1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC
- Career services advising: Wednesdays, 1:30-5:00pm, 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: 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. 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 at stuartma@vt.edu.
3. BROWN BAG TALKS: USING RUBRICS TO MEASURE STUDENT LEARNING
Monday, Mar 12, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room C
A rubric is a scoring tool used in authentic assessments that articulates criteria upon which works are evaluated. This session will focus on the development and use of rubrics for program level assessment work. This session is offered by the Office of Assessment and Evaluation. Register at http://www.cideronline.org/events/events2.cfm.
4. 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/.
5. 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/.
6. SHORT STAT COURSE: BAYESIAN METHODS FOR REGRESSION IN R
Tuesday, Mar 13, 5:00-7:00pm, 3060 Torgersen Hall
The Lab for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis provides 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. See http://www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and to learn more. This course will cover Bayes’ Rule and how it inspired the Bayesian paradigm of statistics, with particular emphasis on linear regression methods; how Bayesian inference differs from classical/frequentist inference, what tools are needed for Bayesian inference, and when Bayesian inference is superior. Examples will be provided for some simple regression analyses in R. For these examples, participants will interpret output, look at diagnostic plots, and discuss what hypotheses can be tested. Follow LISA on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Statistical.collaboration or Twitter (www.twitter.com/LISA_VT) to be the first to know about LISA events!
7. AAUW POWERFUL PRESENCE LUNCH
Wednesday, Mar 14, 12:00-1l:00pm, 1100 Torg (Torgersen Museum)
Join fellow grads and other university women for this month’s power presence lunch to discuss the Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley. Light refreshments will be provided. To find out more about the Blacksburg Branch of AAUW, please visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/AAUW-Blacksburg-Virginia-Tech/160413817304755.
8. GLC CAFÉ PM
Thursday, Mar 15, 3:30-5:00pm 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.
9. TAXES 101
Thursday, Mar 15, 6:00pm, Community Ctr Room, C’burg Library (125 Sheltman St)
The BAC of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated presents this tax workshop. Join this interactive presentation where an experienced tax preparer will provide you with free tax information and answer any questions you may have. Even if you have already filed, this is a good opportunity to learn about new tax information provided by the tax preparer. For more information contact Kacie Allen at kaciea1@vt.edu.
10. GLC FELLOWS HIKE TO THE CASCADES
Saturday, Mar 17, 10:30am, meet in front of the GLC on Otey Street
The GLC Fellows will lead this hike up to the beautiful Cascades waterfall. For those who don’t have a car, transportation can be arranged. However, to help with transportation costs, if you are able to drive please consider doing so. Please bring lunch to have a picnic at the top of the falls. If you’re interested, sign up at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1330445119946 For more information contact Eric Hodges at hodgeseb@vt.edu.
11. AID SPRING CONCERT: TAAL 2012
Sunday, Mar 18, 2:00-3:30pm, Haymarket Theater, Squires
The Association for India’s Development (AID), Blacksburg chapter, a graduate student organization, invites you to its annual Spring concert, hosting Dr. Suman Sharma (http://www.sumansharma.com/), a renowned sitarist and vocalist. Dr. Sharma completed her doctorate in music at the University of Delhi and she is a well-known sitar teacher in the Tri-State area. This event is free and open to the public.
12. GRAD STUDENT PHOTO-ART-WRITING CONTEST SPRING 2012
Submission deadline 3/16
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 at http://www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/contest.html.
13. GRAD OLYMPICS 2012 – register now!
Put your wit, physical skills and team spirit to the test in this highlight of Graduate Education Week, a light-hearted competition among graduate student teams on Friday, Mar 30, 3:00-4:30. Up to ten teams of 4-5 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 by March 23 and wait for confirmation that their registration was accepted. To pre-register, fill out this survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1330550322087. You will be notified if your registration is accepted. Teams will receive extra points for a creative team name, flag design and team cheer.
14. AEL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED – 1st posting
Alpha Epsilon Lambda (AEL) Graduate Honor Society, the only academic excellence and leadership honor society of graduate and professional school students, is now accepting applications for new members. Graduate students may become members based on their academic achievements and leadership experiences. Apply by Apr 1, through http://www.ael.graduateschool.vt.edu/application-process/. The induction ceremony for new members will take place on Thursday, Apr 26. For more information visit the AEL website (see above) or contact Andrea Tiwari at ajtiwari@vt.edu with any questions.
