1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC (on a walk-in basis unless otherwise noted)
– Career services advising: Wednesdays, 1:30-5:00pm, GLC Study Room
– Counseling: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room (across from Room G)
– GLC Café: Thursdays, 3:30-5:00pm, Reading Room
– Statistical consulting by LISA: Wednesdays, 1:00-3:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room
– Writing support: Wednesdays (6-9pm) and Thursdays (6-9pm), GLC Videoconference Room – reserve a spot here
2. DIALOGUE WITH THE DEAN I.
Tuesday, Oct 4, 5:30-7:00pm, GLC Rm C
Discuss graduate student life and university policies with Dean DePauw over dinner. This is your opportunity to bring up issues that matter most to you! Space is limited; please register here. If you have questions, contact: Swetha Kumar, GSA VP of Programs, at swethak@vt.edu.
3. SHORT STAT COURSES FOR NON-STAT MAJORS: APPLYING STATS IN RESEARCH – CASE STUDIES
Tuesday, Oct 4, 5:00-7:00pm, Fralin Auditorium.
LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) is providing a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research. The focus of these 2-hr courses is on teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data. Instructions on how to register and to learn more >>. For more information, please visit www.lisa.stat.vt.edu.
4. CAREER SERVICES PRESENTS: INTERVIEWING SKILLS
Wednesday, Oct 5, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC 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. Presented by Amy McPherson.
5. BGSO PRESENTS: NAVIGATING DEPARTMENTAL POLITICS, PART II.
Wednesday, Oct 5, 7:15pm, GLC Room B (note room change!)
There’s more to grad school than research, teaching, and taking classes: departmental/university politics can make or break a graduate career. A panel will discuss how to navigate departmental politics, and give advice on what to do if you get stuck! Panelists include Dr. Karen DePauw, VP and Dean of Graduate Education; Dr. Guy Sims, Asst VP for Student Affairs; Dr. Manbeena Sekhon, licensed professional counselor; Ms. Ennis McCreary, Ombudswoman; grad students Ms. Jasmine Graham, Ms. Keyana Ellis, Ms. Kenya King, and newly minted Ph.D. Jonathan Gaines.
6. GLC CAFÉ JAMAICA
Thursdays, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy free coffee and tea in the GLC Reading Room on Thursday afternoons and socialize with your fellow grads. This week’s special: Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, courtesy of LAIGSA, and home-made coffee cake. Bring your own mug if you can. Or bring your own can if you mug. Please contact us at grads@vt.edu if you have any comments or suggestions about this event.
7. GLC FELLOWS MIAMI TAILGATE
Saturday, Oct 8, 12:00-3:30pm, Lawn between GLC and University Club
Come out and enjoy free food and games before the Hokies battle the Miami Hurricanes. Rain location: GLC TV Lounge. Contact GLC Fellow Megan Stuart with any questions.
8. GRAD STUDENT PHOTO-ART-WRITING CONTEST: GRAD LIFE THROUGH THE EYES OF GRADS
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work, photography and written work by graduate students for display in the GLC for the Graduate School’s Open House on October 21 and beyond. All pieces will be displayed on October 21 and November 12; selected pieces will be displayed from October 21, 2011 through March 2012. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art, photography, or written work) per graduate student. Learn more >>.
9. GSA LOGO DESIGN CONTEST – 1st posting
The Graduate Student Assembly is seeking entries from students for a re-designed logo. The new logo will be used on GSA marketing materials, including but not limited to those imprinted or in electronic form. This is an opportunity to win a $100 university-bookstore-sponsored gift card and build your resume. Deadline for submission of the color and B&W logo and release form is Nov 4. Details, submission and release form are available online. Email any questions to gsa@vt.edu. No e-mail or offline submissions will be accepted.
10. NEED YOUR INPUT ABOUT PROGRAMMING
The GLC Fellows need your input regarding bringing workshops of interest to the Graduate Life Center that are geared towards graduate students. Please fill out this short survey to help GLC Fellows plan according to your interests: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1316783190937. Email Megan at stuartma@vt.edu if you have any questions.
11. FREE SUPPORT GROUP FOR EXPECTING COUPLES – 1st posting
As many as 90% of couples experience a significant decline in relationship satisfaction after having their first child. The Mindful Transition to Parenthood Program can help couples prepare for this transition in a healthier way: participants will learn how to connect more deeply with their partner; practice effective communication and stress management; reduce pain during birth; ways to lower risk of postpartum depression. Participants will engage in research-based mindfulness practices and couples activities to enhance their relationships. Understand more about how becoming parents can change your relationship and meet other couples in the same shoes. This group is led by Laura Gambrel, a doctoral candidate in marriage and family therapy. Meetings are on Sundays, Oct 23-Nov 13, 3:30-5:30pm. Register by Oct 16 at http://www.lauragambrel.com/, or e-mail her at lauraeg@vt.edu.
