Month: April 2013

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. FREE ANXIETY AND OCD SUPPORT GROUPS AVAILABLE
Tuesday, Apr 30, 7:00pm, Psych Services Ctr
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety? A free monthly support group meets this Tuesday — join them at the VT Psychological Services Center (3110 Prices Fork Rd) to learn more about anxiety disorders, hear success stories from those who have worked to overcome their anxiety, and receive support from others struggling with a variety of anxiety. Family members are also welcome. A free monthly support group for individuals with OCD is also available, with the next meeting on Tuesday, May 7, 7:00pm at the Psychological Services Center. If you have questions or would like more information, contact the center at 231-6914, visit the center’s website, or email doctoral students Nathaniel Van Kirk at nvankirk@vt.edu or Brenna Maddox at bmaddox7@vt.edu.

3. EARN YOUR AMATEUR/HAM RADIO LICENSE
Wednesday, May 1, 7:00pm, McBryde Hall Room 455
The VT Amateur Radio Association (VTARA) will be giving amateur radio license exams for a fee of $15. More information>>  or contact Nathaniel Frissell at nafrissell@vt.edu. If you want to learn more about ham radio in general, visit http://www.arrl.org.

4. GLC CAFÉ – MUG SWAP NEXT WEEK
Thursday, May 2, 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. Based on student request there will be a first ever mug swap at the café on May 9: bring a mug you no longer want and swap it for one another grad student doesn’t want! Ugly mugs, funny mugs, beautiful mugs, non-traditional mugs, whatever you have are welcome. One man’s un-wanted mug is another man’s treasure….

5. BODIES, MOVEMENT AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: THE CHANGING GEOGRAPHIES AND POLITICS OF SOCIAL JUSTICE IN THE U.S. SOUTH
Thursday, May 2, 6:00-8:00pm, Torg Museum
Presenter Dr. Jamie Winders is an urban geographer in the Maxwell School at Syracuse University. Her research interests include international migration, racial politics and formations, qualitative and historical methods, urban, cultural, and social geography, and immigrant incorporation. For more information about this event contact Sabith at khanpgg@vt.edu.

6. UPCOMING GRADUATE SCHOOL DEADLINES:
– May 1: Deadline to complete Attending Commencement form for Spring graduates. Submit through HokieSpa under Degree Menu.

7. FALL CLASS OFFERING: PEDAGOGY FOR NATURAL RESOURCE SCIENCES CRN 97426
This 2-credit course may be used toward the grad certficiate in Preparing the Future Professoriate. The 10-week course is organized around 5 major themes in higher education: (1) How people learn (theories in educational psychology, brain function, learning styles; metacognition; learning for transfer; lifelong learning); (2) Paradigms in teaching (instruction-centered and  learning-centered; teaching for improved  thinking [critical, creative, reflective] vs. teaching for  content and coverage; teaching styles; distance learning) (3) Teaching for student engagement (creating meaningful learning experiences; passive vs. active & collaborative learning; peer instruction; deep learning; etc) (4) Tools for teaching (technology; improving lectures; alternatives to lecture; Socratic teaching; etc.; assessing learning)  (5) Life as a professor (teaching millennials; trends in higher ed; school types; teaching vs. research; publish or perish; the tenure process; non-tenure appointments; balancing the professional and the personal) . For more information contact Dr. Brian Murphy at murphybr@vt.edu.

8. CALL FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS – 2nd posting
Abstracts are being accepted for the upcoming symposium "Poverty Today: Challenges and Opportunities" on Jul 19, 2013 at the Roanoke Higher Education Center. The symposium intends to increase awareness about pervasive poverty issues in rural and urban environments and explore innovative approaches to alleviating poverty. Papers on this topic are solicited from students, professionals, and interest organizations for oral and posters presentations; submit abstract by Apr 30. Please contact grad alum Risa Pesapane at pesapane.risa@gmail.com for more information.

9. PHI BETA DELTA INTL HONOR SOCIETY MEBERSHIP INVITATION – 2nd posting
Phi Beta Delta recognizes scholarly achievement of international students and scholars, U.S. students who have studied abroad, and faculty and staff who are involved in international activities, and provides a network for faculty, staff, and international students involved in international endeavors. Membership opportunities are extended to individuals who have demonstrated scholarly achievement in the international arena.  Membership categories include international students who have demonstrated high scholastic achievement at their US institutions and domestic students who have demonstrated high scholastic achievement in the pursuit of academic studies abroad.  For more information contact Betty Watts (bettyw@vt.edu, 231-6452) or download an application at http://www.oired.vt.edu/PhiBetaDelta/applications/.   Deadline for spring applications: May 1. 

10. CANNED FOOD DRIVE – 2nd posting
The Blacksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is hosting canned food drive from Apr 18 to May 2. Collection boxes are located in the Integrated Life Sciences Building atrium, Radford, Christiansburg, and Blacksburg Libraries, and VT-Graduate Life Center lobby. All items will be donated to the Micah’s Backpack program, sponsored by the St. Michael Lutheran Church. Micah’s Backpack addresses children’s hunger issues by partnering with local schools to provide direct assistance to students and families who qualify for the free lunch program. Each week during the school year, the identified students receive a backpack filled with enough food for the weekend. For more information about this program go to www.micahsbackpack.org. This message is posted on behalf of grad student Kacie Allen, kaciea1@vt.edu.

11. CALL FOR GSA PROGRAM CHAIR APPLICATIONS – 1st posting
If you are looking to get involved on campus and gain valuable leadership experience, consider serving the graduate student community in a GSA program chair position. Program chairs have the opportunity to be creative, work with a diverse group of students, and actively participate in an assortment of events. The GSA is accepting applications 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/media coordinator. View the GSA website  for a full description of each position. Contact the current chairs with any questions specific to a position. Application deadline: (letter of interest, resume/CV, and goals for 2013-14) is Friday, May 6. Interviews will be conducted the following week. Direct any questions and send resumes to Mordecai Harvey, mordie02@vt.edu.

12. GA POSITION AS PEACE CORPS RECRUITER 2013-14 – 1st posting
The Peace Corps is looking for a recruiter for the VT campus during academic year 2013-2014.  The position is 20 hours a week and involves planning and executing a recruitment campaign as well as interviewing potential candidates.  This position is for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers only.  Please see the job description for more information and how to apply or contact Christopher Hickey at peacecorps@vt.edu for more information.

13. PART-TIME GA POSITION FOR 2013-14 – 2nd posting
Dr. Joycelyn Wilson, Assistant Professor in the Social Foundations program in the Teaching & Learning Department in the School of Education, seeks a current master’s or doctoral student actively pursuing a degree in education, curriculum and instruction, sociology, qualitative research or related field for a 10-hr week (.5 GA) position that will support research and administrative needs for Dr. Wilson and the HipHop2020 Archive and Research Lab at Virginia Tech. The graduate assistant is responsible for supporting a variety of projects for the HipHop2020 Archive and Research Lab at Virginia Tech. Full job description>>. If interested, please send a cover letter and CV to drjoyce@vt.edu by 5pm, Apr 29 or until position is filled.

14. FULL-TIME GA POSITION IN GRAD SCHOOL FOR 2013-14 – 2nd posting
The Graduate School Student Services office is looking for a full-time graduate assistant (GA) for 2013-14 to provide administrative and program-specific support for student services in the GLC. Duties include planning and executing orientation and educational programs, coordinating activities, managing communication, creating promotional materials, and assisting with other administrative duties as assigned. Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills (written and verbal) and ability to work independently as well as in a team are a must. Experience with program planning and execution and familiarity with GLC and VT services is preferred. Position to start on Aug 1. To apply, submit a resume and cover letter highlighting relevant organizational experiences, and one letter of reference to Monika Gibson; gibsonm@vt.edu;  117 GLC, Graduate School 0325, or by fax to 231-3714 by Friday, May 3. Selected applicants will be interviewed in May or early June.

15. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR MENTAL AND POSTURAL STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are needed for a study to investigate how mental demands affect neuromuscular control.  Participants will be asked to do some simple mental tasks while researchers measure their postural stability. Both people with no history of low back pain or those that have suffered form it continuously or periodically in the last 6 months are needed. The study will take 1-2 hours and participants will be compensated $10 per hour.  Please contact Ralph at rhcullen@vt.edu for more information or to sign up.

16. LIBRARY SURVEY INVITATION – 1st posting
University Libraries asks that you please participate in this survey even if you responded to a previous one in 2012. As part of the continuing assessment of the Summon Discovery Service by VT University Libraries, feedback is sought on its use and effectiveness among faculty, students, and staff. Through this second survey, the Library is requesting your feedback on your use of, and experiences with Summon, and your perception of its effectiveness in finding research information. The information collected will provide insight into how the Libraries might enhance the service to meet research needs of users. The survey should take approximately 12-15 minutes, and you may exit the survey at any time. Must be at least 18 years old to participate. Access the survey>>.

17. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON FUN AND GAMES – 2nd posting
Researchers at VT’s Center for Human-Computer Interaction are studying fun and games and are interested in talking with people with a range of views about: rules, games, play, fun, competition, cooperation, replay value, house rules, and fairness. Please contact cse@vt.edu to participate in an interview not lasting more than an hour (IRB# 13-266). Interviews will take place at the Corporate Research Center.

18. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR LEAP VS MOUSE INTERACTION STUDY – 2nd posting
Do you want to play with a novel device but also help in setting the stage lights for ICAT’s new performance hall? Researchers are looking for voluntary participants for “Evaluating 3D interaction for a stage lighting application”. The study will consist of selecting and manipulating lights and their properties using LEAP motion controller (leapmotion.com) and a keyboard/mouse setup, in order to light the stage of the performance hall. The experiment is conducted in ICAT at Collegiate Square & Price’s Fork until Apr 25, and lasts about 45-60 min. Sign up using this poll: http://doodle.com/mpqf2i2i6kkyf653. This study has been IRB approved. For more information contact Panagiotis at panaga@vt.edu or Brennon at brennon@vt.edu.

19. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR COUPLES, TALK AND TECHNOLOGY STUDY – 2nd posting
You are invited to participate in a study to 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: http://poet.cs.vt.edu/couple_study/. 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 ($40.00 per couple).

20. UPCOMING EVENTS:

END OF YEAR PARTY
Tuesday, May 7, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose room and side patio
All graduate students are welcome to come celebrate the end of the school year with free food, music, and tie-dying t-shirts! Please bring a white shirt, and if you plan on eating please fill out the survey at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1366645393734. This event is sponsored by the GLC Fellows. For more information contact Emily at eceskew@vt.edu.

GHS THANK YOU BREAKFAST
Thursday, May 9, 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 .

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. ETD WORKSHOPS
Monday, Apr 22, 11:00am-12:00pm, GLC Room F
The Graduate School will hold several ETD workshops.  Once the workshops conclude, there will be staff available in 120 to answer more specific questions. (Please have your ETD on a flash drive if you would like a Graduate School staff to review it). Remaining workshop date:
– Wednesday, Apr 24, 11:00am-12:00pm, GLC Room F
If you have any questions, contact Jodi Cromer, jodilynn@vt.edu or call 540-231-8636. 

3. CAMPUS RESOURCES AND BUILDING A BETTER EDUCATION AND CAREER PLAN
Monday, Apr 22, 5:30pm, GLC Room C
Graduate students trying to investigate resources available on campus and wanting to build a better career plan are invited to join grad student organizers for a friendly discussion about the challenges of finding the right resources and opportunities and building a stronger network of graduate students. Contact: Nasrin Afzal afzal@vt.edu for more information. Pizza is provided.

4. SWITCH! ENERGY PROJECT MOVIE AND PANEL 
Monday, Apr 22, 7:00-10:00pm, Squires Colonial Room
The Department of Geosciences and the Environmental Coalition present SWITCH!, a film about the future of energy.  VT is one of 250 universities participating in this Geological Society of America project. Before the screening Dr. John Chermak and panelists will discuss important energy projects at VT. For more information: http://www.outreach.geos.vt.edu/switch.html. This message is posted on behalf of grad student Sarah Eagle.

5. GSA DONUTS WITH THE DEAN
Tuesday, Apr 23, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Lounge
Please join Grad School Dean Karen DePauw, the GSA, and fellow graduate students for donuts and discussion.  This is an exciting opportunity to meet Dean DePauw and bring up any questions or concerns that you might have.  You will also have the opportunity to mingle with fellow graduate students all while enjoying delicious donuts from Carol Lee.  Direct any questions to Cory Brozina, Event Chair (sbrozina@vt.edu).

6. CXWORX WORK-OUT CLASS IN THE GLC
Tuesday, Apr 23, 8:15pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Here is your opportunity to quickly work off the extra energy from all the donuts you ate with the dean. Join GLC Fellow Emily as she leads the Les Mills 30-minute core class, CXWORX, in the GLC Multipurpose room. Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers and bring water and a towel. Contact Emily with any questions at eceskew@vt.edu.

7. GLC CAFÉ: PEANUT BRITTLE THURSDAY
Thursday, Apr 25, 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. Those whose favorite sweet is peanut brittle are expected to attend. Or else.

8. COMMUNITY VOICES: THE MUSICAL TIES THAT BIND
Thursday, Apr 25, 7:00pm, The Lyric Theatre
Jack Hinshelwood, exec director of The Crooked Rood will present "The Musical Ties that Bind – Centuries of Heritage Music Along the Crooked Road," introducing music and stories from the Crooked Road and speak to the challenges and rewards of working in communities to unearth and preserve this unique artistry. A roundtable lunch will be held at 11:30am on the day of the talk in the ICAT Studio located in Collegiate Square. The cost of the lunch is covered by sponsorships, but seating is limited. Please RSVP for the lunch at 231-6775. For more information, contact graduate student Kate Preston, kapresto@vt.edu.

9. INFO SESSION ON EXTERNALLY FUNDED FELLOWSHIPS FOR GRADS IN LIBERAL ARTS & HUMAN SCIENCES
Friday, Apr 26, 8:30-10:00am, GLC Room B
This information session on externally funded fellowships and grants is designed for advanced graduate students in the social and human sciences, education, arts, and humanities. The session will provide an overview of external funding agencies, discuss strategies for writing effective proposals, outline approaches to integrating proposal writing into graduate studies, and provide a more focused examination of funding programs. This introductory session is timed to provide students with resources needed to prepare proposals for fellowships with a fall application deadline. No registration is required. The session is presented by Tom Ewing, associate dean for graduate studies, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences (etewing@vt.edu).

10. GSA CASINO NIGHT GALA
Friday, Apr 26, 6:30-9:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The GSA invites you to celebrate the end of the semester at the annual GSA Casino Night Gala. Dress in semi-formal attire, enjoy amazing food, wine, beer, dancing, door prizes and rack up the wins on a variety of casino games (poker, craps, blackjack, and roulette) hosted by professional dealers. Admission tickets are $10 for game play and drinks, or $5 for game play only.  This event is exclusively for graduate students and faculty who are 21 or older.  Please contact Cory Brozina, Event Chair (sbrozina@vt.edu) with any questions or comments.   

11. VBI KIDS’ TECH UNIVERSITY
Saturday, Apr 27, 10:00am-3:00pm, VT campus (see map for locations)
VBI invites grad students and their children to this free event. Kids’ educational activities include: egg drop (kids will build an apparatus to protect an egg and then see if it works; straw rocket building; VTPD K-9 demonstrations; robotic arm (find out how scientists use robotics to perform moon mining) quasar Instruments GO Lab- a full functioning mobile laboratory. See VBI map for starting location: http://www.vt.edu/where_we_are/maps/athletic-map.pdf, buildings 119 and 120; cars can park right out front of the building. No Virginia Tech parking permits needed. All are welcome- children must be accompanied by an adult!

12. UPCOMING GRADUATE SCHOOL DEADLINES:
– May 1: Deadline to complete Attending Commencement form for Spring graduates. Submit through HokieSpa under Degree Menu.

13. MONTHLY CHALLENGE: CREATIVITY ON CAMPUS  — SUBMISSIONS NEEDED
Looking for a place to express your imagination? VT’s Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (ICAT) has an exciting monthly challenge called "Creativity on Campus", which asks students who are interested in science, engineering, art, and design to submit their original work. Submissions can come in all shapes and sizes, from drawings to research designs, paintings to pictures, songs to videos — nearly anything is eligible. The winner of the contest each month will receive a $50 Amazon gift card, as well as a news feature on ICAT’s webpage. To learn more about "Creativity on Campus", please visit http://www.icat.vt.edu/ConC/index.html, or email to creativity@vt.edu.

14. CALL FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS – 1st posting
Abstracts are being accepted for the upcoming symposium "Poverty Today: Challenges and Opportunities" on Jul 19, 2013 at the Roanoke Higher Education Center. The symposium intends to increase awareness about pervasive poverty issues in rural and urban environments and explore innovative approaches to alleviating poverty. Papers on this topic are solicited from students, professionals, and interest organizations for oral and posters presentations; submit abstract by Apr 30. Please contact grad alum Risa Pesapane at pesapane.risa@gmail.com for more information.

15. PHI BETA DELTA INTL HONOR SOCIETY MEBERSHIP INVITATION – 1st posting
Phi Beta Delta recognizes scholarly achievement of international students and scholars, U.S. students who have studied abroad, and faculty and staff who are involved in international activities, and provides a network for faculty, staff, and international students involved in international endeavors. Membership opportunities are extended to individuals who have demonstrated scholarly achievement in the international arena.  Membership categories include international students who have demonstrated high scholastic achievement at their US institutions and domestic students who have demonstrated high scholastic achievement in the pursuit of academic studies abroad.  For more information contact Betty Watts (bettyw@vt.edu, 231-6452) or download an application at http://www.oired.vt.edu/PhiBetaDelta/applications/.   Deadline for spring applications: May 1. 

16. CANNED FOOD DRIVE
The Blacksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is hosting canned food drive from Apr 18 to May 2. Collection boxes are located in the Integrated Life Sciences Building atrium, Radford, Christiansburg, and Blacksburg Libraries, and VT-Graduate Life Center lobby. All items will be donated to the Micah’s Backpack program, sponsored by the St. Michael Lutheran Church. Micah’s Backpack addresses children’s hunger issues by partnering with local schools to provide direct assistance to students and families who qualify for the free lunch program. Each week during the school year, the identified students receive a backpack filled with enough food for the weekend. For more information about this program go to www.micahsbackpack.org. This message is posted on behalf of grad student Kacie Allen, kaciea1@vt.edu.

