1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC
- 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 4:30-7:30, Room D (additional hours in the Library)
2. HOW TO MAKE ENDS MEET
Monday, Feb 10, 5:00pm, GLC Room D
Learn creative ways to live within a meager budget using money-saving strategies specific to the New River Valley. Contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu if you have questions.
3. WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO?
Tuesday, Feb 11, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room D
If you’re a new (or returning) graduate student who has asked yourself this question, the Graduate School wants you to know that you are not alone! Meet fellow graduate students, new and returning, to talk about graduate school as an exciting-but possibly overwhelming-life adventure. There will be pizza! Complete this survey if you plan to attend: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1390838381481
4. WHAT’S GOING ON IN EGYPT?
Tuesday, Feb 11, 2:00-6:00pm, Brush Mountain Room in Squires
Egyptian organization "R4bia" invites you to the exhibition about Egypt. View a collection of photographs, cartoons, videos, newspaper articles, caricatures, and other material telling the story of three years of revolution followed by a military coup. Hear the true story of people generously sacrificing even their lives for freedom of future generations. Refreshments will be served. This event is posted on behalf of doctoral student and R4bia president Abdallah Mahmoud. For more information contact him at abdallah@mena.vt.edu.
5. RESUME 101 FOR INTL STUDENTS
Tuesday, Feb 11, 4:00–5:00pm, Cranwell International Center
Learn how to write a resume that highlights your international experience. If you have any questions, please email Katie Steuer at ksteuer@vt.edu or call the Career Services Office at (540) 231-6241.
6. OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING FAIR
Wednesday, Feb 12, 10:00am-4:00pm, Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires
Learn about local housing options, and your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Giveaways, plus free pizza 11-3. Learn more about the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/635032503219431/.
7. GRADUATION FAIR
Wednesday, Feb 12, 11:30am-7:30pm, Holtzman Alumni Center
Tour the Alumni Center, enjoy free pizza and drinks, and get your graduation supplies: announcements, commencement info, caps and gowns, diploma frames and more. For more information contact Gwen Harrington, gwharrin@vt.edu.
8. LUNCH WITH THE DEAN – registration required
Wednesday, February 12, 12-1pm, GLC Room C
Meet Graduate School Dean Dr. Karen DePauw and several graduate student leaders at a free lunch. Learn about the latest in graduate education and share your perspectives in a casual setting. Sign-up here: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1389213455685
9. BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR OF MOSS CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Wednesday, Feb 12, 1:00-2:00pm, meet at Grand Lobby of Center for the Arts
This is an exclusive opportunity for graduate students to tour the newly opened Moss Center for the Arts here at Virginia Tech. Look behind the scenes and feel the inspiration! Space is limited and the tour is free. Register at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1389211704974.
10. ISLAM: WHAT 1.6 BILLION PEOPLE REALLY THINK
Wednesday Feb 12, 1:00-3:00pm, Info Booth A in Squires (across from ABP)
Stop by to ask questions: learn more about Islam, get your free copy of Quran interpretation in English, view Islamic art from different countries, get your name in Arabic, and enjoy tasting Arabian dates. All for free. Contact grad student Haitham at marakeby@vt.edu for more information.
11. CAREER FAIR PREPARATION
Wednesday, Feb 12, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room G
Learn how to present yourself to an employer and what to ask at a job fair. Sponsored by Career Services. Contact Amy McPherson at amcphers@vt.edu if you have questions.
12. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Feb 13, 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. Bring your own mug if you can.
13. CAREER FAIR PREP FOR INTL STUDENTS
Thursday, Feb 13, 4:00–5:00pm, Cranwell International Center
Learn the basics to be successful at a career fair, including: how to research companies beforehand, what to wear, what to do when you arrive at a career fair, creating an elevator pitch and using it, and how to follow up with companies you meet. If you have any questions, please email Katie Steuer at ksteuer@vt.edu or call the Career Services Office at (540) 231-6241.
14. INTL SPRING SOCIAL: LOVE AROUND THE WORLD – registration required
Friday, Feb 14, 6:00–8:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The Cranwell International Center and the Campus Alcohol and Abuse Prevention Center (CAAPC) are partnering to present the annual international spring social with food and drinks from across the globe and an opportunity to interact with others from around the world. This event requires pre-registration at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C4EADAE2CA13-love and only those who register will be admitted to the event. For more info contact the Cranwell International Center at international@vt.edu.
