Month: December 2012

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC
Weekly services are on hiatus until the spring semester begins. Except for the GLC café, which is always on (except Dec 27)!

• GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursdays, Reading Room

2. FINALS WEEK OPEN STUDY ROOMS IN GLC
Through Thursday, Dec 20, all day, Rooms F and G
Rooms F and G have been designated as open study rooms during finals week. No reservations are required; feel free to take advantage of the various study spaces in the GLC as you prepare for exams and complete final projects! All the best for everyone!

3. EXTERNAL FUNDING FOR GRAD STUDENTS IN SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES
Monday, Dec 17, 7:00pm, Blacksburg (Norris Global Technology Center) + 2 extended campus locations
Information will be shared by Tom Ewing, Associate Dean, CLAHS (etewing@vt.edu) about external fellowships and grants available to graduate students, with particular attention to opportunities in the humanities, social sciences, education, human sciences, and creative arts.

4. GLC CAFÉ & BOOK SWAP – Note the special location!
Thursday, Dec 20, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
The GLC Café is offered throughout the semester with free coffee, tea and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. This is the final café of 2012, so we are going out in style with hot cider, hot chocolate, and cookies galore in addition to the usual coffee and tea. Bring your own mug if you can. We also want to make sure that grad students have something good (and not mandatory) to read during the winter break, so the café will also serve as a venue for a book swap. Share your favorite read with others, bring a book (if you can), and take a book or more to read during the winter break.

5. GRADUATE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
Friday, Dec 21, 3:00pm, Cassell Coliseum
Join the celebration of 300+ master’s and doctoral students graduating this semester! Learn more>>.

6. GRADUATE SCHOOL WINTER BREAK HOURS

• The Graduate School will be open with regular business hours this week, closing at 5:00pm on Friday, Dec 21.
• The Graduate School will be closed, along with the rest of the university, Dec 22-Jan 1. No services will be available during this time. Regular business hours will resume on Wednesday, Jan 2, 9:30am. 

7. COMMENCEMENT NEWS: DVD SALES
A DVD of the Fall 2012 Graduate Commencement Ceremony will be available from the University Bookstore for a limited time. Click the Graduation button on the bookstore’s homepage for ordering information: www.bookstore.vt.edu or contact the Bookstore with any questions.

8. WINTER 2012 PHOTO CHALLENGE   
You are invited to submit photos of your winter break experience (wherever and whatever that might be) to be displayed in the GLC and on the Grad School Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Virginia-Tech-Graduate-School/348802603577 ) in January and February. Each student may upload up to three photos here. Submission deadline is Jan 18, 2013.

9. GLC WINTER RENOVATIONS
A couple of the first-floor public areas of the GLC will undergo some renovations during the winter break, including new seating and flooring in the auditorium and new painting in the back corridor and meeting rooms corridor. Residents and graduate students in active status will continue to have access to the GLC (use your Hokie Passport for entry) 24/7. However, the Bookstore side entrance will be closed and the corridor in front of the auditorium will be blocked off for the contractors. Check out all the updates after Jan 17!

10. CALL FOR ABSTRACTS FOR STUDENT CONFERENCE IN FEB 2013
The VT Institute for Policy and Governance and Department of Religion and Culture is organizing a student conference on "Religious extremism and its impacts on Culture and Civil Society" on Feb 15-16, 2013, including a film festival and student panels. Papers are invited that cover any of the following topics : Intra-religious/church institutional discourse and politics; the roles of media and technology in religion-based movements; how adherents of extreme religious views conceive of the role of the state and of faith within it, including what their perspectives portend for accepted understandings of human rights; how leaders of groups view and use history, culture and contemporary religious discourse in structuring their beliefs and motivating their adherents; how humanitarian and peace building NGOs can/should navigate such movements in the course of their efforts to ameliorate suffering and bridge social differences. Send an abstract of max. 300 words describing the topic, contribution and methods underpinning your proposed paper to Sabith Khan at khanpgg@vt.edu by Jan 4, 2013.

11. NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS NOW OPEN
A number of prestigious awards are granted to graduate students each year, carrying a monetary prize ($500-$1000 each) and award certificate. Consider applying or discuss the possibility of your nomination by your advisor/department for any of the following awards that will be given out during the Graduate School’s annual awards banquet on March 28, 2013:
– Outstanding Dissertation in (1) math, sciences and engineering, and (1) in social sciences, business and humanities
– Graduate Student Teaching Excellence
– Graduate Student Service Excellence
– Graduate Man and Woman of the Year
– Outstanding master’s and doctoral student in each college and in interdisciplinary programs
More information about criteria, forms, and process for nomination>>.

12. SPRING COURSE: GRAD5304 PREPARING THE FUTURE CAREER PROFESSIONAL
Tuesdays, 1:00-3:30pm, spring 2013
This class is designed to provide graduate students with knowledge, skills and abilities to prepare for employment in industry, business, government, research development and non-profit worlds. Topics will include communication, collaboration/teamwork, motivation, workplace and community ethics, leadership, building relationships, starting a business, managing change, writing a resume and cover letter, and working in a diverse environment.

13. ALUMNI TRIP TO EUROPE – 2nd posting
The Virginia Tech Alumni Association invites you to celebrate your college successes with an unforgettable voyage through Europe. Travel with fellow grads, see the world and make friends for life. The trip takes place May 28-Jun 15, 2013; extended tour ends Jun 20. Seats are limited. For more information or to book your trip, contact the VT Alumni Association, 540-231-6285; alumnitravel@vt.edu.

14. SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS SURVEY – 3rd posting
The Society of Women Engineers(SWE) at VirginiaTech wants to know more about you. SWE is an international organization that strives to aspire, advance and achieve. At VT, they participate in several events which are directed towards the community, future engineers and members. They are looking for your input to help serve graduate students at VT better. You can help by filling out this quick and short survey:  https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1353003602607. You can also write in to Graduate Liaison Officer, Sreyoshi Bhaduri (sreyoshibhaduri@gmail.com) with your ideas, questions, comments and suggestions. For information about SWE and the work they do, please visit: https://sites.google.com/site/swevatech/about-us.

15. GSA EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT – HALF ASSISTANTSHIP OPENING – 3rd posting
The GSA is searching for an executive assistant for the remainder of the 2012-2013 academic year. Must be a full-time graduate students in Blacksburg. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, exercise sound judgment, function efficiently in a fast-paced environment, have a commitment to providing professional administrative support and a constructive, team-oriented approach to work, and a genuine interest to be part of the Graduate Student Assembly. All submitted applications (letter of interest, and curriculum vitae) shall be reviewed by the GSA Executive Board, and interviews with the finalists will be held. This is a 50% assistantship (10 hrs/wk); check the GSA website for details. Please send any applications or questions to Shaimaa Abdallah, GSA President, at shaimaa@vt.edu.  Application deadline: 8:00am Dec 18.

16. STUDY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT – 1st posting
Volunteers are needed for a research study on how diet influences muscle metabolism. Participants must be: males between the ages of 18-40; not currently taking any medications; non-smokers; free from major medical issues; willing to eat a high fat diet for 4 weeks. You may benefit by receiving extensive help information and up to 200$ to compensate you for your time. Please contact the following if you meet the above criteria and are interested in participating: Nabil Boutagy or Kris Osterberg at the Human Integrative Physiology Laboratory at Virginia Tech by email at heartlab@vt.edu or call (540) 231-8299.

17. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR 2ND CANCER SYMPOSIUM – 3rd posting
Cancer Research Scholars is an interdisciplinary student organization that brings together cancer researchers represented across various departments, colleges, and labs at Virginia Tech. They organized the first cancer research symposium 2 years ago (http://www.cancerresearchscholars.org.vt.edu/) and now  are looking for motivated and committed volunteers to organize the second one. The symposium gives researchers an opportunity to learn from one another and network for potential future collaboration. It also promotes the visibility of cancer research within the community. If you are interested in getting involved, please fill this doodle poll http://www.doodle.com/2hxvagc2rmti5d5v to attend the first general meeting and email Alireza Salamzandeh (alireza@vt.edu) your contact info as well as your questions and suggestions.
 
18. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR PAID VIRTUAL REALITY STUDY – 3rd posting
Researchers are looking for participants for a study on Virtual Reality for Sport Anxiety. The study is investigating the potential of virtual reality to be used as a training platform to prepare athletes for high-pressure situations. No sport experience is needed. The study will consist of defending simulated soccer penalty kicks in a variety of conditions. All participants will be paid a base rate of $10, plus $0.10 per ‘SAVE’.  The maximum potential payout is $30 ($10 base + $20 performance). The study will take place in the VisCube in Torgesson 3050. Participants must be over the age of 18. The study will last 60-90 minutes. Contact Cheryl Stinson for details (cstinson@vt.edu).

19. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BALANCE/GAIT STUDY –  3rd posting
Subjects are needed for a VT study investigating balance and gait. The study will take place in Kevin P Granata Biomechanics Lab in 208 Norris Hall. The study will take about 1.5 hours to complete, and subjects will be paid $20 for their participation. If you are interested, please email your name, age, height, and weight to biomechanics.esm@gmail.com. Overweight individuals are especially needed.

20. UPCOMING EVENTS:

GLC CAFÉ 2013
Thursday, Jan 3, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
The GLC Café is offered throughout the year with free coffee, tea and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. Come to the first café of 2013 and enjoy an edible surprise. Bring your own mug if you can.

DATA BOOT CAMP: COMBATING THE DATA DELUGE: register now!
Tuesday-Wednesday, Jan 8-9, Torg 1100C
Register before Dec 21 for this free two-day workshop offered by the library to help you learn best practices in data management, which is an important topic for researchers and scholars across domains. Requirements by funding agencies for data management plans encourage researchers to plan ahead for data management and help to promote practices that facilitate reproducible research, data use and reuse, and interoperability among distributed systems.  Instructors at both Virginia Tech and UVA will cover topics such as understanding research data; the graduate student research lifecycle, organizing data, file formats and transformation, documentation and metadata, storage and security, data protection, rights and access, and preservation, sharing and licensing.  Space is limited to 15 students at each campus location. Light refreshments will be provided.  RSVP to Associate Dean for Research and Informatics Julie Speer at jspeer@vt.edu by December 21.

