February 27-March 4, 2012

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

  • Career services advising: Wednesdays, 1:30-5:00pm, Study Room
  • Counseling:  Wednesdays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room (across from Room G)
  • GLC Café: Thursdays, 3:30-5:00pm, Reading Room
  • Statistical consulting by LISA: Weekdays, 1:00-3:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room
  • Writing support: Thursdays 7:00-9:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room; contact Emily Love, remily4@vt.edu

2. COMMUNITY VOICES: LEADING AND LIGHTING SOCIAL CHANGE
Tuesday, Feb 28, Grad Roundtable: 12:00pm, GLC Room C; Talk: 7:00pm, The Lyric
Woody Crenshaw, President of SustainFloyd, will speak on “Leading and Lighting Social Change: Ag, Arts & Advocacy.” Bring your lunch and join the graduate student brown-bag roundtable in GLC Room C (dessert & bottled water will be provided). Crenshaw is a founding member and President of rapidly growing SustainFloyd, a social benefit organization, and owner of a high-end lighting studio in Floyd, VA.  His interests include local innovation and entrepreneurship for sustainable development, revitalization of agriculture and farming, economic development, leadership, and the creative economy.  This message is posted on behalf of grad student Kate Preston.

3. AMERICANS FOR INFORMED DEMOCRACY CLUB: ARAB SPRING MOVEMENTS
Tuesday, Feb 28, 7:00-9:00pm, 140 Holden Hall North Wing
Panelists Dr. Edward Weisband, Mr. John Boyer and doctoral student Heba F. El-Shazli bring students and professors together to discuss and learn about Arab Spring movements and their broader significance. Introductory comments by the panelists will be followed by a guided discussion and audience Q&A.MA

4. GSS TOURS PRESENTS: HORTICULTURE GREENHOUSES

Wednesday, Feb 29,  2:00-3:30pm, meet at greenhouses on Washington St   
Have you ever wondered what the VT horticulture students are doing in the winter? They are exercising their green thumbs inside the greenhouses! Here is your opportunity to partake in a guided tour through the greenhouses and learn first-hand what work and research occurs. Special bonus: plant potting activity. Space is limited, so register early: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1329507281831. Accepted registrations will be confirmed by email. Check out the GSS calendar for more tour opportunities.

5. 17th ANNUAL GEOSCIENCES STUDENT RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
Thursday-Friday, Mar 1-2, 9:00am–5:30pm 4069 Derring Hall
Join the Department of Geosciences for this annual symposium, a two-day event of graduate and undergraduate talks on their current research.  Topics will include bio/geochemistry, hydrogeosciences, geophysics, geobiology, structural  geology, petrology, sedimentology, and stratigraphy. More information>>.

6. NERD WARS: MASTER’S VS. PH.D.’S
March 1-28, GLC Front Desk
Relay for Life Team “Graduates for a Cure” is hosting an adaptation of the penny wars starting March 1st. Stop by the GLC Front Desk and donate your loose change into a jar according to your degree status (Master’s or Ph.D.) All donations will be benefit American Cancer Society Relay for Life! The GLC bulletin board will be updated regularly to show whether Masters or Ph.Ds are ahead. The winner of this competition will be announced during Graduate Education Week on March 28th! Don’t let your fellow graduates down…may the best group win! Questions: Contact GLC Fellow Megan Stuart.

7. GLC CAFÉ PM
Thursday, Mar 1, 3:30-50:00pm  GLC Reading Room
Enjoy free coffee and tea and socialize with your fellow grads. Bring your own mug if you can. Please contact us at grads@vt.edu if you have any comments or suggestions about this event.

8. COFFEE, TEA, WINE AND SODA: HOW THE BEVERAGES YOU LOVE ARE AFFECTING YOUR HEALTH

Thursday, Mar 1, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room G
This session we will explore the controversy surrounding coffee, tea, soda and wine: their health consequences for women, including how these beverages relate to common health concerns including anxiety, osteoporosis, depression, heart disease and breast cancer.  The session will include an interactive discussion as well as a questionnaire.  Katherine developed a passion for natural medicine while studying psychology and chemistry as an undergrad student at VT. She attended Naturopathic Medical school at the National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM) in Portland, OR.