17. PART-TIME GA POSITION FOR 2013-14 – 1st posting
Dr. Joycelyn Wilson, Assistant Professor in the Social Foundations program in the Teaching & Learning Department in the School of Education, seeks a current master’s or doctoral student actively pursuing a degree in education, curriculum and instruction, sociology, qualitative research or related field for a 10-hr week (.5 GA) position that will support research and administrative needs for Dr. Wilson and the HipHop2020 Archive and Research Lab at Virginia Tech. The graduate assistant is responsible for supporting a variety of projects for the HipHop2020 Archive and Research Lab at Virginia Tech. Full job description at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1366150201152. If interested, please send a cover letter and CV to drjoyce@vt.edu by 5pm, Apr 29 or until position is filled.

18. FULL-TIME GA POSITION IN GRAD SCHOOL FOR 2013-14 – 1st posting
The Graduate School Student Services office is looking for a full-time graduate assistant (GA) for 2013-14 to provide administrative and program-specific support for student services in the GLC. Duties include planning and executing orientation and educational programs, coordinating activities, managing communication, creating promotional materials, and assisting with other administrative duties as assigned. Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills (written and verbal) and ability to work independently as well as in a team are a must. Experience with program planning and execution and familiarity with GLC and VT services is preferred. Position to start on Aug 1. To apply, submit a resume and cover letter highlighting relevant organizational experiences, and one letter of reference to Monika Gibson;  117 GLC, Graduate School 0325, or by fax to 231-3714 by Friday, May 3. Selected applicants will be interviewed in May or early June.

19. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON FUN AND GAMES – 1st posting
Researchers at VT’s Center for Human-Computer Interaction are studying fun and games and are interested in talking with people with a range of views about: rules, games, play, fun, competition, cooperation, replay value, house rules, and fairness. Please contact cse@vt.edu to participate in an interview not lasting more than an hour (IRB# 13-266). Interviews will take place at the Corporate Research Center.

20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR LEAP VS MOUSE INTERACTION STUDY – 1st posting
Do you want to play with a novel device but also help in setting the stage lights for ICAT’s new performance hall? Researchers are looking for voluntary participants for “Evaluating 3D interaction for a stage lighting application”. The study will consist of selecting and manipulating lights and their properties using LEAP motion controller (leapmotion.com) and a keyboard/mouse setup, in order to light the stage of the performance hall. The experiment is conducted in ICAT at Collegiate Square & Price’s Fork until Apr 25, and lasts about 45-60 min. Sign up using this poll: http://doodle.com/mpqf2i2i6kkyf653. This study has been IRB approved. For more information contact Panagiotis at panaga@vt.edu or Brennon at brennon@vt.edu.

21. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR COUPLES, TALK AND TECHNOLOGY STUDY – 1st posting
You are invited to participate in a study to 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: http://poet.cs.vt.edu/couple_study/. 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 ($40.00 per couple).

22. GTA INPUT SOUGHT FOR CAMPUS REPORTING SURVEY – final reminder
Researchers in the Department of Psychology are recruiting participants for the “Campus Reporting Survey.” All VT faculty, staff, and graduate teaching assistants (GTAs), are invited to complete an on-line survey about thoughts on reporting of campus incidents. Graduate students who are not currently teaching classes are not eligible for the study. The survey will be open until May 8th, the last day of classes. The survey is estimated to take 10-15 minutes to complete, and all data will be anonymous. This study has been approved by the VT IRB (Protocol #: 13-078). To complete the survey, please go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FacultyCampusReportingSurvey. If you have any questions, please contact Amie Schry at aschry@vt.edu

23. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR GSA CASINO NIGHT – 3rd posting
The GSA is looking for volunteers to help with their upcoming Casino Night on Friday, Apr 26, 6:30-9:30pm, GLC Multi-Purpose Room. Tasks will include setting-up, serving beer and food, and cleaning up.  Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older.  Please contact Cory Brozina, Event Chair (sbrozina@vt.edu) if you are interested in helping with this event.

24. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR EMAIL STUDY – 3rd posting
You are invited to participate in a research study that aims to gain insight into the habits and practices of daily email use. The study requires that you receive email at a Gmail address; however, it does not require that you use the Gmail web client. The first 20 participants will receive a $5.00 Starbucks gift card.  At the end of the study, all participants will be entered into a raffle to win a $50.00 Amazon gift card, and participants that have completed at least 20 diary entries will be entered twice. The study consists of a 15-20 minute online questionnaire, logging of email activity (researchers do not store your password, anonymize the details of the email, do not access the body of the email, and you are able to delete any emails), and a possible 15-20 minute interview session. If you are interested in participating, please go to https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3QzGEPRo1EpAsVD to take the online questionnaire, followed by http://emailstudy.cs.vt.edu to view instructions on how to participate, and grant rights to our application.

25. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR MOBILE AUGMENTED REALITY STUDY – 3rd posting
Participants are needed for a research study about Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) interaction. The study will take place in 530 Whittemore, and will consist of one outdoor session and one interview session lasting about 1 hour each.  The outdoor session will take place on the street in the downtown area of Christiansburg or Blacksburg; interviews will be in the Assessment and Cognitive Ergonomics lab, 530 Whittemore Hall. At the end of the interview, each participant will be compensated for their time ($25 for about 2.5 hours in total). All answers will remain completely confidential and will be used for research purposes only  (IRB# 13-236). Requirements for participation: must be between 18-49; have owned and used a touch-screen-based Smartphone for at least 6 months;  have experience on any MAR guidance application/browser and have used it for at least 3 times in the past 1 year (game applications excluded) (e.g., Wikitude, Layar, Yelp’s monocle, Google Goggle mobile app, Nokia’s City Lens, Acrossair, etc.); have done some leisure activities on street (e.g., looking for restaurants, places, live events, etc.) in the past 1 year; and  consider technology as necessary in your daily lives.  If you have any questions, contact Na Mi at 540-577-9153 or by e-mail na8@vt.edu.

26. YOUNG CHILDREN SOUGHT FOR STUDY PARTICIPATION – 3rd posting
Do you have a 4 or 5 year old child (pre-kindergarten)?  If so, researchers would love to see you for a fun research study with two doctoral students at Virginia Tech.  Researchers are interested in how you and your child talk about emotional events along with your child’s understanding of emotions and their language ability.  The visit will take about an hour to complete and you will receive a $10 Target gift card for participating.  Child care for brothers and sisters is available if needed.  For more information, please email techkids@vt.edu or call 540-231-1390.

27. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR MOBILE PHONE USE STUDY – 3rd posting
Researchers seek participants to learn more about your daily interactions with your mobile phone, particularly on how it helps you to remember/recall future events. In this study, you will be asked to use your mobile phone for one week as usual when you are on the move, and make a simple diary log every time you create a note/event (like make a quick note or add an event in the calendar) or your phone sends you an alert (like Google Calendar alert or Alarm). You can choose any available apps on the phone as you want to create notes. One week later, a 1-hour interview will be set up for clarifications. If you are interested in participating, please contact Yao Wang (yxw5167@vt.edu) with any questions.

28. AFRICAN AMERICAN GRAD STUDENTS SOUGHT AS MENTORS – 3rd posting
African American graduate students who want to share their wisdom and experience in support of the success of undergraduate African American students are sought to serve as mentors for the fall semester pilot version of "Each One each One" program that involves mentoring first year students. This program will also have positive implications for mentors as they engage in dialogues, trainings and activities that support student success regardless of academic level. This program will also allow you to expand your CV or resume. If you would like to learn more about this program please contact Jackie Thomas at jatho11@vt.edu or Brielle Wright at bswright@vt.edu. If interested, please fill out the survey at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_86sUTEH5xv0qK1f. You will be contacted in two weeks with information on an interest meeting.

29. UPCOMING EVENTS:

WHO SPEAKS WITH YOUR VOICE? THE POWER AND CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR POLITICAL IDENTITIES – postponed to fall
Tuesday, Apr 30, 7:00-9:00pm
This event has been postponed to fall. Please contact Christian Matheis matheisc@vt.edu with any questions.

REGISTER NOW FOR ONTOLOGY & METHODOLOGY CONFERENCE
Saturday-Sunday, May 4-5, Blacksburg
Topics addressed in this conference are at the intersection of philosophy and the sciences, thus broadening relevance to scientists (i.e., researchers in sciences such as biology, cognitive science, computer science, statistics, economics, and physics) in addition to philosophers. Registration is free but required: http://www.ratiocination.org/OM2013/index.html. A blog for the Ontology & Methodology Conference includes more information, including suggested background readings and a schedule that will be updated soon:  http://ontometh2013.com/. This message is posted on behalf of philosophy grad student Nicole Jinn, jnm5@vt.edu. Registration is required by 4/27.

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. ETD WORKSHOPS
Tuesday, Apr 16, 2:00-3:00pm, GLC Room F
The Graduate School will hold four ETD workshops in the next two weeks.  Once the workshops conclude, there will be staff available in 120 to answer more specific questions. (Please have your ETD on a flash drive if you would like a Graduate School staff to review it). Other workshop dates:
– Thursday, Apr 18, 2:00-3:00pm, GLC Room F
– Monday, Apr 22, 11:00am-12:00pm, GLC Room F
– Wednesday, Apr 24, 11:00am-12:00pm, GLC Room F
If you have any questions, contact Jodi Cromer, jodilynn@vt.edu or call 540-231-8636. 

3. SOME POOR, SOME RICH, SAME CLASSROOM: TEACHING INCLUSIVE OF CLASS AND POVERTY
Tuesday, Apr 16, 7:00-9:00pm, GLC Room C
What if the lecture simply does not work the same for students depending on their economic backgrounds?  Often, educators attempt to apply creative teaching methods without understanding some of the ways that poverty, wealth, and class will impact culture and styles of learning. In this session participants will review different cultural influences resulting from poverty and socio-economic backgrounds, and workshop methods for re-making curriculum and teaching practices in response to these concerns. Contact Christian Matheis for more information.

4. INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH DAY
Wednesday, Apr 17, 5:00-9:00pm, The Inn at Virginia Tech
The Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society (IDR) invites you to its 3rd IDR Day, co-hosted by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation (VBCF), and the Department of Biological Sciences. IDR Day marks the induction of new honor society members and promotes interactive dialogue between scholars of all disciplines and levels (from undergraduate students to Emeritus Professors) in brainstorming interdisciplinary answers to complex questions.  Enjoy an evening of exciting roundtable discussion focused on providing integrative solutions for cancer issues (e.g. scientific, ethical, social) to ACS and VBCF representatives. Each roundtable will receive a multi-faceted question and sufficient background information to facilitate input from diverse disciplines. This is an excellent opportunity to network and explore beyond the boundaries of your discipline. Dinner is provided. Registration is free but required due to limited space. Event program and registration>>.

5. VT VOICE TOWN HALL FORUM
Wednesday, Apr 17, 7:30pm, Squires Old Dominion Ballroom
What would you do to improve your experience at Virginia Tech? See improvements in services at Schiffert Health Center?  Improve relations between cadets, civilians, and/or international students?  Discuss student conduct policies or shorten lines in dining halls? Or, help create a more diverse and inclusive campus environment? Division of Student Affairs administrators and members of the VT Board of Visitors invite all students to discuss concerns and find ways to better serve undergraduate and graduate students. Food, drinks, and raffle prizes will be provided throughout the evening! Make your voice heard and RSVP >>.

6. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Apr 18, 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.

7. ETD WEBINAR
Friday, Apr 19, 12:00-2:00pm, from your remote desktop
The Graduate School will have its first ever ETD Webinar (a web-conferencing and eLearning environment in real time). Webinar participants will need a computer with Internet access, microphone and speakers to fully participate. This webinar is especially useful for those students who are not able to attend the ETD workshops in Blacksburg. Participants will gain first-hand knowledge in what the Graduate School looks for when reviewing an ETD; common mistakes and errors; formatting templates; and a brief Q&A. If you would like to be included in this webinar workshop, you must register by contacting Jodi at jodilynn@vt.edu. Space is limited, so sign up early. If you have any questions, please contact Jodi Cromer, jodilynn@vt.edu.

8. MAKING NEW PLANTS!
Friday, Apr 19, 1:00pm, Hahn Horticultural Garden
Learn how to make new plants by various propagation techniques:  Stephanie Huckestein, instructor for the Indoor Plants course and education & outreach coordinator for the VT Hahn Horticulture Garden will cover the basics of plant propagation. You will learn how to start new plants from stem cuttings, various types of leaf cuttings, and division.  The workshop will include hands-on propagation of several indoor plants that participants will take home. Growing plants indoors has benefits beyond "looking nice"; plants increase the level of oxygen and moisture in the air, filter toxins, reduce allergens, and they are just a fun hobby.  You must sign up for this event>>.

9. DIVERSITY SALON
Friday, Apr 19, 6:00-8:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
All students are invited to partake in international flavor at the Diversity Salon. This event will feature international cultures with a display of clothing and samplings of traditional foods. The focus of the event is to engage people in conversation about why cultures dress and eat the way they do. Please contact the host, diversity scholar Jaser Mahasneh, at jaser@vt.edu if you’d like to have a table to display your culture.

10. USDA SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION SEMINAR
Friday, Apr 19, 12:00–1:00pm, Litton Reaves, Room 1890
You are invited for an informative seminar on the USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program led by Dr. Lee Meyer, Professor and Extension Specialist from the University of Kentucky, and learn more about the research, outreach, and professional development opportunities associated with this federal program. Dr. Meyer serves as one of Kentucky’s SARE Coordinators and the Southern SARE program’s Regional Liaison for the Land Grant System.  For more information on the USDA Southern SARE program, visit:  http://www.southernsare.org/. Light refreshments will be provided. Open-floor discussion with Lee Meyer from 1-1:30pm. This seminar is co-hosted by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Virginia Cooperative Extension, in conjunction with the ALS 5234G Advanced Concepts in Community Food Systems course.

11. UPCOMING GRADUATE SCHOOL DEADLINES:
– Apr 19: deadline for PhD/EdD students to submit their ETD if they wish to participate in the Spring 2013 commencement ceremony. ETDs are submitted through the Electronic Signature System.

12. MONTHLY CHALLENGE: CREATIVITY ON CAMPUS  — SUBMISSIONS NEEDED
Looking for a place to express your imagination? VT’s Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (ICAT) has an exciting monthly challenge called "Creativity on Campus", which asks students who are interested in science, engineering, art, and design to submit their original work. Submissions can come in all shapes and sizes, from drawings to research designs, paintings to pictures, songs to videos — nearly anything is eligible. The winner of the contest each month will receive a $50 Amazon gift card, as well as a news feature on ICAT’s webpage. To learn more about "Creativity on Campus", please visit http://www.icat.vt.edu/ConC/index.html, or email to creativity@vt.edu.

13. CALL FOR ABSTRACTS FOR OBESITY EPIDEMIC CONVERENCE – 3rd posting
The VT Fralin Life Science Institute and the Fralin Translational Obesity Research Center are hosting a new conference, entitled “How Can Translational Research Solve the Obesity Epidemic?” The conference on Jun 17-18, 2013 in Blacksburg provides a platform to highlight current areas of research where translational approaches could move the field forward to help solve the obesity epidemic. Abstract submissions are due Apr 30 for those interested in presenting their research on the subject. For more information on the conference, target audience, and abstract submission, visit the conference webpage at http://www.cpe.vt.edu/tor/, or contact the faculty sponsor, Dr. Matt Hulver at hulvermw@vt.edu.    

14. GSA CALL FOR NEW EXEC OFFICERS FOR 2013-2014 – 2nd posting
If you are interested in becoming the next GSA (Graduate Student Assembly) President, VP of Membership, VP of programs, Secretary, or Treasurer, send a maximum 2-page application letter to shaimaa@vt.edu. The letter should include: (1) educational qualification; (2) positions held with GSA or any other organizations (if applicable); (3) contributions to those positions (if applicable); (4) vision for the position(s) you are interested in. Applications letters will be posted on the GSA website and shared with delegates. In preparation for the application, please read carefully the GSA structure and goals. The annual officer/executive board elections will be held at the Apr 18 delegate meeting in the GLC Multipurpose Room from 5:30-7:00pm. If you have any questions, contact: Shaimaa Abdallah, GSA President (shaimaa@vt.edu ).

15. GRAD ASSISTANT POSITION IN UOPD – 3rd posting
UOPD seeks current master’s or doctoral student actively pursuing a degree in I/O psychology, management, organizational development, or related field for a 20-hr per week position that will support research and administrative needs underlying organizational assessment and consulting services for university clients. The GAis responsible for supporting a variety of OD projects designed to address the organizational effectiveness of the VT community. Responsibilities include:  review, administer, analyze data and create reports from organizational and individual assessments; provide support for survey research and research projects of UOPD faculty; other supporting research functions. Interested candidates should have strong analytical and problem solving skills, experience analyzing data with SPSS, SAS, MS Excel and/or other statistical applications, excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively. Interested graduate students can send their information to UOPD (uopd@vt.edu) by Apr 19 or until the position is filled. 

16. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR GSA CASINO NIGHT 2nd posting
The GSA is looking for volunteers to help with their upcoming Casino Night on Friday, Apr 26, 6:30-9:30pm, GLC Multi-Purpose Room. Tasks will include setting-up, serving beer and food, and cleaning up.  Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older.  Please contact Cory Brozina, Event Chair (sbrozina@vt.edu) if you are interested in helping with this event.

17. SURVEY ON LIBRARY RESEARCH SKILLS COURSE – 2nd and final posting
Since 2008, University Libraries has offered a 1-credit, online course (GRAD 5124: Library Research Skills), which has helped prepare over 190 students for thesis, dissertation, or other research work. Librarians involved with this course are currently working on modifying it. As part of this modification, GRAD 5124 is undergoing an evaluation, and for that your input is needed so that any modifications made are relevant and appropriate. Data gathered through this study may also be used for publication purposes (IRB #13-319). The survey is anonymous and should take 10-15 minutes to complete. Your participation is voluntary and you have the right to choose not to answer any question or stop at any point. The survey will close on Friday, Apr 19. Access the survey at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_9N4RnNIZ0RnSXzf. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the GRAD 5124 project evaluator:  Rebecca Miller (millerrk@vt.edu or 540-231-9669).

18. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR EMAIL STUDY – 2nd posting
You are invited to participate in a research study that aims to gain insight into the habits and practices of daily email use. The study requires that you receive email at a Gmail address; however, it does not require that you use the Gmail web client. The first 20 participants will receive a $5.00 Starbucks gift card.  At the end of the study, all participants will be entered into a raffle to win a $50.00 Amazon gift card, and participants that have completed at least 20 diary entries will be entered twice. The study consists of a 15-20 minute online questionnaire, logging of email activity (researchers do not store your password, anonymize the details of the email, do not access the body of the email, and you are able to delete any emails), and a possible 15-20 minute interview session. If you are interested in participating, please go to https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3QzGEPRo1EpAsVD to take the online questionnaire, followed by http://emailstudy.cs.vt.edu to view instructions on how to participate, and grant rights to our application.

19. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR MOBILE AUGMENTED REALITY STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are needed for a research study about Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) interaction. The study will take place in 530 Whittemore, and will consist of one outdoor session and one interview session lasting about 1 hour each.  The outdoor session will take place on the street in the downtown area of Christiansburg or Blacksburg; interviews will be in the Assessment and Cognitive Ergonomics lab, 530 Whittemore Hall. At the end of the interview, each participant will be compensated for their time ($25 for about 2.5 hours in total). All answers will remain completely confidential and will be used for research purposes only  (IRB# 13-236). Requirements for participation: must be between 18-49; have owned and used a touch-screen-based Smartphone for at least 6 months;  have experience on any MAR guidance application/browser and have used it for at least 3 times in the past 1 year (game applications excluded) (e.g., Wikitude, Layar, Yelp’s monocle, Google Goggle mobile app, Nokia’s City Lens, Acrossair, etc.); have done some leisure activities on street (e.g., looking for restaurants, places, live events, etc.) in the past 1 year; and  consider technology as necessary in your daily lives.  If you have any questions, contact Na Mi at 540-577-9153 or by e-mail na8@vt.edu.

20. YOUNG CHILDREN SOUGHT FOR STUDY PARTICIPATION – 2nd posting
Do you have a 4 or 5 year old child (pre-kindergarten)?  If so, researchers would love to see you for a fun research study with two doctoral students at Virginia Tech.  Researchers are interested in how you and your child talk about emotional events along with your child’s understanding of emotions and their language ability.  The visit will take about an hour to complete and you will receive a $10 Target gift card for participating.  Child care for brothers and sisters is available if needed.  For more information, please email techkids@vt.edu or call 540-231-1390.

21. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR MOBILE PHONE USE STUDY – 2nd  posting
Researchers seek participants to learn more about your daily interactions with your mobile phone, particularly on how it helps you to remember/recall future events. In this study, you will be asked to use your mobile phone for one week as usual when you are on the move, and make a simple diary log every time you create a note/event (like make a quick note or add an event in the calendar) or your phone sends you an alert (like Google Calendar alert or Alarm). You can choose any available apps on the phone as you want to create notes. One week later, a 1-hour interview will be set up for clarifications. If you are interested in participating, please contact Yao Wang (yxw5167@vt.edu) with any questions.

22. AFRICAN AMERICAN GRAD STUDENTS SOUGHT AS MENTORS – 2nd posting
African American graduate students who want to share their wisdom and experience in support of the success of undergraduate African American students are sought to serve as mentors for the fall semester pilot version of "Each One each One" program that involves mentoring first year students. This program will also have positive implications for mentors as they engage in dialogues, trainings and activities that support student success regardless of academic level. This program will also allow you to expand your CV or resume. If you would like to learn more about this program please contact Jackie Thomas at jatho11@vt.edu or Brielle Wright at bswright@vt.edu. If interested, please fill out the survey. You will be contacted in two weeks with information on an interest meeting.

23. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR EYE GAZE PATTERNS STUDY – 3rd posting
Participants ages 16-45 are needed for a study on the influence of social anxiety on gaze patterns. Researchers are seeking individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (such as Asperger’s), individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder, and individuals without Autism Spectrum Disorder or Social Anxiety Disorder. Involvement in the study will require one visit to the VT campus, after completing a brief telephone screen to determine eligibility. Total time commitment is 1.5-2.5 hours. Each study participant will be paid $10.00. Please visit this survey or call 540-231-6744 if you would like more information about the study.

24. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON 16-17-MONTH INFANTS – 3rd posting
The purpose of this dissertation project is to study infants’ attention to social and non-social information and how this relates to their language development. During the visit, the baby will finish two tasks: (1) researchers will give the baby a chance to watch several movies that all contain a female reciting a lively children’s story; (2) the baby will get to play with one female research assistant who points to some colorful posters and presents several winder-up toys to the baby. Participants will receive $10 and a certificate to the baby for participation. Primary language in the home of participating infants must be English. Contact Joy Wu qiongwu@vt.edu if you and your baby would like to participate.

25. 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? A study investigating how mothers and children interpret situations in their day-to-day lives 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.

26. UPCOMING EVENTS:

GSA DONUTS WITH THE DEAN
Tuesday, Apr 23, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Lounge
Please join Grad School Dean Karen DePauw, the GSA, and fellow graduate students for donuts and discussion.  This is an exciting opportunity to meet Dean DePauw and bring up any questions or concerns that you might have.  You will also have the opportunity to mingle with fellow graduate students all while enjoying delicious donuts from Carol Lee.  Direct any questions to Cory Brozina, Event Chair (sbrozina@vt.edu).

CXWORX WORK-OUT CLASS IN THE GLC
Tuesday, Apr 23, 8:15pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Here is your opportunity to quickly work off the extra energy from all the donuts you ate with the dean. Join GLC Fellow Emily as she leads the Les Mills 30-minute core class, CXWORX, in the GLC Multipurpose room. Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers and bring water and a towel. Contact Emily with any questions at eceskew@vt.edu.

GSA CASINO NIGHT GALA
Friday, Apr 26, 6:30-9:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The GSA invites you to celebrate the end of the semester at the annual GSA Casino Night Gala. Dress in semi-formal attire, enjoy amazing food, wine, beer, dancing, door prizes and rack up the wins on a variety of casino games (poker, craps, blackjack, and roulette) hosted by professional dealers. Admission tickets are $10 for game play and drinks, or $5 for game play only.  This event is exclusively for graduate students and faculty who are 21 or older.  Please contact Cory Brozina, Event Chair (sbrozina@vt.edu) with any questions or comments.   

VBI KIDS’ TECH UNIVERSITY
Saturday, Apr 27, 10:00am-3:00pm, VT campus (see map for locations)
VBI invites grad students and their children to this free event. Kids’ educational activities include: egg drop (kids will build an apparatus to protect an egg and then see if it works; straw rocket building; VTPD K-9 demonstrations; robotic arm (find out how scientists use robotics to perform moon mining) quasar Instruments GO Lab- a full functioning mobile laboratory. See VBI map for starting location; buildings 119 and 120; cars can park right out front of the building. No Virginia Tech parking permits needed. All are welcome- children must be accompanied by an adult!

WHO SPEAKS WITH YOUR VOICE? THE POWER AND CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR POLITICAL IDENTITIES
Tuesday, Apr 30, 7:00-9:00pm, GLC Room C
What if most of us have profound stories about our relationships to politics, but we rarely have a chance to talk with one another about the subject? Suppose we all know much more about politics than what parties, candidates, and legislation dictate. In this session participants will discuss how to develop awareness of and articulate our political histories. Contact: Christian Matheis, matheisc@vt.edu.

REGISTER NOW FOR ONTOLOGY & METHODOLOGY CONFERENCE
Saturday-Sunday, May 4-5, Blacksburg
Topics addressed in this conference are at the intersection of philosophy and the sciences, thus broadening relevance to scientists (i.e., researchers in sciences such as biology, cognitive science, computer science, statistics, economics, and physics) in addition to philosophers. Registration is free but required . A blog for the Ontology & Methodology Conference includes more information, including suggested background readings and a schedule that will be updated soon:  http://ontometh2013.com/. This message is posted on behalf of philosophy grad student Nicole Jinn, jnm5@vt.edu.

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>>
• Writing Center support for grads: Thursdays 4:00-6:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room (additional hours are available in the Library)

2. VIRTUAL GLC CAFE SERIES: Graduation 101
Thursday, Apr 11, 12:30-2:00pm, Lobby of vGLC
Join Graduate School staff weekly for online chats in the Virtual Graduate Life Center (vGLC). This week’s topic: Graduation 101. The vGLC extends VT’s graduate-education community from campus to computer.  Using avatars they have created, visitors to the vGLC can 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 (jodilynn@vt.edu) or Marija Telbis-Forster (mtelbisf@vt.edu).

3. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Apr 11, 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.

4. GSA “DUELING FOR A CURE”
Thursday, Apr 11, 8:00-10:00pm, GLC Auditorium
Dueling pianos will take over the GLC Auditorium in support of Relay for Life: join the Graduate Student Assembly at the performance of 176 Keys Fun Pianos from 8-10pm.  Tickets are $10 and can be bought now: Monday – Thursday (2:30-5pm) in the GSA Office or at the door the day of the event.  The event is open to all students, faculty, staff, and guests, and all proceeds will be donated to Relay for Life.  Please contact Elaine Mathis, VP Programs,  with any questions.  

5. AEL LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP – register now
Saturday, Apr 13, 12:00-5:00pm, Torg Museum 1100
The Alpha Xi chapter of Alpha Epsilon Lambda (AEL) at Virginia Tech announces its 4th annual leadership workshop, developed for graduate students. This year’s the focus is on the issues of leadership as they relate to the community (local and global) and the responsibilities of leaders. Register online for this free event>>. Space is limited and lunch is provided. For more information contact Shernita Lee at shernita@vt.edu.

6. VETERANS IN SOCIETY: CHANGING THE DISCOURSE
Sunday-Monday, Apr 14-15, The Inn at Virginia Tech
VT’s Veteran and Military Support Initiative announces its first conference to showcase the diversity of research by and about veterans with the theme of “Veterans in Society: Changing the Discourse.” The conference will call attention to the growing need for additional work relating to all aspects of veterans’ experiences. Presentations and posters will cover topics such as: Depicting Veterans through Film, Memorials, and Public Discourse; Listening to and Studying Language about Women Veterans; and Teaching and Learning: Pedagogical Strategies and Programs for Veterans. The conference is open to all VT students. Scholarships are available. Learn more and register>>.