GLC BOOK CLUB
Open to all graduate students! The next book is “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Read the book during the winter break, then meet with other grad students on Jan 22 at 8pm in the GLC Fellows office to discuss it and pick the next book as well. Contact Emily or Mark at eceskew@vt.edu or esmark86@vt.edu respectively for any questions.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

• Career advising (walk in, no appointment needed): Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
• Cook Counseling (walk in, no appointment needed): Thursdays and Fridays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
• GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursdays, Reading Room
• Statistical consulting by LISA: Weekdays, 1:00-3:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room; find out each consultant’s software expertise here: http://www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=walk_in
• Writing Center support for grads: Thursdays 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room (additional hours are available in the Library)

2. EARN YOUR AMATEUR/HAM RADIO LICENSE
Tuesday, Dec 11, 6:00pm, Dogwood Room of Squires Student Center
The VT Amateur Radio Association (VTARA) will be giving amateur radio license exams for a fee of $15. For more information, visit http://www.vtara.org.vt.edu  or contact Nathaniel Frissell at nafrissell@vt.edu. Learn more about ham radio in general>>.

3. VIRTUAL GLC (vGLC) CAFÉ
Wednesdays, 2:00-3:00 pm, Lobby of vGLC
Join the Graduate School Staff weekly for online chats in the vGLC. This week’s topic: open discussion. Get into the vGLC lobby at http://virtual.glc.vt.edu. The vGLC extends VT’s graduate-education community from campus to computer. Using avatars they have created, visitors to the vGLC can currently visit with Graduate-School staff about general academic questions; find Grad-School forms and policy information; consult with the Graduate Student Ombudsperson; attend virtual seminars and workshops; socialize with other vGLC visitors; and explore the vGLC space, which mirrors the real-world Graduate Life Center on the Blacksburg campus. Download the software (Create Avatar);  (Imprudence Viewer/Software) 1.4.0-beta-2 Mac (Intel) . If you have questions or suggestions, please email Jodi Cromer or Marija Telbis-Forster.

4. CRAWL FOR A CURE – RELAY FOR LIFE FUNDRAISER
Wednesday, Dec 12, downtown Blacksburg
A percentage of all profits at Frosty Parrot that evening will go to Relay For Life. Hokie House will be offering a purple drink during happy hour (5-9pm) that will benefit Relay, and the $1 cover at Big Als and TOTS will all go to Relay For Life. Enjoy Reading Day Eve and help find a CURE for cancer! This message is posted on behalf of VT Relay for Life grad liaison Erin Littleton, erinml@vt.edu.

5. HOLIDAY COOKIE DECORATING
Wednesday, Dec 12, 7:00-9:00pm, GLC Room B
Free and open to all graduate students! GLC Fellows will provide the cookies and decorating supplies; all you need to do is join them. Please contact Emily  with any questions.

6. GHS THANK YOU BREAKFAST
Thursday, Dec 13, 9:00-10:30am, GLC Student Organization Offices area (across from ABP)
Graduate Honor System panelists and anyone interested in learning more about the GHS are invited to this end-of-the-year breakfast to recognize and thank those who have participated in honor system activities this fall as volunteer panelists, and provide an opportunity for students to learn more about the GHS and their possible roles in it. Please stop by as your time allows. Please register if you plan to attend.

7. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Dec 13, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
The GLC Café is offered throughout the semester with free coffee, tea and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. Bring your own mug if you can. 

8. CXWORX CORE CLASS
Thursday, Dec 13, 5:00pm, GLC Multipurpose room
Join GLC Fellow Emily (who won first place in her age group at last Saturday’s 5K Jingle Bell Run in Roanoke) as she leads the Les Mills 30 minute core class, CXWORX. Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers and bring water and a towel! Contact Emily with any questions.

9. THERAPY DOGS AT THE GLC
Thursday, Dec 13, 6:00-7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Our friends from VT Helping PAWS (Pet Assisted Wellness Service) will visit for stress relief and companionship on Reading Day. All graduate students are welcome to stop by and enjoy the dogs in the GLC Multipurpose Room. Please contact Andrae Hash (hashas@vt.edu) if you have any questions.

10. FINALS WEEK OPEN STUDY ROOMS IN GLC
Friday-Thursday, Dec 14-20, all day, Rooms F and G
Rooms F and G have been designated as open study rooms during finals week. No reservations are required; feel free to take advantage of the various study spaces in the GLC as you prepare for exams and complete final projects! All the best for everyone!

11. GRADUATE SCHOOL SPECIAL CLOSURE: Friday, Dec 14, 11:30am-2:00pm.

12. BLUE RIDGE WORKSHOP @ SOLITUDE
Fridays, Oct-May, 3:00-4:00pm, Solitude of Virginia Tech
Creative and literary workshop with VT/RU alumni, teacher and poet T. Byron Kelly. Weekly attendance is optional and participants can attend whenever they want to join as well. Visit the workshop webpage at http://blueridgeworkshop.weebly.com/  for more information. Email Dr. Anita Puckett with questions or concerns at apuckett@vt.edu, or to T. Byron Kelly at tbyron@vt.edu.

13. NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS NOW OPEN
A number of prestigious awards are granted to graduate students each year, carrying a monetary prize ($500-$1000 each) and award certificate. Consider applying or discuss the possibility of your nomination by your advisor/department for any of the following awards that will be given out during the Graduate School’s annual awards banquet on March 28, 2013:

• Outstanding Dissertation in (1) math, sciences and engineering, and (1) in social sciences, business and humanities
• Graduate Student Teaching Excellence
• Graduate Student Service Excellence
• Graduate Man and Woman of the Year
• Outstanding master’s and doctoral student in each college and in interdisciplinary programs

More information about criteria, forms, and process for nomination>>.

