Month: April 2012

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: AM 9-10 on first and last Thursdays; PM 3:30-5:00 every Thursday, 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. BROWN BAG LUNCH: USING SURVEY DATA FROM CIRP & NSSE
Monday, Apr 30, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room C
The Office of Assessment and Evaluation offers this talk over lunch:  The CIRP survey is administered to entering freshmen at VT and the NSSE (National Survey on Student Engagement) provides a measure of how engaged our VT freshmen and seniors are with their classes, their colleagues, and their professors.  This session will discuss how the results of these surveys can inform our delivery of programs.

3. POKER TOURNAMENT
Tuesday, May 1, 8:00pm, GLC Room D
Compete in a poker game with graduate students for a chance to win some cool Hokie gear and other awards. Refreshments and snacks will be provided! To sign up, email GLC Fellow Kiril at kiril@vt.edu.

4. DIVERSITY SPOTLIGHT
Wednesday, May 2, 9:30-11:30am, GLC Multipurpose Room
The Graduate School Office of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives invites you to presentations and dialogue led by 2012 Diversity Scholars. Business casual attire requested; light refreshments will be served. Contact Dannette Beane at dannette@vt.edu with questions.

5. GSA JEWELRY MAKING AT BEADSBURG
Wednesday, May 2, 6:00-8:00pm, Beadsburg
Reward yourself for a semester of hard work by making your own jewelry! No experience is necessary – just bring yourself! Tools and professional assistance will be provided along with $5 towards your jewelry. Please fill out the following survey to attend, as space is limited: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1334770251750. Participants will meet in the GLC lobby at 5:45 if you would like a ride. For any questions, contact Swetha Kumar (swethak@vt.edu).

6. SPECIAL STUDY-ROOM SCHEDULE IN THE GLC FOR READING DAY AND EXAMS
To help grad students study for exams, work on papers, and complete group projects, GLC meeting rooms will operate on a special schedule starting reading day:
Room B and C will be open 10am-10pm on Saturday, May 5
Room D will be open 24/7 on May 3,4,5, 6,7,8; 
Room G will be open 1:00-9:30pm on May 3,4,7,8, 9; and 10am-10pm on May 5
No reservations required; spaces are available on a first-come first-served basis. Look out for a refreshment cart coming through from time to time with treats to keep your spirits high and your body well sugared and caffeinated.

7. GLC CAFÉ AM and PM!
Thursday, May 3, 9:00-10:00am and 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room   
Take a quick break and grab a cup of coffee or tea and chat with fellow grads before you resume your studying/working/grading/defending or whatever it is that you are doing at this time of the semester. Bring your own mug if you can for your coffee/tea break. Free coffee, tea and light snacks provided every week.

8. RELAX AND RECHARGE
Thursday, May 3, 5:30-8:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
Don’t miss the last event for the academic year organized by the GLC Fellows. This will be a great opportunity to take a break from studying or just hang out with fellow graduate students before the end of the semester. There will be great food, music and games! For more info contact GLC Fellow Kiril at kiril@vt.edu.

9. FOCUS ON PHOTOGRAPHY: SEEING PHOTOGRAPHICALLY
Friday-Saturday, May 4–5
The Virginia Tech Alumni Association announces a special weekend event designed to take your photography to the next level: you already know the technical basics of digital photography, but there are still tools to learn and techniques to master. Sessions begin with fast and fun instructions, allowing plenty of time for hands-on activities that reinforce fundamental photography principles and lead participants on the journey to seeing photographically. More information>>.

10. DIRECTIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS WHO PLAN TO ATTEND UNDERGRADUATE CEREMONY
Graduate students who plan to process at the Undergraduate (University) Ceremony should arrive at 10:45 am at the Rector Field House. Please do not arrive earlier or later than the scheduled time. The visit of First Lady Michelle Obama will cause it to take longer for processors to be cleared through security to enter Lane Stadium. Additional security measures will include metal detection screening. Once screened, participants will not be permitted to leave the staging area. Robes should remain unzipped for security screening. Students and guests who wish to watch the university commencement from the stands should proceed directly to Lane Stadium for security check and seating. More details>>

11. HONOR SYSTEM SEARCH FOR CHIEF JUSTICE NOW OPEN – 2nd posting
The Graduate Honor System is searching for a new chief justice due to the impending graduation of the current chief justice, Katelin Shugart-Schmidt. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
— must be a graduate student in good standing who has been in residence for a minimum of one semester
— be able to serve as Chief Justice for at least one year while enrolled full-time in the Blacksburg campus
Preferably applicants should have experience as a GHS investigator or panelist. Apply by May 25 by submitting a statement of purpose and a resume to gibsonm@vt.edu. The new Chief Justice will be selected by a committee and ratified by the Graduate Student Assembly and the Commission on Graduate Studies and Policies before final appointment by the president.

12. ART, PHOTO AND WRITING CONTEST WINNERS POSTED
Winners (by popular vote) of the spring 2012 grad art, photo and writing contest have been posted in the GLC. Congratulations also go  to the winners of the GLC International “Hokies Around the World” photo contest: Tied for first place: Joowon Im and Neeraj Pramodkumar; Second place: Mostefa Brougui.

13. CALL FOR TEDxVT SPEAKER NOMINATIONS
TED is coming to Virginia Tech! On Saturday, Nov 10, 2012, the inaugural TEDxVirginiaTech event will take place; currently speaker nominations are invited from the VT community. Submit nominations by Friday, May 18. Nominees should be excellent presenters with amazing ideas… ideas worth spreading.  This year’s theme is "knowing." To learn more about TEDxVirginiaTech, the theme, the nomination process, and to nominate someone to speak at this event, please visit http://tedxvirginiatech.com. If you have any questions, please contact the TEDxVirginiaTech Steering Committee Chair, Dr. C. Edward Watson, Associate Director of the Center for Instructional Development and Educational Research (CIDER) at edwatson@vt.edu (540-231-7930).

14. STUDY SEEKS CHILDREN WITH ASD OR CONCERNS OF ASD – 2nd posting
A new study at the VT Autism Clinic is examining mother-child interactions in children with a diagnosis or concerns of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Children ages 4-11 with an ASD (Autism, Asperger’s, or PDD-NOS) or concerns of an ASD are sought for age-appropriate play-based tasks involving mother and child (1 visit) at the VT Autism Clinic in Blacksburg, VA or Roanoke Higher Education Center in Roanoke, VA. Flexible scheduling – daytime, evening, or weekend appointments available. A brief summary of the autism and cognitive assessments is available upon request. If you are interested in participating, please contact Tyler Hassenfeldt at thassen@vt.edu or call 412-600-8304.