12. ABSTRACT SUBMISSION AND REGISTRATION FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
The Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society (ΙΔΡ) is organizing the first Interdisciplinary Research Symposium at Virginia Tech on Nov 4, 9am-4pm, in the Graduate Life Center (GLC) Multipurpose room. The goal of this symposium is to showcase student research projects to promote and recognize the interdisciplinary work being performed at Virginia Tech by both graduate and undergraduate students. Visit their website for free registration to the event and view additional information about abstract submission: http://symposium.idrsociety.org. Submit abstracts to symposium@idrsociety.org by Oct 9.
13. IDR ACCEPTING MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW – 2nd posting
Iota Delta Rho, the Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society, is accepting applications for membership beginning, Monday, Sep 26 through Monday, Oct 24. Information on the society, the application process and the membership application packet are available at http://www.idrsociety.org/membership/application/. If you have any questions about the application process, please send an email to Tammyep@vt.edu
14. CTR FOR STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS ORG FUNDS PROGRAM
The Organization Funds Program is now available to registered student organizations who wish to complete a project or event that impacts the community and is service-oriented. Your organization could be awarded up to $1000 to make the project or event a reality. Read the announcement for more information and details about applying at: http://tinyurl.com/OrganizationFundsAnnouncement. To apply, fill out the online application at http://tinyurl.com/OrganizationFundsProgram11-12. Applications for fall cycle are due Oct 14. If you need some help honing your ideas or have logistical questions, please contact Jake Grohs at jrgrohs@vt.edu.
15. SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR STUDENT GRANT
Do you have a unique idea that could help improve your community? The Social Entrepreneur grant is available to help you do this by providing seed money for students who have a creative project or idea in mind to address a specific need in their community. You could be awarded up to $1000 to start your project. Review the program and application details at http://tinyurl.com/SESGPFallAnnouncement and download the application at http://tinyurl.com/SESGP-Fall2011. Deadline for fall is Oct 10. If you need help developing your ideas, recruiting community partners or a faculty advisor, please contact Jake Grohs at CSECP, jrgrohs@vt.edu.
16. CONFERENCE TRAVEL FUNDS THROUGH CSECP -2nd posting
The Center for Student Engagement and Community Partnerships (CSECP) invites you to apply for the Conference Travel Fund Program that offers up to $500 to students who are accepted to present on a civic engagement-related topic, research, or project at a professional meeting or conference. Grants are awarded in 2 cycles, Fall (conference dates 10/21-2/27) and Spring (conference dates 2/27-9/10). Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/ConferenceTravelFundsProgram.
17. GRAD-UGRAD MENTORING PROGRAM SEEKING VOLUNTEERS – 2nd posting
The GSA’s Graduate Undergraduate Mentoring Program (GUMP) is looking for graduate volunteers to serve as mentors and advisors to undergraduates interested in pursuing graduate school. GUMP matches undergraduate and graduate students in mentoring relationships in order to expose undergraduate students to the graduate experience as they consider further study and to provide graduate students with the opportunity to develop mentoring skills as they share their own personal experiences with the undergraduate students in the program. There’s more than one way to get involved! Please visit http://www.gsa.uusa.vt.edu/programs/gump or email gump@vt.edu if you’re interested.
18. GRDP REVIEWERS SOUGHT – 2nd posting
The Graduate Research Development Program (GRDP) of the GSA provides monetary support to graduate students for research conducted at Virginia Tech. The GSA is looking for graduate students who are not applying for funding during the current application cycle to serve as GRDP reviewers. This can be a great resume-building experience. Please fill out the following survey if you are interested in getting involved: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1316547868011. Questions: Contact Milad Radiom, GRDP Chair, at mradiom@vt.edu.
19. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 3rd posting
Participants are needed for a study investigating the effects of job rotation on muscle fatigue and performance. The study consists of 6 separate experimental sessions (each lasting approximately 2 hours) and one screening session. Participants will be compensated $10/hour with a $10 bonus after completing all sessions. Requirements: male or female, age 18-25, low body fat, right handed, 20/20 vision (corrected okay), no recent history of musculoskeletal disorders, and exercise 2-3 times per week. If interested, please contact Leanna Horton at lhorton@vt.edu <mailto:lhorton@vt.edu> .
