1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC – updated 4/21
- 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
- Financial Aid advising: Tuesdays 8:30-10:30 by appointment; 10:30-12:30 by walk-in, Room A
- GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursday, Reading Room or GLC side patio – 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. CELEBRATE SISTERHOOD WITH BAC
Monday-Sunday, Apr 21-27
Grad student Brielle Wright, along with the Blacksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority inc. invites you to join in celebrating Sisterhood all week long through activities that empower you to serve, lead you to inspire, and provide the essence of true fellowship. If you would like to volunteer at the Food Drive Across the NRV event or have any questions regarding the week of events, email Brielle Wright at ppd@bacdst13.org.
3. PERSONAL FINANCE WORKSHOP FOR GRADS – 1st posting
Tuesday, Apr 22, 6:30pm, Pamplin 1045
Personal financial planning is not a topic that most young professionals understand well. It includes understanding how to conduct personal financial planning in order to assure security and financial well-being in your later years. The MBA program offers a personal finance workshop to all graduate students, presented by MBA alumnus Derek Klock, a faculty member in Pamplin’s Finance Department.
4. GRADS SOUGHT FOR FOCUS GROUP FOR “FOOD SECURITY” COURSE DEVELOPMENT – sign up now
Wednesday, Apr 23, 5:30-7:30pm, 1810 Litton Reaves
The Appalachian Foodshed Project (AFP) is working with communities, farmers, policymakers, non-profits, and institutions to better understand community food security in Appalachia. Faculty involved with the AFP are planning a graduate-level Community Food Security Course to be offered to any graduate student interested in this topic from both a practitioner and scholarly perspectives. To ensure this course meets student needs, your input is needed! For example: What do you know about food security? What do you want to know? What information do you need for a future career? There will be two focus groups for graduate students to discuss how the upcoming course should be designed. Your participation will help with the design of course content, course activities and assessment techniques. Participants in the 90-min focus group will be provided with dinner prior to the meeting. If interested, contact Garland Mason at garlandm@vt.edu.
5. TIE-DYE AND TACOS
Thursday, Apr 24, 11:00am-1:00pm, Graduate School Lawn
The GLC Fellows want to add bit of color to your wardrobe. All grad students are invited to the free lunch and tie dying event. There will be a limited number of shirts/items available at the lunch, but you can also bring anything else you want to have tie dyed. Please register at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1396601582380.
6. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE CLASSROOM: WHAT FACULTY NEED TO KNOW
Thursday, Apr 24, 12:00-1:00pm, North End Center Conference Room 3600
Presenter Robyn Hudson will cover this important topic that could be relevant to GTA’s teaching undergraduate classes or to graduate students who have disabilities themselves. Drinks and desserts provided.
7. GLC CAFÉ: CORNHOLE EDITION
Thursday, Apr 24, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room or GLC side patio if it’s sunny
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. If the weather allows, we’ll be painting a new cornhole set on the side patio. Come and help!
8. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE WEEKLY DROP IN CHILD CARE
Thursdays, 6:00pm, Women’s Center
Need a break? Have to study or attend a lecture? Want to catch up on work? If you are a VT student with children, bring your kids aged 2-12. No need to pre-register. Childcare provided by the women of Chi Delta Alpha sorority. KNO will be held every Thursday throughout the semester except when classes are not in session. For more information contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu.
9. COMMUNITY VOICES PRESENTS: CULTURAL DIPLOMACY AND ENGAGEMENT IN DIFFICULT PLACES
Thursday, Apr 24, 7:00pm, The Lyric
Grad student Sabith Khan invites all grad students to this talk by John Ferguson about the work they do through American Voices – an NGO that promotes cultural engagement through music and art in the MENA and South Asia region. Ferguson will highlight the work American Voices, whose ground breaking cultural diplomacy and engagement efforts in nations emerging from conflict or isolation have won several national and international awards. Ferguson’s talk will address the need for both long-term projects as well as single high profile events for successful cultural diplomacy. For more information contact Sabith at khanpgg@vt.edu.
10. VETERANS IN SOCIETY CONFERENCE
Sunday, Apr 27 – Monday, Apr 28, Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke, VA
For anyone interested in issues related to veterans and military families, this conference features outstanding events, including nationally acclaimed live theater, award-winning film screenings, invited speakers, compelling research presentations, and opportunities for important dialogue. Free for all students; half-price for any non-student veterans. Read more and register online at http://veteransinsociety.wordpress.com/2014-conference/. For questions, please contact grad student Heidi Nobles, hgn2013@vt.edu.
