1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – no services this week
The Graduate School will close at noon on Wednesday and will remain closed for the rest of the week. Graduate students may access the GLC with their Hokie Passport (card readers are at the Otey Street and Bookstore side entrances) even when the building is closed.
2. T-BREAK LUNCH 2014
Monday, Nov 24, 11:30am-2:00pm in the GLC Multipurpose Room
You are not alone! Join others who don’t get to leave for Thanksgiving break for some soup (meat and vegetarian options) and conversation. For dessert there will be pie! Meet other graduate students, international students, and Grad School, Cranwell and Division of Student Affairs staff, and enjoy some soup, bread, and a variety of home-made pies. Please sign up at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1416000179329 to help us estimate the food that will be needed. This event is co-sponsored by the Graduate School and the Cranwell International Center.
3. NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR GRAD SCHOOL DIVERSITY SCHOLARS 2014-15 COHORT – 2nd posting
The Graduate School invites nominations for the 2014-2015 Diversity Scholars cohort. Diversity Scholars are graduate students who specialize in and advocate for the awareness, knowledge and skills associated with diversity and inclusion. More information at http://graduateschool.vt.edu/diversity/scholars_program. Deadline: Dec 10, 2014. For more information contact Dannette Gomez Beane, gomezds@vt.edu.
4. VIDEO AVAILABLE OF “GRADUATION 101: ETD REVIEW” WEBINAR
A video is available online for those who missed the ETD review webinar in November. Access the video at iTunes U, http://itunes.apple.com/itunes-u/graduate-school/id465646313?mt=10 or via YouTube at http://youtu.be/sbm0Bh841tU. For more information on degree completion guidelines and deadlines, see Graduate School website http://graduateschool.vt.edu/academics/degree_completion.
5. CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR XCALIBER AWARD – 3rd posting
The XCaliber Award celebrates courses and significant course projects that demonstrate exemplary use of technology and student-centered pedagogy resulting in high-impact student learning. Submit nominations by Dec 2, 2014. Self-nominations are welcome. This annual award is funded by the Provost and presented by Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS), a division of the Office of Information Technology. Recipients receive a cash award and a commemorative plaque, and are invited to showcase their award-winning activities at a special event. Additional details at https://www.tlos.vt.edu/xcaliber_awards/. If you have questions, contact the XCaliber Awards Chair Dr. Mary English, director of faculty learning initiatives, TLOS.
6. FT GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP OPENING FOR SPRING 2015 AND BEYOND – 1st posting
Graduate assistantship for inVenTs Living-Learning communities (http://www.science.vt.edu/llc/) beginning Spring 2015; 9 or 12-m, renewable for at least two years; great opportunity for a natural-science-major graduate student looking for experience in STEM education and outreach; students with teaching experience and pedagogy training preferred; must be willing to be trained in large-equipment use (MediaScape, 3D printer, laser cutter; microscope, milling router, ModelMaker). Responsibilities include staffing studio 10hr/wk during M-Th 4-9p; Sa-Su 1-6p; organize and attend meetings; help run studio events; assist with recruitment of companies, etc. To apply, submit CV, cover letter, and contact information for two professional references to Asst. Provost Jill Sible (siblej@vt.edu). Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
7. GRA OPENING IN ADVANCED RESEARCH COMPUTING – 1st posting
Advanced Research Computing (ARC) has an open graduate research assistant position for web development, beginning Spring 2015, to replace the current website (www.arc.vt.edu) with a Drupal-based CMS. The GRA will assist with transitioning the prototype site into production and integrating with other HPC web services; updating the website; solving web problems. Must have strong written and oral communication skills; experience in the Linux operating system environment; expertise in web programming languages (e.g. php, html, xml); motivation to work in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment; ability to work independently on assigned projects. Preferred Qualifications: experience with Drupal; interest in High Performance Computing; knowledge of RESTful API design; experience with SQL databases (mysql, postgres); graphic design experience. If interested, send a resume to Brian Marshall, mimarsh2@vt.edu.
8. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL EXPERIENCES IN STUDY ABROAD – 2nd posting
Participants are sought for a study examining lesbian, gay, and bisexual experiences studying abroad. The data gathered from this study will describe the overall study abroad experience of LGB individuals and investigate how well the study abroad office is meeting students’ needs. This will involve one 1-2 hours interview at a time and location convenient and comfortable for participants. All interviews are confidential and voluntary. Participants must be 18 or older; self-identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, though it is it not necessary to be out; and have studied abroad through Virginia Tech in the past five years. All collected data will be for researcher’s thesis and resulting publications. IRB approved (IRB #14-900). Contact Megan Nanney at mnanney@vt.edu for more information.
9. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR ONLINE SURVEY ABOUT COMPOSITION SKILLS – 3rd posting, corrected link
VT graduate students are sought to complete an anonymous, 5-minute online survey developed by a grad student in English about the transferability of writing skills learned during undergraduate studies in composition courses. Participants must be at least 18 and have completed at least one(1) composition course as an undergrad. This study examines how well university composition courses prepare students for working in their field of study, both academically and professionally, by providing skills such as: critical thinking, critical communicating, writing, and researching. The results from the survey will be used to assess undergraduate composition courses and how well they prepare students for their intended majors and professional fields. Access the survey at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1415050141380. For more information, contact Natalie Richoux at nchambe7@vt.edu.
Upcoming Events:
GRADUATION 101 WEBINAR SERIES: FINAL STEPS TO COMPLETING YOUR DEGREE
Monday, Dec 1, 1:00-2:00pm (online)
The Graduate School hosts monthly Graduation 101 Webinars. Webinar participants will need a computer with Internet access, microphone and speakers to fully participate. Join at https://virginiatech.webex.com/virginiatech/j.php?MTID=m6ac0d8d65b95501a7d0748c449b6c2a3. For assistance, contact Marija Telbis-Forster at mtelbisf@vt.edu.
SHORT STAT COURSES FOR GRADS BY LISA – FALL 2014 SCHEDULE
LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) 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 to learn more. Remaining Fall 2014 Schedule:
- Tuesday, Dec 2: Data Analysis in SAS.
Follow LISA on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Statistical.collaboration or Twitter http://www.twitter.com/LISA_VT to be the first to know about LISA events.
HEALTHY YOU: AN EXCLUSIVE EVENT FOR INTERNATIONAL GRAD STUDENTS
Thursday, Dec 4, 6:00pm-8:00pm, GLC Room C
The GLC Fellows are teaming up with Public Health students to bring all international graduate students an exclusive health training geared towards developing healthy nutritional and exercise habits. Attend this two-hour event filled with helpful tips, fun games, food, and more! Students will learn about what resources Virginia Tech has to offer, and will have the opportunity to speak to fellow international students. Register at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1415994362341. If you have any questions, email GLD Fellow Laura Koehler at lkkoehle@vt.edu.