UPCOMING EVENTS:
ONE-WOMAN SHOW: WONG FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST
Tuesday, Oct 11, 8:00pm, GLC Auditorium
Performance artist Kristina Wong examines a very serious topic (displacement, depression, suicide) through a comic lens. While Wong doesn’t know the answer to the questions she raises, she puts the onus on herself to figure it out through humor, wit, and heaps of unfinished knitting, all in 70 minutes. While the performance is based on the experiences of a particular group, Asian-American women, the issues raised are relevant to a much broader audience – practically anyone who has been displaced from their own culture into another can relate to the pains of trying to fit in, to not being understood by one’s own family and/or the new environment, to feeling like an alien, and more. Free refreshments will be provided prior to the performance. See more at http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2011/09/092911-dsa-wongflewoverthecuckoosnest.html.
THE PHD MOVIE ADVANCE TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Wednesday, Oct 12, 7:00 pm, The Lyric
The GSA brings to you The PHD Movie, based on the popular web-comic by Jorge Cham (see www.phdcomics.com). The film delves into the unique and funny culture of academia and follows four graduate students as they struggle to find balance between research, teaching, and their personal lives. Tickets are $5.00 and will be available during GSA Office Hours Tue 8-10am and Wed 1:30-3:30pm in the GLC Graduate Student Organization Office (21 GLC). Questions: Contact Swetha Kumar at swethak@vt.edu.
CALL FOR POSTERS FOR INTL YEAR OF FORESTS SHOWCASE: REGISTER NOW
Thursday, Oct 13
As part of VT’s celebration of the International Year of Forests, there will be a poster-display in Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires, on the afternoon of Thursday, Oct 13. Students and faculty who study forests in any way are encouraged to present a poster during the reception between the panel discussion and movie. Register here: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1317151994331 by Oct 5.
GRAD STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES IN ADVISOR-ADVISEE RELATIONSHIPS
Thursday, Oct 13, 5:30-7:00pm, GLC Room C
Learn more about how to build a successful relationship with your academic advisor and how to find the mentoring you need. Contact Akiko at anakamur@vt.edu with any questions.
OCVT BACKCOUNTRY COOK OFF: REGISTER NOW
Thursday, October 13, 8:00-9:00pm, GLC Plaza
The Outdoor Club at Virginia Tech invites creative outdoor enthusiasts to share ideas for cooking meals in the backcountry: each contestant must cook one course of a backcountry meal. Entries may fall into the main course (entrée) or dessert category. All ingredients, cooking implements, and techniques should be optimized for the expedition environment (multi-day backpacking, kayaking, biking trips, etc). Must supply own food and equipment. Stove and cook-kits are available for rent from Venture Out. Be prepared to share recipes and cooking techniques with OCVT club members. Entries must be sufficient to be tasted by at least six people. Prizes will be awarded for the winning dishes! For more information or to enter, contact Nathaniel Frissell at nafrissell@vt.edu, or Dan Grohol at danielg1@vt.edu. Register by Oct 9.
HISPANIC-LATINO HERITAGE MONTH LUNCHEON
Friday, Oct 14, 11:30AM-1:00pm GLC room F
The Graduate School hosts the Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month luncheon open to all students, featuring Douglas Garcia, Executive Director of Federal Relations and Outreach for the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. Topics discussed will include internship and fellowship opportunities, trends of Hispanics in education, and how to get involved in HACU. Please complete the following survey if interested in attending: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1314727806340.
GLC FELLOWS/GSA HIKE TO THE CASCADES
Saturday, Oct 15, 10:30am, meet in front of GLC on Otey Street
The GLC Fellows and GSA members will lead this hike up to the Cascades waterfall. Join for a nice hike and enjoy the spectacular fall foliage. For those who don’t have a car, transportation can be arranged. Bring lunch and have a picnic at the top of the falls. If you are interested, sign up at: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1317392685924. For more information please contact GLC Fellow Eric Hodges at hodgeseb@vt.edu.
DINING ETIQUETTE DINNER – REGISTER NOW
Wednesday, Oct 19, 5:30-8:00pm, The Inn at Virginia Tech
Register now for Career Services’ fall etiquette dinner, Shine While you Dine: A Networking and Fine Dining Experience. Learn how to stand out from other candidates in this interactive dining experience. The program begins with networking and hors d’oeuvres and is followed by an evening of fine dining and question facilitation. Registration is required in person at the Smith Career Center. The cost for the evening is $10 and includes light hors d’oeuvres and a three course meal. Register by Oct 7. To learn more visit: www.career.vt.edu/DiningEtiquette/DiningEtiquette.html