11. INTERNATIONAL STREET FAIR
Sunday, Apr 27, 12:00-5:00pm, Downtown Blacksburg
International Street Fair is organized by the Council of International Student Organizations (CISO) and Cranwell International Center and is held in downtown Blacksburg where College Avenue is transformed into a multicultural marketplace where vendors sell international foods, handicrafts, and more. The fair also features live performances of traditional music and dance from around the world. For more information contact the CISO advisor at international@vt.edu, or visit the event website at http://www.international.vt.edu/programs_and_activities/events/international_street_fair/index.html.
12. GSA ELECTIONS FOR EXEC BOARD MEMBERS
The Graduate Student Assembly will hold elections for its executive board officers at the April delegate meeting. If you are interested in being involved with the governance process at Virginia Tech or helping to work with the GSA to plan events, now is the time to step up. Elections will be for the President, Vice-President of Membership, Vice-President of Programs, Treasurer, and Secretary. The duties and responsibilities for these positions can be found in the GSA Bylaws at http://www.gsa.graduateschool.vt.edu/about/bylaws. If interested in running for any of these positions, send a one-page letter of interest to Jenn Gooding, jgooding@vt.edu, by Apr 22, 5:00pm. The letter should indicate which position you are interested in, your relevant experience, and what you hope to bring to the position. Candidates will also need to prepare a two minute speech for the April delegate meeting to be held on Thursday, Apr 24, 5:30-7:00pm. GLC Multi-purpose Room. If you have questions about the elections process or any of the positions, contact GSA Executive Assistant, Jenn Gooding (jgooding@vt.edu) or the GSA President, Greg Purdy (gtpurdy@vt.edu).
13. HONOR SYSTEM SEARCH FOR CHIEF JUSTICE NOW OPEN – 1st posting
The Graduate Honor System is searching for a new chief justice due to the impending graduation of the current chief justice, Jordan Booker. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- must be a graduate student in good standing who has been in residence for a minimum of one semester
- be able to serve as Chief Justice for at least one year while enrolled full-time in the Blacksburg campus.
- Preferably applicants should have experience as a GHS investigator or panelist. Apply by May 16 by submitting a statement of intent, a resume, and one letter of reference to gibsonm@vt.edu. The new Chief Justice will be selected by a committee and ratified by the Graduate Student Assembly and the Commission on Graduate Studies and Policies before final appointment by the president. If you have any questions, email to Monika Gibson at gibsonm@vt.edu.
14. CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR MONTHLY CONTEST “CREATIVITY ON CAMPUS – 1st posting
The Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (ICAT) at Virginia Tech has organized a monthly contest named "Creativity on Campus," which encourages and provides a platform for students to showcase their creativity. Learn more about the contest and submission guidelines at http://www.icat.vt.edu/creativity. For more information contact Manpreet at khmanp8@vt.edu.
15. (VIDEO) GRADUATION 101 SERIES: ETD REVIEW
A video is available at http://youtu.be/aLRTzPOdsp8 for those who missed the April ETD webinar. See Graduate School website at http://graduateschool.vt.edu/academics/degree_completion for information on degree completion guidelines and deadlines.
16. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE FOR PHI BETA DELTA INTL HONOR SOCIETY – 3rd posting
The annual spring membership drive for VT’s Gamma Omega chapter of Phi Beta Delta, the first honor society dedicated to recognizing scholarly achievement in international education, is open. The society’s goals are to recognize the scholarly achievement of international students and scholars, U.S. students who have studied abroad, and faculty and staff who are involved in international activities, to advance the development of academic-based international programming, to provide a network on each campus for faculty, staff, and international students involved in international endeavors, and to extend the network of members in chapters worldwide. New members are sought who are willing to help expand program activities and increase visibility on campus through work with special events, public relations, awarding of scholarships and recognitions, and membership development. For more information, contact Betty Watts (bettyw@vt.edu, 540-231-7220). See http://www.iss.vt.edu/index.php/phi-beta-delta-international-honor-society/membership-and-applications for more info. Apply by Apr 25.
17. GOVERNOR’S FELLOWS PROGRAM APPLICATION OPEN – 2nd posting
This program offers an opportunity to experience firsthand the administration of state government in the Commonwealth. The deadline to apply for the 2014 summer program is April 21, 2014. For more information visit https://governor.virginia.gov/commonwealth/governors-fellows-program/. Contact Amy McPherson in Career Services (amcphers@vt.edu) about stipends offered for accepted VT students.
18. GA POSITION FOR 2014-15 OPEN IN OFFICE OF DIVERSITY & INCLUSION – 3rd posting
Full-time (20 hrs/wk) graduate assistant needed in the Office for Diversity and Inclusion for 2014-2015 academic year. Possibility of renewal at the end of the academic year. A monthly stipend, tuition remission, and insurance subsidy provided. Responsibilities include: event coordination and support; general office assistance; alumni, student and faculty correspondence; volunteer supervision. The successful applicant will have a dedication and passion for diversity and inclusion, along with the ability to organize and multitask. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint preferred. Some evening and weekend hours are required for several alumni events held throughout the year. Email both Latanya Walker (latanya@vt.edu) and Mia Mickenberg (miam87@vt.edu) with your resume and cover letter if interested.
