1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – updated 1/26
- Career Services advising: Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC lobby
- Cook Counseling: Thursdays and Fridays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
- GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursday, Reading Room
- Statistical consulting by LISA: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 10:00am-12:00pm, Room A
- Writing assistance: Thursdays starting Jan 29 5:00-8:00pm, Room A
2. AFFORDABLE CARE ACT INFO SESSIONS
Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan 27 and 28, 12:00-1:00pm and 5:30-7:00pm, Room C
Attend one of the four sessions to learn about your potential eligibility for financial assistance on monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs associated with health insurance obtained through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
3. THESIS/DISSERTATION-WRITING SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesdays bi-weekly, Jan 27, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room D
Do you need some support with staying on track with your writing? Share some of your experiences with fellow grad students who are going through the same process and take advantage of a safe place to decompress from the stress of your thesis/dissertation. Join this dissertation support group and see how it may support your progress. Bring your own lunch! Contact Monika Gibson at gibsonm@vt.edu for more information.
4. OPEN AUDITIONS FOR “BURIEL AT THEBES”
Tuesday, Jan 27, 6:00-9:00pm, 104 Performing Arts Building
Looking for male and female actors for an adaptation of the Greek tragedy ‘Antigone’ written by Seamus Heaney and directed by grad student Naphtali Fields. The play examines the impetus and honor of an individual vs. the authority of the state. It’s a haunting piece with incredible roles for actors and singers. If you haven’t had very much acting experience, don’t be intimidated! The director is looking for people who are enthusiastic and interested in telling a powerful story. Contact Naphtali Fields at naphtalifields@gmail.com with audition questions.
5. RESUME WRITING WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Jan 28, 5:30pm, GLC Room G
Having a well-polished resume is the most critical step toward getting an interview. Start early and be ready for fall career fairs and on-campus interviews. Contact Amy McPherson at amcphers@vt.edu if you have questions.
6. A CONVERSATION ON RACE: DIVERSITY & UNITY ON CAMPUS
Wednesday, Jan 28, 6:30-8:00pm, Squires Old Dominion Ballroom
What’s your experience of racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity at Virginia Tech? Join students and community members seeking a healthier campus climate through this interactive dinner and dialogue. Sponsored by InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship and the Division of Student Affairs.
7. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Jan 29, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of your graduate student and Grad School colleagues. Relax, explore big and small ideas, and build your network of colleagues and friends.
8. RACIAL DIVISION: HOW IS RELIGION PART OF THE PROBLEM?
Friday, Jan 30, 12:15-1:10pm, GLC Room C
This interactive dialogue and Bible discussion is the first of a three-week series called Continuing a Conversation on Race. All are welcome to bring a lunch and join in. Sponsored by InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship.
9. GAME NIGHT WITH QGP&A
Friday, Jan 30, 6:30-9:00pm, GLC Room B
Join Queer Grads, Professionals and Allies (QGP&A) for an evening of board games and conversation. Contact Darren dmaczka@vt.edu with questions.
10. GENERAL INTEREST MEETING FOR THE INTERLOPER
Sunday, Feb 1, 1:00-2:00pm, 370/80 Shanks Hall
The Interloper, Virginia Tech’s LGBT magazine, is gearing up for its third issue! The magazine is looking for writers, photographers, artists, and editors to contribute. Attend their general interest meeting on Sunday to learn more or emai Matty Bennett at matthew@vt.edu with any questions.
11. CALL FOR ABSTRACTS FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH DAY POSTER SESSION – 1st posting
The Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society (IDR) invites abstract submissions for the poster session during the annual Interdisciplinary Research Day, to be held at The Inn at Virginia Tech on Febr 26, 2015. Abstracts showing an integration of interdisciplinary research are welcome in all categories. If your research integrates work from different disciplines, consider sharing your work! Cash awards presented to winners. Submission deadline is Jan 30, 2015. Instructions and submission form are at: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1386293281414. Contact Rachael Kennedy (kennedy3@vt.edu) or Souvick Chatterjee (souvick8@vt.edu) with questions.
