1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – last updated 11/28
– 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. DISCOVER ISLAM
Tuesday, Nov 29, 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.
3. 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.
4. PHOTO EXHIBIT: THE WORLD’S LARGEST ANNUAL PEACEFUL GATHERING
Wednesday-Friday, Nov 30-Dec 2, 10:00am-7:00pm, Squires Atrium second floor lobby
The Ahlul Bayt Student Association (ABSA) invites you to this photo exhibit that features tens of millions of people in the largest peaceful assembly in the world and in human history. See how people make it possible and how they stand for social justice, honor, and peace. Photographs will feature individuals from various cultural backgrounds, religions, and health conditions. For more information contact vtabsa@gmail.com. Posted on behalf of grad student Mohammad Esfahani, esfahani@vt.edu.
5. INFO SESSION ABOUT MA IN EDUCATION, CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION ESL CONCENTRATION
Thursday, Dec 1, 3:30-4:00pm, GLC Room G
If you are interested in working with people from around the world and considered teaching in the United States or internationally, consider attending this session about Virginia Tech’s master’s program in Education- Curriculum and Instruction, English as a Second Language concentration. For more information about this event contact Rebecca Raab, rrr3927@vt.edu.
6. GLC CAFÉ: HOLIDAY EDITION
Thursday, Dec 1, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy a few minutes away from your books with some holiday crafts and coloring in addition to fueling your brain and body with caffeine and carbs. Usual coffee/tea and cookies as well as craft supplies provided.
7. LETTERS OF LOVE TO SYRIA
Friday, Dec 2, 1:30-3:30pm, GLC Lobby
Write a short note of support, love, and holiday greeting to the people displaced by violence in Syria. Photos of you and your message will be taken and posted to the Letters of Love Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/lettersoflove2017/, where they will be translated, printed, and sent to refugees. Warm drinks and cookies will be provided. Contact Natalie at natpat@vt.edu for more information.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. GRAD-UGRAD MENTORSHIP PROGRAM SEEKING MENTORS – 2nd posting
The Grad–Undergrad Mentorship Program (GUMP) is seeking mentors from all fields to mentor undergrad students considering graduate school. Ugrads and grads are matched according to their area of study, allowing the undergrad to get a taste for graduate school and to ask questions of current graduate students. Each graduate mentor will be matched with 1–3 mentees, who will shadow them at convenient times during the spring semester. Mentoring can help build leadership skills and provide an experience to discuss with future employers. Graduate students will coordinate mentoring activities independently with their undergraduate mentees. GUMP is sponsored by the Graduate Student Association (GSA). For more information and to apply, visit tinyurl.com/VT-GUMP. If you have any questions, contact gump@vt.edu .
11. CALL FOR PROJECTS FOR ACC SMITHSONIAN CREATIVY & INNOVATION FESTIVAL – 2nd posting
VT and ICAT are hosting the inaugural ACC Smithsonian Creativity and Innovation Festival to be held at the Smithsonian Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., Oct 13-15, 2017 to showcase each ACC institution’s top projects that highlight creativity and innovation. The event may draw a crowd of 28,000. Fully completed projects are sought, as the timeline does not allow for project development. Deadline for submission is Nov 28 at https://docs.google.com/a/vt.edu/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf7xFwqpT95rCzgMlh4N78cptPPkdqkLQaBjwK3QkAjL-eBgw/viewform.
12. APPLICATIONS SOUGHT FOR BOUCHET HONOR SOCIETY – 2nd posting
Doctoral candidates are eligible to apply to be a part of the Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society that recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and promotes diversity and excellence in doctoral education and the professoriate. Applications are due by end-of-day, Dec 2, 2016. http://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/diversity/bouchet-society.html Please contact dannette@vt.edu with questions.
13. NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR DIVERSITY SCHOLARS – 2nd posting
Learn more about the diversity scholars program and consider applying if you are a full-time graduate student in good standing and have a demonstrated commitment to inclusion and diversity. See http://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/diversity/diversity-scholars/how-to-apply.html for details. Contact Dannette@vt.edu with questions. Applications are due Dec 20.
14. PASSPORT APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED IN SQUIRES – 3rd 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.
15. PROGRAM ASSISTANT WAGE POSITION OPENING – 2nd posting
The VT Language and Culture is seeking a program assistant to work primarily with 25 Argentine college students to coordinate transportation, travel, program calendar, and events; help lead trips and activities (mainly on weekends); process invoices and keep accurate program accounting records; maintain participant files; and collect data and documents for registration and reporting purposes. Position begins Jan 2 and ends Feb 29. Must have experience providing administrative or program support in a professional office environment; excellent interpersonal and communications skills to effectively work with faculty, staff and international students; working knowledge of VT policies and procedures; have acceptable and safe driving record. Should be able to drive a 12-passenger van. Hours are flexible, including evenings and weekends, up to 40 hours weekly. Hourly pay up to $15/hr. If interested, contact Ernesto Waines a1nesto@vt.edu for more information.
