1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC – updated 10/28
– Career Services walk-in advising: Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
– Cook Counseling walk-in services: Thursdays and Fridays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
– GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursdays, Reading Room – year round!
– Graduate School business hours: M,Tu,Th,F: 8:00am-5:00pm; W: 9:30am-5:00pm
– Writing Center walk-in assistance: Thursdays 2-5pm, GLC Room D (additional hours available in the library)
2. SHORT STAT COURSES BY LISA THIS FALL: NONPARAMETRIC METHODS FEATURING THE BOOTSTRAP
Tuesday, Nov 12
Nonparametric methods form an important core of statistical techniques and are typically used when data do not meet parametric assumptions. This short course, we will cover the basic philosophy of nonparametric statistics, what they’re all about, why we need them, and in what situations they are useful. Participants will discuss specific nonparametric tests, such as the rank-sum and signed-rank test (alternatives to t-test*), the Kruskal-Wallis test (alternative to ANOVA*), and the Spearman rank correlation (an alternative to the Pearson correlation) and review examples of how to implement these methods in R. The course will feature both lecture and computer laboratory elements. The Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) provides a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research. The focus of these two-hour courses is on teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data. See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and learn more. Remaining Fall 2013 schedule:
Thursday, November 21: Regression Methods;
More information: www.lisa.stat.vt.edu.
3. YOGA OPEN HOUSE FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
Tuesday, Nov 12, 5:00-8:00pm, In Balance Yoga, Blacksburg
Enjoy free food and enter a free raffle at In Balance Yoga’s open house. Every person in attendance will get a coupon for a free class. Yoga is especially beneficial for graduate students who tend to have high stress levels. All graduate students are invited to the open house and can get a FREE class credit and refreshments just for coming.
4. SLEEP BETTER TECHNIQUES
Wednesday, Nov 13, 12:00-1:15pm, Room C
Everybody wants to sleep better, but very few people understand why they aren’t sleeping well or how to fix it. Stress is one of the main health problems reported by VT students and directly results in poor sleeping habits. This workshop focuses on recent research on sleep and its impact on health, and offers techniques that you can begin practicing immediately after the workshop. Come learn more so you can sleep better! Sponsored by the Virginia Tech HEAT (Health Education & Awareness Team).
5. DEVELOP YOUR ETD; STANDARD VS MANUSCRIPT FORMAT
Wednesday, Nov 13, 2:00-3:00pm, GLC Room F
If you are in the writing phase of your ETD, then come to this session! Graduate School Staff will discuss two specific ETD formatting styles. Following the presentation, students may have the ETDs reviewed. Students may bring a flash drive, laptop and /or paper copy of the ETD for a review in room 120 GLC. If you have any questions, please contact Gwen Ewing at ewinggf@vt.edu
6. LITTLE HOKIES DONATE AND SWAP
Wednesday, Nov 13, 3:00-7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
This program is designed to help VT graduate students and their families by providing gently used baby and children’s items (for 0-10 years old) free. Donated items will be displayed in the Graduate Life Center Multipurpose Room. Bags will be provided at entry, and graduate students and families can fill their bag with as many items as they may need. Sponsored by the Graduate Student Assembly, Graduate School and Women’s Center. Have questions? Contact Kelsey Harrington, program coordinator at the Women’s Center, at 540-231-7806.
7. ENTREPRENEURIAL WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Nov 13, 4:30-7:30pm, Room G
Presented by VT KnowledgeWorks, this innovative session is for VT grad students who are interested in learning what it takes to start a business. VT KnowledgeWorks encourages and enables creative entrepreneurship world-wide. If you have any questions, contact Ashley Frances, ashleyf@vt.edu.
8. BELMASRY – ARABIC CONVERSATION TABLE
Wednesday, Nov 13, 6:30-8:30pm, North Lounge (Room 300), 3rd Floor Johnston Student Center
Come out and chat about Egypt and practice your Arabic at this Egyptian-themed Arabic conversation table. Light Egyptian refreshments and tea will be served. Sponsored by Egypt Friends.
9. DISSERTATION WRITING WORK GROUP
Thursday, Nov 14, 9:30am, Women’s Center
Designed for women graduate students and post-docs who are working on a dissertation or thesis, preparing for a preliminary, or writing an article. Join for support, motivation, goal-setting, accountability, and a place to simply unwind during the research and writing phase. All are welcome! Additional fall semester dates: 12/5. For more information, contact Anna LoMascolo at alomasco@vt.edu.
10. GLC CAFÉ: NOTHING SPECIAL
Thursday, Nov 14, 3:30-5:00pm GLC Reading Room
The GLC Café is offered throughout the year with free coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues.
