1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC
- Career advising: 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 4:00-6:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room (additional hours are available in the Library)
2. GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK 2013 COMING UP: REGISTER NOW FOR EVENTS!
Here are some events and deadlines for which advance registration is required:
- Photo, art and writing contest: Submit your work by Wednesday, Mar 20, 5:00pm. Learn more at http://www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/contest.html.
- Design contest: graduate student teams of 3-4 must register by Mar 27 to put their creativity and experience to test by designing a graduate life center using fun and random materials provided by the Graduate School. No prior design experience is necessary. Grand prize: $50 gift certificate to local restaurant. Register here.
- Create your own desktop mini-garden terrarium on Mar 28; register now at and wait until your registration is confirmed by email.
- Pick up your free movie passes in the GLC for Mar 26 to see Amour at The Lyric.
- For a full schedule of the week and details of each event, visit the GEW website. Participate to win prizes an receive your free annual GEW t-shirt!
3. GLC FELLOWS POSITION INFO SESSION
Monday, Mar 18, 5:00-6:00pm, GLR Room B
Current GLC Fellows will hold an information session for those interested in applying for the 2013-2014 fellow positions. Please let Andrae Hash (hashas@vt.edu) know if you have any comments or questions concerning this session or Lauren Surface (lkeister@vt.edu) concerning the application process. Applications are due March 20th. Download the job description>>.
4. LIBRARY BROWNBAG LUNCH SERIES FOR RESEARCH DATA MANAGEMENT
Tuesday, Mar 19, 12:00-1:00pm, President’s Boardroom in Newman Library (6th floor)
The Center for Digital Research and Scholarship will be hosting a monthly brown bag series to discuss research data management issues that will be of interest to the research community at Virginia Tech. The first meeting will focus on the recent public access directive for federal funding agencies from the Office of Science and Technology Policy. These informal discussions, held jointly and virtually with colleagues at the University of Virginia, will begin with a 5-10 minute starter presentation; interested students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to bring their lunch and join the discussion. The schedule of and topics for the rest of the series will be announced shortly. Please contact Andi Ogier with any questions.
5. EARN YOUR AMATEUR/HAM RADIO LICENSE
Wednesday, Mar 20, 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 or contact Nathaniel Frissell at nafrissell@vt.edu. Learn more about ham radio in general>>.
6. VIRTUAL CAFE SERIES: ETD REVIEW CHECKLIST
Thursday, Mar 21, 12:30-2:00pm, Lobby of vGLC
Join the Graduate School Staff weekly for online chats in the Virtual Graduate Life Center (vGLC) https://virtual.glc.vt.edu. This week’s topic: What does the Graduate School check for when reviewing your ETD. The vGLC extends VT’s graduate-education community from campus to computer. Download the software <http://openlife01.cc.vt.edu:9500/wifi>. If you have questions or suggestions, please email Jodi Cromer or Marija Telbis-Forster.
7. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Mar 21, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
The GLC Café is offered throughout the year with free coffee, tea, maybe hot chocolate, and definitely cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues.
8. BLUE RIDGE FULBRIGHT CHAPTER SPRING MEETING – register by 3/18!
Friday, Mar 22, 6:30pm, Holiday Inn
The Blue Ridge Chapter of the Fulbright Association invites Fulbright Grantees and Alumni to its spring chapter meeting, Friday March 22, 2013, 6:30 pm at the Holiday Inn. The dinner event with speaker VT Professor Dr. Wokutsch is free for current Fulbright grantees. For registration or questions please email Dr. George Santopietro, gsantopi@radford.edu and Dr. Myrl Jones mjones@radford.edu.
9. CELEBRATE THE PERSIAN NEW YEAR: NOWRUZ – register now!
Saturday, Mar 23, 7:00-11:00pm, Owens Banquet Hall
The VT Iranian Society invites the VT community for its celebration of the Persian New Year, Nowruz, commemorating the arrival of spring and new beginnings. There will be entertainment including stand-up comedy, Persian and Middle Eastern dancing, and live classical and pop music. Plated dinner and dessert will also be served (Halal and Vegetarian options available). Learn more about Persian culture and enjoy a night with your Iranian neighbors. Semi-formal attire is suggested. Updates and information on ticket sales>>.
10. UPCOMING GRADUATE SCHOOL DEADLINES:
- Mar 22 is the deadline for doctoral students to submit request for final exam if they wish to defend by Apr 5 to participate in spring commencement.
- Apr 5 is the deadline for PhD/EdD students to defend if they wish to participate in the Spring 2013 commencement ceremony. The request for final examination must be received at least 2 weeks prior to your defense date through the Electronic Signature System.
11. REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR STUDENT ENGAGEMENT GRANT – 2nd posting
VT Engage is accepting proposals for the John E. Dooley Student Engagement Grant (JEDSEG). This grant is looking to fund highly motivated students who plan to invest in their community by creating an opportunity for active civic engagement. Two awards of $750 each are available. For more information and to access the application materials, please visit www.engage.vt.edu or email Lauren Kennedy at kennedy0@vt.edu. Submit application by Mar 29, 5pm.
12. GSA TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM CYCLE II OPENS 3/25 – 2nd posting
The Graduate Student Assembly strives to address the needs of VT graduate students. The GSA Travel Fund Program (TFP) is designed to meet some of these needs by providing graduate students financial assistance for presenting at conferences and scientific meetings, travel expenses, registration fees, lodging, meals, and other various expenses. The program also can be used to support international travel. The program is sponsored by the Graduate School and the Research Foundation of Virginia Tech. Master’s students are eligible for awards from $150-$350; doctoral students are eligible for awards from $200-500. Find out more>>.
13. 2013 GOVERNOR’S FELLOWS PROGRAM APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED NOW – 3rd posting
Governor McDonnell is encouraging top notch students from across Virginia to apply for the 2013 Governor’s Fellows summer program. The historic Virginia Governor’s Fellows Program offers a select group of outstanding and highly motivated individuals the opportunity to experience firsthand the administration of state government in the Commonwealth. Fellows will apply their creative ideas to find practical solutions to major public policy issues. Qualified applicants must be rising or graduating college seniors, or enrolled as degree candidates in a graduate or professional school. They must also demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skill, and a strong commitment to public service. Apply by: Mar 15, 2013.
14. NSF INNOVATION CHALLENGE FOR STEM GRAD STUDENTS – 3rd posting
Have you ever thought of ways to improve STEM graduate education? Do you have a creative idea regarding graduate training? If so, NSF wants to hear from you! The National Science Foundation Innovation in Graduate Education Challenge is calling for entries from currently enrolled STEM graduate students and teams about ideas with the potential to improve graduate education and professional development. Ideas can be directed toward students, faculty, departments, institutions, professional societies, and/or federal agencies. Winning ideas will be shared widely and winners will receive prizes between $1000-3000. More information and to enter the challenge: http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/gradchallenge/. Deadline: Apr 15.
15. GSA RELAY FOR LIFE TEAM SEEKING YOUR SUPPORT – 3rd posting
The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) for the Cure Team needs your contribution and help! The GSA is hoping this year to achieve more than its set goal of $1500. Last year with your help they raised a little over $2000. The Relay For Life of Virginia Tech event will be held on Apr 19, 2013. To view and/or donate for the team, please visit: http://www.gsa.graduateschool.vt.edu/governance/cabinet/committees/gsa-relay-life-committee. For more information/questions contact Shaimaa Abdallah, shaimaa@vt.edu GSA Team Captain 2012-2013.
16. NON-TRADITIONAL FEMALE DOCTORAL STUDENTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY – 1st posting
A qualitative study is being conducted interviewing partners/spouses of female doctoral students returning to academia mid-career. The purpose of the study is to gain knowledge of lived experiences of partners who have lived with a female doctoral student. The results of this study should further our understanding of the needs and experiences of people in these relationships. A one-time one-on-one interview will be conducted. Each participant completing the interview process will receive a gift card to Panera or Starbucks. Please contact Andrea Sharpe asharpe@vt.edu or Aaron Johnson apjohns3@vt.edu if you are willing to participate.
17. PARTICIPATE IN GRADUATE STUDENT CLIMATE SURVEY
The Graduate School, Division of Student Affairs, and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion strive to ensure an affirming climate for graduate students enrolled at the Blacksburg campus. Please take 20 minutes to complete this climate survey to provide feedback to these units on how best to serve you. Note that individual responses cannot be linked to names or emails and all responses will be confidential. The survey closes at midnight on Friday, Mar 22. Complete the survey >>. This invitation is posted on behalf of Robyn Jones, bovgradrep@vt.edu.
18. FACILITATORS SOUGHT FOR LEADERSHIP TECH – 2nd posting
Leadership Tech is a multi-year, co-curricular development program designed to cultivate strong leadership skills in VT students. Participants are members of small groups facilitated by two students who demonstrate and are passionate about effective leadership. Graduate students are sought to serve as facilitators for the 2013-14 school year, to lead junior-level students in creating community engagement projects based on the theme areas of society & environmental sustainability, global social change, multicultural communities, and health and wellness. More information>>; Apply here. Contact Mitchell Holston at mah0020@vt.edu if you have any questions.
19. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR MATE SELECTION STUDY – 2nd posting
Researchers are conducting an IRB-approved cross-cultural survey on how never-married heterosexual adults choose their future spouses. If you are a never-married heterosexual (self-identified) adult 18-39, a citizen and resident of either America or China, you are invited to complete this short survey. Your responses will be anonymous and you may participate in a lottery for two $50 and four $25 Amazon gift cards. If you wish to receive the survey summary and/or participate in the lottery, leave your email at the end of the survey. No response will be linked to an individual respondent. You may skip any item, not complete or withdraw from the survey at any time. The completion of the survey signifies your voluntary willingness to participate. Participate in this study>>. If you have any questions, contact Ruoxi Chen: ruoxic@vt.edu.
20. GTA’s AND GA’s WITH DISABILITY SOUGHT FOR STUDY – 3rd posting
A doctoral student in special education and disability studies at Syracuse University is seeking participants for an IRB-approved research study to better understand the experiences of teaching assistants and graduate assistants with disabilities in higher education. If you are a teaching assistant or graduate assistant with a disability and are willing to talk about your experiences, please contact the researcher. Your personal information will be kept confidential. The interview will take about one hour and disability accommodations or alternatives to speaking over the phone can be made. If you would like more information about this study, please contact Michelle Damiani at mldamian@syr.edu.
21. COUPLES SOUGHT FOR STUDY – 3rd posting
Couples, Talk and Technology: You are invited to participate in a study to investigate and explore how people talk about things that matter to them with their partners. Researchers ask you and your partner to talk about something you disagree about, in one of several technological conditions. Available 2-hour time slots are listed here. Simply email Samantha Yglesias at ygles07@vt.edu for more information, to request any of the available slots, or to request a different time slot. The study takes place in McBryde 106A. Participating couples will be compensated $20.00 per person (that’s $40.00 per couple).
22. UPCOMING EVENTS:
FREE ANXIETY SUPPORT GROUP AVAILABLE
Tuesday, Mar 26, 7:00pm, VT Psychological Services Ctr, 3110 Prices Fork Rd
A free support group for individuals struggling with anxiety meets the last Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm. If you have questions or would like more information, contact the Psychological Services Center at 231-6914, visit www.psyc.vt.edu/outreach/psc, or email doctoral student Nathaniel Van Kirk at nvankirk@vt.edu or doctoral student Brenna Maddox at bmaddox7@vt.edu.
IDR PRESENTS: ROLE OF INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AS SEEN BY EPA RESEARCHER
Friday, Mar 29, 10:00-11:00am, GLC Room F
Iota Delta Rho, the Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society presents a March speaker spotlight on Dr. Laura E. Jackson, a biology researcher at the US Environmental Protection Agency who studies healthy communities. Dr. Jackson will be discussing the role of interdisciplinary research in the context of her study of the effect that land cover development has on the risk of Lyme disease incidence. Enjoy a lively talk and complimentary snacks. Please register by completing this survey; registration is not mandatory, and last-minute attendees are welcome. If you have any questions, contact Elizabeth Elvington, the IDR Social Spotlight Series Chair, esavage@vt.edu.
GRADUATE WRITING WORKSHOP: RELATING YOUR RESEARCH TO YOUR FIELD
Friday, Apr 5, 2:00-3:30pm, Newman 207
Are you unsure how to enter the scholarly conversations in your field? Do you want to be published? Graduate students in the Rhetoric and Writing PhD program are here to help! Join them for "Relating Your Research to Your Field: Writing for Academic Journals" – a workshop designed to help you learn three easy steps for writing for the scholarly publications in your field:(1) Read journal articles to uncover patterns in writing; (2) Replicate those patterns; and (3) Create a space for your research. This workshop will include some basic introduction and active participation, so please come with an article or paper you are currently working on! For more information contact Tana Schiewer at tanas@vt.edu.
FULBRIGHT RECRUITMENT DINNER RECEPTION
Saturday, Apr 6, 5:30-7:30pm
The VT Honors Program and the Blue Ridge Chapter of the Fulbright Alumni Association would like to announce the 2013 Fulbright Recruitment Dinner Reception. This invitation-only event offers contacts and information for US citizen students, staff and faculty who are interested in applying for this prestigious U.S. Exchange Program. Food will be provided. Due to space limitations, seats will be given away on a first-come first-served basis; please register by completing this: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1362695441370. The acceptance of your registration will be confirmed by organizers. For questions and commend please email Tobias Ecker (ecker@vt.edu).