15. VT CREW CLUB SEEKS COACHES FOR 2012-2013 SEASON – 3rd posting
VT Crew club is looking for graduate students who have experience rowing or coxing and would be interested in coaching the rowing team for the upcoming academic year. No previous coaching experience required. Multiple positions are available for varsity, novice, men’s, or women’s team coaching. The team is a club team, but competes against other collegiate programs from club to D1 throughout the US. If you are interested, please contact the current women’s novice coach, Meghan McNulty mkmcnult@vt.edu.

16. SUBJECTS NEEDED FOR FALL IMPACT STUDY -3rd posting
The Locomotion Research Laboratory in the ISE Department is looking for male and female volunteers, ages 18-70, to participate in a biomechanics experiment involving impact force predictions in fall accidents. The experiment will take place in Whittemore 556, and participants will have to perform tasks that measure grip strength, object striking force, and natural reactions during the initial phase of a fall. The entire experiment will require one session of about 2-3 hours. This may include non-business hours such as nights and weekends for those who have many classes during the day. Participants will be compensated $10/hour. If you are interested, please complete this survey, and you will be contacted if you match schedule and qualification needs. If you know anybody who may be interested, please forward this message to them.

17. SUMMER INSTRUCTOR NEEDED FOR UPWARD BOUND, ALGEBRA 2 – 1st posting
The VT Upward Bound Program is looking for someone to teach high-school-age participants this summer in the Summer Residence Program on campus Jun 25 – Jul 26. Instructor(s) needed for Geometry and higher. Classes meet Mon–Thu except  (Jul 4 week, classes will be M, T, Th, F). Pay:  $800 per section (2 sections likely). If interested, call and/or forward a resume and reference letter to: Tom Wilson, director of Upward Bound, tom.wilson@vt.edu, 540-231-6911; fax  540-231-1266, ub.ts@vt.edu. Upward Bound is designed to prepare first generation and/or low-income high school students to pursue a college education. 

18. GSA CALL FOR PROGRAM CHAIRS
The GSA is still accepting applications for the following positions: Website Director and GSA Events Chair.  If you are looking to get involved and gain valuable leadership experience, consider serving the graduate student community as a GSA Program Chair. As program chair, you will have the opportunity to be creative, work with a diverse group of students, and actively participate in an assortment of events.  Please view the GSA website at http://www.gsa.graduateschool.vt.edu/ for a full description of each position. Contact the current chairs with any position-specific questions. Application deadline: until position is filled. Submit letter of interest, resume/CV, and goals for 2012-2013. Interviews will be conducted shortly after applications are received. Direct general questions and send resumes to Elaine Mathis, efm28@vt.edu.

19. GRA OPENING FOR 2012-13: GIS WEB APP DEVELOPER – 3rd posting 
The Enterprise GIS division of VT Information Technology, in conjunction with the Blacksburg Electronic Village, seeks a highly motivated graduate student for a full-time GRA (Fall 2012 to Spring 2013, with the possibility of renewal) to develop interactive GIS-based web applications.  Please see http://www.gis.it.vt.edu/jobs/ for the full position description.  Qualified candidates should forward resumes and cover letters to egisjobs@bev.net.

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: AM 9-10 on first and last Thursdays; PM 3:30-5:00 every Thursday, 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. BROWN BAG LUNCH BY ASSESSMENT & EVAL: REPORTING & DISPLAYING DATA Monday, Apr 23, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room C The Office of Assessment and Evaluation offers this talk over lunch about the many ways to graphically display quantitative data, some more effective than others.  This session will describe how to select the best method according to the purpose of the report and the information available.

3. DIALOGUE WITH THE DEAN 2.
Monday, Apr 23, 5:30-7:00pm, GLC Room B
End of the semester and still haven’t met the Dean of the Graduate School? Join other grads for Dialogue with the Dean to discuss graduate student life and university policy issues with Dean Karen DePauw. Dinner will be provided. Please register if you wish to attend: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1334084232611. This event is sponsored by the GSA. Questions, contact Swetha Kumar at swethak@vt.edu.

4. WHETHER SYSTEM: A TOWN HALL NATION EVENT
Monday, Apr 23, Tuesday, Apr 24 & Wednesday Apr 25, 7:00pm, Theatre 101
"Whether System" blends storytelling, music, theatre, and a culminating "town hall event"–original in its design–to build awareness and invite healthy, productive public dialogue around community issues. Members of the Building Home team created "Whether System" in response to stories and perspectives collected from Building Home’s 20+ community gatherings in the city of Radford and the counties of Giles, Pulaski, Montgomery, and Floyd.  What’s your vision for the future of the NRV? Come talk with us in an environment of performance, interaction, and collaboration. www.townhallnation.org

5. DST MAY WEEK CELEBRATION: BREAK A SWEAT WITH ZUMBA
Monday, Apr 23, 6:30-7:30pm, GLC Room G
The women of the Blacksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. invites you to participate their 2012 MayWeek Celebration, which is designed to stress the importance of higher education within the local community. This year’s theme is: "A Celebration of Life: Investing in a Better You!" Please bring water and a towel. No dance skills required. This event is posted on behalf of doctoral student Kacie Allen, kaciea1@vt.edu.

6. IC-SNA ROUNDTABLE: A METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH TO ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKS
Monday, Apr 23, 7:00pm, Williams Hall
The Interdisciplinary Consortium for Social Network Analysis hosts its final meeting of the semester to discuss research and articles involved with both Social Network Analysis and online networks (e.g. Twitter, Facebook, etc.).  If you are interested in SNA, online networks, social media, or research in this domain, please join the group. If you plant to attend, please email grad student Matt Fornito at mfornito@vt.edu to obtain the short list of articles that will be discussed that the meeting.

7. DST MAY WEEK CELEBRATION: COOK IT WITH KROGER – HEALTHY COOKING ON A BUDGET
Tuesday, Apr 24, 6:30-8:30pm, Kroger Bistro
The women of the Blacksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. invites you to participate their 2012 MayWeek Celebration, which is designed to stress the importance of higher education within the local community. Learn how to cook scrumptious and healthy meals on a budget with Kroger’s own Chef Chris Martin. Free Food, Fun, Prizes, and more!  A chance to win a $50.00 Kroger gift card! This event is posted on behalf of doctoral student Kacie Allen, kaciea1@vt.edu.

8. OVERCOMING STRESS IN GRAD SCHOOL WITH COOK COUNSELING
Wednesday, Apr 25, 4:00-5:00 pm, GLC Room C
As the semester is coming to a close and deadlines, exams, and assignments are approaching, it’s important to not get overwhelmed. Learn valuable strategies from Cook Counseling Ctr staff on ways to maintain your sanity as a graduate student. Light snacks will be provided. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows. Questions: Contact Megan Stuart, stuartma@vt.edu.

