1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – updated 1/25/16
- Career Services advising: on hiatus until spring; walk-in hours starting on Jan 27
- Cook Counseling: ThF 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
- Graduate School regular hours: 8:00am-5:00pm
- Immigration advising hours: MWF 1:00-5:00pm, TTh 9:00am-12:00pm
- LISA Statistical Consulting: TTh 11:00-1:00, F 10:00-12:00, Room A
- Writing assistance: Th 5:30-8:30, Room A
2. FITNESS LAUNCH PARTY
Monday, Jan 25, 5:00-7:00pm, McComas Hall Single Gym
Join for back-to-back 20-minute samples of different fitness classes! Come and go as you please – it’s the perfect way to try new workout formats for the first time without committing to hour-long classes. If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you. Event is free and open to the VT Community. Schedule and more details coming soon.
3. LUNCH WITH THE DEAN
Tuesday, Jan 26, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room C
Meet Grad School dean Karen P. DePauw and grad student leaders at this free lunch. Learn about the latest in grad education, share your perspective in a casual setting and ask any questions you may have. Register by 3:00pm today if interested in attending: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_0jmOYgud9hDREGN.
4. DISCOVER ISLAM
Tuesday, Jan 26, 12:00-2:00pm, Info Booth A in front of Au Bon Pain at Squires
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world with more than 1.6 billion followers. Muslims come from almost every country in the world and speak almost every language. Learn more about Islam from your Muslim colleagues: stop by, ask questions, get your free copy of Quran interpretation in English, view Islamic art from different countries, get your name in Arabic, and enjoy tasty Arabian dates. Hosted by the Islamic Student Assembly (ISA). Contact grad student Haitham Elmarakeby (marakeby@vt.edu) for more information.
5. PEACE CORPS INFO MEETING
Tuesday, Jan 26, 6:00-7:00pm, GLC Room C
Be part of a new generation of leaders making a difference. As a Peace Corps Volunteer, work directly with communities on their most pressing issues while gaining a competitive advantage in today’s global economy with international experience, cross-cultural understanding, and fluency in a foreign language. Peace Corps experience can springboard careers in the government, nonprofit, academic, and private sectors. Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and campus recruiter Catherine Bukowski will discuss her experience, the application process, followed by open discussion and time for questions. Email peacecorps@vt.edu with any questions.
6. STUDY ABROAD IN MALAWI INFO SESSIONS
Wednesday, Jan 27, 4:30–5:30pm, room 107, Architecture Annex
Friday, Feb 5, 12:00–1:00pm, room 111, Architecture Annex
This new study abroad course will provide students with an opportunity to understand water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) issues in Malawi (southeast Africa) through applied research, fieldwork, small group activities, and classroom lectures. A unique aspect of the course is that U.S. students will work alongside students from Mzuzu University in an effort to promote cultural exchange and enable discussions about ethics and power in the field of international development. 3 credits, 3 weeks (around Jul 11-29), $2,500 excluding course credit and flights, undergrad and grad eligible. Apply online at http://www.educationabroad.vt.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=12215. Posted on behalf of grad student Ashley Taylor.
7. WRITING A WINNING RESUME
Wednesday, Jan 27, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room G
Career Services presents this workshop on how to make your resume competitive. This is the first session among four, and will be followed by interviewing skills (Feb 3), career fair prep (Feb 17), and a LinkedIn lab (Mar 16), all of which could be useful if you are getting ready to (re-)enter the job market.
8. A CONVERSATION ON RACE: UNITY & DIVERSITY ON CAMPUS
Wednesday, Jan 27, 6:30-8:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
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. Please pre-register at: http://bit.ly/ConvOnRace16 to help the organizers order enough food. For more info contact Shavonn Whiten shavonnw@vt.edu.
9. “SETNET “ AUDITIONS FOR PLAY BY GRAD STUDENT
Wednesday-Thursday, Jan 27-28, 7:00-10:00pm, Theater 101
Audition for ‘Setnet,’ an original play written and directed by MFA candidate Naphtali Fields. ‘Setnet’ is the story of a group of commercial fishermen on a remote island in Alaska who struggle to survive the natural and supernatural events the salmon season brings. Cast is 7 men, 1 woman. A capella singing and movement fill this raucous adventura play. Sign up for an hour time slot in Henderson or by emailing to naphtalifields@gmail.com. Prepare a one-minute monologue and a 30-second song to share during auditions. Email Naphtali Fields for more information.
10. GLC MOVIE NIGHT: BEFORE SUNRISE
Wednesday, Jan 27, 7:15-9:15pm, GLC Room F
It’s time for the first GLC movie night of the semester, hosted by the Graduate Fellows! "Before Sunrise" is a classic (check out the trailer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9v6X-Dytlko). Small trivia: It is the 21st anniversary of the movie’s release. Snacks and sodas will be provided. If you have any questions, email Shiwani Dewal at shiwanid@vt.edu.