15. MEMBERS NEEDED FOR GRAD BOV REP NOMINATION COMMITTEE – 1st posting
The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) helps select the three graduate student nominees to recommend to the Board of Visitors for their final selection. The GSA seeks one student from each college as well as one student from a VT satellite campus. These students do not need to be associated with or have any prior involvement with the GSA. If you are interested in helping to select the next Graduate BOV Representative, please send an email to Greg Purdy (gtpurdy@vt.edu), including the name of your college.
16. GSA EXEC BOARD OPENINGS FOR REST OF SPRING – 1st posting
If you are interested in becoming more involved with the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA), two positions within the Executive Board are now open for applications. The GSA is seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to fill the Vice President of Membership and Treasurer positions. Specific duties and responsibilities for these positions can be found in the bylaws at http://www.gsa.graduateschool.vt.edu/about/bylaws. If interested, send an email to Greg Purdy (gtpurdy@vt.edu), along with a one-page cover letter outlining your previous experience and goals for the position. Lastly, elections will be occurring at the February delegate meeting, 2/27/2014, 5:30-7:00pm, GLC Room F. Those interested will need to prepare a two-minute speech about why they are interested and what their goals are for the position.
17. CITIZEN SCHOLAR APPLICATIONS INVITED – 1st posting
Have you used your research to benefit society in any way? If so, consider applying for the Citizen Scholar award. If not, consider designing a Citizen Scholar project! Program requirements are described on the CSE website at http://graduateschool.vt.edu/gs/cse/requirements. Applications are due by end of the day on Mar 3, 2014. For more information, email the GA in charge at citizenscholar@gs.vt.edu.
18. NEW GLC LOCKER RENTAL POLICY -1st posting
For the remainder of the SPRING 2014 semester, the GLC’s lockers will be available to rent on a short-term, weekly basis. To rent a locker, see a building manager at the GLC Welcome Center to receive a key. Keys will no longer be left on lockers; instead they are secured by the GLC staff and issued to a student once requested. One locker per person. The maximum time period of reservation is from Monday 7:30am to Saturday 9:00pm, at which time the key must be returned to the Welcome Center. Those who still have keys from the previous semester are asked to turn in the key immediately and empty the locker. Contact GLC welcome center staff with any questions, comments or concerns at glcinfo@vt.edu.
19. LEARN TURKISH AT VT – 1st posting
Experienced teachers are offering Turkish language classes through the Intercultural Understanding Club (ICUC). You don’t need to know any Turkish to start Turkish classes, the ICUC offers courses from elementary to advanced levels. Schedule: An hour class per week and four classes in a month (Days will be selected based on the applications). For registration: http://www.icuc.org.vt.edu/turkish-class/.
20. ICUC & RUMI FORUM FELLOWSHIP 2014
ICUC in collaboration with Rumi Forum is inviting PhD candidates and those who have recently completed their doctorate in social sciences for a study fellowship that incorporates a trip to Turkey with the mission of exploring social, economic, cultural, security and political issues in Turkey and the wider region during the following dates May 10-18, 2014 and June 14-22, 2014. Please register & find more info on http://www.icuc.org.vt.edu/rumi-forum-fellowship-program-2014/.
21. APPLY NOW FOR BOV GRAD REPRESENTATIVE POSITION – 3rd posting
Applications for the graduate representative for the Board of Visitors (BOV) are accepted now. Download the application at http://www.dsa.vt.edu/BOV/apply.php. The graduate student representative to the BOV serves as a liaison between graduate students and the board. The position provides a great leadership experience, as well as an opportunity to learn about the university’s governance structure and decision-making process. Please consider the position or encourage deserving peers to apply. Contact Nick Warrington at nick.warrington@vt.edu with any questions.
22. INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH HONOR SOCIETY ACCEPTING APPS NOW – 3rd posting
Iota Delta Rho, the Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society, is accepting applications for membership from Monday, Jan 27 through midnight on Sunday, Feb 17. IDR was founded at Virginia Tech in 2011 by graduate students promoting interdisciplinary cooperation and research at Virginia Tech and all other colleges and universities. Two levels of membership: full and associate. Membership application and information about IDR: http://www.idrsociety.org/membership/application/. Direct all questions to Tammy Parece at tammyep@vt.edu.