9. DST MAY WEEK CELEBRATION: DELTAS SAY ENOUGH!
Wednesday, Apr 25, 7:00pm, Johnston Student Ctr, Rm 100
The women of the Blacksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. invites you to participate their 2012 MayWeek Celebration, which is designed to stress the importance of higher education within the local community. This is a Domestic Violence Forum hosted by the Mu Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. This event is posted on behalf of doctoral student Kacie Allen, kaciea1@vt.edu.

10. GLC CAFÉ AM and PM!
Thursday, Apr 26, 9:00-10:00am and 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room   
Take a quick break and grab a cup of coffee or tea and chat with fellow grads before you resume your studying/working/grading/defending or whatever it is that you are doing at this time of the semester. Bring your own mug if you can for your coffee/tea break. Free coffee, tea and light snacks provided every week.

11. COUPONING 101
Thursday, Apr 26, 4:00-5:00pm, GLC Room G
If you’re like the typical graduate student, looking for ways to stretch your grad school dollars (and often questioning why you’re so poor), this workshop is for you! Learn with other grads all about the technique of couponing and other money-saving strategies from Lauren Surface, student services coordinator in the Graduate School. Not only has Lauren been couponing for years, but she has learned how to capitalize on savings in the New River Valley area. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows. Questions: Contact Megan Stuart, stuartma@vt.edu.

12. MOVIE ON THE LAWN
Friday, Apr 27, 8:00pm, Graduate School Lawn
Kick back and relax with the movie Inception.  Free drinks and popcorn will be provided. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the evening. Rain location: Graduate Life Center Multipurpose Room. Contact Swetha Kumar at swethak@vt.edu if you have questions.

13. BIKE THE HUCKLEBERRY
Sunday, April 29, 10:30am, GLC Lobby
Join the GLC Fellows and other graduate students for a bike tour of the beautiful Huckleberry trail.  The ride is approximately 13 miles and mostly flat.  We will also stop at the Coal Mining Heritage park to have a picnic lunch and to do a brief hike on the Cool Mining Loop trail.  We suggest that you bring your own bike and  helmet but if you do not have a bike, the GLC has five bikes to rent.  If you’re interested in participating, please fill out this survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1334332167508  The first five to register who do not have bikes will have access to the GLC bikes.  We will meet outside the GLC Lobby on Otey Street.  For more information, contact Eric Hodges at hodgeseb@vt.edu

14. HONOR SYSTEM SEARCH FOR CHIEF JUSTICE NOW OPEN
The Graduate Honor System is searching for a new chief justice due to the impending graduation of the current chief justice, Katelin Shugart-Schmidt. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
– must be a graduate student in good standing who has been in residence for a minimum of one semester
– be able to serve as Chief Justice for at least one year while enrolled full-time in the Blacksburg campus Preferably applicants should have experience as a GHS investigator or panelist. Apply by May 25 by submitting a statement of purpose and a resume to gibsonm@vt.edu. The new Chief Justice will be selected by a committee and ratified by the Graduate Student Assembly and the Commission on Graduate Studies and Policies before final appointment by the president.

15. STUDY SEEKS CHILDREN WITH ASD OR CONCERNS OF ASD – 1st posting
 A new study at the VT Autism Clinic is examining mother-child interactions in children with a diagnosis or concerns of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Children ages 4-11 with an ASD (Autism, Asperger’s, or PDD-NOS) or concerns of an ASD are sought for age-appropriate play-based tasks involving mother and child (1 visit) at the VT Autism Clinic in Blacksburg, VA or Roanoke Higher Education Center in Roanoke, VA. Flexible scheduling – daytime, evening, or weekend appointments available. A brief summary of the autism and cognitive assessments is available upon request. If you are interested in participating, please contact Tyler Hassenfeldt at thassen@vt.edu or call 412-600-8304.

16. COMMENCEMENT VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT – 3rd posting
The university commencement committee is seeking graduate student volunteers to serve as ushers at the Spring ceremonies on May 11. The University Graduate Commencement will be held at 8:30 am in Cassell Coliseum and the University Ceremony will be at 12 noon.  Ushers should arrive at least one hour prior to the ceremony. If you are interested in serving the university community in this manner, please contact Thomas W. Broyles, tbroyles@vt.edu, or by phone at 540-239-4365.

17. VT CREW CLUB SEEKS COACHES FOR 2012-2013 SEASON – 2nd posting
VT Crew club is looking for graduate students who have experience rowing or coxing and would be interested in coaching the rowing team for the upcoming academic year. No previous coaching experience required. Multiple positions are available for varsity, novice, men’s, or women’s team coaching. The team is a club team, but competes against other collegiate programs from club to D1 throughout the US. If you are interested, please contact the current women’s novice coach, Meghan McNulty mkmcnult@vt.edu.

18. GRAD STUDENT ACTION PHOTOS SOUGHT FOR SPOTLIGHT – 3rd posting
The Graduate School spotlights the activities of current graduate students in photos that could be used in various PowerPoint presentations and displays throughout the year, including reflection slideshows during the fall and spring graduate commencement ceremonies. Please share your digital photos in which you are engaged in some type of academic endeavor – teaching, tutoring, performing research, giving a workshop, attending a conference or professional society meeting, or any aspect of your life as a graduate student. Send digital photos to grads@vt.edu.

19. SUBJECTS NEEDED FOR FALL IMPACT STUDY -2nd posting
The Locomotion Research Laboratory in the ISE Department is looking for male and female volunteers, ages 18-70, to participate in a biomechanics experiment involving impact force predictions in fall accidents. The experiment will take place in Whittemore 556, and participants will have to perform tasks that measure grip strength, object striking force, and natural reactions during the initial phase of a fall. The entire experiment will require one session of about 2-3 hours. This may include non-business hours such as nights and weekends for those who have many classes during the day. Participants will be compensated $10/hour. If you are interested, please complete this survey at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1332271377038, and you will be contacted if you match schedule and qualification needs. If you know anybody who may be interested, please forward this message to them.

20. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY OF SITTING EFFECTS – 3rd posting
You are invited to participate in a study aimed at testing muscle activities in a seated posture. Participants must be in no current or recent history (1 year) of physical disorders affecting the shoulder, knee, or lower back, exercise on a regular basis (2-3/wk), and be between ages 18-64. Participants must perform a one-hour computer-based typing tasks in a laboratory setting. Each experiment session will last 3 to 4 hours and Participants will be compensated $10/hour. For more information, please respond to sjayvt@gmail.com.

