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved with the GSA Research Symposium:
- Volunteer to review abstract submissions by completing this survey
- Help the GSA recruit faculty judges for the event by completing this survey
The time commitment is low compared to the potential to share your prestigious research, win prize money within your category, and add a line to your CV for volunteering some of your time. Please contact Samantha Downey with any questions.
19. TRAVEL FUND AND GRADUATE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
The GSA’S Travel Fund (TFP) and Graduate Research Development Programs are competitive travel and research funding (reimbursement) opportunities administered by the GSA to support qualified travel and research and innovative ideas proposed by VT graduate students. Applications go through a rigorous review process. Visit (TFP) OR (GRDP) to learn more about these opportunities. All questions should be directed to the TFP Chair, Courtney Gleason, or GRDP Chair, Ranjana Mehta.
20. UPCOMING EVENTS:
ETHICAL DILEMMAS – SIGN UP NOW!
Wednesday, Mar 16, 3:00-4:30pm in the GLC
Join a lively discussion about ethical dilemmas within and outside academe: test your sense of ethics, communication and critical thinking skills. You can participate as a team and compete in the Ethics Bowl, or as an audience member via Google Moderator. Bring your friends, bring a laptop or other mobile device, and discuss and resolve case-study-based ethical dilemmas with fellow students and faculty. You may sign up as a team of 3-4, as an individual and be assigned to a team, or as an audience member. Teams may include current VT students, faculty or staff, but team leaders must be graduate students. Register by Monday, Mar 14, 12:00 noon.
REGISTER NOW FOR CANCER RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
Friday, Apr 29, 9:00am-5:00pm
The Cancer Research Symposium serves as the first interdisciplinary cancer symposium at VT, providing an opportunity for faculty and graduate students to showcase their research. Invited speakers include leaders in the field of cancer research. There will be a poster session (lunch provided), which is open to graduate students involved in cancer research. The symposium will also include a survivors and advocates panel to allow the researchers to see the impact of their work. If interested, please register by March 15 (registration is free).