9. GLC CONVERSATION GROUP: A COMMUNITY WITHIN A COMMUNITY
Fridays, through Mar 30, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room D
Bring your lunch and join this group of GLC residents and other grad students to get to know one another through casual conversations. Discussions may include current events, the nature of graduate study, and games that promote conversation. If you have any questions, contact Whitney Bortz, GLC residential learning coordinator, at whitney8@vt.edu, 231-5691.

10. GRAD STUDENT PHOTO-ART-WRITING CONTEST SPRING 2012
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work, photography and written work by graduate students for display in the GLC during Graduate Education Week (Mar 26-30) and beyond. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art, photography, or written work) per graduate student. Learn more >>.

11. COMMENCEMENT LODGING ALTERNATIVE
The Division of Student Affairs’ Conference and Guest Services office offers an alternative to hotel lodging for spring commencement. Residence hall spaces are available to provide convenient, low-cost accommodations for families and guests of graduating students. Advance reservations for lodging are required, and full payment is due at the time that reservations are made.  Online reservations and payment >>>

12. TAKE A STANCE FOR A CURE: JOIN A GRADS RELAY TEAM
Join GSA and the GLC Resident Fellows for 2012 Relay For Life at Virginia Tech, taking place Apr 20 on the Drillfield. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a year-long fundraiser building up to a life-changing event that gives everyone a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. To sign up as part of the Graduate Student Relay Team, visit: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY12SA/1685396684?pg=team&fr_id=41402&team_id=1022346. For a $10.00 donation, you will become a team member and receive a Relay t-shirt. For more information, contact Megan Stuart, stuartma@vt.edu or Swetha Kumar, swethak@vt.edu.

13. BECOME A GLOBAL AMBASSADOR THROUGH CRANWELL INT’L CTR, 2012-13
The Global Ambassadors program is an exciting and engaging leadership development opportunity for current Virginia Tech students seeking to develop their global leadership skills. Global Ambassadors are charged with welcoming new international students to the Virginia Tech community and continuing meaningful interactions with students and the community throughout the academic year. Any currently enrolled student who has been at VT for at least one semester may apply. Fill out the online application  by Mar 6 and submit a reference form by Mar 14. Learn more >>.

14. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR ONLINE SURVEY – 1st posting
This study examines how superstition attitude will impact potential tourists’ intention to visit a destination so that relevant organizations (e.g. destination management/marketing organizations) could better understand potential tourists’ behaviors, identify a niche-market encompassing those prone to superstition, and tailor the tourism products to the needs and beliefs of potential tourists. The survey is anonymous and confidential. Must be at least 18 and have traveled within the past 12 months to participate in the survey. Please address any questions to Carol Zhang (zyz211@vt.edu).

15. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR SLIP/FALL STUDY – 1st posting

Participants aged 20-64 are needed for a Locomotion Research Lab study titled effects of localized muscle fatigue on risks of slips and falls. This study consists of four sessions, with each session lasting 3-4.5 hours. Compensation will be paid on an hourly basis, at $10/hour, with $40 bonus for those who finish the entire study. Please contact Xuefang Wu at xfwu@vt.edu for more details.

16. PARTICIPATE IN “SEX AND THE WORKPLACE” SURVEY – 1st posting

This online survey assesses students’ perceptions of acceptable and unacceptable co-worker interactions. Rating scenes depicting sexualized interaction at work allows researchers to determine which social characteristics affect the development and reinforcement of moral boundaries. This IRB-approved dissertation research is conducted by a sociology student and will take less than 10 minutes to complete. The survey is completely anonymous; graduate-student participation is greatly needed. Enter the study>>. Must be at least 18 and a current VT undergad or graduate student to participate in this survey. Please contact Angela Barlow at barlow.a@vt.edu with questions or comments.

17. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY OF SITTING EFFECTS – 1st posting
You are invited to participate in a VT study aimed at testing muscle activities in a seated posture. Participants must be between the ages 18-64, in no current condition or recent history (1-yr) of physical disorders affecting the shoulder, knee, or lower back; and exercise on a regular basis (2-3 times/wk). Participants will be required to perform several computer-based typing tasks in a lab setting. Each experiment session will last 2 to 3 hours; participants will be compensated $10/hr. For more information email to sjayvt@gmail.com.

18. HAPPY PARENTS, HAPPY BABY RESEARCH STUDY – 1st posting

Are you expecting your first child? As many as 90% of couples experience a significant decline in relationship-satisfaction after having a baby. The Mindful Transition to Parenthood Program can help couples meet this transition in a healthier way, which will make you happier and support the well-being of your baby. In this free support group, you will connect with other couples, learn effective communication skills, practice stress management, and learn how to reduce your risk of postpartum depression. The group is led by Laura Gambrel, a doctoral candidate in marriage and family therapy, and is part of a dissertation research study. Participants have the opportunity to win a $250 gift card. The group meets on Thursday evenings 6:00-8:00, Apr 12-May 3. Register by Apr 1 at http://www.lauragambrel.com/ or e-mail Laura at lauraeg@vt.edu

19. GSA FOLLOW UP SURVEY NEEDS YOUR HELP! – Final posting
Five years ago the GSA sponsored a survey of graduate students to determine the need, and willingness to pay, for statistical assistance in research. We are now sponsoring a short follow-up survey (5-15 minutes), and ask that all graduate students complete this survey regardless of whether you have used statistical assistance. Your responses are greatly appreciated and needed! Please contact GSA cabinet member Michelle McLeese at mmcleese@vt.edu with any questions.

20. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR PILOT STUDY – 3rd posting
Researchers in HNFE are conducting a study to determine the validity of diet and physical activity questionnaires. You may be eligible to participate if you are 21 years of age or older. The study involves three visits to a campus lab, with a total time of about 1.5. Participants will be compensated $25. If interested in participation, please complete an online screening form. For more information, please contact Shaun in the Laboratory for Eating Behaviors and Weight Management at 540-231-7918 or sriebl@vt.edu.

21. PARTICIPATE IN LIBRARY SURVEY – 3rd posting

As part of the implementation of the Summon Discovery Service by Vt’s University Libraries, the library is assessing its use and effectiveness among faculty and students. Through this survey your feedback is requested on your use of, and experiences with Summon, and your perception of its effectiveness in finding research information. The information collected will provide insight into how the Libraries might enhance the service to meet research needs of users. The survey should take approximately 12-15 minutes, and you may exit the survey at any time. Click this link to review the informed consent and begin the survey:  http://www.lib.vt.edu/RIS/consent.html. Must be at least 18 years old to participate.

22. GTA POSITION AVAILABLE FOR AY 2012-13
Interested in new media and innovation in teaching and learning?  Would you like to work closely with the Faculty Development Institute and Center for Innovation in Learning?  Dr. Gardner Campbell, Director of Faculty Development and Innovative Initiatives and Associate Professor of English, has created a position that offers a qualified graduate student a GTA position for AY 2012-13 with the possibility of summer employment.  Review of applications begins this Friday, March 2.  For more information about the position and the application process, please use the following link:   http://tinyurl.com/7j6962h.

23. GLC WAGE POSITIONS NOW OPEN FOR REMAINDER OF SPRING 2012 – 1st posting
Applications are being accepted for GLC wage positions for the remainder of the semester and beyond. The position ad is 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. 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. The posting closes on Mar 16.

24. AQUATICS & INSTRUCTIONAL GRAD ASSISTANT/INTERNSHIP – 3rd posting
This is a full year commitment as a FT graduate student or paid intern with VT Recreational Sports. Responsibilities include assisting in the planning, development, and implementation of a comprehensive aquatics/instructional program comprising of adult and children swim lessons, health and safety classes, gymnastics lessons, and Master’s Swim. Other responsibilities: assist in the hiring, training, supervising, and evaluation of part-time 80+ employees; oversee eight student supervisors, and assist with student payroll, web development, budget planning, policy development, and the equipment inventory/purchasing process. Must have LGI and/or WSI certifications. Preferred certifications: WSI-IT, LGI-IT, CPO, and/or AFO. Application deadline: Apr 2 or until position filled. Submit letter of application, resume, list of at least three references, and copy of unofficial transcript through 2011 Fall Semester to: Nigel Harris, assistant director of Aquatics and Instructional Programs, VT Rec Sports, 142 McComas Hall, CMC 0358, nigelh@vt.edu.