21. GRA OPENING FOR 2012-13: GIS WEB APP DEVELOPER – 2nd posting
The Enterprise GIS division of VT Information Technology, in conjunction with the Blacksburg Electronic Village, seeks a highly motivated graduate student for a full-time GRA (Fall 2012 to Spring 2013, with the possibility of renewal) to develop interactive GIS-based web applications.  Please see http://www.gis.it.vt.edu/jobs/ for the full position description.  Qualified candidates should forward resumes and cover letters to egisjobs@bev.net.

22. UPCOMING EVENTS:

BROWN BAG LUNCH: USING SURVEY DATA FROM CIRP & NSSE
Monday, Apr 30, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room C The Office of Assessment and Evaluation offers this talk over lunch:  The CIRP survey is administered to entering freshmen at VT and the NSSE (National Survey on Student Engagement) provides a measure of how engaged our VT freshmen and seniors are with their classes, their colleagues, and their professors.  This session will discuss how the results of these surveys can inform our delivery of programs.

POKER TOURNAMENT
Tuesday, May 1, 8:00pm, GLC Room D
Compete in a poker game with graduate students for a chance to win some cool Hokie gear and other awards. Refreshments and snacks will be provided! To sign up, email GLC Fellow Kiril at kiril@vt.edu.

GSA JEWELRY MAKING AT BEADSBURG
Wednesday, May 2, 6:00-8:00pm, Beadsburg
Reward yourself for a semester of hard work by making your own jewelry! No experience is necessary – just bring yourself! Tools and professional assistance will be provided along with $5 towards your jewelry. Please fill out the following survey to attend, as space is limited: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1334770251750. Participants will meet in the GLC lobby at 5:45 if you would like a ride. For any questions, contact Swetha Kumar (swethak@vt.edu).

RELAX AND RECHARGE
Thursday, May 3, 5:30-8:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
Don’t miss the last event for the academic year organized by the GLC Fellows. This will be a great opportunity to take a break from studying or just hang out with fellow graduate students before the end of the semester. There will be great food, music and games! For more info contact GLC Fellow Kiril at kiril@vt.edu.

FOCUS ON PHOTOGRAPHY: SEEING PHOTOGRAPHICALLY
Friday-Saturday, May 4–5
The Virginia Tech Alumni Association announces a special weekend event designed to take your photography to the next level: you already know the technical basics of digital photography, but there are still tools to learn and techniques to master. Sessions begin with fast and fun instructions, allowing plenty of time for hands-on activities that reinforce fundamental photography principles and lead participants on the journey to seeing photographically. For more information, go to http://www.alumni.vt.edu/drillfieldseries/photography.html.

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: AM 9-10 on first and last Thursdays; PM 3:30-5:00 every Thursday, 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. H.O.K.I.E. ROUNDTABLE EVENTS
Tuesday, Apr 17, 7:00pm, GLC Room C – Ability Wednesday, Apr 18, 6:30pm, GLC Room C – Race and Age Monday, Apr 23, 5:00pm, GLC Room D – Religion Tuesday, Apr 24, 7:00pm, GLC Room C – Sexual Orientation To facilitate a movement toward developing and maintaining inclusive excellence at VT, H.O.K.I.E. roundtable events (Honoring Our Kinship Through Inclusive Excellence) will take place to offer the opportunity for faculty, staff, and students to share their perspectives and offer suggestions for improvement. The goal of H.O.K.I.E. is to evaluate where VT currently stands in relation to the core principles of diversity, inclusion, and equity. This event is posted on behalf of Natasha Amanda Cox, nacox@vt.edu, doctoral student in human development.

3.GSA COMEDY FOR A CURE
Tuesday, Apr 17, 7:00pm, GLC Auditorium
Come out and support American Cancer Society Relay For Life with a full night of comedy! Natasha Leggero, who frequently appears on ‘Chelsea Lately’ and has been a judge on ‘Last Comic Standing’ will be headlining this show, with local comedian Anthony Quinn as the feature act. This event is free and open to the public; a suggested donation of $10 is encouraged.  All proceeds will go directly to Relay for Life. Laugh and help a good cause! Questions? Contact Swetha Kumar, swethak@vt.edu.

4. EARN YOUR AMATEUR (HAM) RADIO LICENSE
Tuesday, Apr 17, 7:00pm, Dogwood Room, Squires Student Ctr
The VTAmateur Radio Association will be administering amateur radio license exams. To obtain study materials or learn more about amateur radio, visit http://www.arrl.org/licensing-preparation-exams or contact doctoral student Nathaniel Frissell at nafrissell@vt.edu or 973-787-4506. Exams are $15, and a photo ID and social security number are required.

5. COMMUNITY VOICES: GRAD LUNCH ROUNDTABLE AND EVENING TALK I.
Wednesday, Apr 18, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room B; Talk at 6:30pm, Old Dominion Ballroom, Squires
Dr. Avila Kilmurray, Director of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, will deliver the VT Ut Prosim Lecture on “Peacebuilding & Partnerships.” Avila Kilmurray has a distinguished international career in areas related to social justice work, global peace making, and the Northern Ireland peace process. The graduate student brownbag roundtable will take place both days (4/18 & 4/19) at 12pm in the GLC, with dessert provided. Contact Andy Morikawa for information at andymorikawa@vt.edu. This event was submitted by graduate student Kate Preston.

6. CHALLENGING YOUth TO BE AN EDUCATED VOTER
Wednesday, Apr 18, 6:00-8:00pm, 129 McBryde
The purpose of this non-partisan forum will be to encourage and challenge students to be educated voters. Find out about trusted sources of information, electoral process, and issues impacting the 2012 presidential election. Get your questions answered by knowledgeable panelists: Dr. Craig Brains, associate prof, and Dr. Karen Hult, prof in political science; Dr. Brian Cook, prof in Center for Public Administration and Policy, Dr. Marco Grimaldo, president and CEO of the VA Interfaith Ctr for Public Policy;  No specific candidates will be endorsed. Panelists will highlight and discuss hot topics in today’s politics that affect our generation. A Twitter feed will be available during the discussion. This event is posted on behalf of doctoral student Kacie Allen, kaciea1@vt.edu.

7. DE-MYSTIFYING THE MIDDLE EAST AND ITS PEOPLE: A FRANK DISCUSSION Wednesday, Apr 18, 6:30–8:30pm, GLC Room F
Workshop presented by Barbara Petzen, Education Director for the Middle East Policy Council’s Teach Mideast program. Do you have questions about the Middle East and Islam? Most do. This two-hour seminar will help to illuminate these critical and often misunderstood topics. Presenter and participants will analyze stereotypes and more complex realities, foster media literacy, introduce the diversity of the Middle East and Muslim cultures and religious experience, and weigh multiple points of view. This invitation is posted on behalf of doctoral student Heba El-Shazli.
 