14. SPRING COURSE: GRAD5304 PREPARING THE FUTURE CAREER PROFESSIONAL
Tuesdays, 1:00-3:30pm, spring 2013
This class is designed to provide graduate students with knowledge, skills and abilities to prepare for employment in industry, business, government, research development and non-profit worlds. Topics will include communication, collaboration/teamwork, motivation, workplace and community ethics, leadership, building relationships, starting a business, managing change, writing a resume and cover letter, and working in a diverse environment.

15. ALUMNI TRIP TO EUROPE
The Virginia Tech Alumni Association invites you to celebrate your college successes with an unforgettable voyage through Europe. Travel with fellow grads, see the world and make friends for life. The trip takes place May 28-Jun 15, 2013; extended tour ends Jun 20. Seats are limited. For more information or to book your trip, contact the VT Alumni Association, 540-231-6285; alumnitravel@vt.edu; or visit http://www.alumniworldtravel.com/vt.html.

16. SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS SURVEY – 2nd posting
The Society of Women Engineers(SWE) at VirginiaTech wants to know more about you. SWE is an international organization that strives to aspire, advance and achieve. At VT, they participate in several events which are directed towards the community, future engineers and members. They are looking for your input to help serve graduate students at VT better. You can help by filling out this quick and short survey. You can also write in to Graduate Liaison Officer, Sreyoshi Bhaduri (sreyoshibhaduri@gmail.com) with your ideas, questions, comments and suggestions. More information about SWE and the work they do>>.

17. GSA EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT – HALF ASSISTANTSHIP OPENING – 2nd posting
The GSA is searching for an executive assistant for the remainder of the 2012-2013 academic year. Must be a full-time graduate students in Blacksburg. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, exercise sound judgment, function efficiently in a fast-paced environment, have a commitment to providing professional administrative support and a constructive, team-oriented approach to work, and a genuine interest to be part of the Graduate Student Assembly. All submitted applications (letter of interest, and curriculum vitae) shall be reviewed by the GSA Executive Board, and interviews with the finalists will be held. This is a 50% assistantship (10 hrs/wk); check the GSA website for details. Please send any applications or questions to Shaimaa Abdallah, GSA President, at shaimaa@vt.edu.  Application deadline: 8:00am Dec 18.

18. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR 2ND CANCER SYMPOSIUM – 2nd posting
Cancer Research Scholars is an interdisciplinary student organization that brings together cancer researchers represented across various departments, colleges, and labs at Virginia Tech. They organized the first cancer research symposium 2 years ago (http://www.cancerresearchscholars.org.vt.edu/) and now  are looking for motivated and committed volunteers to organize the second one. The symposium gives researchers an opportunity to learn from one another and network for potential future collaboration. It also promotes the visibility of cancer research within the community. If you are interested in getting involved, please fill this doodle poll to attend the first general meeting and email Alireza Salamzandeh (alireza@vt.edu) your contact info as well as your questions and suggestions.
 
19. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR PAID VIRTUAL REALITY STUDY – 2nd posting
Researchers are looking for participants for a study on Virtual Reality for Sport Anxiety. The study is investigating the potential of virtual reality to be used as a training platform to prepare athletes for high-pressure situations. No sport experience is needed. The study will consist of defending simulated soccer penalty kicks in a variety of conditions. All participants will be paid a base rate of $10, plus $0.10 per ‘SAVE’.  The maximum potential payout is $30 ($10 base + $20 performance). The study will take place in the VisCube in Torgesson 3050. Participants must be over the age of 18. The study will last 60-90 minutes. Contact Cheryl Stinson for details (cstinson@vt.edu).

20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BALANCE/GAIT STUDY – 2nd posting
Subjects are needed for a VT study investigating balance and gait. The study will take place in Kevin P Granata Biomechanics Lab in 208 Norris Hall. The study will take about 1.5 hours to complete, and subjects will be paid $20 for their participation. If you are interested, please email your name, age, height, and weight. Overweight individuals are especially needed.

21. CHILD PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR DARK-/NIGHT-FEARS STUDY – 3rd posting
Does your child refuse to enter dark rooms? Do you have to leave a light on in the hallway or in your child’s room? Is bedtime a struggle each night? A new research project is looking at the effectiveness of two novel treatments for dark fears and being alone at night in children ages 5 to 7. The study is being conducted at the Child Study Center at 460 Turner St. N.W., Suite 207, Blacksburg. For more information, contact Sarah Terrell or call 540-231-8276. Compensation is $50.

22. UPCOMING EVENTS:

EXTERNAL FUNDING FOR GRAD STUDENTS IN SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES
Monday, Dec 17, 7:00pm, Blacksburg (Norris Global Technology Center), Falls Church (room TBA), Alexandria (room TBA)
Information will be shared by Tom Ewing, Associate Dean, CLAHS about external fellowships and grants available to graduate students, with particular attention to opportunities in the humanities, social sciences, education, human sciences, and creative arts.