15. BAD DESIGN CONTEST
The Human Factors and Engineering Society is hosting an on-campus "bad design" contest to spread the word about what human factors engineers do. The contest is simple: 1. Find something that is poorly designed on campus 2. Take a picture and write a few sentences about it. 3. Redesign a solution 4. Complete the entry form at http://goo.gl/LXDSz. 1st place is a $50 cash prize and 2nd place is a $25 cash prize. Questions can be emailed to hfesvt@gmail.com. This message is posted on behalf of master’s student Julee Harlow.
16. 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 may be made at www.housing.vt.edu/commencement.
17. TAKE A STANCE FOR A CURE: JOIN A GRADS RELAY TEAM – 2nd posting
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.
18. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A STUDY ON ANKLE SPRAIN RISK FACTORS – 1st posting
Healthy, young adults (18-35) with and without a history of ankle sprains are sought for participation in an IRB-approved research project on ankle sprain risk factors. The project consists of 3 sessions, of which participants may complete one or a combination. Participants must perform a series of static and dynamic athletic tasks to assess the effects of running speed on motor control (study 1), perform single leg drop landings before and after fatigue (study 2), and complete ankle stiffness and position sense evaluations under fatigued and braced conditions (study 3). Compensation: $10/hr. Requirements: Active (exercising at least 2-3/wk); either no history of ankle sprains or ≥ 2 sprains to the same ankle; No current and/or chronic pain in ankles, knees, hips, back, or neck; No prior joint surgeries on the lower limbs; No neuropathies, muscle weakness, vestibular disorders, or current injuries; Not currently using ankle tape or braces for exercise or participating in physical rehabilitation. If interested, contact Courtney Haynes by at chaynes7@vt.edu, 724-272-8574.
19. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON WORKING IN GROUPS – 1st posting
The VT Center for Human-Computer Interaction invites you to participate in a study of users playing a design game together, to study how people interact with one another in coming up with design ideas. You will be asked to play a computer-based design game with 2 other players. Available 1-hour time slots are listed at https://bitly.com/designgamestudy. If interested, email tgm+dg@vt.edu for more information or to request any of the listed time slots, or to request a different time. The study takes place in McBryde 106A.
20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR DISSERTATION STUDY ON MUSCLE ENDURANCE
You are invited to participate in a VT dissertation research study on muscle endurance. Participants will perform a set of endurance tests involving the shoulder in a laboratory setting in the Industrial and Systems Engineering department. The study consists of 2 sessions, each lasting about 1 hr. Compensation: $15/hour. Requirements: not involved in any regular aerobic or resistance training, age 18-25 or 50-65, and no current or recent history of a physical disorder affecting the shoulder. Overweight individuals are especially needed. Study protocols have been approved by the VT IRB (11-597). Please contact Lora Cavuoto at lcavuoto@vt.edu with any questions or if interested in participating.
21. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR MATERIAL HANDLING STUDY – 2nd posting Participants are sought to assess performance of portable measurement systems during manual material handling tasks. Must be 18-40; female; no current or recent history of a physical disorder affecting the shoulder, knee, lower back, or ankle; exercise on a regular basis (2-3 times per week); shoe size >= 9. Participants will be required to perform several manual material handling tasks in a single ~2.5 hr experimental session. Compensation: $10/hour. Please call or email Sunwook Kim if interested: 540-557-7763 or sunwook@vt.edu.
22. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR ONLINE SURVEY – 3rd 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: https://virginiatechtraining.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3ltB0PoEfFOIzxa.
Please address any questions to Carol Zhang (zyz211@vt.edu).
23. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR SLIP/FALL STUDY – 3rd 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.
24. PARTICIPATE IN “SEX AND THE WORKPLACE” SURVEY – 3rd 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: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_7ajXlxzwBuIi4hm. 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.
25. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY OF SITTING EFFECTS – 3rd 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.