8. COMMUNITY VOICES: GRAD LUNCH ROUNDTABLE AND EVENING TALK II.
Thursday, Apr 19, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room C; Talk at 7:00pm, The Lyric
Dr. Craig Ramey will challenge your thinking on the role of the early years in our society and economy with his talk, “Democracy, Employment, and Civility: The Crisis in Early Childhood Supports.”  Ramey is a distinguished research scholar and professor at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute, and specializes in the study of factors affecting children’s health and the development of intelligence, social competence, and academic achievement.

9. GSS TOURS PRESENTS: THE HORTICULTURE GARDENS
Thursday, Apr 19, 1:00-2:30pm, meet at the gardens off Washington St
Spring has come to Blacksburg, and what better time is there to have a walk with horticulture professor Stephanie Huckestein through the gardens during blooming season! Space is limited, so register early: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1333560115140. Accepted registrations will be confirmed by email. If you have any questions, please contact Wes Cardwell at wcardwel@vt.edu.

10. GLC CAFÉ PM
Thursday, Apr 19, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room   
If you missed all Graduate Education Week events but would like to have a GEW 2012 t-shirt, please stop by the GLC café this week to get one, while supplies last. Bring your own mug if you can for your coffee/tea break. Coffee, tea and light snacks provided every week.

11. CAMPUS CLIMATE FOCUS GROUP
Thursday, Apr 19, 4:00-5:30pm, GLC Room F
Have you ever felt like Virginia Tech could be doing more to promote diversity and inclusion or possibly that Virginia Tech does some really great things in those areas? Are there issues you have dealt with as a graduate student surrounding the current campus climate and do you have ideas on ways to improve them? Come out to this discussion on the issues of campus climate here at Virginia Tech and become a part of the solution as we take time to gauge current problems and to build a stronger sense of community for graduate students! Food and drinks will be served. Please RSVP to Bianca Baker at bbaker07@vt.edu.

12. GSS TOURS PRESENTS: PIZZA SOCIAL & TOUR OF HONORS RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE (HRC)
Thursday, Apr 19, 5:30-7:30pm, meet outside D2 dining facility on campus **Note – originally scheduled for April 17, date was changed**
Did you know there is a community of 300 plus University Honors students (both graduate and undergraduate) staying in Ambler Johnston Hall on campus? This is a special opportunity to mingle with some of the honors students at a pizza social as the last GSS event of the semester. Come learn about the lifestyle of Honors students and their focus on multidisciplinary experiences. Space is limited, so register early: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1334584448653. Accepted registrations will be confirmed by email. If you have any questions, please contact Wes Cardwell at wcardwel@vt.edu.

13. CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION WORKSHOP Friday, Apr 20, 10:00-11:30am, GLC C
Please join presenters Franny Howes and Michelle Seref, doctoral students in rhetoric and writing, for a workshop on the social relations of interdisciplinary collaboration. Presenters will explore how different systems of power relations act as metaphors in the academy.  The workshop will also examine interdisciplinary communication as a form of intercultural communication, and how cultural awareness can prepare scholars to collaborate and avoid misunderstanding. This workshop is sponsored by the Diversity Scholars program of the Graduate School. Please register by contacting Franny Howes at fhowes@vt.edu.

14. $TART $MART SALARY NEGOTIATION WORKSHOP FOR GRADS
Friday, Apr 20, 2:00-4:30pm,  GLC Room G
The Women‘s Center is proud to partner with AAUW-Blacksburg/VT to host $tart$mart, a collaboration between the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the WAGE Project, developed to empower college women and provide them with the tools to negotiate salaries and benefits as they approach the job market. This salary-negotiation workshop provides nuts-and-bolts training to help college women obtain fair and realistic first salaries. Workshop participants participate in exercises to gain concrete negotiation skills, learn about the personal consequences of the gender wage gap, learn how to benchmark reasonable salaries and benefits, and gain insight into their own bottom line and personal budget. Registration is required at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1333550876460. For more information please contact Sharbari Dey at sharbari@vt.edu.

15. VT CREW CLUB SEEKS COACHES FOR 2012-2013 SEASON
VT Crew club is looking for graduate students who have experience rowing or coxing and would be interested in coaching the rowing team for the upcoming academic year. No previous coaching experience required. Multiple positions are available for varsity, novice, men’s, or women’s team coaching. The team is a club team, but competes against other collegiate programs from club to D1 throughout the US. If you are interested, please contact the current women’s novice coach, Meghan McNulty mkmcnult@vt.edu.

16. GRAD STUDENT ACTION PHOTOS SOUGHT FOR SPOTLIGHT – 2nd posting
The Graduate School spotlights the activities of current graduate students in photos that could be used in various PowerPoint presentations and displays throughout the year, including reflection slideshows during the fall and spring graduate commencement ceremonies. Please share your digital photos in which you are engaged in some type of academic endeavor – teaching, tutoring, performing research, giving a workshop, attending a conference or professional society meeting, or any aspect of your life as a graduate student. Send digital photos to grads@vt.edu.

17. PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL EDITORIAL BOARD CALL FOR APPLICATIONS – 2nd posting
Are you looking for an opportunity to serve the graduate student community in a scholarly fashion?  Do you want experience working with a peer-reviewed scholarly journal?  Consider applying for a position on the editorial board of the multidisciplinary student journal Public Knowledge Journal (ISSN 1948-3511).  You can contact the current Editor-in-Chief to learn more about the available positions, or read about each position at http://pkjournal.org under “call for 2012-2013 Editorial Board.” Deadline for applications (statement of interest, CV, and contact information): May 2.  Please contact Sarah Surak at editor@pkjournal.org with questions or concerns.

18. COMMENCEMENT VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT
The university commencement committee is seeking graduate student volunteers to serve as ushers at the Spring ceremonies on May 11. The University Graduate Commencement will be held at 8:30 am in Cassell Coliseum and the University Ceremony will be at 12 noon.  Ushers should arrive at least one hour prior to the ceremony. If you are interested in serving the university community in this manner, please contact Thomas W. Broyles, tbroyles@vt.edu, or by phone at 540-239-4365.

19. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR A SENSORY EVALUATION OF A NEW FOOD PRODUCT – 1st posting
Participants are sought to evaluate a new food prototype: a gluten-free cookie bar.  The test will be conducted at the Food Science and Technology Building in the Sensory Laboratory (room 127) on Apr 18, from noon to 5:30 PM.  The evaluation should last no longer than 15 minutes.  If you have any questions, contact Margo Duckson at maduckgo@vt.edu.