7. UPCOMING GRADUATE SCHOOL DEADLINES
– Apr 19: deadline for PhD/EdD students to submit their ETD if they wish to participate in the Spring 2013 commencement ceremony. ETDs are submitted through the Electronic Signature System (https://gradexam.stl.vt.edu/pages/login.php).

8. CALL FOR ABSTRACTS FOR OBESITY EPIDEMIC CONVERENCE – 2nd posting
The VT Fralin Life Science Institute and the Fralin Translational Obesity Research Center are hosting a new conference, entitled “How Can Translational Research Solve the Obesity Epidemic?” The conference on Jun 17-18, 2013 in Blacksburg provides a platform to highlight current areas of research where translational approaches could move the field forward to help solve the obesity epidemic. Abstract submissions are due Apr 30 for those interested in presenting their research on the subject. For more information on the conference, target audience, and abstract submission, visit the conference webpage, or contact the faculty sponsor, Dr. Matt Hulver at hulvermw@vt.edu.    
9. GSA CALL FOR NEW EXEC OFFICERS FOR 2013-2014
If you are interested in becoming the next GSA (Graduate Student Assembly) President, VP of Membership, VP of programs, Secretary, or Treasurer, send a maximum 2-page application letter to shaimaa@vt.edu. The letter should include: (1) educational qualification; (2) positions held with GSA or any other organizations (if applicable); (3) contributions to those positions (if applicable); (4) vision for the position(s) you are interested in. Applications letters will be posted on the GSA website and shared with delegates. In preparation for the application, please read carefully the GSA structure and goals and constitution. The annual officer/executive board elections will be held at the Apr 18 delegate meeting in the GLC Multipurpose Room from 5:30-7:00pm. If you have any questions, contact: Shaimaa Abdallah, GSA President (shaimaa@vt.edu ).

10. GRAD ASSISTANT POSITION IN UOPD – 2nd posting
UOPD seeks current master’s or doctoral student actively pursuing a degree in I/O psychology, management, organizational development, or related field for a 20-hr per week position that will support research and administrative needs underlying organizational assessment and consulting services for university clients. The GAis responsible for supporting a variety of OD projects designed to address the organizational effectiveness of the VT community. Responsibilities include:  review, administer, analyze data and create reports from organizational and individual assessments; provide support for survey research and research projects of UOPD faculty; other supporting research functions. Interested candidates should have strong analytical and problem solving skills, experience analyzing data with SPSS, SAS, MS Excel and/or other statistical applications, excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively. Interested graduate students can send their information to UOPD by Apr 19 or until the position is filled.

11. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR GSA CASINO NIGHT
The GSA is looking for volunteers to help with their upcoming Casino Night on Friday, Apr 26, 6:30-9:30pm, GLC Multi-Purpose Room. Tasks will include setting-up, serving beer and food, and cleaning up.  Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older.  Please contact Cory Brozina, Event Chair (sbrozina@vt.edu) if you are interested in helping with this event.

12. SURVEY ON LIBRARY RESEARCH SKILLS COURSE – 1st posting
Since 2008, University Libraries has offered a 1-credit, online course (GRAD 5124: Library Research Skills), which has helped prepare over 190 students for thesis, dissertation, or other research work. Librarians involved with this course are currently working on modifying it. As part of this modification, GRAD 5124 is undergoing an evaluation, and for that your input is needed so that any modifications made are relevant and appropriate. Data gathered through this study may also be used for publication purposes (IRB #13-319). The survey is anonymous and should take 10-15 minutes to complete. Your participation is voluntary and you have the right to choose not to answer any question or stop at any point. The survey will close on Friday, Apr 19. Access the survey >>. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the GRAD 5124 project evaluator:  Rebecca Miller (millerrk@vt.edu or 540-231-9669).

13. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR EMAIL STUDY – 1st posting
You are invited to participate in a research study that aims to gain insight into the habits and practices of daily email use. The study requires that you receive email at a Gmail address; however, it does not require that you use the Gmail web client. The first 20 participants will receive a $5.00 Starbucks gift card.  At the end of the study, all participants will be entered into a raffle to win a $50.00 Amazon gift card, and participants that have completed at least 20 diary entries will be entered twice. The study consists of a 15-20 minute online questionnaire, logging of email activity (researchers do not store your password, anonymize the details of the email, do not access the body of the email, and you are able to delete any emails), and a possible 15-20 minute interview session. If you are interested in participating, please complete the online questionnaire, followed by http://emailstudy.cs.vt.edu to view instructions on how to participate, and grant rights to our application.

14. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR MOBILE AUGMENTED REALITY STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are needed for a research study about Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) interaction. The study will take place in 530 Whittemore, and will consist of one outdoor session and one interview session lasting about 1 hour each.  The outdoor session will take place on the street in the downtown area of Christiansburg or Blacksburg; interviews will be in the Assessment and Cognitive Ergonomics lab, 530 Whittemore Hall. At the end of the interview, each participant will be compensated for their time ($25 for about 2.5 hours in total). All answers will remain completely confidential and will be used for research purposes only  (IRB# 13-236). Requirements for participation: must be between 18-49; have owned and used a touch-screen-based Smartphone for at least 6 months;  have experience on any MAR guidance application/browser and have used it for at least 3 times in the past 1 year (game applications excluded) (e.g., Wikitude, Layar, Yelp’s monocle, Google Goggle mobile app, Nokia’s City Lens, Acrossair, etc.); have done some leisure activities on street (e.g., looking for restaurants, places, live events, etc.) in the past 1 year; and  consider technology as necessary in your daily lives.  If you have any questions, contact Na Mi at 540-577-9153 or by e-mail.

15. YOUNG CHILDREN SOUGHT FOR STUDY PARTICIPATION – 1st posting
Do you have a 4 or 5 year old child (pre-kindergarten)?  If so, researchers would love to see you for a fun research study with two doctoral students at Virginia Tech.  Researchers are interested in how you and your child talk about emotional events along with your child’s understanding of emotions and their language ability.  The visit will take about an hour to complete and you will receive a $10 Target gift card for participating.  Child care for brothers and sisters is available if needed.  For more information, please email  or call 540-231-1390.

16. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR MOBILE PHONE USE STUDY – 1st posting
Researchers seek participants to learn more about your daily interactions with your mobile phone, particularly on how it helps you to remember/recall future events. In this study, you will be asked to use your mobile phone for one week as usual when you are on the move, and make a simple diary log every time you create a note/event (like make a quick note or add an event in the calendar) or your phone sends you an alert (like Google Calendar alert or Alarm). You can choose any available apps on the phone as you want to create notes. One week later, a 1-hour interview will be set up for clarifications. If you are interested in participating, please contact Yao Wang (yxw5167@vt.edu) with any questions.

17. AFRICAN AMERICAN GRAD STUDENTS SOUGHT AS MENTORS – 1st posting
African American graduate students who want to share their wisdom and experience in support of the success of undergraduate African American students are sought to serve as mentors for the fall semester pilot version of "Each One each One" program that involves mentoring first year students. This program will also have positive implications for mentors as they engage in dialogues, trainings and activities that support student success regardless of academic level. This program will also allow you to expand your CV or resume. If you would like to learn more about this program please contact Jackie Thomas at jatho11@vt.edu or Brielle Wright at bswright@vt.edu. If interested, please fill out the survey. You will be contacted in two weeks with information on an interest meeting.

18. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR SENSORY STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are sought for a pre-screening survey and preliminary sensory study on facial expression analysis to the basic tastes. There is one session lasting approximately 15-20 minutes. Participants will consume 4 samples of a water solution that may or may not impart a bitter taste. Participants must be willing to be videotaped while participating in the session. Testing will occur Apr 1-12 by arrangement with researchers in the Sensory Evaluation Lab (Rm 127) in the Department of Food Science and Technology (FST). Panelists will be rewarded for participation with a $2 Kroger gift card, snacks, as well as two canned food items (total value about $5). Panelists can keep the gift card and snacks and may keep or choose to donate the canned food, through the FST Lab, to the Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program. If interested please fill out this survey.

19. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR EYE GAZE PATTERNS STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants ages 16-45 are needed for a study on the influence of social anxiety on gaze patterns. Researchers are seeking individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (such as Asperger’s), individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder, and individuals without Autism Spectrum Disorder or Social Anxiety Disorder. Involvement in the study will require one visit to the VT campus, after completing a brief telephone screen to determine eligibility. Total time commitment is 1.5-2.5 hours. Each study participant will be paid $10.00. Please sign up or call 540-231-6744 if you would like more information about the study.

20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON 16-17-MONTH INFANTS – 2nd posting
The purpose of this dissertation project is to study infants’ attention to social and non-social information and how this relates to their language development. During the visit, the baby will finish two tasks: (1) researchers will give the baby a chance to watch several movies that all contain a female reciting a lively children’s story; (2) the baby will get to play with one female research assistant who points to some colorful posters and presents several winder-up toys to the baby. Participants will receive $10 and a certificate to the baby for participation. Primary language in the home of participating infants must be English. Contact Joy Wu qiongwu@vt.edu if you and your baby would like to participate.

21. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON MOTHERS AND CHILDREN – 2nd posting
Are you a mother who sometimes worries or has fears? Do you have a child between 7 and 12 years of age? A study investigating how mothers and children interpret situations in their day-to-day lives 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.

22. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY QUESTIONNAIRE – 3rd posting
Subjects aged 18-25 are needed for a study investigating the quality of physical activity questionnaires. The study will take place in either the GLC or Integrated Life Science Building located at 1981 Kraft Drive and will take about 1-1.5 hours to complete across a span of two weeks. Participants will be paid $20. The study involves 3 separate meetings where participants are given short surveys to complete, and then wear an accelerometer for two weeks. People not meeting the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity are especially needed; preferable under 50 minutes. If you are interested, please email your name to Edith Nault at enault1@vt.edu for further information.

23. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON CONTROL MECHANISMS OF MOVEMENT – 3rd posting
Participants are needed for a study assessing the control mechanisms of human movement. The study consists of two sessions for about 1-2 and 3-4 hours respectively. Requirements: male or female with no recent history of musculoskeletal disorders within the age range of 18-30.  Participants will be compensated $10/hr.  If interested, please contact Alireza Sedighi at sedighia@vt.edu for further details.

24. UPCOMING EVENTS:

SOME POOR, SOME RICH, SAME CLASSROOM: TEACHING INCLUSIVE OF CLASS AND POVERTY
Tuesday, Apr 16, 7:00-9:00pm, GLC Room C
What if the lecture simply does not work the same for students depending on their economic backgrounds?  Often, educators attempt to apply creative teaching methods without understanding some of the ways that poverty, wealth, and class will impact culture and styles of learning. In this session participants will review different cultural influences resulting from poverty and socio-economic backgrounds, and workshop methods for re-making curriculum and teaching practices in response to these concerns. Contact: Christian Matheis matheisc@vt.edu for more information.

INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH DAY
Wednesday, Apr 17, 5:00-9:00pm, The Inn at Virginia Tech
The Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society (IDR) invites you to its 3rd IDR Day, co-hosted by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation (VBCF), and the Department of Biological Sciences. IDR Day marks the induction of new honor society members and promotes interactive dialogue between scholars of all disciplines and levels (from undergraduate students to Emeritus Professors) in brainstorming interdisciplinary answers to complex questions.  Enjoy an evening of exciting roundtable discussion focused on providing integrative solutions for cancer issues (e.g. scientific, ethical, social) to ACS and VBCF representatives. Each roundtable will receive a multi-faceted question and sufficient background information to facilitate input from diverse disciplines. This is an excellent opportunity to network and explore beyond the boundaries of your discipline. Dinner is provided. Registration is free but required due to limited space. Event program and registration>>.

VT VOICE TOWN HALL FORUM
Wednesday, Apr 17, 7:30pm, Squires Old Dominion Ballroom
What would you do to improve your experience at Virginia Tech? See improvements in services at Schiffert Health Center?  Improve relations between cadets, civilians, and/or international students?  Discuss student conduct policies or shorten lines in dining halls? Or, help create a more diverse and inclusive campus environment? Division of Student Affairs administrators and members of the VT Board of Visitors invite all students to discuss concerns and find ways to better serve undergraduate and graduate students. Food, drinks, and raffle prizes will be provided throughout the evening! Make your voice heard and RSVP here.

MAKING NEW PLANTS!
Friday, Apr 19, 1:00pm, Hahn Horticultural Garden
Learn how to make new plants by various propagation techniques:  Stephanie Huckestein, instructor for the Indoor Plants course and education & outreach coordinator for the VT Hahn Horticulture Garden will cover the basics of plant propagation. You will learn how to start new plants from stem cuttings, various types of leaf cuttings, and division.  The workshop will include hands-on propagation of several indoor plants that participants will take home. Growing plants indoors has benefits beyond "looking nice"; plants increase the level of oxygen and moisture in the air, filter toxins, reduce allergens, and they are just a fun hobby.  You must sign up for this event.

DIVERSITY SALON
Friday, Apr 19, 6:00-8:00pm
All students are invited to partake in international flavor at the Diversity Salon. This event will feature international cultures with a display of clothing and samplings of traditional foods. The focus of the event is to engage people in conversation about why cultures dress and eat the way they do. Please contact the host, diversity scholar Jaser Mahasneh, at jaser@vt.edu if you’d like to have a table to display your culture.

GSA DONUTS WITH THE DEAN
Tuesday, Apr 23, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Lounge
Please join Grad School Dean Karen DePauw, the GSA, and fellow graduate students for donuts and discussion.  This is an exciting opportunity to meet Dean DePauw and bring up any questions or concerns that you might have.  You will also have the opportunity to mingle with fellow graduate students all while enjoying delicious donuts from Carol Lee.  Direct any questions to Cory Brozina, Event Chair (sbrozina@vt.edu).

GSA CASINO NIGHT GALA
Friday, Apr 26, 6:30-9:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The GSA invites you to celebrate the end of the semester at the annual GSA Casino Night Gala. Dress in semi-formal attire, enjoy amazing food, wine, beer, dancing, door prizes and rack up the wins on a variety of casino games (poker, craps, blackjack, and roulette) hosted by professional dealers. Admission tickets are $10 for game play and drinks, or $5 for game play only.  This event is exclusively for graduate students and faculty who are 21 or older.  Please contact Cory Brozina, Event Chair  with any questions or comments.   

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. SKILLS FOR LIBERATION: HUMAN RELATIONS METHODS FOR DIVERSE COMMUNITIES
Monday, Apr 1, 7:00-9:00pm, GLC Room B
What can we do about diversity and equity in our communities?  What kinds of skills can we learn and apply immediately in working for social, economic, and educational justice? This session will immediately benefit professionals who currently do or who will work with diverse populations, and will offer valuable resources to professionals in public policy, governance, business, engineering, science, and fields that emphasize the use of applied skills. Contact presenter Christian Matheis for more information. 

3. SOCIAL JUSTICE WILL NOT ENTERTAIN YOU: THE COSTS AND BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR DIVERSITY BY ENTERTAINMENT AND EVENT PLANNING
Tuesday, Apr 2, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room F
Does it sometimes feel like no matter how hard you plan, they never show up? Do the events go well, but the big inequalities remain?  This session will help participants dissect the anatomy of apathy, discuss ways to build community, and support participants in the work of imagining methods of counter-acting attitudes leading to anti-change indifference. Contact presenter Christian Matheis for more information.

4. BOV GRAD LUNCH WITH PRESIDENT, PROVOST, AND GRAD DEAN – sign up now!
Tuesday, Apr 2, 12:00-1:30pm, The Inn at Virginia Tech
There are still a few spaces remaining to attend the graduate student luncheon with President Steger, Provost McNamee,  Vice President and Dean for graduate education Dr. Karen DePauw, and Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Patricia Perillo at the Inn at Virginia Tech.  Spaces are limited.  If you are interested in attending, please contact Robyn Jones, Graduate Representative to the BOV  ASAP!

5. PUBLIC LECTURE: THE UNIVERSITY AND AMERICA’S CHANGING RELIGIOUS TERRAIN
Tuesday, Apr 2, 7:00-8:30pm, Squires Colonial Hall
Douglas and Rhonda Jacobsen, professors of religion and psychology respectively at Messiah College, present a lecture based on their third Oxford University Press book, No Longer Invisible: Religion in University Education. The lecture is intended to help promote civil discourse among people of various cultural and belief backgrounds. Sponsored by InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship .

6. PUBLIC COLLOQUIUM: THE UNIVERSITY AND FAITH: RESOURCES FOR A COMPLEX WORLD
Wednesday, Apr 3, 11:30am-1:00pm, Squires Brush Mountain Room
Douglas and Rhonda Jacobsen, professors of religion and psychology respectively at Messiah College, lead this dialogue on the integration of faith and the academic life. Sponsored by InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship.

7. PY4GRADS: PRACTICAL PYTHON FOR GRAD STUDENTS
Wednesdays, 11:00am-12:00pm, Port, the Digital Research Commons (Torg Bridge and Library 4th floor)
Are you interested in learning Python but not sure where to start?  Do you have questions about a particular Python library or module like scipy or numpy?  Are you interested in learning Python to speed up processing of text or data? If so, check out the py4grads group in the library, sponsored by the Center for Digital Research and Scholarship. They are offering weekly office hours with a library software engineer and a data science librarian to help you get started using Python in your research. They can help you find resources to learn Python on your own, help you set up your programming environment, or help you install and use many different modules. They are also interested in talking to grad students who are already using Python in their research. Questions? Comments? Email Andi Ogier, Data Science and Informatics Librarian.

8. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Apr 4, 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.

9. INVENTING THE MEDIUM: A RADICAL HUMANIST APPROACH TO DIGITAL DESIGN
Thursday, Apr 4, 7:00pm, Holtzman Alumni Center Assembly Hall
Presenter Dr. Janet Murray, VT distinguished innovator in residence has been named one of the "Top 10 Brains for the Digitial Future," and is the author of "Hamlet on the Holodeck: The Future of Narrative in Cyberspace," and "Inventing the Medium: Principles of Interaction Design as a Cultural Practice."  Her visit to Virginia Tech is made possible by a partnership between the Center for Innovation in Learning in Learning Technologies and the University Libraries. Grad dean DePauw encourages all graduate students to attend.

10. CXWORX WORK-OUT CLASS IN THE GLC
Thursday, Apr 4, 8:15pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Join GLC Fellow Emily as she leads the Les Mills 30-minute core class, CXWORX, in the GLC Multipurpose room. Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers and bring water and a towel. Contact Emily with any questions at eceskew@vt.edu. Additional sessions are scheduled for Apr 9 8:15pm; and Apr 23 8:15pm.

11. 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 or to register for the workshop, please email Tana Schiewer with your name and major.