DATA BOOT CAMP: COMBATING THE DATA DELUGE: register now!
Tuesday-Wednesday, Jan 8-9, Torg 1100C
Register before Dec 21 for this free two-day workshop offered by the library to help you learn best practices in data management, which is an important topic for researchers and scholars across domains. Requirements by funding agencies for data management plans encourage researchers to plan ahead for data management and help to promote practices that facilitate reproducible research, data use and reuse, and interoperability among distributed systems.  Instructors at both Virginia Tech and UVA will cover topics such as understanding research data; the graduate student research lifecycle, organizing data, file formats and transformation, documentation and metadata, storage and security, data protection, rights and access, and preservation, sharing and licensing.  Space is limited to 15 students at each campus location. Light refreshments will be provided.  RSVP to Associate Dean for Research and Informatics Julie Speer by December 21.

GLC BOOK CLUB
Open to all graduate students! The next book is “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Read the book during the winter break, then meet with other grad students on Jan 22 at 8pm in the GLC Fellows office to discuss it and pick the next book as well. Contact Emily or Mark at eceskew@vt.edu or esmark86@vt.edu respectively for any questions.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

• Career advising (walk in, no appointment needed): Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
• Cook Counseling (walk in, no appointment needed): Thursdays and Fridays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
• GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursdays, Reading Room
• Statistical consulting by LISA: Weekdays, 1:00-3:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room; find out each consultant’s software expertise here: http://www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=walk_in
• Writing Center support for grads: Thursdays 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room (additional hours are available in the Library)

2. AEL PRESENTS LAST LECTURE SERIES: DR. E.S. GELLER
Monday, Dec 3, 5:30pm, GLC Room G
Alpha Epsilon Lambda, the academic excellence and leadership honor society, invites you to its last lecture speaking event, presenting Dr. E. S. Geller and his lecture – Life Lessons from Psychological Science: Bringing the best out of yourself and others. For any questions, please contact Tammy Parece.
   
3. GSA DONUTS WITH THE DEAN
Tuesday, Dec 4, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Lounge
GSA is holding the second dialogue with dean DePauw.  Stop by to ask questions, talk with fellow grad students and enjoy donuts from Carol Lee.

4. VIRTUAL GLC (vGLC) CAFÉ
Wednesdays, starting Nov 28, 2:00-3:00 pm, Lobby of vGLC
Join the Graduate School Staff weekly for online chats in the vGLC. This week’s topic: open discussion. Get into the vGLC lobby. The vGLC extends VT’s graduate-education community from campus to computer. Using avatars they have created, visitors to the vGLC can currently visit with Graduate-School staff about general academic questions; find Grad-School forms and policy information; consult with the Graduate Student Ombudsperson; attend virtual seminars and workshops; socialize with other vGLC visitors; and explore the vGLC space, which mirrors the real-world Graduate Life Center on the Blacksburg campus. Download the software; if you have questions or suggestions, please email Jodi Cromer or Marija Telbis-Forster.

5. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Dec 6, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
The GLC Café is offered throughout the semester with free coffee, tea and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. Bring your own mug if you can. 

6. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE CHILDCARE ON THU NIGHTS
Thursdays, 6:00pm, VT Women’s Center 206 Washington Street    
A free weekly drop-in evening child care program for kids. Need a break? Have to study or attend a lecture? Want to catch up on work? If you are a VT student with children, bring your kids aged 2-12. No need to pre-register. Childcare provided by the women of Chi Delta Alpha sorority. KNO will be held every Thursday throughout the semester with the exception of home football games and when classes are not in session. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu.

7. SAFE ZONE TRAINING: SUICIDE WATCH AND PREVENTION
Friday, Dec 7, 1:00-3:00pm, GLC Room D
Concerned about a student or a friend?  Learn how to recognize issues and support students, friends, and colleagues.  Sponsored by The Raft Crisis Hotline, a free service offering suicide intervention, empathy and support to residents of the NRV. Raft is a program of New River Valley Community Services and has been serving the local community for over forty years. A majority of the hotline’s volunteers have been VT students and an official partnership was formed through the former Raft Hotline Manager, Brittany Mabry, and VT’s LGBTQ Coordinator, Catherine Cotrupi, to offer Suicide Watch and Prevention training to VT Safe Zones.  This session is led by Raft Crisis Hotline Manager, Rebecca Bryce. Please sign up here. Questions?  Contact Tara at tara@vt.edu

8. GSA INTERNATIONAL BEER TASTING
Friday, Dec 7, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Lounge
GSA is hosting this international beer tasting with flavors from around the world! The cost is $5.00 per person (cash) at the door for 4 tastings, 1 beer, and snacks ($2 for snacks only). All graduate students, post-docs, and faculty are invited. Please direct any questions to Cory Brozina (sbrozina@vt.edu).

9. SWEATERFEST:  FARADAY, MERCHANTS OF SEVEN, JUGBUSTERS
Friday, Dec 7, 7:00pm, Cafe at Champs (entrance opposite of Main street)
Live music: Faraday, Merchants of Seven, Jugbusters. Contest: Ugly sweater auction during first set change, ugly sweater contest for prizes in second set change. Cover: $5.00 charge at door to help Engineers Without Borders-VT build a septic system for a Mayan boarding school in Xix, Guatemala.  More info>>. This message is posted on behalf of grad student Becky Halvorson Lahr, rhlahr@gmail.com.

10. NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS NOW OPEN
A number of prestigious awards are granted to graduate students each year, carrying a monetary prize ($500-$1000 each) and award certificate. Consider applying or discuss the possibility of your nomination by your advisor/department for any of the following awards that will be given out during the Graduate School’s annual awards banquet on March 28, 2013:

• Outstanding Dissertation in (1) math, sciences and engineering, and (1) in social sciences, business and humanities
• Graduate Student Teaching Excellence
• Graduate Student Service Excellence
• Graduate Man and Woman of the Year
• Outstanding master’s and doctoral student in each college and in interdisciplinary programs

More information about criteria, forms, and process for nomination>>.

11. SPRING COURSE: GRAD5304 PREPARING THE FUTURE CAREER PROFESSIONAL
Tuesdays, 1:00-3:30pm, spring 2013
This class is designed to provide graduate students with knowledge, skills and abilities to prepare for employment in industry, business, government, research development and non-profit worlds. Topics will include communication, collaboration/teamwork, motivation, workplace and community ethics, leadership, building relationships, starting a business, managing change, writing a resume and cover letter, and working in a diverse environment.

12. SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS SURVEY – 1st posting
The Society of Women Engineers(SWE) at VirginiaTech wants to know more about you. SWE is an international organization that strives to aspire, advance and achieve. At VT, they participate in several events which are directed towards the community, future engineers and members. They are looking for your input to help serve graduate students at VT better. You can help by filling out this quick and short survey. You can also write in to Graduate Liaison Officer, Sreyoshi Bhaduri (sreyoshibhaduri@gmail.com) with your ideas, questions, comments and suggestions. For information about SWE and the work they do, please visit: https://sites.google.com/site/swevatech/about-us.

13. DIVERSITY SCHOLAR APPLICATION DEADLINE: 12/6
Diversity scholars are graduate students who specialize in and advocate for the awareness, knowledge, and skills associated with diversity and inclusion in the Graduate School and greater community. A diversity scholar’s goal is to create dialogue, provide advocacy, and implement change for a more diverse and inclusive experience for all graduate students, faculty, staff, and administrators. Nominations are open now. The deadline is Dec 6, 2012. Learn more  or contact Dannette Beane at dannette@vt.edu.
   
14. GSA EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT – HALF ASSISTANTSHIP OPENING – 1st posting
The GSA is searching for an executive assistant for the remainder of the 2012-2013 academic year. Must be a full-time graduate students in Blacksburg. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, exercise sound judgment, function efficiently in a fast-paced environment, have a commitment to providing professional administrative support and a constructive, team-oriented approach to work, and a genuine interest to be part of the Graduate Student Assembly. All submitted applications (letter of interest, and curriculum vitae) shall be reviewed by the GSA Executive Board, and interviews with the finalists will be held. This is a 50% assistantship (10 hrs/wk); check the GSA website for details. Please send any applications or questions to Shaimaa Abdallah, GSA President, at shaimaa@vt.edu. 

15. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR GSA INTL BEER TASTING
GSA is looking for volunteers to help with the international beer tasting on Friday, Dec 7, 5-7pm in the GLC Lounge. Take part and help out in the GSA’s last event of the semester.  Tasks will include setting-up, serving beer and food, and cleaning up.  Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older.  Please contact Elaine Mathis (efm28@vt.edu) if you are interested.

16. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR 2ND CANCER SYMPOSIUM – 1st posting
Cancer Research Scholars is an interdisciplinary student organization that brings together cancer researchers represented across various departments, colleges, and labs at Virginia Tech. They organized the first cancer research symposium 2 years ago  and now  are looking for motivated and committed volunteers to organize the second one. The symposium gives researchers an opportunity to learn from one another and network for potential future collaboration. It also promotes the visibility of cancer research within the community. If you are interested in getting involved, please fill this doodle poll to attend the first general meeting and email Alireza Salamzandeh (alireza@vt.edu) your contact info as well as your questions and suggestions.
 
17. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR PAID VIRTUAL REALITY STUDY – 1st posting
Researchers are looking for participants for a study on Virtual Reality for Sport Anxiety. The study is investigating the potential of virtual reality to be used as a training platform to prepare athletes for high-pressure situations. No sport experience is needed. The study will consist of defending simulated soccer penalty kicks in a variety of conditions. All participants will be paid a base rate of $10, plus $0.10 per ‘SAVE’.  The maximum potential payout is $30 ($10 base + $20 performance). The study will take place in the VisCube in Torgesson 3050. Participants must be over the age of 18. The study will last 60-90 minutes. Contact Cheryl Stinson for details.

18. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BALANCE/GAIT STUDY – 1st posting
Subjects are needed for a VT study investigating balance and gait. The study will take place in Kevin P Granata Biomechanics Lab in 208 Norris Hall. The study will take about 1.5 hours to complete, and subjects will be paid $20 for their participation. If you are interested, please email your name, age, height, and weight . Overweight individuals are especially needed.

19. CHILD PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR DARK-/NIGHT-FEARS STUDY – 2nd posting
Does your child refuse to enter dark rooms? Do you have to leave a light on in the hallway or in your child’s room? Is bedtime a struggle each night? A new research project is looking at the effectiveness of two novel treatments for dark fears and being alone at night in children ages 5 to 7. The study is being conducted at the Child Study Center at 460 Turner St. N.W., Suite 207, Blacksburg. For more information, contact Sarah Terrell or call 540-231-8276. Compensation is $50.

