Month: December 2011

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC
Weekly services will resume in the spring semester.

2. PEANUT-BRITTLE TUESDAY
Tuesday, Dec 20, 9:00-11:00am, Graduate Student Services area in the GLC
If you wish to OD on holiday sweets, including home-made peanut brittle, stop by for a quick fix in the student services area (111-119 GLC). Limited time only.

3. GRADUATE SCHOOL WINTER BREAK HOURS

• The Graduate School will be open only in the morning (8-12) on Tuesday, Dec 20.
• The Graduate School will be open 8-5 on Wednesday and Thursday, Dec 21-22.
• The Graduate School will be closed, along with the rest of the university, Dec 23-Jan 2. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, Jan 3, 8:00.

4. WINTER BREAK CHALLENGE FOR GRADS
As you all know, there are specific collective nouns for groups of animals, such as gaggle of geese, pride of lions, parliament of owls, or pack of wolves. Your challenge is to come up with a word (make up your own or re-purpose an existing word) to describe a group of graduate students. Send your entry to grads@vt.edu, and include “Group of Grads” in the subject line. The best entries will be featured in a mid-January edition of the GLC Weekly and the winner will receive something (TBD).

5. BOV GRADUATE REPRESENTATIVE APPLICATION FOR 2012-2013 NOW AVAILABLE – 2nd posting
If you are interested in applying to be the next VT Graduate Student Representative to the BOV (Board of Visitors) please visit http://www.dsa.vt.edu/BOV/apply.php to download the application. All applications will be due no later than 5pm on Friday, Feb 10, 2012 in the VP of Student Affairs Office in 112 Burruss Hall. If you have any questions or wish to learn more about the position, please contact the current graduate BOV representative, Michelle McLeese. 
 
6. GRAD CERTIFICATE IN INTL RESEARCH – 3rd posting
The Office of International Research, Education, and Development (OIRED) offers a Graduate Certificate in International Research.  The program encourages a multidisciplinary approach for students already working towards a graduate degree to attain special recognition for their work on international issues.  Participants must take three 5000-level courses from an approved list, with one course being outside the applicant’s department and one outside the college.  Deadline to apply for students graduating in May 2012 will be January 23; other applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. For more information contact Betty Watts (231-6452) or visit http://www.oired.vt.edu/graduatecertificate.html.

7. PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL LATEST ISSUE POSTED –  3rd posting
The editorial board members of Public Knowledge Journal announce that Volume 3 Issue 2 entitled “Academic Research” is now posted. The call for submissions for Volume 4 Issue 1 is now available. Please forward this call to any graduate students who might be interested. The next issue will focus broadly on the topic of public health. Submissions are encouraged from all disciplines in order to approach the topic from a variety of perspectives. Public Knowledge is a multidisciplinary, graduate-student-run electronic journal hosted by the Center for Digital Discourse and Culture at Virginia Tech (ISSN 1948-3511). The journal welcomes contributions of articles for peer review, as well as book reviews, essays, interviews, blogs, and other multimedia works. Authors also retain the rights to their work. Questions about potential submissions or about the submission process should be sent to editor@pkjournal.org.

8. COMMENCEMENT NEWS: DVD SALES
A DVD of the Fall 2011 Graduate Commencement Ceremony will be available from the University Bookstore for a limited time at a cost of $19.99. Click the Graduation button on the bookstore’s homepage for ordering information.

9. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH PROJECT ON SHOULDER ENDURANCE – 2nd posting
Participants are needed for a study investigating endurance for the shoulder. Overweight individuals are especially needed. The study consists of 2 sessions lasting approximately 1.5 hours each. Participants will be compensated $15/hour. Requirements: not involved in any regular aerobic or resistance training, age 18-25 or 50-65, and no recent history of musculo-skeletal or metabolic disorders. If interested, please complete a brief survey. Contact Lora Cavuoto with any questions.

10. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR SLIP AND FALL RISK ASSESSMENT STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are needed for a study assessing the slip and fall risks. 
The study consists of 2 separate experimental sessions (each lasting approximately 3 hours) and one screening session. Participants will be compensated $10/hour with a $10 bonus after completing all sessions. Requirements: male or female, age 21-84, no recent history of musculoskeletal disorders, and exercise 2-3 times per week. If interested, please contact Xuefang Wu.

11. SURVEY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR FOOD PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT – 2nd posting
Graduate and undergraduate students from the Food Science and Technology Department competing in the Institute of Food Technologists’ Product Development Competition invite you to participate in a survey regarding demographics, consumption habits, purchasing habits, and interest in a new type of frozen dessert product. The survey is 28 questions and will require approximately 15 minutes to complete.  The information you provide in the questionnaire will be used in the development of a new food product. If you are interested, please complete the questionnaire here.  E-mail Margo Duckson at maduckgo@vt.edu with any questions.

