0. THANKSGIVING BREAK BUSINESS HOURS:
The GLC is closed to the public during the break, but graduate students may access it with their Hokie Passports. The Graduate School (and its main entry doors facing Squires) will be open as follows:
- Mon, Nov 25: 8:00am-5:00pm
- Tue, Nov 26: 8:00am-5:00pm
- Wed, Nov 27: 8:00am-12:00 noon
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 Thursday, Reading Room – year round!
– Graduate School business hours: M,Tu,Th,F: 8:00am-5:00pm; W: 9:30am-5:00pm
– Writing Center walk-in assistance: Thursdays 2-5pm, GLC Room D (additional hours available in the library)
2. NOVEMBER SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT: DR. RAFAEL DAVALOS
Tuesday, Nov 19, 12:00-1:00pm, 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.
3. FREE ANXIETY AND OCD SUPPORT GROUP AVAILABLE
Tuesday, Nov 19, 7:00pm, VT Psychological Services Ctr, 3110 Prices Fork Rd
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety? Do you struggle with OCD? Please join a free monthly support group. Group members will learn more about anxiety disorders and OCD, hear success stories from those who have worked to overcome their anxiety and OCD, and receive support in an informal setting. Family members are also welcome. If you have questions or would like more information, contact the Psychological Services Center at 231-6914, visit www.psyc.vt.edu/outreach/psc, or email doctoral student Brenna Maddox at bmaddox7@vt.edu.
4. WHAT THE GRADUATE SCHOOL LOOKS FOR WHEN YOUR ETD IS REVIEWED
Wednesday, Nov 20, 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 what they are looking at when reviewing your ETD. Following the presentation, students may have the ETDs reviewed. 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.
5. GRADUATION 101 SERIES: What the Graduate School looks for IN YOUR ETD
Thursday, Nov 21, 1:00pm, Meeting Number: 644 676 310
The Graduate School hosts monthly Graduation 101 Webinars. Webinar participants will need a computer with Internet access, microphone and speakers to fully participate. This week’s topic: What the Graduate School Looks for When We Review your ETD. Join: https://virginiatech.webex.com/virginiatech/j.php?ED=254486252&UID=0&RT=MiMxMQ%3D%3D. For questions, contact Marija Telbis-Forster mtelbisf@vt.edu.
6. GLC CAFÉ: PEANUT BRITTLE THURSDAY!
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. Celebrate the arrival of fresh Virginia peanuts (through the VT Agronomy Club) with peanut brittle, raw and roasted peanuts.
7. SHORT STAT COURSES BY LISA THIS FALL: REGRESSION METHODS
Thursday, Nov 21, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Room G
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. More information: www.lisa.stat.vt.edu.
8. START-UP CLASS FOR STUDENTS AND STUDENT TEAMS – 1st posting
The StartUp Class is a semester-long course for teams of students who are interested in learning to become technology leaders and innovators through a structured curriculum that focuses on the development of a business model through customer discovery and assessment of product market fit. Teams will receive structured mentoring and have the opportunity to connect to professionals and fellow entrepreneurs. This is not a lecture class; participants work on or form their own start up idea. This is a 3-credit elective for those who want to learn more about their own startup/business, open to any major and both grad and ugrad students. Offered Wednesdays, 4-7pm at the new incubator space in Collegiate Square (below the Next Door Bakery). If you are interested, contact startup@vt.edu.
9. CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR AEL NATIONAL GRAD HONOR SOCIETY – 1st posting
Alpha Epsilon Lambda (AEL) was founded in 1990 specifically to honor academic excellence and leadership among graduate students. The mission of AEL is to: confer distinction for high achievement; promote leadership development and scholarship; encourage intellectual development; enrich the intellectual environment of graduate education institutions; and encourage high standards of ethical behavior. Qualifications for membership are: (1) academic achievement in the top 35th percentile of the member’s degree program; (2) successful completion of 12 graduate credits and active enrollment in a degree program; (3) demonstrated leadership through involvement in on-campus or off-campus activities while a graduate student. Download application form at http://www.ael.graduateschool.vt.edu/application-process/ and email it to Marwa Abdel Latif at mka3@vt.edu. Submit your completed application by Jan 20.
10. CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR XCALIBER AWARD – 1st posting
The XCaliber award recognizes faculty, graduate teaching assistants, and teams (faculty/ staff/ students) who have made notable contributions to integrating innovative technology in teaching and learning in a course or in a significant technology-enriched project. All graduate students and faculty are eligible for the award. If you know of someone who has done outstanding technology-enriched teaching and learning in 2013, or if you know of a group of individuals who have contributed to a significant technology-enriched project, please complete the online nomination form by Dec 6, 2013. Self-nominations are also welcome. For more information and to access the online nomination form, visit http://tlos.vt.edu/xcaliber_awards/.
11. CALL FOR GRAD DIVERSITY SCHOLAR NOMINATIONS – 2nd posting
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.
12. 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.
13. GSA CALLS FOR APPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM CHAIR AND VOLUNTEERS – 3rd 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.
14. GRADUATE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT FUNDING PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 3rd 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.
15. CSE PROJECT CALL FOR ART WORK AND PHOTOGRAPHY: WORLD WITHOUT FOSSIL FUELS – 3rd 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.
16. CALL FOR 6-WORD STORIES: WORLD WITHOUT FOSSIL FUELS – 3rd 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).
17. MCPS SCHOOL LUNCH SURVEY FOR PARENTS OF K-5 CHILDREN – 1st posting
If you are a parent of a child who attends public elementary school (pre-K through 5th grade) in Montgomery County, researchers are interested in your opinions about school lunches and packed lunches and how they affect your decision to participate in the National School Lunch Program. Complete the following short on-line survey at: http://tinyurl.com/MCPSlunch, and you will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift-card to Target or Wal-Mart. For questions/comments please contact Alisha Farris at alisha@vt.edu or 501-358-9264.
18. 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? An ongoing study is investigating how mothers and children interpret situations in their day-to-day lives. The study is being conducted at the Child Study Center at 460 Turner Street, Suite 207, Blacksburg. For more information please contact Kristin Austin at momanxiety@vt.edu or call 540-231-8276. Compensation: $50.
19. VT CREW TEAM LOOKING FOR COACHES – 2nd 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.
20. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PARTICIPANTS NEEDED TO COMPLETE SURVEY _ 2nd 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. The survey is about eating habits of international students in the U.S. compared to their eating habits in 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.
21. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR COUPLES, TALK AND TECHNOLOGY STUDY – 2nd 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).
22. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR FOCUS GROUP ON EATING HABITS – 2nd 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.
23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR MANUAL MATERIAL HANDLING STUDY – 2nd 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.
24. CHINESE AND INDIAN PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR DECISION MOTIVATIONS STUDY-2nd 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.
25. CHILDREN (4-4.5 YEARS OLD) SOUGHT FOR ACTION-CONTROL STUDY – 3rd 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)
26. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR ONLINE STRENGTH TRAINING STUDY – 3rd 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.
27. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR NIGHTSCAPE PREFERENCE AND FEAR STUDY – 3rd 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.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
T-BREAK CHILI LUNCHEON – SIGN UP NOW!
Monday, Nov 25, 11:30-1:00 in the GLC Multipurpose Room
You are not alone! Join others who don’t get to leave for Thanksgiving break and enjoy some wholesome home-cooked food (meat and vegetarian options) and conversation. The menu includes chili, rice and corn bread, brownies and banana pudding, brought to you by your friendly and caring GLC- and Grad-School staff. Please register by Friday morning, Nov 22, to help us estimate how much we need to cook, at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1384783338781.
PIE DAY AT CRANWELL INTL CENTER
Tuesday, Nov 26, 12:00-2:00pm, Cranwell International Center
Pie Day is an annual tradition at the Cranwell International Center that fosters a feeling of community, friendship, and full stomachs! Join Cranwell staff for a meal of delicious pies, both savory and sweet. This event is open to everyone, with a special invitation to the international community for an opportunity to experience traditional foods and experiences of the Thanksgiving holiday. Contact Karen Howe at khowe@vt.edu with any questions.