20. SUBJECTS NEEDED FOR FALL IMPACT STUDY -1st posting
The Locomotion Research Laboratory in the ISE Department is looking for male and female volunteers, ages 18-70, to participate in a biomechanics experiment involving impact force predictions in fall accidents. The experiment will take place in Whittemore 556, and participants  will have to perform tasks that measure grip strength, object striking force, and natural reactions during the initial phase of a fall. The entire experiment will require one session of about 2-3 hours. This may include non-business hours such as nights and weekends for those who have many classes during the day. Participants will be compensated $10/hour. If you are interested, please complete this survey at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1332271377038, and you will be contacted if you match schedule and qualification needs. If you know anybody who may be interested, please forward this message to them.

21. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY OF SITTING EFFECTS – 2nd posting
You are invited to participate in a study aimed at testing muscle activities in a seated posture. Participants must be in no current or recent history (1 year) of physical disorders affecting the shoulder, knee, or lower back, exercise on a regular basis (2-3/wk), and be between ages 18-64. Participants must perform a one-hour computer-based typing tasks in a laboratory setting. Each experiment session will last 3 to 4 hours and Participants will be compensated $10/hour. For more information, please respond to sjayvt@gmail.com.

22. CALL FOR STUDENT CONDUCT PEER ADVISORS – 3rd posting
Applications to serve as a Student Conduct Peer Advisor (PA) for the 2012-2013 academic year are now available. This is an exciting leadership opportunity available to undergraduate and graduate students interested in serving in a peer support role in the Virginia Tech community. Applications are available in the Student Conduct office in 141 New Hall West. If you have any questions, contact Mark McKenzie at mtmckenz@vt.edu or studentconduct@vt.edu. Apply at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1332526447439.

23. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY OF INFANTS’ REFERENTIAL LEARNING – 3rd posting
VT’s Infant Perception Lab is recruiting 13-15 month old infants for a study of referential learning and social attention. Infants are seated on their parents’ lap and watch movies of colorful objects while hearing lists of words repeated by an adult woman for two of the three tasks involved in this study. In between these two movie tasks, researchers conduct a brief assessment of the infant’s joint attention, by looking at posters and playing with wind-up toys in a play interaction with a research assistant. Each appointment should take no longer than an hour, and each participant receives a certificate of participation as a keepsake. If you are interested in having your child participate or would like more information, please email Laura Mills (lmills11@vt.edu).

24.  MORE PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR SLIP AND FALL STUDY – 3rd posting Participants aged 20-64 are needed for a Locomotion Research Lab study about the effects of localized muscle fatigue on risks of slips and falls. This study consists of four sessions, with each session lasting 2-3 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.

25. RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR CANDY PRODUCT SURVEY AND STUDY – 3rd posting
Participants are sought for a candy product survey and study. Anyone may participate in the survey. For the study, participants will be asked to consume candy products and answer questions about those products. The study will take approximately 10 minutes and participants will be compensated with a small snack. If you are interested, please fill out the survey at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1333335032666 

26. GRA OPENING FOR 2012-13: GIS WEB APP DEVELOPER – 1st posting
The Enterprise GIS division of VT Information Technology, in conjunction with the Blacksburg Electronic Village, seeks a highly motivated graduate student for a full-time GRA (Fall 2012 to Spring 2013, with the possibility of renewal) to develop interactive GIS-based web applications.  Please see http://www.gis.it.vt.edu/jobs/ for the full position description.  Qualified candidates should forward resumes and cover letters to egisjobs@bev.net.

27. UPCOMING EVENTS:

DIALOGUE WITH THE DEAN
Monday, Apr 23, 5:30-7:00pm, GLC Room B
End of the semester and still haven’t met the Dean of the Graduate School? Join other grads for Dialogue with the Dean to discuss graduate student life and university policy issues with Dean Karen DePauw. Dinner will be provided. Please register if you wish to attend: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1334084232611. This event is sponsored by the GSA. Questions, contact Swetha Kumar at swethak@vt.edu.

OVERCOMING STRESS IN GRAD SCHOOL WITH COOK COUNSELING
Wednesday, Apr 25, 4:00-5:00 pm, GLC Room C As the semester is coming to a close and deadlines, exams, and assignments are approaching, it’s important to not get overwhelmed. Learn valuable strategies from Cook Counseling Ctr staff on ways to maintain your sanity as a graduate student. Light snacks will be provided. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows. Questions: Contact Megan Stuart,stuartma@vt.edu.

FOCUS GROUPS FOR ASSESSMENT OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES
The VP of Diversity and Inclusion at VT is seeking to review and strengthen systemic assessment, planning and evaluation processes for Diversity and Inclusion initiatives. As part of this effort, focus groups will be held to discuss a range of related topics and to engage participants in an exercise designed to generate innovative approaches to assessing LGBTQ faculty and staff  satisfaction and needs, as well as initiatives designed to support the LGBTQ community. The focus group will be held on Apr 25, 4:30–6:30pm (Intended for the LGBTQ Community and Allies); register by 4/22.
If you are interested and willing to participate, register by completing this survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1333650393328/.

COUPONING 101
Thursday, Apr 26, 4:00-5:00pm, GLC Room G
If you’re like the typical graduate student, looking for ways to stretch your grad school dollars (and often questioning why you’re so poor), this workshop is for you! Learn with other grads all about the technique of couponing and other money-saving strategies from Lauren Surface, student services coordinator in the Graduate School. Not only has Lauren been couponing for years, but she has learned how to capitalize on savings in the New River Valley area. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows. Questions: Contact Megan Stuart, stuartma@vt.edu.

MOVIE ON THE LAWN
Friday, Apr 27, 8:00pm, Graduate School Lawn
Kick back and relax with the movie Inception.  Free drinks and popcorn will be provided. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the evening. Rain location: Graduate Life Center Multipurpose Room. Contact Swetha Kumar at swethak@vt.edu if you have questions.

BIKE THE HUCKLEBERRY
Sunday, April 29th @ 10:30am, GLC Lobby
Join the GLC Fellows and other graduate students for a bike tour of the beautiful Huckleberry trail.  The ride is approximately 13 miles and mostly flat.  We will also stop at the Coal Mining Heritage park to have a picnic lunch and to do a brief hike on the Cool Mining Loop trail.  We suggest that you bring your own bike and  helmet but if you do not have a bike, the GLC has five bikes to rent.  If you’re interested in participating, please fill out this survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1334332167508  The first five to register who do not have bikes will have access to the GLC bikes.  We will meet outside the GLC Lobby on Otey Street.  For more information, contact Eric Hodges at hodgeseb@vt.edu

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:
  •  AM 9:00-10:00 on first and last Thursdays;
  •  PM 3:30-5:00 every Thursday, GLC 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. ASSESSMENT BROWN BAG LUNCH: USING FOCUS GROUPS
Monday, Apr 2, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room C
Focus groups provide an alternative to surveys or to face-to-face interviews as a way to collect valid information important for the evaluation of a program.  This session will focus on how to organize, deliver, and report results from a focus group. This event is sponsored by the Office of Assessment and Evaluation.

3. VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR
Tuesday-Thursday, Apr 3-5,
http://secacc.careereco.net/files/2012/03/SEC_ACC_evite_student-withsponsors.jpg

4. STRATEGIES TO PREPARE FOR A DIFFICULT CONVERSATION WITH YOUR ADVISOR
Tuesday, Apr 3, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Room C
Would you like to know strategies to prepare for a difficult conversation with your advisor?  Join the dialogue!  Panelists are Dr. Anne McNabb,  biological sciences, Dr. Marc Edwards, civil engineering, and Ms. Ennis McCrery graduate ombudsperson. Register here. Contact Akiko Nakamura at nakamura@vt.edu with any questions about this event.

5. MOVIE NIGHT: LIMITLESS
Tuesday, Apr 3, 8:00pm, GLC TV Lounge
Come and watch the movie “Limitless” together with fellow Graduate students. More information about the movie and a trailer can be found at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1219289/. Light refreshments will be provided!

6. BROWN BAG LUNCH: THE IMPACT OF VA GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN BBURG AND THE NRV
Wednesday, Apr 4, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room G
The VT Urban Affairs & Planning Department and Town of Blacksburg Planning Department will host this discussion. Bring your lunch and join an interactive discussion with Blacksburg’s Mayor Ron Rordam and Towns Attorney Larry Spencer, about the impact of the Virginia General Assembly in Blacksburg and the NRV.

7. GRAD SCHOLARS SOCIETY PRESENTS: THE CHALLENGES OF MODERN MINING (COAL & URANIUM)
Thursday, Apr 5, 1:00-2:00pm, GLC Room B
Three experienced panelists Drs. Robert J Bodnar, Roe-Hoan Yoon, and Michael E Karmis will start the discussion with some introductory remarks, followed by 30 minutes of audience questions, comments and general discussion. Light refreshments provided, and other food allowed. Express interest here. If you have any questions, please contact Wes Cardwell at wcardwel@vt.edu. Check out the GSS calendar for more events.

8. GLC CAFÉ AM/PM
Thursday, Apr 5, 9:00-10:00am and 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room   
We are bringing the morning café back! On the first and last Thursday of every month, GLC Café will be both in the morning and in the afternoon. The afternoon café will continue weekly without interruption. If you missed all Graduate Education Week events but would like to have a GEW 2012 t-shirt, please stop by the GLC café this week to get one, while supplies last.

9. MINDFUL MEDITATION
Thursday, Apr 5, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room G
This is a session led by Sofia Nelson, a certified integral yoga instructor who also holds a master’s degree in phychology. A lifelong seeker, she has been practicing many aspects of yoga for over 25 years. This pranayama workshop will introduce breathing techniques that are specifically designed to aid in deep relaxation, stress relief, rejuvenation and meditation.

10. GRAD DIVERSITY SCHOLARS PRESENT: FILM AND DISCUSSION ON A MUSLIM WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE
Thursday, Apr 5, 7:00-9:00pm, GLC Room G
A Muslim Woman’s Perspective is an intimate look at a diverse group of Muslim women living in the Pacific Northwest in the USA. By creating a forum where Muslim women can freely engage in an open dialogue about complex issues, filmmaker Farah Nousheen exposes a vast and fascinating array of thoughts and ideas. This event is posted on behalf of doctoral student Heba El-Shazli, heba@vt.edu.

11. FALL 2012 COURSE: EDCI 5784, Autoethnography as Methodology
Thursdays, 4:00-7:00pm
Taught by Kris Tilley-Lubbs: An alternative methodology for conducting research, autoethnography explores the social, political, historical, psychological, and cultural realms through personal introspection and reflection. Students will read significant and foundational works by leading scholars in the field, particularly those by Carolyn Ellis, Art Bochner, Carol Rambo, Ron Pelias, and Christopher Poulos. There will also be ample opportunity for autoethnographic writing and feedback.

12. CALL FOR STUDENT CONDUCT PEER ADVISORS
Applications to serve as a Student Conduct Peer Advisor (PA) for the 2012-2013 academic year are now available. This is an exciting leadership opportunity available to undergraduate and graduate students interested in serving in a peer support role in the Virginia Tech community. Applications are available in the Student Conduct office in 141 New Hall West. If you have any questions, contact Mark McKenzie at mtmckenz@vt.edu or studentconduct@vt.edu. Apply at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1332526447439.

13. 2012 INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH ESSAY CONTEST – 2nd posting
Iota Delta Rho, an interdisciplinary honor society at VT, invites all students to participate in this year’s essay contest! Write 500 words or less answering the following question: Choose a public audience (not a university-based one; i.e. an elementary school class, church group, or members of Congress).  How would you explain to them the value of interdisciplinary research? Submit your essay to Carol Johnson, cjohns49@vt.edu, along with a cover page that includes the essay title, applicant name, program/college/degree level, and a short biography.  Deadline: Sunday, Apr 1, midnight.  The winner will receive a prize and acknowledgement at the upcoming IDR Day on Apr 10. For more information on Iota Delta Rho, visit http://www.idrsociety.org/.

14. SCUBA/OPEN WATER DIVE CERTIFICATION WITH OCVT
The Outdoor Club at Virginia Tech is organizing a open water dive certification class for students and club members who are interested in diving.  The class is for beginners and will teach necessary skills for diving up to 40ft independently.  Certification is good for life. Sign up and get detailed information. Email Nimal Lobo at nlobo@vt.edu with questions.

15. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY OF INFANTS’ REFERENTIAL LEARNING – 1st posting
VT’s Infant Perception Lab is recruiting 13-15 month old infants for a study of referential learning and social attention. Infants are seated on their parents’ lap and watch movies of colorful objects while hearing lists of words repeated by an adult woman for two of the three tasks involved in this study. In between these two movie tasks, researchers conduct a brief assessment of the infant’s joint attention, by looking at posters and playing with wind-up toys in a play interaction with a research assistant. Each appointment should take no longer than an hour, and each participant receives a certificate of participation as a keepsake. If you are interested in having your child participate or would like more information, please email Laura Mills (lmills11@vt.edu).

16. MORE PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR SLIP AND FALL STUDY – 1st posting
Participants aged 20-64 are needed for a Locomotion Research Lab study about the effects of localized muscle fatigue on risks of slips and falls. This study consists of four sessions, with each session lasting 2-3 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.

17. RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR CANDY PRODUCT SURVEY AND STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are sought for a candy product survey and study. Anyone may participate in the survey. For the study, participants will be asked to consume candy products and answer questions about those products. The study will take approximately 10 minutes and participants will be compensated with a small snack. If you are interested, please fill out the survey at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1333335032666 

18. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR DIVERSITY FOCUS GROUPS – 2nd posting
To facilitate a movement toward developing and maintaining inclusive excellence at VT, H.O.K.I.E. roundtable events (Honoring Our Kinship Through Inclusive Excellence) will take place to offer the opportunity for faculty, staff, and students to share their perspectives and offer suggestions for improvement. The goal of H.O.K.I.E. is to evaluate where VT currently stands in relation to the core principles of diversity, inclusion, and equity. Not only will the roundtable serve to educate faculty, staff, and students, it will also be used as a forum for feedback on how the participants feel these principles have been handled within the university. Six different sessions will be held:

• Apr 9, 6pm – Age
• Apr 12, 7pm – Gender
• Apr 17, 7pm – Ability
• Apr 18, 6:30pm – Race
• TBA – Sexual Orientation
• TBA – Religion

If you are interested in attending, please contact doctoral student Natasha Cox at nacox@vt.edu.

19. RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON UNLOADING PANEL WALLS – 2nd posting
Participants will be required to perform several manual material handling tasks required to unload panel walls from a panel stack. Two-hour session plus 20-min preliminary session for a $10/hr compensation. Must be 18-40, male or 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/wk). If interested, contact Courtney Haynes at 724-272-8574, chaynes7@vt.edu.

20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are sought for a study investigating the effects of load size and weight and the use of assistive devices during load carriage. Participants are invited to complete either or both of two separate experimental sessions (each lasting approximately 2-3 hrs) and will be compensated $10/hour. During these sessions, participants will be asked to carry a variety of loads across a path or on a treadmill. Must be male, 18-35 years old, regularly exercise at least 2-3 times/wk, and have a relatively low body fat percentage. For more information or to inquire about participation, please contact Khoirul at khoirul@vt.edu. Please include your age, gender, and general availability when responding.

21. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR EFFECTS OF IMMERSION IN ANALYSIS OF
MICRO-CT DATASETS STUDY – 3rd posting
Participants are sought for the IRB-approved study of "Effects of immersion in analysis of micro-CT datasets with a head-mounted display." The study consists of answering a few questions related to two selected micro-CT datasets, which will be volume-visualized on a state-of-the-art head-mounted display system, in the Blacklab of the center for HCI and department of computer science at KnowledgeWorks-II building of CRC. The whole experiment lasts about an hour. Must be over 18 with no or minimal background in micro-CT imaging to participate in this experiment, and not have participated in a similar experiment in 2011. Available time slots: http://people.cs.vt.edu/blaha/schedule.html . Please email to blaha@vt.edu, with your preferred time slot to sign up for your participation. Researchers are providing free pickup and drop service from Cassell Coliseum to study venue and return to Cassell Coliseum for all participants signing up after Mar 7.

22. CALL FOR GSA PROGRAM CHAIR APPLICATIONS – 2nd posting
If you are looking to get involved and gain valuable leadership experience, consider serving the graduate student community as a GSA Program Chair. As program chair, you will have the opportunity to be creative, work with a diverse group of students, and actively participate in an assortment of events.  Applications are currently accepted from proactive students for the following positions: Website Director, Research Symposium Chair, Graduate & Professional School Fair Chair, Graduate Research & Development Program Chair, Travel Fund Program Chair, GSA Events Chair, and GSA Historian. Please view the GSA website at http://www.gsa.graduateschool.vt.edu/ for a full description of each position. Contact the current chairs with any position-specific questions. Application deadline: Friday, Apr 6. Submit letter of interest, resume/CV, and goals for 2012-2013. Interviews will be conducted the following week. Direct general questions and send resumes to Elaine Mathis, efm28@vt.edu. 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

IDR DAY 2012
Tuesday, Apr 10, 5:00-9:30pm, The Inn at Virginia Tech
The Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society (IDR) is sponsoring the 2nd Interdisciplinary Research Day (IDR Day 2012) at Virginia Tech. Enjoy an evening of exciting discussions about transdisciplinarity and interdisciplinarity. The event will begin with welcoming new honor members into the society and a review of this year’s accomplishments. Then the audience will subdivide into groups to tackle modern-day wicked problems through creative integration of the different disciplines represented in the group. Dinner is provided. Registration is FREE but required due to limited spaces. All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend. For the event program and registration, please go to: http://www.idrsociety.org/idr-day-2012/.

GRAD SCHOLARS SOCIETY PRESENTS: TECHNOLOGY ADICTION – HOW REAL IS IT AND WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS?
Wednesday, Apr 11th, 1:30-2:30pm, GLC Room B
Three experienced panelists Drs. Joseph Pitt, Robert Stephens, and Richard Hirsh will start the discussion with some introductory remarks, followed by 30 minutes of audience questions, comments and general discussion. Light refreshments provided, and other food allowed. Express interest here. If you have any questions, please contact Wes Cardwell at wcardwel@vt.edu.

DISTRESSED CITIES CONFERENCE    
Thursday and Friday, Apr 12-13
Please join the School of Public and International Affairs for a conference on Distressed Cities, hosted on VT’s Blacksburg campus. Check the conference  website for details. This message is posted on behalf of doctoral student Anja Bieri.

15TH ANNUAL EBONY AFFAIR: A CRYSTAL STAIR – REGISTER NOW!
Friday, Apr 13, 7:00-9:00pm, Custom Catering Center
The Black Graduate Student Organization invites you to their annual Ebony Affair, a semi-formal red-carpet dinner banquet recognizing outstanding faculty members, students, and community members who actively engage in their motto: “Lifting As We Climb.” The Ebony Affair provides exposure to cultural expressions, and facilitates networking opportunities among students, faculty, staff, and the community. Invited guests and sponsors include university departments, community organizations and business, and individuals from the community. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.bgso.org.vt.edu/sponsors.html for $12 each, which includes dinner, gift bag, and entertainment following the event. If you have any questions, please contact Shernita Lee, shernita@vt.edu.
 
BOV GRAD LUNCHEON WITH PRESIDENT, PROVOST, & GRADUATE DEAN
Tuesday, Apr 17, 12:00-1:30pm, The Inn
Attend the next and final graduate luncheon of the spring semester with VP and dean for graduate education, Dr. Karen DePauw, 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 Apr 14. Contact Michelle McLeese at mmcleese@vt.edu or bovgradrep@vt.edu with any questions.