12. WALK-IN STATISTICAL CONSULTING BY LISA, SPRING 2015 SCHEDULE
Available Jan 20-May 6, closed during spring break (Mar 9-13). A statistical consultant is available Monday through Friday when classes are in session to answer your quick questions or to help with research projects requiring less than 30 minutes of assistance. For more in-depth questions or longer projects, complete the LISA request form and a team of statistical collaborators will be assigned to work with you. Note: LISA does not assist with class projects or homework. Schedule and locations:
- Mon-Fri 1-3 pm, Room 103 Old Security Building (OSB)
- Mondays 3-5 pm, Port:Digital Research Commons (Torgersen Bridge)
- Wednesdays 10am-12pm, 403-J Hutcheson Hall (LISA Meeting Room)
- Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday, 10am-12 pm in GLC Meeting Room A
For more information visit http://www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/.
13. SPACES STILL AVAILABLE IN NEW LITTLE HOKIE™ HANGOUT
The Graduate School’s new parent cooperative playgroup will hold a final Open House this Saturday at Luther Memorial Lutheran Center from 2:00-5:00pm. For more information visit http://childcare.graduateschool.vt.edu or email childcare@vt.edu.
14. JOIN ITRAAB ARABIC MUSIC ENSEMBLE – 2nd posting
Itraab Arabic Music Ensemble, whose name means "creating enchantment through music," invites the musically inclined to join the preparations to present at the VT Center for the Arts Islamic Worlds Festival on Apr 11, 2015. Learn vocal pieces from various parts of the Arab world and basic percussion skills on the frame drum. Instruments will be provided for use. Musical experience is a plus, but not necessary. People who already play Arabic musical instruments (`ud, nay, qanun, violin, darabukka, etc.) are encouraged to contact the instructor if interested in performing on these instruments. Young people (ages 10 and up) are welcome to participate with a parent. Rehearsals will take place Saturdays 10:00am-12:00pm on Jan 31, Feb 14, Feb 28, Mar 21, Mar 28, and Apr 4, 2015. To register or if you have a question, please contact Sarah at sarahhf@vt.edu or 207-735-3962.
15. ACROSSBORDERS@VT INVITES INTL LGBTQ STUDENTS – 2nd posting
Do you identify yourself as international and LGBTQ? Do you need a safe space to talk about issues related to being international and identifying as LGBTQ? AcrossBorders@VT is an informal group that addresses the needs and concerns of international LGBTQ people at Virginia Tech. Privacy and confidentiality of members is encouraged. If you are interested or have questions, please contact acrossborders.vt@gmail.com. In addition, email to join the closed Facebook group to connect with other international LGBTQ people.
16. STUDENT ENGAGEMENT TRAVEL GRANT – 2nd posting
This grant supports student travel to a professional conference or a professional development opportunity that promotes the culture of Ut Prosim at VT and furthers the scholarship of engagement. The grants are awarded to students who have been accepted to present or attend a conference or professional meeting. All full- or part-time students who meet these criteria are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit: http://www.engage.vt.edu/grants-awards/.
17. LANGUAGE COURSES FOR SPOUSES AND PARTNERS OF VT STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES
The Language and Culture Institute (CLI) offers a new program that allows international spouses and partners of VT students, employees and other affiliates to take reduced-rate English classes. The English Language Program for International Spouses/Partners provides instruction to individuals in F-2, H-4, and J-2 statuses. Classes are offered during two 8-9 week sessions and offer instruction in all skill areas — including listening, speaking, reading, writing, and pronunciation — from beginning through advanced proficiency levels. The cost is $50 per class and up to two classes may be taken per semester. For more information, visit www.lci.vt.edu/spouses.
18. SPRING ENROLLMENT IN AETNA HEALTH INSURANCE – deadline Jan 31
Spring open enrollment period for the university-sponsored plan by Aetna is Dec 19-Jan 31. Visit the Student Medical Insurance Office website at http://www.co.vt.edu/Risk/studenthealthinsr/ for instructions on enrollment, plan details and more. If you have questions, please contact SMI at 231-6226.
19. GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM ABSTRACT SUBMISSION RE-OPEN JAN 26-Feb 6
The 31st Annual Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) Research Symposium will take place on Mar 25, 2015 in the Graduate Life Center. Graduate and advanced undergraduate students are invited to submit an abstract for this event between 12:01am Jan 26 and 11:59pm Feb 6. Visit the Research Symposium website at http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/graduate-research-symposium/ for details and to submit an abstract. Read all information and see resources available for tailoring your abstract to this event in order to communicate your research to a broad audience (Resources for Communicating Research). If you submitted in the fall and did not receive a confirmation email that your abstract was accepted or rejected, please contact us. Contact the Research Symposium Chairs (Alex Hyler and Joyce Zhu) at atgsa.syposium.2015@gmail.com with any questions.
20. REGISTRATION OPEN FOR PAYROLL DEDUCTION OF COMP FEES FOR GRAD ASSISTANTS
The registration system for paying comprehensive fees through payroll deduction for spring 2015 is now open. Graduate students on an assistantship must either pay their comprehensive fees or enroll for payroll deductions by the payment deadline set by the Bursar’s Office. To enroll in payroll deductions, login to Hokie SPA, choose University Account Information menu, and click on Graduate Students on Assistantship, enroll in Payroll Deduction. You must enroll in payroll deduction each semester in which you wish to take advantage of this opportunity.
21. CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT REP TO BOARD OF VISITORS – deadline Feb 13
Applications for Graduate Student Representative to the VT Board of Visitors are accepted until Feb 13, 2015. All currently enrolled graduate students in good standing are encouraged to consider this great leadership and service opportunity to represent graduate students’ voices, needs and interest on the VT Board of Visitors. Learn more at http://www.dsa.vt.edu/BOV/apply.php.
22. NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS NOW OPEN – deadline Feb 6
A number of prestigious awards are granted to graduate students each year, carrying a monetary prize ($200-$1000 each) and award certificate. Discuss the possibility of your nomination by your advisor/department for any of the following awards that will be given out during the Graduate School’s annual awards banquet on March 26, 2015:
- Outstanding Dissertation in (1) math, sciences and engineering, and (1) in social sciences, business and humanities
- Preston Society Master’s Thesis Award
- Graduate Student Teaching Excellence (1) for GTA instructor of record (1) GTA instructor assistant
- Graduate Student Service Excellence
- Graduate Student of the Year (up to three awards given)
- Outstanding master’s and doctoral student in each college and in interdisciplinary programs.
More information about criteria, forms, and process for nomination are at: http://graduateschool.vt.edu/academics/awards/2014_2015.
23. GSA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION (FT GA) OPEN – 1st posting
The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) is seeking applicants for the Executive Director position, to begin during the spring 2015 semester. This is a 20 hr/wk graduate assistantship starting in spring, with preference to continue in 2015-2016 if all parties agree at the end of spring semester. Primary duties include, but are not limited to: planning the Graduate and Professional School Fair, working with the Director of Programs to plan events, assisting with GSA’s funding programs, coordinating the hire of program chairs, maintaining the GSA office, and helping the GSA Board as needed. If you are interested, please e-mail your resume and a letter of interest to Jenn Gooding at jgooding@vt.edu by Tue, Feb 10.
24. FAMILIES AND CHILDREN SOUGHT FOR MINDFULNESS STUDY – 1st posting
VT researchers are looking for families with children ages 7-10 to participate in a study on physiological responses to parent and child interaction. This study involves a 45-min visit to the VT Autism Clinic. You will be asked to complete questionnaires and then participate in an activity with your child. Researchers will collect physiological information from mothers only. Participating children will receive a small toy and parents will be entered in a raffle for three $50 gift cards as compensation. If interested in learning more, contact vtinteractionstudy@gmail.com or call (540) 231-2053.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
NUSPARK BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Tuesday, Feb 3, 5:30pm, Turner Place
NuSpark, the innovation-, entrepreneurial- and incubation space available to all students and faculty of Virginia Tech, is celebrating its success. After a year of success, it’s time to celebrate! Join NuSpark for an evening of snacks, networking, hearing from the teams, and even a Twitter challenge with prizes! Please sign up at https://www.facebook.com/events/1525903384341348/. This message is posted on behalf of graduate student Scott Walker, scott18w@vt.edu.