23. STUDENT BUILDING MANAGER WAGE POSITION OPEN IN GLC – 1st posting
The GLC Student Building Manager works closely with the operations manager for Student Centers and Activities as well as the Graduate School to provide services to GLC patrons, including excellent customer service, overall building management, reserving rooms, oversight of the information desk, basic cleaning (wiping tables, vacuuming, etc.) and administrative support. The Student Building Manager has primary responsibility, including emergency response, for the building during evening and weekend hours. Up to 2 positions to start immediately at a rate of $12/hour. Potential candidates should be able to work at least one of the following open shifts:Thursday, Friday, Saturday – 5:30pm-10-pm, Saturday – 10am-5:30pm. Preference given to those able to work multiple open shifts. Apply online at: https://listings.jobs.vt.edu/postings/45961; click the “Student Centers and Activities ‘VT Graduate Student’ Pool.” Contact Eric Margiotta (Margiotta@vt.edu) with questions.
24. JEAN B. DUERR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – 3rd posting
This is a scholarship for women who plan to attend, or are already enrolled in, an accredited college or university for the entire 2014-2015 academic year. Awards of $2000 will be given to those applicants who best demonstrate academic achievement and community service. – See more at: http://graduateschool.vt.edu/financial/funding/students/duerr.
25. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR MENTAL WORKLOAD STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are needed for a study to investigate how mental and postural demands affect our overall mental workload. You’ll be asked to do some simple mental tasks while researchers measure your postural stability, heart rate, and brain activity using EEG. Study participants must be right-handed, between the ages of 18-30 with no history of low back pain. The study will take 2 hours and you will be compensated $10 per hour of participation. Participation is voluntary and confidential. Please contact Ralph at rhcullen@vt.edu or (404) 913-1486.
26. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR MUSCULAR IMBALANCE STUDY – 1st posting
Participants needed for a study that assesses muscular imbalances in the neck and shoulder area in patients with postural deficiencies. Participants must be 18 or older and show postural changes such as: forward head posture, elevated and protracted shoulders, and winging of the scapulae. Common symptoms include: neck pain, shoulder pain, and cervical headaches. Participants must be free of diseases that prevent physical loading, and should not have had prior surgery involving the cervical or thoracic spine and shoulders. Participants are required to perform muscle strength, muscle endurance, and range of motion exercises. There will be one experimental session which lasts approximately 2 – 3 hours. You will be compensated $10/ hour. For more information please contact Matthias Treff at matreff@vt.edu.
27. SURVEY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON DRIVING DISTRACTIONS – 1st posting
VT-SCORE (VT Signal Control & Operation Research and Education Systems lab) researchers are conducting a survey to investigate the relationship between transit operator’s driving behavior and on-board transit distractions. The results of the study will be used to improve the safety of transit occupants. The survey will take about 5 minutes to complete. Your participation in this study is completely voluntary and confidential. All participants must be at least 18 years old. Access the survey at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13kOgv4Lm4259Dexu4Rb4zNFzdXhyFEp-KvyC6kaI5Wk/viewform. Contact Nurlayla Arbie at 540-577-1676 or arbien@vt.edu with any questions.
28. GRAD STUDENT BIKE COMMUTING SURVEY – 1st posting
At the last GSA delegate meeting there was a great discussion regarding bike transportation as it pertains to graduate students. Based on this, a survey has been created to get feedback from graduate students regarding increasing bike parking, and whether or not a large bike parking lot is good for the graduate community. Bike commuters, potential bike commuters, and non-bike commuters are urged to give any comments. Please complete the survey by Feb 14 at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1390361722551. Contact Sarah Mazza (mazza@vt.edu) with any other comments or concerns.
29. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE STUDY – 1st posting
VT-SCORES is conducting a study to investigate user behavior during simulated experience of riding inside of self-driving vehicle. The study will take around 30 min, and your participation can contribute to the development of novel self-driving vehicle control technology. Participation is completely voluntary and confidential. Participants will get a first-hand experience dealing with self-driving vehicle technology. You can opt out of the experiment at any time if you experience any minimal risks, or for any other reason. Must be at least 18 years of age. If you are interested in participating or have questions, contact Milos Mladenovic at 540-553-5949 or at milosm@vt.edu.