16. STUDENT AIDE WAGE POSITION OPENING – 2nd posting
VT LCI seeks a student aide to work closely with the Program Assistant and help 25 Argentine students adjust to their new surroundings in the US and on campus. The SA will accompany participants to area activities and trips, help students obtain ID cards, assist with shopping and understanding housing rules and regulations. Other duties include driving a state vehicle to events and assisting with administrative duties as needed. Position begins Jan 2 and ends Feb 29. Must have excellent interpersonal and communications skills; working knowledge of VT policies and procedures; have an acceptable and safe driving record and be able to drive a 12-passenger van. Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, up to 40 hrs/wk, up to $11/hr. If interested, contact Ernesto Waines a1nesto@vt.edu for more information.
17. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP OPENING IN BUDGET & FIN PLANNING – 2nd posting
The Office of Budget and Financial Planning is seeking an inter/grad assistant for the Auxiliary budget functions of the office for a 9-month assistantship with paid summer internship possibility to assist in budget development, monitoring and reporting processes. Position provides exposure to central financial and admin functions and offers insight into state budgeting process. Must have interest/focus in public budgeting, strong oral and written communication skills, analytical skills, experience with Excel, and ability to perform work of a varied difficulty to include data analysis and compilation and presentation of reports. If interested, submit cover letter, resume and 3 professional references to Jean Cumminsat Jeanc9@vt.edu.
18. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR MULTI-VIEW MANAGEMENT OF DATA STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are sought for a study to determine the best multi-view management of multivariate data from cognitive radio nodes’ spectrum in a 3D visualization on the web. Participants will be presented a series of image pairs and asked to answer questions about them. Participation takes about 30 minutes. Must be 18 or older and can see properly (not blind nor visually impaired). If interested, take this survey using your personal computer: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8vUsuvAlfr2d6YZ. The study session will last approximately 30 minutes. The results of the study may be published and used in a dissertation. For more information contact Ayat Mohammed (maaayat@vt.edu) (5405059317).
19. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR HEAD-WORN DISPLAY TECHNOLOGIES STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are needed for a study assessing the use of head-worn display technologies in industry. Must be 18-65 years old; have no current or recent history (1 year) of musculoskeletal disorders. The project involves two lab-based experiments, and you will be invited to participate in one or both. The first experiment involves navigating in a simulated warehouse environment using both a paper list and “smart” glasses in several experimental conditions in two sessions, a 1-hr preliminary and a 3.5-hr data collection. The second involves simulation of an order-picking task – retrieving boxes from shelves, loading/unloading boxes onto/from a hand cart, and maneuvering a hand cart. Weights will range 10-35 lbs. Completing the study requires two sessions: a training session (~1-1.5 hrs) and a data collection session (~1.5-2 hrs). Compensation = $10 per hour. Contact 540-557-7763 at sunwook@vt.edu if interested.
20. PARENTS AND ADOLESCENTS SOUGHT FOR SOCIAL & ACADEMIC EXPERIENCES SUTDY – 2nd posting
Parents and adolescents (ages 13-18) are needed for VT study of social and academic experiences. With their parent and a same-gender close friend, teens will be asked to complete questionnaires, conversation tasks, and a speech task. Participation should last 1.5 hours. Study is located on VT Blacksburg campus. Teens, their participating friend, and participating parent are each given $10 gift certificate. Interested? Call the Virginia Tech Social Development Lab at 231-8179 or e-mail rlm527@vt.edu.
21. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON ASSESSING THE BIOMECHANICS OF HUMAN GAIT – 3rd 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. They should be 18-30 years old, no current or recent history of musculoskeletal problems (no Anterior Cruciate Ligament(ACL) injury and no knee/ankle surgery); exercise on a regular basis (2-3 times/wk). Experiments will take about 3-4 hours and will be conducted in the Locomotion Laboratory in the ISE department. The compensation will be $10/hour. Interested participants can contact Mr. Iman Mokhlespour by email at mokhles@vt.edu or call him at (540) 449-3805.
22. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH DAY – 3rd 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.
Upcoming events:
SPIRITUAL/WELLNESS CONNECT
Monday, Dec 5, 11:30am-1:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The Graduate School’s Office of Recruitment & Diversity is hosting a Spiritual/Wellness Connect event — enjoy a relaxing space as the end of the semester nears. Some stress relief items will be provided. Rec Sports will host two 20-minute yoga sessions. Bring your own headphones to enjoy music that is most meaningful to you. Come and go as you please.
DECEMBER RECHARGE
Wednesday, Dec 7, 4:00-7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
De-stress with the GLC Fellows before final exams begin! There will be healthy snacks and tea set up to enjoy while you relax by coloring, crafting, playing board games and more. The therapy dogs will also be making an appearance at 6 pm. If you have any questions, email Julia Vasquez at juliav@vt.edu.
BIG DATA SCIENCE WORKSHOP 2017
Thursday, Jan 12, 9:00am-4:30pm, Newman Library Multipurpose Room
In an era of Big Data, reproducible research and efficient workflows become vitally important to the research process. Graduate students are invited to join University Libraries and Advanced Research Computing at Virginia Tech, and the Center for Open Science for a workshop and discussion on Big Data and Data Science. Featuring sessions on big data workflows, data visualization, data publishing, and reproducible research practices, the 2017 Big Data Science Workshop will also incorporate a brainstorming/strategy session aimed at improving research workflows, a networking breakfast, lightning talks, and a poster reception. This workshop is offered with the support of partners from the University of Virginia. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided. Must register in advance at: goo.gl/rNwpum. For current information: https://researchinformatics.lib.vt.edu/project/big-data-science-workshop/