25. MARKETING GRAD ASSISTANT -3rd posting

Under the direction of the marketing manager in Rec Sports, this position’s responsibilities include: assist with hiring, training, and supervising part-time student marketing personnel and budget management; coordination of evaluation and assessments of promotional opportunities and programs; work with Recreational Sports staff and student employees to coordinate on and off-site program promotions and special events; coordinate distribution of all marketing materials and cultivate relationships with targeted campus and community groups; help develop and edit marketing materials and department website; write press releases and promotional ads; and other duties. Required: word processing, spreadsheet and desktop publishing computer skills; effective oral and written communication skills. Preferred: 1-2 years undergrad involvement in recreational sports, sports marketing, and/or related field, as well as aspirations towards a career in sports marketing, sales skills and special events experience. Application deadline: Mar 30 or until position is filled. Submit letter of application, resume, list of at least three references, and copy of unofficial transcript through 2011 Fall Semester to: Cathy Kropff, Rec Sports Marketing Manager, 142 McComas Hall, CMC 0358, ckropff@vt.edu .

UPCOMING EVENTS:


SPRING BREAK PITY PARTY: THE BREAKFAST CLUB!

Tuesday, Mar 6, 10:00am-12:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
You are not alone on campus during spring break! Join others who are working through spring break and enjoy a home-cooked brunch with vegetarian and meat options, brought to you by your friendly and enthusiastic volunteer chefs who also happen to work in the Graduate School and Res Life. The food will be so good that everyone who left town will turn green with envy when they find out what they missed.  Please register to give us an idea of how much food to prepare .

WORK/LIFE BALANCE PANEL
Tuesday, Mar 13, 12:30–1:30pm, Torg 1100
This panel presentation is designed specifically for graduate students and faculty who struggle to fit an academic career into a fulfilling personal life. Graduate students from all academic disciplines are encouraged to attend. Registration is not required. Learn more at http://frec.vt.edu/fs/.

CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS FOR GRAD STUDENTS

Tuesday, Mar 13, 3:30–4:30pm,
Graduate Life Center
Among other events, the "Showcase of Female Scientists" event features three different concurrent workshops for graduate students and postdocs. Students and postdocs from all academic disciplines are encouraged to attend. Workshop topics are "Making a Life in Blacksburg," "Interview Skills and Curriculum Vita Preparation," and "Stress Management." Advance registration for the graduate student workshops is required, and is available at http://frec.vt.edu/fs/.

BOV GRAD LUNCHEON WITH PRESIDENT STEGER, PROVOST MCNAMEE – Sign up now!
Friday, Mar 16, 12:00-1:30pm, The Inn
Attend the first graduate luncheons of the spring semester with President Steger and Provost McNamee at the Inn at Virginia Tech. Spaces are limited, so if you are interested in attending, please fill out this survey. Graduate students selected for attendance will be contacted by March 14. Contact Michelle McLeese at mmcleese@vt.edu or bovgradrep@vt.edu with any questions.

SAFE ZONE TRANING FOR GRADS – REGISTER NOW!

Monday, Mar 26, 10:00am-12:00pm, GLC Room B
Interested in becoming Safe-Zone certified? Catherine Cotrupi, VT’s LGBTQ coordinator, offers a grads-only section of the Safe Zone Overview session required to start your certification and training. This session is for individuals interested in learning more about the LGBTQ Community. Topics addressed in the first training session include: common LGBTQ terms; sexual orientation vs. sexual identity; the coming out process; experiences of LGBTQ individuals; how you can be a Safe-Zone ally. Please register here. This is also a sponsored Graduate Education Week event. Contact Catherine at cotrupi@vt.edu for more information.

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