30. SURVEY PARTICIPANTS NEEDED REGARDING FUTURE BT BUS ROUTES – 1st posting
As part of the planning for future routes, Blacksburg Transit recently developed a short survey to help identify the transportation needs of Town of Blacksburg residents and students. The purpose of the route analysis is to improve bus service in the Town of Blacksburg and on the VT campus. Responses to this survey will help highlight existing deficiencies, identify future opportunities, and ultimately help decision-makers develop an improved transit system. The survey will remain open online until February 12, 2014. Those who complete the survey will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win one of three $25 gift cards. Access the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BTSurvey1. For more information, contact Ken Tucker at ktucker@blacksburg.gov or (540) 443-7100 ext. 2055.
31. RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR USER STUDY OF BIOINFORMATICS RESOURCE – 1st posting
Participate in a study to investigate the underlying processes of bioinformatics experiments. The study will take approximately 2 hours and will involve eye-tracking with think-aloud while you perform tasks using a computer. Preferred participants are proficient in the use of bioinformatics resources, are familiar with the process of functionally analyzing a gene sequence.We will compensate participants at a rate of $10 per hour for a maximum of 2 hours, or a maximum of $20 total. The protocols in this study have been approved by the VT IRB (14-055). If you are interested, please contact Jongsoon Park via email babirong@vt.edu or call 540-558-8369.
32. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR MANUAL MATERIAL HANDLING STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are needed for a study on manual material handling tasks. 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 18-40. Participants will be compensated $10/hr. If interested, please contact Alireza Sedighi at sedighia@vt.edu for further details.
33. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR METABOLISM STUDY – 2nd posting
Volunteers are needed for a study examining how cocoa influences metabolism in individuals with pre-diabetes (high glucose levels). Participants must be: adults between the ages of 40-75; overweight or obese (body mass index 25-40); not currently taking any blood pressure or diabetes medications; non-smokers; without any major medical problems; willing to eat a controlled study diet for 4 weeks; Pregnant women or those who plan to become pregnant or have taken antibiotics in the past 3 months are not eligible for this study. Participants will receive information about glucose and cholesterol levels, body composition, and blood pressure, and may receive up to $300 compensation for their time. If you meet the above requirements and are interested in participating in this research study, please contact Karen at the Human Integrative Physiology Laboratory at Virginia Tech by email: heartlab@vt.edu.
34. SURVEY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT – 2nd posting
Clemson-University doctoral student Younsuk Kong invites you to participate in this research study that examines leisure-time physical activity behavior of graduate students in order to identify factors that influence physical activity behavior. The questionnaire will take approximately 10 minutes to complete: https://qtrial.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6DXcU3PdFlLtQSp. Contact Younsuk Kong at younsuk@clemson.edu with questions.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
GENDER AROUND THE WORLD: REFLECTIONS FROM PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS
Tuesday, Feb 18, 6:30-7:30pm, GLC Room B
Grad students are invited to an interactive returned-Peace-Corps-volunteer panel to hear what volunteers learned about gender issues while serving abroad. Serving in the Peace Corps is a great way to help a community in need, immerse yourself in a new culture, learn a new language, and have the experience of a lifetime. Volunteers also come face to face with many cultural distinctions. Hosted by Peace Corps Recruiter and returned volunteer Rachael Kennedy (Uzbekistan, ’00-’01) and Peace Corps Ambassador, Cassandra Carver. For more info contact Rachael at kennedy3@vt.edu.
THE ARMSTRONG LIE
Wednesday, Feb 19, 7:00pm, GLC Auditorium
The Gamma Omega chapter of the Phi Beta Delta international honor society will host a screening of this documentary film that chronicles the story of the American former professional cyclist Lance Armstrong. Free and open to the public. Phi Beta Delta supports and promotes diversity through recognizing achievements and activities in international scholarship, teaching, and service by faculty, staff, and students.
IDR DAY 2014
Thursday, Feb 27, The Inn at Virginia Tech
Learn about how to form and work in an interdisciplinary team, explore the importance of interdisciplinary graduate education, and come together with a diverse array of participants to solve real-world problems important to our local and regional area. Enjoy a poster session and free buffet dinner! Keynote: Dr. Michelle Bennett, NIH, Interdisciplinary Teams and Toolkits. VT speakers: Drs. Peter Vikesland, CEE, IGEP and Ben Knapp, Director of the Center for the Arts and ICAT. Register at www.idrsociety.org. Contact Bahareh Estejab at bestejab@vt.edu for more info.