11. THESIS THURSDAYS
Thursdays, 8:30am-3:30pm
Need a quiet space to work on your thesis, dissertation, or course work? Gotta study for exams? Absolutely have to get that article out, like, yesterday? Thesis Thursday is your answer! This weekly gathering is for grad students who want to keep accountable to a regular work time and need a guaranteed quiet place to work. Meet each Thursday just a few blocks off campus at 107 Church Street – 2nd floor of the State Farm office (entrance on Church Street). Free coffee and wi-fi, plus multiple spots to sit and study alone or in groups. Stop in any time during study hours. Limited parking available. For more details, contact grad student Morgan Franke at fmorg14@vt.edu.
12. WRITING CENTER INFORMATION SESSIONS ON FORMING WRITING SUPPORT GROUPS
Thursday, Jan 28, 12:30-1:00, GLC Room D
Friday, Jan 29, 12:30-1:00, GLC Room D
Do you need some support with writing your thesis, dissertation, journal articles, and more? Would you like some help finding other graduate students to form a writing support group? The Writing Center and the Graduate School are facilitating the forming of writing support groups. Attend one of these information sessions to learn how a writing group may help you stay on task, how to become a member of a writing group, and other techniques that may help you along the way. Can’t make it to the above dates? Two more sessions to on Feb 11 and 12 in the GLC.
13. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Jan 28, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy all kinds of hot beverages and cookies in the company of your grad student and Grad School colleagues. Relax, network, and fill up with empty carbs. Bring your own mug if you can!
14. KIDS NIGHTS OUT RETURNS FOR SPRING – NOTE NEW LOCATION!
Thursdays, starting Jan 28, 6:00-8:30pm, Luther Memorial Church classroom, 600 Prices Fork Rd
If you are a VT student with children, bring your kids aged 2-12 (must be toilet trained); no need to pre-register. Games, toys, books, crafts, homework help, and plenty of fun for participants. Childcare provided by the volunteers of Chi Delta Alpha sorority. KNO is held every Thursday throughout the semester when classes are in session. Park in the lower parking lot (on Prices Fork Road) and go up the stairs. Enter the building through the door (with “Little Hokie Hangout” sign) at the top of the hill with the long access ramp. Children should wash their hands in the bathroom before entering the room. Until renovations are completed at the Women’s Center, KNO will meet at the new location. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu or 231-7806.
15. THE FLINT WATER CRISIS – A TALK BY VT’S FlintWaterStudy TEAM
Thursday, Jan 28, 7:00-8:00pm, Quillen Auditorium, Goodwin Hall
Flint, MI is currently in a state of emergency because of unsafe drinking water and a resulting increase in childhood lead poisoning caused by a bad policy decision to save money. Combining citizen science, laboratory experimentation, investigative reporting and social media, and backed by an NSF grant, the team of students and faculty led by Dr. Marc Edwards pulled off an unprecedented scientific “relief effort” that helped expose a widespread lead-in-water problem and galvanized local, state, and federal efforts to protect Flint families and provide safe drinking water. The event is free and open to the public. Email celong@vt.edu with questions.
16. HOMECOMING BOARD POSITIONS OPEN – 1st posting
Homecoming Board is looking for hard working undergrad and grad students to apply to be on the board for the 2016-2017 school year. There are many positions available including, Parade VP, PR/Marketing VP (and assistants), Decorations committee, and Event Planning positions. This is a great opportunity to add your mark to a long-standing VT tradition while gaining skills in areas that might be helpful for future jobs. The application is on GobblerConnect at https://gobblerconnect.vt.edu/form/start/89396. Direct any questions to Abigail Lewis (abigail4@vt.edu).
17. ENGLISH CONVERSATION GROUPS AT CRANWELL – 2nd posting
The Cranwell International Center offers multiple classes per week for anyone who wishes to improve their English and learn more about the local culture. They are open to Virginia Tech students, researchers, scholars, faculty, visitors and their dependents. Individuals can attend any number of classes per week. If you have any questions, email international@vt.edu. The conversation groups are free of charge and require no registration. See schedule: http://www.international.vt.edu/programs_and_activities/english_conversation_groups/index.html.
18. GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FEB 1 – 3rd posting
The deadline to submit abstracts for the 32nd annual GSA Research Symposium & Expo has been extended to Feb 1. The Graduate Student Assembly looks forward to receiving submissions from graduate and advanced undergraduate students from various disciplines for the theme of “Beyond Boundaries, Across Disciplines.” The symposium will be held Mar 23 in the Graduate Life Center. The top presentations will be awarded cash prizes! Submission guidelines and more information at: https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/graduate-research-symposium/. If you submitted an abstract prior to the original deadline of Jan 1, you will receive an email update from GSA by the end of this week. Please do NOT resubmit your abstract if you have already submitted. Send questions and/or concerns to gsa.symposium16@gmail.com.
19. VIRGINIA GOVERNOR’S FELLOWS PROGRAM – 3rd posting
For rising seniors, just graduated seniors and graduate students interested in learning more about the administration of state government. Full information at https://governor.virginia.gov/fellows/ A $2000 stipend is available through Career Services for any selected VT students. Contact Amy McPherson at amcphers@vt.edu for more information about the stipend.
20. CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT REP TO BOARD OF VISITORS – still posting
Applications for Graduate Student Representative to the VT Board of Visitors are accepted until Feb 12, 2016. 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.
21. NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS NOW OPEN – due Feb 1
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 with your advisor/department for any of the following awards:
- Outstanding Dissertation in (1) math, sciences and engineering, and (1) in social sciences, business and humanities
- Preston Society Master’s Thesis Award
- raduate 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/2015_2016.
22. WAGE POSITION OPENING IN OIRED INNOVATE – 1st posting
The InnovATE project seeks a grad or undergrad student assistant for a 10-15 hrs/wk wage position. Tasks: maintain wordpress website; create infographics; create content for social media and presentations; find and participate in relevant Twitter chats; find and post international agriculture training opportunities; draft blog posts; complete miscellaneous office tasks. Looking for a self-starter with wordpress and graphic design experience and good social media communication skills. Proficiency in InDesign or Illustrator and Photoshop required. Excellent communication skills and interest in international development issues expected. Starting immediately, some flexibility in hours. Submit resume, letter of interest, writing sample of 800 words or less and a graphic design sample to johanna5@vt.edu. Contact 231-1875 with questions. Open until filled, review starts Jan 25.
23. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON SIMULATED AUTOMOBILE ASSEMBLY TASKS – 2nd posting
Requirements: Age 18-30; females only; no current or recent history (1 year) of musculoskeletal problems. Participants will be asked to perform a repetitive task simulating automotive trim assembly, involving striking activities with the hand/fist. The experiment will be done in a laboratory setting in the ISE department. Four sessions (one training + three data collection), compensation: $10 per hour for about 3 hours in each of four sessions + $20 bonus after completion. Contact Alireza Sedighi at 540-394-8441 or sedighia@vt.edu if interested.
24. VT HELPING PAWS IS RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS – 2nd posting
VT Helping PAWS (Pet Assisted Wellness Service) is a therapy animal program at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine that provides an opportunity for students/faculty/staff and their pets to bring companionship and animal-assisted therapy for the community. The group visits Newman Library, Squires Student Center, and other places around campus on a regular basis. Join the organization and become a therapy team through Pet Partners, a national pet therapy organization. The current focus includes dogs & cats, but there is potential for other species such as rats, rabbits, & guinea pigs to be evaluated through Pet Partners. Volunteers who do not have their own pet are still welcome to help with training classes and at events! If interested, complete this survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1452557426692. There will be a Meet & Greet on Tuesday, Feb 2 at 6:00pm at the CMMID barn on Prices Fork Rd for the pets & their handlers interested in joining this semester’s training class. Contact Sara Boyle at petluv15@vt.edu with questions.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
ADULTS WITH ADHD SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Feb 2, 4:30-5:30pm, McComas Hall, Rec Sports Classroom 198
Hokie Wellness is hosting a support group for adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). All VT students and employees are eligible. The group meeting is held on the first Tuesday of the month (Feb 2, Mar 1) from 4:30-5:30pm in McComas Hall Rec Sports classroom 198.
FREE MONTHLY ANXIETY/OCD SUPPORT GROUP FOR VT STUDENTS
Tuesday, Feb 2, 6:30-7:30pm, GLC Room A
The Psychological Services Center is providing a free support group for those struggling with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The group meets on the first Tuesday of every month from 6:30-7:30pm at the Graduate Life Center, Meeting Room A. This group is available for undergraduate and graduate students. Group dates: Feb 2, Mar 1, Apr 5, May 3. Call the Psychological Services Center at 540-231-6914 with any questions.
INTERVIEWING SKILLS WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Feb 3, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room G
Be prepared for initial screening interviews as well as on-site interviews. This seminar addresses interviewing basics, employer expectations, and insights into behavioral interviews. Brought to you by Career Services.
THE MESSENGER – DOCUMENTARY SCREENING
Thursday, Feb 4, 7:30- 9:10pm, Christiansburg, Regal New River Valley Stadium 14
Cost: $11 per ticket, buy online at: https://tugg.com/events/80304. This documentary about the decline of songbirds due to human actions such as climate change and pipelines recently came out with limited release, with a special showing scheduled at the Regal theater in Christiansburg. This contemplative documentary explores our deep-seated connection to birds and warns that the uncertain fate of songbirds might mirror our own. The Messenger is about what the birds have to tell us about the state of our planet and our shared future. This event is posted on behalf of doctoral student Lisa Whalen.
WELCOME SOCIAL
Friday, Feb 5, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Kick off the spring semester at the welcome social hosted by the Graduate Fellows! This is a great opportunity to network, socialize, and have some fun with your peers. This Hokie Spirit themed event will include games, a silly Hokie photo shoot, and food catered by Due South. There will be a prize for the student with the most Hokie Spirit given away at 6pm, so bring you best Tech gear and show it off! Please register if you plan to come at http://tinyurl.com/WelcomeBackSocialSurvey. Email the GLC Fellows any questions: Kevin at kmpark07@vt.edu, Scarlet at scarlet7@vt.edu, or Shiwani at shiwanid@vt.edu.