20. COMMENCEMENT VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT – 3rd posting
The university commencement committee is seeking graduate student volunteers to serve as ushers at the Spring ceremonies on Dec 21. The University Graduate Commencement will be held at 3:00 pm in Cassell Coliseum and the University Ceremony will be at 11:00 am. 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, or by phone at 540-239-4365.

21. UPCOMING EVENTS:

MEASURING INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE: DESIGNING ASSESSMENT TO STRENGTHEN DIVERSITY
Monday, Dec 10, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room C
How do you define and measure diversity? How do you gauge change? The presenters will lead a discussion on measurement and assessment issues related to diversity initiatives, current activities underway, and future directions.  Please register here.

EARN YOUR AMATEUR/HAM RADIO LICENSE
Tuesday, Dec 11, 6:00pm, Dogwood Room of Squires Student Center
The VT Amateur Radio Association (VTARA) will be giving amateur radio license exams for a fee of $15. For more information, visit http://www.vtara.org.vt.edu  or contact Nathaniel Frissell at nafrissell@vt.edu. Learn more about ham radio in general>>.

HOLIDAY COOKIE DECORATING
Wednesday, Dec 12, 7:00-9:00pm, GLC Room B
Free and open to all graduate students! GLC Fellows will provide the cookies and decorating supplies; all you need to do is join them. Please contact Emily with any questions.

CXWORX CORE CLASS
Thursday, Dec 13, 5:00pm, GLC Multipurpose room
Join GLC Fellow Emily as she leads the Les Mills 30 minute core class, CXWORX. Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers and bring water and a towel! Please contact Emily with any questions.

THERAPY DOGS AT THE GLC
Thursday, Dec 13, 6:00-7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Our friends from VT Helping PAWS (Pet Assisted Wellness Service) will visit for stress relief and companionship on Reading Day. All graduate students are welcome to stop by and enjoy the dogs in the GLC Multipurpose Room. Please contact Andrae Hash if you have any questions.

EXTERNAL FUNDING FOR GRAD STUDENTS IN SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES
Monday, Dec 17, 7:00pm, Blacksburg (Norris Global Technology Center), Falls Church (room TBA), Alexandria (room TBA)
Information will be shared by Tom Ewing, Associate Dean, CLAHS about external fellowships and grants available to graduate students, with particular attention to opportunities in the humanities, social sciences, education, human sciences, and creative arts.

1.  WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

• Career Services walk-in advising: Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
• Cook Counseling walk-in services: Thursdays and Fridays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
• GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursday, Reading Room – year round!
• Graduate School business hours: M,Tu,Th,F: 8:00am-5:00pm; W: 9:30am-5:00pm
• Writing Center walk-in assistance:  Thursdays 2-5pm, GLC Room D (additional hours available in the library)

 2. EARN YOUR AMATEUR/HAM RADIO LICENSE
Tuesday, Dec 3, 7:00pm, Dogwood Room of Squires Student Center
The VT Amateur Radio Association (VTARA) will be giving amateur radio license exams for a fee of $15. For more information, visit http://www.vtara.org.vt.edu/?q=node/5 or contact Nathaniel Frissell at nafrissell@vt.edu. If you want to learn more about ham radio in general, visit http://www.arrl.org.

3. GLC GAME NIGHT WITH CUPCAKES
Tuesday, Dec 3, 8:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
This is going to be a night of fun, games, more fun, and more games. If none of those appeal to you, then there will be cupcakes too. Come ready to make some friends, play games, and eat cupcakes. If you think you’ll be able to stop by, please sign up at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1385092153597 to help organizers estimate food amounts.

4. DOCUMENTARY FILM: SOMM
Wednesday, Dec 4, 7:00pm, theater in West Ambler Johnston
The Phi Beta Delta international honor society will show a documentary movie about four sommeliers who attempt to pass the Master Sommelier exam, a test with one of the lowest pass rates in the world. Following the screening there will be an international wine tasting at the Continental Divide. Both events are free but attendance is limited to 50 participants, so reservations are necessary. Please email Betty Watts at bettyw@vt.edu to RSVP or if additional information is required.

5. GLC CAFÉ: NOTHING SPECIAL THURSDAY
Thursday, Dec 5, 3:30-5:00pm GLC Reading Room
The GLC Café is offered throughout the year with free coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues.

6. NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS NOW OPEN – 1st posting
A number of prestigious awards are granted to graduate students each year, carrying a monetary prize ($200-$1000 each) and award certificate. Discuss the possibility of your nomination by your advisor, department or fellow student for any of the following awards that will be given out during the Graduate School’s annual awards banquet on March 27, 2014:

• Outstanding Dissertation in (1) math, sciences and engineering, and (1) in social sciences, business and humanities
• Preston Society Master’s Thesis Award
• Graduate Student Teaching Excellence (1) for GTA instructor of record (1) GTA instructor assistant
• Graduate Student Service Excellence
• Graduate Student of the Year (up to three awards given)
• Outstanding master’s and doctoral student in each college and in interdisciplinary programs

More information about criteria, forms, and process for nomination are at: http://graduateschool.vt.edu/awards.

7. CALL FOR RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM WEBSITE DESIGNER – 1st posting
The GSA is looking for a web designer for the research symposium website.  Candidates should be proficient in Drupal and PHP coding and must be a VT student. Submit your resume and cover letter to Mordecai Harvey at mordie02@vt.edu by the end of Dec 9, 2013. 