12. 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 here. The acceptance of your registration will be confirmed by organizers. For questions and commend please email Tobias Ecker (ecker@vt.edu).

13. INNOVATIVE PERSPECTIVES IN HISTORY GRAD CONFERENCE
Friday-Saturday, Apr 5-6, GLC and University Club
The VT History Graduate Student Association announces its 16th Annual Brian Bertoti Innovative Perspectives in History Graduate Conference. Dr. Monica Black, the conference’s keynote speaker and a historian of modern Europe from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will present her work on faith healing and its impact on West German society in the aftermath of World War II. Dr. Bryant Simon, a distinguished lecturer from the Organization of American Historians and Temple University historian, will present “Learning about America from Starbucks.” Student researchers will present their papers from 8AM-5PM on Saturday April 6th  at the GLC. More information>>.

14. UPCOMING GRADUATE SCHOOL DEADLINES:

• Apr 5: 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 (https://gradexam.stl.vt.edu/pages/login.php).
• Apr 19: deadline for PhD/EdD students to submit their ETD if they wish to participate in the Spring 2013 commencement ceremony. ETDs are submitted through the Electronic Signature System.

15. FULBRIGHT FLEX GRANTS – 1st posting
In order to engage U.S. scholars currently unable to spend extended periods of time abroad, the Fulbright Program welcomes applications from scholars who propose multiple stays of one to three months in the host country over a period of 2-3 years. The total proposed visits should equal approximately one semester of exchanges. In addition to their primary research or teaching activities, flex award scholars will be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host-country academic community. Some programs may offer opportunities for multi-country research, but these should be discussed with the appropriate CIES staff. More information about Flex Grants within the Fulbright Scholar Program, and  a list of countries offering these types of awards>>.

16. CALL FOR ABSTRACTS FOR OBESITY EPIDEMIC CONVERENCE – 1st posting
The VT Fralin Life Science Institute and the Fralin Translational Obesity Research Center are hosting a new conference, entitled “How Can Translational Research Solve the Obesity Epidemic?” The conference on Jun 17-18, 2013 in Blacksburg provides a platform to highlight current areas of research where translational approaches could move the field forward to help solve the obesity epidemic. Abstract submissions are due Apr 30 for those interested in presenting their research on the subject. For more information on the conference, target audience, and abstract submission, visit the conference webpage, or contact the faculty sponsor, Dr. Matt Hulver at hulvermw@vt.edu.    
17. GRAD ASSISTANT POSITION IN UOPD – 1st posting
UOPD seeks current master’s or doctoral student actively pursuing a degree in I/O psychology, management, organizational development, or related field for a 20-hr per week position that will support research and administrative needs underlying organizational assessment and consulting services for university clients. The GAis responsible for supporting a variety of OD projects designed to address the organizational effectiveness of the VT community. Responsibilities include:  review, administer, analyze data and create reports from organizational and individual assessments; provide support for survey research and research projects of UOPD faculty; other supporting research functions. Interested candidates should have strong analytical and problem solving skills, experience analyzing data with SPSS, SAS, MS Excel and/or other statistical applications, excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively. Interested graduate students can send their information to UOPD (uopd@vt.edu) by Apr 19 or until the position is filled.

18. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR SENSORY STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are sought for a pre-screening survey and preliminary sensory study on facial expression analysis to the basic tastes. There is one session lasting approximately 15-20 minutes. Participants will consume 4 samples of a water solution that may or may not impart a bitter taste. Participants must be willing to be videotaped while participating in the session. Testing will occur Apr 1-12 by arrangement with researchers in the Sensory Evaluation Lab (Rm 127) in the Department of Food Science and Technology (FST). Panelists will be rewarded for participation with a $2 Kroger gift card, snacks, as well as two canned food items (total value about $5). Panelists can keep the gift card and snacks and may keep or choose to donate the canned food, through the FST Lab, to the Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program. If interested please fill out this survey.

19. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR EYE GAZE PATTERNS STUDY – 1st posting
Participants ages 16-45 are needed for a study on the influence of social anxiety on gaze patterns. Researchers are seeking individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (such as Asperger’s), individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder, and individuals without Autism Spectrum Disorder or Social Anxiety Disorder. Involvement in the study will require one visit to the VT campus, after completing a brief telephone screen to determine eligibility. Total time commitment is 1.5-2.5 hours. Each study participant will be paid $10.00. Please complete survey or call 540-231-6744 if you would like more information about the study.

20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON 16-17-MONTH INFANTS – 1st posting
The purpose of this dissertation project is to study infants’ attention to social and non-social information and how this relates to their language development. During the visit, the baby will finish two tasks: (1) researchers will give the baby a chance to watch several movies that all contain a female reciting a lively children’s story; (2) the baby will get to play with one female research assistant who points to some colorful posters and presents several winder-up toys to the baby. Participants will receive $10 and a certificate to the baby for participation. Primary language in the home of participating infants must be English. Contact Joy Wu  if you and your baby would like to participate.

21. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON MOTHERS AND CHILDREN – 1st posting
Are you a mother who sometimes worries or has fears? Do you have a child between 7 and 12 years of age? A study investigating how mothers and children interpret situations in their day-to-day lives 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.

22. EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS SOUGHT FOR PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL – 2nd posting
Public Knowledge Journal is an open-access multi-disciplinary journal published biannually at Virginia Tech. Following the first five successful years, the journal is seeking editorial board members to take the journal forward into the next phase of its development. Incoming board members will begin to take an active role in the journal in the spring of 2013 and will overlap with the existing editors until assuming full responsibility on June 1, 2013. Positions available include: Articles Editor, Copy Editor, and Website Editor. Full description>> . Applications are sought from individuals who are committed to an interdisciplinary approach. If interested, send a CV and cover letter indicating position(s) sought to Katie Read at editor@pkjournal.org by Apr 5.

23. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY QUESTIONNAIRE – 2nd posting
Subjects aged 18-25 are needed for a study investigating the quality of physical activity questionnaires. The study will take place in either the GLC or Integrated Life Science Building located at 1981 Kraft Drive and will take about 1-1.5 hours to complete across a span of two weeks. Participants will be paid $20. The study involves 3 separate meetings where participants are given short surveys to complete, and then wear an accelerometer for two weeks. People not meeting the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity are especially needed; preferable under 50 minutes. If you are interested, please email your name to Edith Nault at enault1@vt.edu for further information.

24. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON CONTROL MECHANISMS OF MOVEMENT – 2nd posting
Participants are needed for a study assessing the control mechanisms of human movement. The study consists of two sessions for about 1-2 and 3-4 hours respectively. Requirements: male or female with no recent history of musculoskeletal disorders within the age range of 18-30.  Participants will be compensated $10/hr.  If interested, please contact Alireza Sedighi at sedighia@vt.edu for further details.

25. NON-TRADITIONAL FEMALE DOCTORAL STUDENTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY – 3rd 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.

26. UPCOMING EVENTS:

GSA “DUELING FOR A CURE”
Thursday, Apr 11, 8:00-10:00pm, GLC Auditorium
Dueling pianos will take over the GLC Auditorium in support of Relay for Life: join the Graduate Student Assembly at the performance of 176 Keys Fun Pianos from 8-10pm.  Ticket information will be available starting next week, but mark your calendars now because you will not want to miss this opportunity. The event is open to all students, faculty, staff, and guests, and all proceeds will be donated to Relay for Life.  Please contact Elaine Mathis, VP Programs, efm28@vt.edu with any questions.  

AEL LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP – register now
Saturday, Apr 13, 12:00-5:00pm, Torg Museum 1100
The Alpha Xi chapter of Alpha Epsilon Lambda (AEL) at Virginia Tech announces its 4th annual leadership workshop, developed for graduate students. This year’s the focus is on the issues of leadership as they relate to the community (local and global) and the responsibilities of leaders. Register online for this free event>>. Space is limited and lunch is provided. For more information contact Shernita Lee at shernita@vt.edu.

VETERANS IN SOCIETY: CHANGING THE DISCOURSE
Sunday-Monday, Apr 14-15, The Inn at Virginia Tech
VT’s Veteran and Military Support Initiative announces its first conference to showcase the diversity of research by and about veterans with the theme of “Veterans in Society: Changing the Discourse.” The conference will call attention to the growing need for additional work relating to all aspects of veterans’ experiences. Presentations and posters will cover topics such as: Depicting Veterans through Film, Memorials, and Public Discourse; Listening to and Studying Language about Women Veterans; and Teaching and Learning: Pedagogical Strategies and Programs for Veterans. The conference is open to all VT students. Scholarships are available. To learn more and register, visit: http://www.veterans.vt.edu/.

INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH DAY
Wednesday, Apr 17, 5:00-9:00pm, The Inn at Virginia Tech
The Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society (IDR) invites you to its 3rd IDR Day, co-hosted by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation (VBCF), and the Department of Biological Sciences. IDR Day marks the induction of new honor society members and promotes interactive dialogue between scholars of all disciplines and levels (from undergraduate students to Emeritus Professors) in brainstorming interdisciplinary answers to complex questions.  Enjoy an evening of exciting roundtable discussion focused on providing integrative solutions for cancer issues (e.g. scientific, ethical, social) to ACS and VBCF representatives. Each roundtable will receive a multi-faceted question and sufficient background information to facilitate input from diverse disciplines. This is an excellent opportunity to network and explore beyond the boundaries of your discipline. Dinner is provided. Registration is free but required due to limited space. Event program and registration>> .