1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC
- Career Advising: W 2:00-5:00pm, Info kiosk in lobby
- Cook Counseling: Th, F 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;
- Peer to peer support coaching: M 1:00-3:00pm, Room F, F 11:00am-1:00pm, Room A (email grads@vt.edu for more info)
- Writing assistance: Wednesdays, 2-4:30pm, Room A; reserve appointment at http://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing/.
2. THE DIVINE: A PLAY FOR SARAH BERNHARDT
Monday-Thursday, Nov 7-17, Studio Theatre, Squires Student Center
Why revisit the past? Find out at The Divine, a compelling new play about the power of art in our lives, the horrors of censorship, lies and secrets, the destruction of innocence, and the oppression of the Church in early 1900s. This is the first U.S. production of the play and tickets are on sale now! More information at www.performingarts.vt.edu/thedivine. Contact MFA student Gabrielle Piazza at gpiazza3@vt.edu with any questions or group ticket inquiries.
3. FULBRIGHT INFO SESSIONS FOR US STUDENTS
Monday, Nov 14, 4:00pm, GLC Room G
In conjunction with International Education Week, a series of interactive workshops will be held about the Fulbright program that offers US citizens funding opportunities for independent research/study projects, graduate degree enrollment, and English teaching assistantships in more than 140 countries. Eligible applicants include graduating seniors, recent graduates, master’s and doctoral candidates, and young professionals with up to 5 years of professional study and/or experience. Students at all academic levels are welcome to attend. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to begin planning their candidacy early. For more information, contact Betty Watts (bettyw@vt.edu; 231-7220).
4. LITTLE HOKIE HAND-ME-DOWN BABY/CHILD ITEMS FOR HOKIE FAMILIES
Tuesday, Nov 15, 12:00-6:00pm for students with families (and expecting!), GLC Multipurpose Room
Wednesday, Nov 16, 9:00am-12:00pm for faculty and staff
As featured on VTTV and in the Roanoke Times…. give what you can, take what you need! Peruse a large collection of donated items (toys, clothing, maternity items, breastfeeding equipment, bikes, car seats, and more!) at Little Hokie(TM) Hand-Me-Down, and take a large bag of goods and one extra-large item with you for free while supplies last! Just for attending, you’ll also be entered into a raffle for a gift certificate to a local family-oriented venue. Donations are still be accepted until Tuesday at 6pm. This event is brought to you by the Graduate School, the VT Women’s Center, and the Graduate Student Assembly. Email Kasey Richardson (kasey@vt.edu) with questions.
5. DISCOVER ISLAM
Tuesday, Nov 15, 12:30-2:00pm, Info Booth A in Squires Student Center
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). For more information contact grad student Haitham Elmarakeby, marakeby@vt.edu.
6. CREATING COMMUNITY IN A DIVERSE COLLEGE ENVIRONMENT
Wednesday, Nov 16, 9:30am-12:00pm, Owens Banquet Hall
Graduate Teaching Assistants are invited to this workshop by master diversity trainer Lee Mun Wah. There will also be a workshop just for students on “How to Have a Dialogue Across Cultures,” from 2:00-4:00 pm in Owens Ballroom. Finally, there is a campus film viewing from 6:00-9:00 pm in GLC Auditorium. Pre-registration for any or all of these events is encouraged: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_88JzDHpZ9eJTFEp.
7. PARENT SUPPORT LUNCH GROUP
Wednesday, Nov 16, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room G
Join fellow Hokie parents for a parent support group luncheon. Special guest Sarah Pahl, Youth Services Manager with the Blacksburg Library, will share information about programs that can benefit your family. Spouses and children are always welcome. Please sign up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4fabaa28a1ff2-november to help organizers plan. Questions? Email childcare@vt.edu
8. INTL COFFEE HOUR – SAUDI ARABIA
Wednesday, Nov 16, 4:00-6:00pm, Cranwell Community Room in Harper Hall
Get free coffee and snacks, meet new friends, view displays of Saudi culture, get your name written in Arabic and take a photo in a photo booth. Posted on behalf of grad student Turki Al Zahrani.
9. RESEARCH A LA MODE: LUST, GREED, AND BUBBLES – A BRIEF INTRO TO VOLCANOES AND VOLATILE INFO IN THE GEOLOGIC RECORD
Wednesday, Nov 16, 5:30-6:30pm, 2062 Derring (the Museum)
Volcanoes are a physical expression of one of the most important geologic processes: degassing. Volcanic degassing gives us the air we breathe, the materials we extract from the ground, and hazards that threaten our existence. Thus how this happens is a mystery worth solving! Come for the talk and stay for free ice cream. Research a la Mode is a monthly venue for graduate students from different departments to come together and hear a talk by one of their peers. Posted on behalf of doctoral student Lisa Whalen, lashley@vt.edu.