8. START-UP CLASS FOR STUDENTS AND STUDENT TEAMS – 3rd posting
The StartUp Class is a semester-long course for teams of students who are interested in learning to become technology leaders and innovators through a structured curriculum that focuses on the development of a business model through customer discovery and assessment of product market fit. Teams will receive structured mentoring and have the opportunity to connect to professionals and fellow entrepreneurs.  This is not a lecture class; participants work on or form their own start up idea. This is a 3-credit elective for those who want to learn more about their own startup/business, open to any major and both grad and ugrad students. Offered Wednesdays, 4-7pm at the new incubator space in Collegiate Square (below the Next Door Bakery). If you are interested, contact startup@vt.edu.

9. CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR AEL NATIONAL GRAD HONOR SOCIETY – 3rd posting
Alpha Epsilon Lambda (AEL) was founded in 1990 specifically to honor academic excellence and leadership among graduate students.  The mission of AEL is to: confer distinction for high achievement; promote leadership development and scholarship; encourage intellectual development; enrich the intellectual environment of graduate education institutions; and encourage high standards of ethical behavior. Qualifications for membership are: (1) academic achievement in the top 35th percentile of the member’s degree program; (2) successful completion of 12 graduate credits and active enrollment in a degree program; (3) demonstrated leadership through involvement in on-campus or off-campus activities while a graduate student. Download application form at http://www.ael.graduateschool.vt.edu/application-process/ and email it to Marwa Abdel Latif at mka3@vt.edu. Submit your completed application by Jan 20.

10. CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR XCALIBER AWARD – 3rd posting
The XCaliber award recognizes faculty, graduate teaching assistants, and teams (faculty/ staff/ students) who have made notable contributions to integrating innovative technology in teaching and learning in a course or in a significant technology-enriched project. All graduate students and faculty are eligible for the award. If you know of someone who has done outstanding technology-enriched teaching and learning in 2013, or if you know of a group of individuals who have contributed to a significant technology-enriched project, please complete the online nomination form by Dec 6, 2013. Self-nominations are also welcome. For more information and to access the online nomination form, visit http://tlos.vt.edu/xcaliber_awards/.

11. DEANS FORUM ON GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT SURVEY – 2nd posting
The Deans’ Forum on Global Engagement will be held March 25–27, 2014. Because this overlaps with the GSA’s Research Symposium on March 26, the Deans’ Forum organizing committee is looking to partner with the GSA by providing a parallel session focused on international careers. Organizers of the forum invite you to complete a short survey regarding your potential interest in a parallel session; your input will help guide the planning of the program. Access the survey at: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8HvS9KdeUJIGsER. For questions or feedback, contact: Kim Lester at kimml61@vt.edu.

12. RESEARCH SUBJECTS NEEDED FOR TRIP, FALL AND CATCH STUDY – 2nd posting
Graduate student researchers are conducting a study to investigate tripping during normal walking while carrying a tool, and the subsequent fall. The study will take approximately 2 hours and will involve walking while carrying a load and a randomly induced trip. Separately, participants will fall onto a padded mat while their movements are recorded with motion tracking cameras. Finally, subjects will fall a short distance onto a hard surface to study how people catch themselves. Preferred qualifications are 35-60 years old, BMI >25, and able to carry a 40lb tool in hands. Additional participants outside of the parameters will also be accepted as space allows. Exclusion criteria are any chronic wrist, elbow, or shoulder injuries or any injuries to the wrist, elbow, or shoulder in the past year. Participants will be compensated $10 per hour. The protocols in this study have been approved by the VT IRB (13-505). If you are interested, please contact Peter Fino, 559 Whittemore Hall, fino@vt.edu.

13. SURVEY ON RELATION BETWEEN TRAFFIC CONTROL TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL IMPACTS – 2nd posting
You are invited to complete a short survey about the relation between traffic control technology (e.g., traffic light) and social impacts (e.g., the effect on fulfilling your needs, the effect on fulfilling your rights, etc.). The information will be used for research purpose only, to help researchers determine social perspectives for designing control technology for self-driving vehicles. The survey should take you approximately 7 minutes and is available online. Your participation in this study is completely voluntary, and there are no more than minimal risks associated with participation. Your survey responses will be anonymous and confidential. Participants must be at least 18. If you have questions, contact Milos at 540-553-5949 or via email milosm@vt.edu.

14. MCPS SCHOOL LUNCH SURVEY FOR PARENTS OF K-5 CHILDREN – 3rd posting
If you are a parent of a child who attends public elementary school (pre-K through 5th grade) in Montgomery County, researchers are interested in your opinions about school lunches and packed lunches and how they affect your decision to participate in the National School Lunch Program. Complete the following short on-line survey at:  http://tinyurl.com/MCPSlunch, and you will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift-card to Target or Wal-Mart.  For questions/comments please contact Alisha Farris at alisha@vt.edu or 501-358-9264. 

15. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON MOTHERS AND CHILDREN – 3rd posting
Are you a mother who sometimes worries or has fears? Do you have a child between 7 and 12 years of age? An ongoing study is investigating how mothers and children interpret situations in their day-to-day lives. The study is being conducted at the Child Study Center at 460 Turner Street, Suite 207, Blacksburg. For more information please contact Kristin Austin at momanxiety@vt.edu or call 540-231-8276. Compensation: $50.