19. GA OPPORTUNITY FOR 2014-15 – 3rd posting
The Student Success Center is hiring a full-time (20 hrs/wk) Graduate Assistant for the 2014-15 academic year, reporting to the Assistant Director in The Student Success Center (SSC). The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting with the development, implementation and assessment of The Student Success Center Tutoring Program, provide group and individual tutoring to undergrads enrolled in math courses at VT, focusing on courses offered through the Virginia Tech Math Emporium including Math 1015, 1016, 1525, and 1526. This position requires a high level of initiative and strong interpersonal, organizational, leadership, and presentation skills. Preference will be given to graduate students pursuing a degree in Math, but those who have a strong Math background (undergraduate major/minor) will also be considered. For more details and application instructions, visit http://www.studentsuccess.vt.edu/Employment/gatut.pdf. If you have questions about The Tutoring Program or the position, contact Dana McGuire at dana.mcguire@vt.edu. Apply by May 1.
20. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR SHORT SURVEY ON YMCA – 1st posting
Four graduate students in the the Center for Public Administration and Policy are looking for participants in a short survey to support their research paper on the efficiency of the organizational methods of the YMCA. Please help them by completing this two-minute anonymous survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1397596726366. If you have any questions, contact Christina Downie at christinadownie@gmail.com.
21. RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR LOAD CARRIAGE STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are needed for a VT study investigating different load carriage methods on flat and inclined surfaces, and how these methods influence injury risk. The study (IRB # 14-347) consists of one session for about 3 hours. Requirements: male or female, 18-60 years of age, with no recent history of balance disorders, concussions, musculoskeletal injury in the past affecting normal walking or turning. Participants will be compensated $10/hr. If interested, please contact: hema85@vt.edu or 540-449-9481.
22. SURVEY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON LIFE SCIENCE COMMUNITIES – 2nd posting
Researchers are working to define how best to support community knowledge sharing in life science online resources; from sharing data within a small group of colleagues to sharing expertise and opinions across broader biological science communities. Preferred participants are familiar with web applications for biological scientists (e.g., NCBI, PubMed) and/or bioinformatics tools. The survey should not take more than 15 minutes and participants will be entered in a raffle for one of twelve $25 Amazon gift cards. If you want to participate in the raffle, leave your email at the end of the survey. Access the survey at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1384815139346, or contact Jongsoon Park at babirong@vbi.vt.edu with questions.
23. EMOTIONAL RESPONSES SURVEY – 2nd posting
Researchers are recruiting adults (men and women 18 and older) for a study on emotional responses to better understand the relationship between empathy, emotion regulation, and helping behaviors. Every participant who takes the survey will be included in a raffle to win 1 of 4 $50.00 Amazon gift cards. All responses will be kept anonymous and estimated survey completion time is under 30 minutes. Access the study at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3ZM38BK. If you have any questions, contact Haley at hgordon2@vt.edu
24. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR QUICK PILOT SURVEY ON HEALTHY LIVING ATTITUDES – 2nd posting
Any and all participants are needed for a quick, 38-question, pilot survey on healthy-living attitudes. The survey will take no longer than 5 minutes to complete and your participation will assist in finalizing a master’s thesis questionnaire. If you have any questions, contact Mallory Taylor at mtay16@vt.edu. The survey is accessible at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_ePPF9TkQ8A060Rf.
25. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR LUMBAR SPINE STUDY – 2nd posting
The VT Industrial Ergonomics and Biomechanics Laboratory will conduct a study examining the mechanics of the lumbar spine in healthy adults. Participants will work with a research assistant to twist and bend the subject’s torso within the limits of daily living. The study requires a single experimental session that lasts for 2-3 hours. Participating subjects will be compensated $10/hr for their time. Subjects 25 years and older are preferred, but subjects over 18 will be considered. Subjects must not suffer from any systemic inflammatory condition or any other series medical condition, or have a history of a spinal disorder, spinal fracture, or spinal surgery. For more information, e-mail: voinier3@vt.edu.
26. USER-STUDY PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR FLEXIBLE INPUT STUDY – 3rd posting
Researchers will be studying how you use, create and design objects using a flexible input computer system during one max. 2-hr session, including what you create, and how your system applies to your expertise. The location is at Knowledgeworks II, and times are flexible to adhere to your busy schedule. If selected for the study, you will be given a pre-questionnaire gauging your experiences with surface design, design, and art, and you will be trained on how to use the system. For the experimental session, you will be asked to design a set of scenes, concluding with a scene of your own creation. A video camera will be recording you and what you do during the training and experimental session. Afterwards, you will be given a post-questionnaire, and interviewed on the interactions performed. Participants must be 18-64 years old, free of health detriments that could impede, delay or harm them in performing hand movements and completing questionnaires. You must also have a minimum of a month experience in 3D modeling or art in a tangible medium. Contact Anamary Leal at leal@vt.edu to participate & schedule a meeting time.