10. GLC CAFÉ: PEANUT EDITION
Thursday, Nov 17, 3:30-5:00pm, Reading Room
Enjoy free coffee, tea and cookies in the company of your grad student and Grad School colleagues. Relax, network, and load up on caffeine and/or carbs. Bring your own mug if you can. Since fresh peanuts from the VT Agronomy Club are being delivered this week, we will sample Virginia Peanuts in different ways – raw, roasted, peanut brittle and more.
11. PASSPORT APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED IN SQUIRES – 1st posting
The U.S. Department of State certified a new location on the first floor in Squires Student Center as a U.S. Passport Application Acceptance Facility. The site offers the products and services needed for a first-time passport and renewal passport applications. Learn more at http://campuslife.vt.edu/Squires/passport-acceptance-facility.html.
12. SUPER MOON CHALLENGE
Rise to the Super Moon challenge and take a picture of the Supermoon tonight with the Moon somewhere above the GLC. Send us the pic to grads@vt.edu or post it on the GLC facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaTechGLC/. The best photos will earn the photographer(s) a moon pie!
13. GREEN GRADS OF TECH PROGRAM – 2nd posting
Graduate students are invited to participate in the Office of Sustainability’s “Green Graduates of Virginia Tech” program and receive a free green graduation cord. If you are interested, fill out this survey at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1KZ1PpVD7VrM2tn or post how you pledge to support a sustainable world and a photo of yourself to the GGVT facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Green-Graduates-of-Virginia-Tech-465341976985523/timeline, along with your name, major(s), and college(s) and receive a free green sustainability cord for graduation. Submit your pledges by Friday, Dec 9 and the office will coordinate with you to deliver the green cord prior to graduation. Posted on behalf of Katy Shepard, grad assistant in the Office of Sustainability. Contact Katy at kshepard@vt.edu with questions.
14. FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION NOW OPEN FOR 2017-18 – 2nd posting
The 2017-18 FAFSA is available now! For 2017-18 the application will use your 2015 federal income tax information. The VT Financial Aid office strongly recommends that you use the Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) to transfer your tax information from the IRS website to the FAFSA; uou will be given this option when you submit the 1718 FAFSA. While there is no specific FAFSA deadline for graduate students, it is recommended that you complete the FAFSA as soon as possible to that Financial Aid has enough time to review and prepare your financial aid award for the upcoming year. Posted on behalf of University Scholarship and Financial Aid office, sbreed@vt.edu.
15. FAFSA FRIDAYS – 2nd posting
While financial aid advisors e are always available to help with any FAFSA questions you may have, they have set aside specific days/times when additional staff will be available to help you get the FAFSA complete for 2017-18. They are available in the Student Services Building at the following days/times: Dec 2, 3:00–5:00pm; Jan 6, 3:00–5:00pm.
16. FINANCIAL AID FOR WINTER SESSION – 2nd posting
If you have not used your full fall semester unsubsidized loan, you may use all or a portion of this loan for the Winter session. If you have used your full fall semester unsubsidized loan, your only option for Winter aid would be the Federal Graduate PLUS loan or a Private/ Alternative loan. Below are some links with more information about these two types of loans. You must be registered for Winter session before your financial aid eligibility can be evaluated. Graduate Loan – http://www.finaid.vt.edu/types_of_aid/loans/plus-grad/index.html Private/Alternative Loan – http://www.finaid.vt.edu/types_of_aid/loans/alternative/index.html Posted on behalf of University Scholarship and Financial Aid office, sbreed@vt.edu.
17. GSA "DR. RICH" CAP AND GOWN PROGRAM—LOTTERY SIGN-UP OPEN THROUGH NOV 18 – 3rd posting
Graduating in December but don’t want to purchase a cap and gown? GSA offers free caps and gowns on loan for commencement through the "Dr. Rich" Cap and Gown Program. Due to high demand, the system is lottery-based, and gowns are loaned out on a randomized basis. Find details and fill out the lottery sign-up at gsa.vt.edu/what-we-can-offer-you. Questions? Email Kasey Richardson, Administrative Director, kasey@vt.edu.
18. GSA ACCEPTING DONATIONS OF GENTLY USED GRADUATION GOWNS – 3rd posting
If you have an old Virginia Tech cap and gown sitting around, consider donating them to the GSA "Dr. Rich" Cap and Gown Program for loan to future graduate students participating in commencement. Find details about how to donate at gsa.vt.edu. Questions? Email Kasey Richardson, Administrative Director, kasey@vt.edu.