11. DISTRESSED STUDENT/SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING FOR GRADS
Friday, Nov 15, 9:00am-12:00pm, Lavery Hall, SSD conference room
This session is offered by a certified trainer to help graduate students who teach or work with undergraduate students. The training is called Gatekeeper Intervention, and participants will learn about college student suicide, working with distressed students in a gatekeeper, support, and referral role, not a clinical counseling role. Resources at Virginia Tech, as well as Title IX reporting requirements will be discussed. Participants will receive a certificate. Light refreshments will be served. Students should rsvp directly to the instructor, Robyn Hudson, at robynhud@vt.edu.
12. GRADUATE STUDENT MOVIE NIGHT
Friday Nov 15, 6pm, GLC Student Lounge
Join other graduate students to watch Monsters University and enjoy light refreshments (popcorn, pretzels, chips and soda) this Friday. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows. Please register by filling out this survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1384133282901
13. ISA MOVIE NIGHT
Saturday Nov 16, 6:30pm, Haymarket Theater, Squires Student Center
The Indian Student Association (ISA) is happy to bring one of the 2013 blockbuster movies from Bollywood, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, to Virginia Tech. Bollywood represents a big part of the Indian culture and ISA would like to share it with members of the VT community. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy this romantic comedy film. The movie is 2 hours and 40 minutes long.
14. CALL FOR GRAD DIVERSITY SCHOLAR NOMINATIONS
Diversity scholars are graduate students who specialize in and advocate for the awareness, knowledge, and skills associated with diversity and inclusion. To learn more about the program, visit http://graduateschool.vt.edu/graduate_school/diversity/diversityscholars.html. Nominations are due by December 10, 2013 at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1378238446124. Contact Dannette Beane with questions at dannette@vt.edu.
15. DONATIONS SOUGHT FOR “LITTLE HOKIES DONATE AND SWAP“ – 1st posting
The Women’s Center, Graduate School, and Graduate Student Assembly are hosting the second annual "Little Hokies Donate and Swap." This program is designed to benefit VT graduate students and their families. Donations of gently used baby and children’s items (for 0-10 years old) can be dropped off at the front desks of the Graduate Life Center or Women’s Center from Nov 1-13 noon. On Nov 13, 3:00-7:00pm, donated items will be displayed in the Graduate Life Center Multipurpose Room. Bags will be provided at entry, and graduate students and families can fill their bag with as many items as they may need. Have questions? Contact Kelsey Harrington, program coordinator at the Women’s Center, at 540-231-7806.
16. SIGN UP FOR LUNCH WITH UNIVERSITY ADMINS: DEC 9
Over the course of the academic year the graduate representative to the Board of Visitors, Nick Warrington, hosts luncheons that bring graduate students and university administration together to have some dialog around graduate student needs/issues and the vision for Virginia Tech. In attendance at the luncheon are: President Steger, the provost, VP/dean of graduate education, and VP for student affairs. The final luncheon for this semester will be held on Monday, Dec 9. If you are interested in attending, please complete this survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1382473967355.
17. GSA CALLS FOR APPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM CHAIR AND VOLUNTEERS – 2nd posting
The Graduate Student Assembly is calling for a Research Symposium Chair and volunteers for the Graduate Research Symposium, an annual event of long history during Graduate Education week in March. The symposium chair will work closely with the GSA vp of programs and the president and will have a team to help. If you would like to help and be a part of a fun and interesting exhibition of Virginia Tech’s current research, please contact Mordecai Harvey, VP of programs at mordie02@vt.edu.
18. GRADUATE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT FUNDING PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 2nd posting
The Graduate Student Assembly’s Graduate Research Development Program (GRDP) will be accepting applications November 18-22 for the 2013 fall cycle. GRDP provides monetary support to graduate students for research associated with their thesis or dissertation. The maximum awards are $500 for master’s students and $700 for doctoral students. To submit applications or for more information about the program, eligibility, application process, and FAQs, go to http://www.gsa.graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/grdp. Applications are due by Nov 22, 2013. Email Amanda Nelson (GSAGRDPChair@gmail.com) with any questions.
19. CSE PROJECT CALL FOR ART WORK AND PHOTOGRAPHY: WORLD WITHOUT FOSSIL FUELS – 2nd posting
All students are invited to submit art work and photography with the theme of “World without fossil fuels” as part of a citizen scholar experience project. The perspective might be alternatives to substitute fossil fuels and the consequences. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art and/or photography) per participant. Cash prizes will be awarded. Submit any kind of art work along with the following information: title of your art, authors’ name, contact information (email and phone number) by 5:00 PM Tuesday, Dec 5. Artwork will be displayed for public viewing. Please direct any questions to Bahareh Estejab, bestejab@vt.edu or text 865-771-4097.