12. 2012 GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM ABSTRACT REVIEWERS NEEDED – 2nd posting
The GSA Research Symposium, to be held on Mar 28, 2012, is an opportunity for graduate students to showcase their research. The GSA is seeking graduate students to review abstracts and determine their acceptance for inclusion in the 2012 symposium. The online blind peer-review process consists of critiquing abstracts 3000 characters or less with no figures or tables. Each reviewer will receive an email of abstracts to review and return before Jan 9, 2012. Please fill out the registration sign-up form to serve as a reviewer. If you have any questions, contact Shaimaa Abdallah at shaimaa@vt.edu.

13. CONTRIBUTE TO THE “PLAN FOR A NEW HORIZON FOR VT FOR 1012-18 – 3rd posting
Do you have any ideas for better higher education in the future? Your voice matters! The Presidential Task Force, also known as Long Range Planning 2012–18, is charged with helping to develop the next strategic plan for Virginia Tech. Drafts of each subcommittee’s work have been posted on a blog, and they would like to hear from the larger university community regarding the new “Plan for a New Horizon.” Read the drafts here (Go to the subcommittee’s name along the menu bar and look for "Read the emerging ideas.") If you have any questions, please contact Akiko Nakamura, co-chair of long-range-planning student advisory committee, at nakamura@vt.edu.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC (on a walk-in basis unless otherwise noted)
Weekly services will resume in the spring semester. Join us for the last GLC Café of the year on Thursday, Dec 15:
– GLC Café: Thursdays, 3:30-5:00pm, Reading Room

2. FREE EXAM-WEEK GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES
Monday, Dec 12 through Thursday, Dec 15
Take a break from studying and attend a group exercise class. All classes are free for students during exam week so you can relieve some stress and boost your energy for exams. Check out the exercise class schedule here.

3. KNOCK OUT YOUR STRESS
Tuesday, Dec 13, 3:00-5:00pm, GLC TV Lounge
If you are feeling a little stressed from taking exams, writing papers, or grading exams, stop by the GLC TV lounge to knock out your stress in a match of Wii Boxing. You will be matched up against the fighting GLC Fellows known as Megan the Mighty, the Bulgarian Tiger, or the Bald Marine. There will be light refreshments. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact the GLC Fellows. This event is sponsored by the GLC Fellows.

4. GLC CAFÉ
Thursdays, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy free coffee and tea during the last café of 2011 and socialize with your fellow grads. This week’s special: hot chocolate with marshmallows and cold chocolate kisses. Bring your own mug if you can. Please contact us at grads@vt.edu if you have any comments or suggestions about this event.

5. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH PROJECT ON SHOULDER ENDURANCE – 1st posting
Participants are needed for a study investigating endurance for the shoulder. Overweight individuals are especially needed. The study consists of 2 sessions lasting approximately 1.5 hours each. Participants will be compensated $15/hour. Requirements: not involved in any regular aerobic or resistance training, age 18-25 or 50-65, and no recent history of musculo-skeletal or metabolic disorders. If interested, please complete a brief survey. Contact Lora Cavuoto with any questions.

6. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR SLIP AND FALL RISK ASSESSMENT STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are needed for a study assessing the slip and fall risks. 
The study consists of 2 separate experimental sessions (each lasting approximately 3 hours) and one screening session. Participants will be compensated $10/hour with a $10 bonus after completing all sessions. Requirements: male or female, age 21-84, no recent history of musculo-skeletal disorders, and exercise 2-3 times per week. If interested, please contact Xuefang Wu.

7. SURVEY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR FOOD PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT – 1st posting
Graduate and undergraduate students from the Food Science and Technology Department competing in the Institute of Food Technologists’ Product Development Competition invite you to participate in a survey regarding demographics, consumption habits, purchasing habits, and interest in a new type of frozen dessert product. The survey is 28 questions and will require approximately 15 minutes to complete.  The information you provide in the questionnaire will be used in the development of a new food product. If you are interested in completing the questionnaire, please click on the following link.  E-mail Margo Duckson with any questions.

8. 2012 GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM ABSTRACT REVIEWERS NEEDED -1st posting
The GSA Research Symposium, to be held on Mar 28, 2012, is an opportunity for graduate students to showcase their research. The GSA is seeking graduate students to review abstracts and determine their acceptance for inclusion in the 2012 symposium. The online blind peer-review process consists of critiquing abstracts 3000 characters or less with no figures or tables. Each reviewer will receive an email of abstracts to review and return before Jan 9, 2012. Please fill out the registration sign-up form to serve as a reviewer. If you have any questions, contact Shaimaa Abdallah.