19. NEW SPRING 2017 COURSE: STEM WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CRN 19497)
Learn more about construction workforce issues and engage with members of industry, policy makers, and researchers to discuss key professional development and labor issues in construction. Build new alliances, models and best practices for federal, regional, and local construction workforce initiatives through this graduate course. If you are interested, register for CRN 19497, [W 1:25-4:00pm, 323 Bishop-Favrao Hall]. If you have questions, contact the instructor, Dr. Denise R Simmons, at densimm@vt.edu.
20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON ASSESSING THE BIOMECHANICS OF HUMAN GAIT – 1st posting
Participants are sought for a research study on assessing the biomechanics of human gait. Participants will be asked to perform a set of tasks involving repeated walking. Must be 18-30 years old, no current or recent history of musculoskeletal problems; exercise on a regular basis (2-3/wk). Experiments will take about 3-4 hours and will be conducted in the Locomotion Laboratory in the ISE department. Compensation: $10/hour. If interested, contact Mr. Iman Mokhlespour by email at mokhles@vt.edu or call him at (540) 449-3805.
21. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH DAY – 1ST POSTING
The Math Department will host an event on Friday, Dec 2 that will bring middle school students to campus for a morning of math activities with the goal of encouraging girls to remain interested in math. Volunteers are needed to help lead or aid activities, guide students on campus, and help with other day-of tasks, including setting up starting at 8am and cleaning up finishing by 2pm. Volunteers do not need to stay for the entire event. If interested in volunteering, or would like more information about the event, email Mandy Welch at welcha1@vt.edu.
22. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON USER BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDES DURING ONLINE SEARCH – 3rd posting
Participants are needed for a study assessing user behavior and attitudes while performing online web search. This project involves a lab-based experiment during which participants carry out assigned search tasks online and answer questions regarding the nature of the tasks. Experiment time about 60 min. Must be at least 10 or older. If a minor (age 10-17) would like to participate, a parent will need to provide consent by signing a Parent’s Consent Form in addition to an Assent Form signed by the participant. For further information or to enroll, contact Sarang Joshi at sarang87@vt.edu or send text message to 248-705-7830.
23. STUDENT VETERANS SOUGHT FOR INTERVIEW ABOUT THEIR TRANSITION FROM MILITARY TO COLLEGE – 3rd posting
Student veterans (both ugrad and grad) born after 1980 and attending a public or private four-year or two-year college in Virginia (doesn’t have to be VT), who have completed at least 9 hours each semester during the last two consecutive semesters (i.e. 9 credits each in Fall and Spring), are recruited to participate in a 45-60-minute interview to discuss their experience of transitioning from the military to college. Interviews are audio-recorded and will take place online at a convenient time for the veteran. Compensation for participation is a $10 Amazon Gift Card. For more information or to sign up, visit https://sites.google.com/a/vt.edu/militarytocollege/sign-up-screening-form or contact Chris Davidson at chrid13@vt.edu or 540-320-4880.
Upcoming events:
T-BREAK LUNCH 2016
Tuesday, Nov 22, 11:30am-1:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
You are not alone! Join others who don’t get to leave for Thanksgiving break for some soup (meat and vegetarian versions), dessert, games and conversation. Meet other graduate students, international students, and Grad School, Cranwell and Division of Student Affairs staff, and enjoy some good food in good company. Please sign up at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1479136114978 to help us estimate the food that will be needed. This event is co-sponsored by the Graduate School and the Cranwell International Center.
GRAD ARTS COUNCIL: CUBE MIXER
Tuesday, Nov 29, 7:00-9:00pm, Moss Arts Center
Socialize and network with the VT arts community in the Cube, hosted by the Graduate Arts Council and co-sponsored by the English Graduate Student Organization. Live DJs, the opportunity to discover the Cube (a four story state of the art theatre and high tech laboratory housing 128 speakers), and a professional photographer onsite for headshots. There will also be food and networking opportunities, as well as information about future events and opportunities. For more info contact grad student Ana-Christina, acostaa@vt.edu.
AID SPEAKER EVENT: RAVI KUCHIMANCHI
Friday, Dec 2, 6:30pm, Brush Mountain A in Squires
The Association for India’s Development (AID), Blacksburg chapter invites you to a talk by keynote speaker Ravi Kuchimanchi, the founder of AID. He and his wife are inspirations behind the bollywood movie, Swades (2005). His talk will focus on sustainable grassroots development in India. RSVP to aidblacksburg@gmail.com.
PAINTBALL AT WOLF’S RIDGE
Saturday, Dec 3, 10:30am-3:00pm
It is time for bonding fun, teamwork, collaboration, and stress-relieving physical activity. Rain or shine, run around outdoors and…paintball … ‘nuff said! Join your fellow grad students on a trip to Wolf’s Ridge Paintball south of Christiansburg. If you are interested, fill out this survey: http://survey.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_dbz4zLybQUaQPC5. Contact Erik Fendik at ef@vt.edu if you have any questions.