26. HAPPY PARENTS, HAPPY BABY RESEARCH STUDY – 3rd 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
27. GLC FELLOWS POSITIONS OPEN FOR 2012-2013 – 2nd posting
Residence Life and the Graduate School are seeking motivated graduate students who are committed to building graduate community, for three GLC Fellow positions for the 2012-2013 academic year. An ideal candidate would have previous residence life and/or event planning experience though it is not a requirement. Applicants must submit a formal cover letter, resume and letter of recommendation, as well as complete the following survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1330467616751. A detailed position description can be found on the Graduate Life Center website at www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu. Apply by Mar 16, 2012. Please contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu or Whitney Bortz at whitney8@vt.edu if you have questions.
28. GLC WAGE POSITIONS NOW OPEN FOR REMAINDER OF SPRING 2012 – 3rd 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.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
BROWN BAG TALKS: HOW TO DESIGN EFFECTIVE SURVEYS
Monday, Mar 19, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room C
This session provides tips on the survey process and how to create and administer effective surveys that increase response rates and provide reliable data. This session is offered by the Office of Assessment and Evaluation. Register at http://www.cideronline.org/events/events2.cfm.
GSA SPRING 2012 WINE SOCIAL
Friday, Mar 23, 5:30-9:00pm, University Club
Take a break from your hectic semester and join your fellow grad students at the GSA Spring Wine Social. Wine service ends at 8:30pm. Tickets are $10 for wine and snacks; $5 for GSA delegates and cabinet members; and $2 for just snacks. Volunteers get in for free! If you would like to volunteer to help with the event, please fill out the following survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1331158429078. Valid state-issued ID required for entry. Contact Amanda Shea at ashea04@vt.edu with any questions.
3RD ANNUAL LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP: EMOTIONAL LEADERSHIP
Saturday, Mar 24, 10:00am-5:30pm, Pamplin 30
The Alpha XI chapter of Alpha Epsilon Lambda at VT hosts this workshop for graduate students, focusing on the issues of emotional intelligence and personality as they relate to leadership. During the workshop participants will complete a personalized assessment of their emotionally intelligent leadership skills, and take part in a panel discussion with prominent local leaders from different sectors of society. The workshop includes a $5 registration fee to cover the cost of the personalized assessment. Lunch and refreshments are provided free of charge. Space is limited to 50 graduate students, so register now: http://www.ael.graduateschool.vt.edu/events/aellw-register/. For more information visit http://www.ael.graduateschool.vt.edu/events/ or contact Andrea Tiwari at ajtiwari@vt.edu.
SAFE ZONE TRAINING 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:
https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1328045816783. This is also a sponsored Graduate Education Week event. Contact Catherine at cotrupi@vt.edu for more information.
GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM AND EXPOSITION
Wednesday, Mar 28, 9:00am-3:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The symposium is a unique opportunity for students to interact with each other to pave the way for interdisciplinary research discussion and collaboration. The event promises to be an interactive networking forum between participants, faculty, departments, research entities and corporate bodies. The program features oral and poster presentations by students from various disciplines. For a detailed schedule, visit: http://www.gsasymposium.graduateschool.vt.edu/.
GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM KEYNOTE: DAN PALLOTTA
Wednesday, Mar 28, 6:30pm, GLC Auditorium
Author of Uncharitable and writer for the Harvard Business Review, Dan Pallotta will provide a new perspective on for-profit charity organizations. His company, Pallotta Teamworks, invented the multi-day AIDSRides and Breast Cancer 3-Days. His work has been called "revolutionary" by former US senator Gary Hart and, according to The Stanford Social Innovation Review, his contribution "deserves to become the nonprofit sector’s new manifesto". This event is part of Graduate Education Week and is free and open to the public.
EDIBLE BOOKS CONTEST BY VT LIBRARIES
Friday, Mar 30, 2:00-4:00pm, 1100 Torgersen (Museum)
Edible book contests are about being creative with books and food. Entries can look like, poke fun, interpret, or highlight a book or element of a book. Entries can be sweet, savory, salty, bitter…anything! See images from the Newman Library pilot program in 2011 on the Newman Library Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vtnewmanlibrary/sets/72157627279496995/ or look for other examples on the web. Register by Mar 23: http://tinyurl.com/VTEdibleBooks2012.