27. CALL FOR PARTICIPATION FOR 10 MINUTE SURVEY ON EMAIL USE – 3rd posting
Participants are sought for a research study to investigate email practices, with the goal of gaining insight into the habits and practices of daily email users. The study consists of a 10-15 minute online questionnaire that asks about the reasons that you use email. If you are interested in participating in this study, go to https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3QaboJsZ0hrmOFv to take the online questionnaire. Your answers will be kept confidential and your participation is voluntary. If you have any questions or comments about this study, contact Ben Hanrahan at bhanraha@vt.edu.
28. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR MENTAL WORKLOAD STUDY – 3rd posting
Participants are needed for a study to investigate how mental and postural demands affect our overall mental workload. Participants will be asked to do some simple mental tasks while researchers measure your postural stability and brain activity using EEG. Must be right-handed between the ages of 18-30 with no history of low back pain to participate. The study will take 3 hours and you will be compensated $10 per hour of participation. Participation is voluntary and confidential. Please contact Ralph at rhcullen@vt.edu if interested.
29. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AUTOMATIC RECOGNITION OF FACIAL EXPRESSIONS STUDY – 3rd posting
Researchers are developing a new system for automatic recognition of facial expressions using the Kinect. Participants will be asked to watch a computer monitor and make some different emotional expressions. Participation time: about 45 mins; must be 10-30 years old to participate. Students eligible for SONA credit will receive One Credit Hour. Others will be entered in a raffle to win a $25 gift card from Amazon. https://filebox.ece.vt.edu/~abbott/expressions. If interested, call 540-231-8276 or email to atruban@vt.edu.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
AEL LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP
Monday, Apr 28, 10:00am-5:00pm
This workshop offers hands-on training on managerial techniques that are useful for graduate students to excel in real-life jobs. The training will be conducted by business leaders in Rackspace (an IT company). Upon completion, a certificate will be awarded to each participant, endorsed by AEL, Graduate School, and Rackspace. Registration is required at http://goo.gl/dylVFb.
GLC MARIO KART 64 TOURNAMENT
Monday, Apr 28, 8:00pm-10:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
Think you can still race around the track like you used to? Prove it! The GLC Mario Kart Tournament is open to grad students of all racing skill levels. There will be a first place prize and best of all: everyone gets pizza! Because of the limited amount of spots, you must register online at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1396599070249.
MEDITATION SESSION
Tuesday, Apr 29, 3:00-4:30pm, Squires Student Center Room 341-45
Come and experience enhanced focus and concentration, greater peace of mind, more enthusiasm and energy, reduced anxiety levels and better health. This event is an introduction to meditation and guided meditation would be provided by the instructors. This free event is open to public and is brought to you by grad student Mohammad Hazzanzadeh, member of the VT Art of Living club.
SCHOLAR-ACTIVISM ROUNDTABLE
Wednesday, Apr 30, 11:30am, Black Cultural Center in Squires
The event will begin with a meet and greet at 11:30, followed by the roundtable starting promptly at noon. The roundtable will include a conversation on how we can use our training, commitments, passions, privileges and perspectives to make a positive social impact. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/231788830348555/, or contact doctoral student Devon Lee at devonlee@vt.edu.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Apr 30, 4:00-6:00pm, GLC Room F
This workshop is organized as part of a diversity scholar project with the main objectives of helping participants understand (1) culture from an individualist and collectivist perspective (2) culture from masculine and feminine perspective (3) cultural communications such as indirect vs. direct approaches (4) the impact of avoiding and yielding in conflict situations. Speakers Dale Robinson and Ennis McCrery are experts in compliance and conflict resolution management. Food and coffee will be served. Register at: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1397674698002 by Apr 25 if planning to attend. Contact Nasibeh at nasibeh@vt.edu with questions.
HISPANIC-LATINO ACHIEVEMENT CEREMONY – register now!
Thursday, May 15, 4:30 pm, Recital Salon in Squires
The 10th annual VT Hispanic-Latino Achievement Ceremony celebrates the graduation of students who recognize their Hispanic roots. Family, colleagues, and friends gather to honor the graduating student. Coordinated by the Hispanic and Latino Faculty and Staff Caucus, LASO, and MPS. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 15 at 4:30 in the Recital Salon, followed by a reception in Old Dominion Ballroom, Squires Student Center. Please RSVP at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?surveyId=1395332349807 no later than Friday Apr 11.