20. CALL FOR 6-WORD STORIES: WORLD WITHOUT FOSSIL FUELS – 2nd posting
As part of a citizen scholar experience project, all students are invited to submit six-word stories with the theme of “World without fossil fuels.” The perspective might be alternatives to substitute fossil fuels and the consequences. Submissions are limited to three stories per participant. Cash prizes will be awarded. Submit your story by email to bestejab@vt.edu along with the following information: authors’ name, contact information (email or phone number) by 5:00 PM Tuesday, Dec 5. Stories might be displayed for public viewing. Please direct any questions to Bahareh Estejab (bestejab@vt.edu or text 865-771-4097).
21. VT CREW TEAM LOOKING FOR COACHES – 1st posting
The Virginia Tech Crew Team is looking for dedicated and passionate individuals as coaches who are willing to coach a group of highly motivated students in Spring 2014. Rowing or coxing experience is required, coaching experience is preferred but not required. Contact virginiatechcrewteam@gmail.com for additional information.
22. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PARTICIPANTS NEEDED TO COMPLETE SURVEY _ 1ST posting
International students are needed to complete a survey to help a graduate student collect data for a class assignment. The survey should take no more than 8-10 minutes of your time. It is about eating habits of international students compared to their country of origin. Complete the survey here: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1382990524428 If you have questions, contact Christopher Plum, cplum004@vt.edu.
23. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR COUPLES, TALK AND TECHNOLOGY STUDY – 1st posting
You are invited to participate in a study to investigate and explore how people talk with their partners about things that matter to them. Researchers will ask you and your partner to talk about something you disagree about, in one of several technological conditions. The study takes two hours to complete. The available time slots are every weekday, one session 3:00-5:00pm and another 5:30-7:30pm. If interested, 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 133. Participating couples will be compensated $20.00 per person ($40.00 per couple).
24. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR FOCUS GROUP ON EATING HABITS – 1st posting
Participants are sought for a focus group (Photovoice) to help researchers learn more about you and your family’s eating habits. Participants must attend one introduction meeting and three focus group discussions. You will take pictures of your weekly eating experiences using your cell phone camera or a camera that researchers could provide. Each focus group meeting should take between 60-90 minutes. Lunch will be provided. Participants will receive a total of $50 in a Target gift card for participating in and completing the study. Must be 18+, work part- or full-time, be a non-student, and have one child between the ages of 3-5. For more information or to sign up, please contact Lauren Kennedy (kennedy0@vt.edu) or (540)808-5358.
25. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR MANUAL MATERIAL HANDLING STUDY – 1st posting
The study is about physical demands associated with panelized wall handling. Participants will be asked to perform different types of manual material handling tasks (e.g., lift, lower, carry), during which measurements of body motions and muscle activities will be obtained. The study includes 1 preliminary and 1 data collection session. The data collection session will last about ~4 hours. The compensation will be $10 per hour and plus $10 after completion. If interested in participating, contact Sunwook Kim at sunwook@vt.edu, 540-557-7763.
26. CHINESE AND INDIAN PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR DECISION MOTIVATIONS STUDY-1st posting
Are you an international student studying abroad or completing your degree at Virginia Tech? Were there specific motivations that affected your decision? Researchers are interested in why Chinese and Indian students decide to attend Virginia Tech. The study consists of a 5-10 minute online survey where one (1) participant will be randomly selected to receive a $10 iTunes Card. The online survey is available at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_5cAJdXfY6utIwTz. If you have any questions regarding the questionnaire, please contact one of the co-researchers, Meghan Beardsley, at cinemeg2@vt.edu.
27. CHILDREN (4-4.5 YEARS OLD) SOUGHT FOR ACTION-CONTROL STUDY – 2nd posting
The C.A.P. Lab in the VT Psychology Department is conducting a new study focusing on 4-4.5 year-old children’s developing ability to control their actions during games like Simon Says. Participating requires one visit, during which researchers play some fun word- and movement-games with the children. In addition to these games, researchers are interested in collecting information about the physiological components of these abilities. The visit should last about 1-2 hours. Compensation: $10 Target gift card for parents and a small toy for children; also can provide child care for siblings during the visit. If you are interested in this study, you may contact Amanda Watson by phone (research lab—231-2320) or by e-mail (watsonaj@vt.edu). (VT IRB: 13-440)
28. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR ONLINE STRENGTH TRAINING STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are sought for a research study looking at the viability of safely and effectively teaching strength training with free weights using online methods. Participants will be asked to record themselves doing 2 assigned free-weight exercises, followed by an online module teaching the movements with practice, and again record themselves doing the movement. There are 2 surveys to collect demographic data and participants’ experiences with the instruction. Total time commitment is 4-5 hours and participants will be entered into a lottery to win prizes from VT Recsports. There is a slight risk of physical injury. However, participants will be briefed during the consent process and throughout the instruction on how to avoid injury. Must have access to gym equipment and a video recording device; must be 18 or older; have no medical conditions that could be made worse by physical exercise. All levels of fitness and weight lifting experience are needed. If interested please contact Rebekah Brook, kiwi1@vt.edu.
29. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR NIGHTSCAPE PREFERENCE AND FEAR STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are needed for a survey on nighttime landscape preference among the VT community using eye-tracking goggles. The purpose of this study is to analyze people’s eye movements that will help designers and scholars develop design guidelines for various types of nightscapes. Participant will be looking around at different locations on campus at night wearing eye tracking goggles to visually rate landscape preferences, then respond to a few questions about their preferences and fears of nightscapes. The survey should not take more than 30 minutes and participants will receive $5.00 (Starbucks Card). Requirements: male or female, 18 or older, and not wear glasses. If interested, please contact Youngeun Kang at aoii2@vt.edu for further details.
30. GRADUATE STUDENTS INVITED TO SERVE AS GLOBAL AMBASSADORS – 3rd posting
The Global Ambassadors program is an exciting and engaging leadership development program for current VT students seeking to develop their global leadership skills. Global Ambassadors are charged with welcoming new international students to the VT community and continuing meaningful interactions with students and the community throughout the academic year. Cranwell International Center is seeking currently enrolled student (ugrad or grad, domestic or intl) who have been at VT for at least one semester. International students, returning Study Abroad students, and students with a strong interest in learning about the world are encouraged to apply. Apply online by Tue Nov 12 by 5:00pm at: https://gobblerconnect.vt.edu/form/start/32257. Optional interest meetings at Cranwell: Wednesday, Nov 6, 12:00pm. Reference form due by Friday, Nov 22 by 5:00pm. After the application there will be interviews, and required training and retreats for selected students. Learn more at http://www.international.vt.edu/programs_and_activities/global_ambassadors/index.html.
31. MENTORING PROGRAM SEEKS MENTORS FROM ALL FIELDS – 3rd posting
The Graduate–Undergraduate Mentorship Program (GUMP) is seeking mentors from all fields. This program allows graduate students to mentor undergraduate students considering graduate school. Undergrads and grads are matched according to their area of study, allowing the undergraduate to get a taste for graduate school and to ask questions of current graduate students. Each graduate mentor will be matched with 2–4 mentees, who will shadow them at times convenient for the graduate mentor during the spring semester. Mentoring can help build leadership skills and provide an experience to discuss with future employers. Mentors must attend one program orientation meeting the second week of the Spring semester, after which they will coordinate mentoring activities independently with their undergraduate mentees. GUMP is sponsored by the Graduate Student Association (GSA). If you have any questions, please contact gump@vt.edu. All interested graduate students should fill out the application at: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1380140661981 .
UPCOMING EVENTS:
—NOVEMBER SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT – Dr. Rafael V. Davalos
Tuesday, Nov 19, 12-1pm, Brush Mountain A, Squires Student Center
Learn about one of the top 7 NASA certified technological breakthroughs of ’07 from Dr. Rafael Davalos as he presents on the topic of irreversible electroporation (IRE) for the treatment of brain cancer. IRE therapy uses small (1-2mm) surgical probes to deliver low-energy microsecond pulses for approximately 1 minute. These pulses permanently destabilize the lipid bilayers of the targeted tissue (tumor) thereby killing the cells.
Free food will be provided. Sponsored by the Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society at VT.
—WHAT THE GRADUATE SCHOOL LOOKS FOR WHEN WE REVIEW YOUR ETD
Wednesday, Nov 20, 2-3pm, GLC Room F
If you are in the writing phase of your ETD, then come to this session! Graduate School Staff will discuss what we look at when reviewing your ETD . Following the presentation, students may have the ETDs reviewed. Students may bring a flash drive, laptop and /or paper copy of the ETD for a review in room 120 GLC. If you have any questions, please contact Gwen Ewing at ewinggf@vt.edu
—SHORT STAT COURSES BY LISA THIS FALL
The Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) is providing a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research. The focus of these two-hour courses is on teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data. See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and learn more. Remaining Fall 2013 schedule:
Thursday, November 21: Regression Methods;
More information: www.lisa.stat.vt.edu.
—DATA MANAGEMENT BOOTCAMP FOR GRAD STUDENTS: REGISTER NOW!
Wednesday-Friday, Jan 8-19, 2014
Only 20 seats available, so register now by sending an email to alop@vt.edu with your name and department. This workshop is sponsored by five Virginia institutions for students who want to learn more about data management issues and best practices. This collaborative event will feature experts from across the state and will provide an opportunity for local, hands-on practical experience on the third day. Data management is an important topic for researchers and scholars across domains, especially as funding agencies increasingly require submission of data management plans with grant proposals. Topics will include: understanding research data, organizing data, file formats and transformation, documentation and metadata, storage and security, data protection, rights and access, and preservation, sharing and licensing. For full details visit: http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/datamanagementbootcamp/.