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.