9. BOV GRADUATE REPRESENTATIVE APPLICATION FOR 2012-2013 NOW AVAILABLE
If you are interested in applying to be the next VT Graduate Student Representative to the BOV (Board of Visitors) please visit http://www.dsa.vt.edu/BOV/apply.php to download the application. All applications will be due no later than 5pm on Friday, Feb 10, 2012 in the VP of Student Affairs Office in 112 Burruss Hall. If you have any questions or wish to learn more about the position, please contact the current graduate BOV representative, Michelle McLeese. 
 
10. GRAD CERTIFICATE IN INTL RESEARCH – 2nd posting
The Office of International Research, Education, and Development (OIRED) offers a Graduate Certificate in International Research.  The program encourages a multidisciplinary approach for students already working towards a graduate degree to attain special recognition for their work on international issues.  Participants must take three 5000-level courses from an approved list, with one course being outside the applicant’s department and one outside the college.  Deadline to apply for students graduating in May 2012 will be January 23; other applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. For more information contact Betty Watts (bettyw@vt.edu; 231-6452) or visit http://www.oired.vt.edu/graduatecertificate.html.

11. PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL LATEST ISSUE POSTED –  2nd posting
The editorial board members of Public Knowledge Journal announce that Volume 3 Issue 2 entitled “Academic Research” is now posted. The call for submissions for Volume 4 Issue 1 is now available. Please forward this call to any graduate students who might be interested. The next issue will focus broadly on the topic of public health. Submissions are encouraged from all disciplines in order to approach the topic from a variety of perspectives. Public Knowledge is a multidisciplinary, graduate-student-run electronic journal hosted by the Center for Digital Discourse and Culture at Virginia Tech (ISSN 1948-3511). The journal welcomes contributions of articles for peer review, as well as book reviews, essays, interviews, blogs, and other multimedia works. Authors also retain the rights to their work. Questions about potential submissions or about the submission process should be sent to editor@pkjournal.org.

12. CONTRIBUTE TO THE “PLAN FOR A NEW HORIZON FOR VT FOR 1012-18
Do you have any ideas for better higher education in the future? Your voice matters! The Presidential Task Force, also known as Long Range Planning 2012–18, is charged with helping to develop the next strategic plan for Virginia Tech. Drafts of each subcommittee’s work have been posted on a blog, and they would like to hear from the larger university community regarding the new “Plan for a New Horizon.” Read the drafts here (Go to the subcommittee’s name along the menu bar and look for "Read the emerging ideas.") If you have any questions, please contact Akiko Nakamura, co-chair of long-range-planning student advisory committee.

13. COMMENCEMENT NEWS: DVD SALES, LIVE BROADCAST & PORTRAITS  

• A DVD of the Fall 2011 Graduate Commencement Ceremony will be available from the University Bookstore for a limited time at a cost of $19.99. Click the Graduation button on the bookstore’s homepage for ordering information: www.bookstore.vt.edu.
• The commencement ceremony will be broadcast live on campus cable channels 3 and 4 starting at 2:30 pm.
• Chappell Graduation Images will offer free portrait sittings on Thursday, Dec 15 at the Holtzman Alumni Center Library 9:00am-3:00pm. No appointment is needed. Graduates should wear their own cap and gown. You may wear as many accoutrements as you wish for the portrait sitting. Chappell will mail your proofs to you approximately one week after the ceremony. You are not required to purchase photos.

14. UPCOMING EVENTS:

Winter Break! The Graduate School and the entire university will be closed from Dec 23 through Jan 2. We’ll reopen with regular business hours on Jan 3. Graduate students may continue to access the public areas of the GLC during the break by entering through one of the card-reader equipped doors using their valid Hokie Passport.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC (on a walk-in basis unless otherwise noted)

• Career services advising: no more this semester; back in spring (if you need assistance, call 231-6241 for an appointment)
• 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 – for information on reserving a spot, visit their website

2. GLC CAFÉ FEATURING STUDENTS FOR A FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT TODAY
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: hot chocolate with marshmallows and cold chocolate kisses. This week’s highlight: Students for a Fiscally Responsible Government Today (see the group’s facebook page). Bring your own mug if you can. Please contact us at grads@vt.edu if you have any comments or suggestions about this event.

3. FREE EXAM-WEEK GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES
Friday, Dec 9-Thursday, Dec 15
Take a break from studying and attend a group exercise class. All classes are free for students during exam week so you can relieve some stress and boost your energy for exams.

4. SOCCER PARTY IN THE GLC: FC BARCELONA VS. REAL MADRID
Saturday, Dec 10, 4:00-6:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
Soccer fan grad students unite! Watch this soccer game between the 1st and 2nd in the Spanish La Liga with fellow grads. The game starts at 4:00pm. This is a great opportunity for graduate students to take a break from studying for finals, relax and socialize. GLC Fellow Kiril Stoyanov will provide coffee and light snacks.

5. COMMENCEMENT VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT – 2nd posting                                                                                                                           
The university commencement committee is seeking graduate student volunteers to serve as ushers at the fall commencement ceremonies. If you are interested in serving the university community in this manner, please contact Thomas W. Broyles by email or by phone at 540-239-4365.

6. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 2nd 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: 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.

7. GRAD CERTIFICATE IN INTL RESEARCH – 1st posting
The Office of International Research, Education, and Development (OIRED) offers a Graduate Certificate in International Research.  The program encourages a multidisciplinary approach for students already working towards a graduate degree to attain special recognition for their work on international issues.  Participants must take three 5000-level courses from an approved list, with one course being outside the applicant’s department and one outside the college.  Deadline to apply for students graduating in May 2012 will be January 23;  other applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. For more information contact Betty Watts (bettyw@vt.edu; 231-6452) or visit OIRED.

8. PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL LATEST ISSUE POSTED – 1st posting
The editorial board members of Public Knowledge Journal announce that Volume 3 Issue 2 entitled “Academic Research” is now posted. The call for submissions for Volume 4 Issue 1 is now posted here. Please forward this call to any graduate students who might be interested. The next issue will focus broadly on the topic of public health. Submissions are encouraged from all disciplines in order to approach the topic from a variety of perspectives. Public Knowledge is a multidisciplinary, graduate-student-run electronic journal hosted by the Center for Digital Discourse and Culture at Virginia Tech (ISSN 1948-3511). The journal welcomes contributions of articles for peer review, as well as book reviews, essays, interviews, blogs, and other multimedia works. Authors also retain the rights to their work. Questions about potential submissions or about the submission process should be sent to editor@pkjournal.org.

9. ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
Abstract submissions are accepted for the Graduate Student Assembly’s (GSA) 28th annual research symposium. Submission deadline: Dec 8! The research symposium is a great opportunity to showcase your graduate work through a talk, poster or performance.  Students enrolled in the National Capital Region (NCR) campus have the option of presenting via video conferencing. This event will be held on Mar 28, 2012 in the Graduate Life Center. More information and the submission criteria>>. Questions: contact Alireza, Research Symposium Chair, at alireza@vt.edu.

10. CONTRIBUTE TO THE “PLAN FOR A NEW HORIZON FOR VT FOR 1012-18
Do you have any ideas for better higher education in the future? Your voice matters! The Presidential Task Force, also known as Long Range Planning 2012–18, is charged with helping to develop the next strategic plan for Virginia Tech. Drafts of each subcommittee’s work have been posted on a blog, and they would like to hear from the larger university community regarding the new “Plan for a New Horizon.” Read the drafts at http://blogs.is.vt.edu/longrangeplan/ (Go to the subcommittee’s name along the menu bar and look for "Read the emerging ideas.") If you have any questions, please contact Akiko Nakamura, co-chair of long-range-planning student advisory committee, at nakamura@vt.edu.

11. COMMENCEMENT NEWS: DVD SALES, LIVE BROADCAST & PORTRAITS                                                                             

• A DVD of the Fall 2011 Graduate Commencement Ceremony will be available from the University Bookstore for a limited time at a cost of $19.99. Click the Graduation button on the bookstore’s homepage for ordering information: www.bookstore.vt.edu.
• The commencement ceremony will be broadcast live on campus cable channels 3 and 4 starting at 2:30 pm.
• Chappell Graduation Images will offer free portrait sittings on Thursday, Dec 15 at the Holtzman Alumni Center Library 9:00am-3:00pm. No appointment is needed. Graduates should wear their own cap and gown. You may wear as many accoutrements as you wish for the portrait sitting. Chappell will mail your proofs to you approximately one week after the ceremony. You are not required to purchase photos.

12. GLC WAGE POSITIONS NOW OPEN FOR SPRING 2012
Applications are currently being accepted for Spring 2012 GLC wage positions. The position ads are posted at https://listings.jobs.vt.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/Welcome_css.jsp, then click the Student tab, and Student Centers & Activities "VT Graduate Student" Pool for Graduate Information Associate and Graduate Services Associate. Application reviews will begin Friday, December 9.  For more information about the GLC Graduate Services or Information Associates positions, please visit the SCA/GLC Employment Page http://www.studentcenters.vt.edu/employment/students/areas.php or email the GLC Operations Manager, Jordan DeWitt, at sjdewitt@vt.edu. If interested, please apply online by the deadline.

Upcoming events:

KNOCK OUT YOUR STRESS
Tuesday, Dec 13, 3:00-5:00pm, GLC TV Lounge
If you are feeling a little stressed from taking exams, writing papers, or grading exams, stop by the GLC TV lounge to knock out your stress in a match of Wii Boxing. You will be matched up against the fighting GLC Fellows known as Megan the Mighty, the Bulgarian Tiger, or the Bald Marine. There will be light refreshments. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact the GLC Fellows at hodgeseb@vt.edu. This event is sponsored by the GLC Fellows.