1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – last updated 8/28/2017
– Career Advising: returning 9/27
– Cook Counseling: Thursdays and Fridays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
– Graduate School hours: MTThF 8:00-5:00pm, W 9:30-5
– Immigration advising hours: MWF 1:00-4:00pm, TTh 9:00am-12:00pm Room 120
– Writing assistance: reserve appointment at https://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing-center.html
2. INTERVIEWING SKILLS SEMINAR
Tuesday, Sep 5, 4:15-5:15pm, GLC Room F
Be prepared for initial screening interviews as well as on-site interviews. This seminar addresses interviewing basics, employer expectations, and insights into behavioral interviews. https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cN4UCKF5foJjyip
3. GROCERY BINGO
Wednesday, Sep 6, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room B
Compete against other graduate students in Bingo for a chance to with free grocery items. https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5p6QwbZzN48cN5X
4. PLACES & SPACES: MAPPING SCIENCE EXHIBIT – OPENING LECTURE
Thursday, Sep 7, 10:00am, Newman Library 4th floor
The University Libraries are hosting the Places & Spaces: Mapping Science exhibit on the 4th floor of Newman Library from now through November 16, 2017. Dr. Katy Börner, director of the Cyberinfrastructure for Network Science Center at Indiana University, will present the opening lecture at 10:00am. Brunch-type foods will be provided. Please RSVP at https://goo.gl/forms/ovDyYtOVthon58At2 so we can have enough food and coffee for all. The exhibit, on Newman Library 4th floor now through Nov 16, 2017, is a multimedia visual and sensory extravaganza of data visualization and design that consists of over 100 exciting static and interactive visualizations ranging from the late 15th Century to the present. If you have questions, or would like to explore the exhibit with one of your courses, please email us at datavizstudio@vt.edu.
5. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Aug 31, 3:30-5:00 pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy free coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of fellow gra students and Grad School staff; network, socialize, relax! Bring your own mug if you can.
6. ACCESSING MATERIALS AT THE LIBRARIES
Thursday, Sep 7, 5:00-6:00pm, Newman Library 207A
Library staff will discuss finding and checking out books, lending technology, how to do an interlibrary loan, and printing tips. Pizza and drinks provided. Sign up at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cN4UCKF5foJjyip
7. CASCADES HIKE & PICNIC LUNCH
Saturday, Sep 9, 9:00am – Meet outside GLC lobby to carpool
Enjoy a leisurely hike to a local waterfall followed by a picnic lunch! Anyone is welcome, but space is limited, so please register here: bit.ly/cascades17. Sponsored by InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship.
8. BLACK GRADUATE STUDENT COMMUNITY WELCOME BACK COOK OUT – RESCHEDULED!!!!
Saturday, Sep 9, 4:00-dusk, Bburg Municipal Park, Shelter II
Celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of the semester with BGSO. Eat, play some games, vibe to the music and bask in the melinated greatness of the VT Black graduate student community. This is a family friendly event. If you would like to be added to the BGSO listserv and/or become involved with BGSO, email to Cheryl Montgomery at clmontgo@vt.edu w/ "BGSO" in the subject.
9. LEARN ABOUT THE BOOK OF MORMON
Sunday, Sep 10, 6:30pm, 1408 Jennelle Rd., Blacksburg
Have you ever wondered what the Book of Mormon is about? Perhaps you’ve heard of the Broadway play, or what some call the "Mormon Bible"? On behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, grad student Kevin Watson invites you to attend an evening event all about the Book of Mormon. All are welcome to attend! Questions? Contact Kevin at wk223@vt.edu.
10. INTERVARSITY GRAD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDIES – 1st posting
Starting Tuesday, Sep 5 at various locations, our small group Bible studies meet Tuesday-Thursday evenings in grad students’ homes and the GLC. Get connected with a group of friends on a journey of faith through grad school! See a list of current groups: http://gcfvt.wordpress.com/small-groups/ or contact Robert Howe (robahowe@gmail.com) for more information.
11. RAFFLE TO COLLECT FUNDS FOR L.I.F.E. HOUSTON – 1st posting
The Black Graduate Student Organization (BGSO) is holding a raffle to collect funds for L.I.F.E. Houston to support women and children affected by Hurricane Harvey. Everyone who buys a raffle ticket will be entered for a chance to win 1 of 2 Amazon Echo Dots. Contact Taylor Bradley, tnb25@vt.edu, for information on how to purchase tickets.
12. DISABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY IN THE CLASSROOM (NLI OFFERING) – 1st posting
Martina Svyantek and Dr. Ashley Shew will be leading a faculty inquiry group through Networked Learning Initiatives (NLI) this fall titled "Disability and Accessibility in the Classroom.” These sessions are geared towards faculty, though graduate students (especially GTAs) are also allowed to sign-up and participate. The in-person meetings (4 sessions, 10 am-1pm) will occur on the following Wednesdays this fall: September 6 and 20, Oct 4 and 18. Each session will cover different material. To enroll in this NLI Faculty Inquiry group, please go to NLI calendar and sign-up. You can direct questions about the sessions to Martina Svyantek at svyantek@vt.edu or disability@vt.edu.
13. GRADUATE STUDENT ADDITIONALSVCS SURVEY – DUE BY FRI 9/8 – 1st posting
The Graduate School collaborates with several offices and groups to provide services and support to students. The questions in this survey are OPTIONAL and are designed to match your needs with university services and student group support. Your responses will NOT be shared with anyone except for the Graduate School Office of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives and the Dean of Graduate Education. Please complete the survey no later than Friday, September 8th, 2017. To access the survey go to
https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5tp4EWIC5jriiON or http://bit.ly/2v32lTn. Sponsored by the Graduate School’s Office of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives. Contact: Christian Matheis at matheisc@vt.edu
14. NEW! MULTILINGUAL SERVICES AND SPEAKING SUPPORT SVCS – 1st posting
Did you know that the Writing Center offers support in conversational English, as well as other languages? To access all of our services, see our website https://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing-center.html. Select "Make an appointment" and register for an account. It’s free! Also, Language volunteers wanted! See our website above and look under "Additional Services" for details about participation.
15. VT OFC OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SEEKS BOARD MEMBERS – 1st posting
The VT Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is seeking members for their Student Advisory Board. The board offers opportunities to provide feedback on emergency preparedness campaigns to OEM, design and implement emergency preparedness campaigns, and participate in OEM outreach for campus events. Meetings are every other Tuesday 6:00-8:00 pm starting Sep 12 in the Public Safety Building behind Lane Stadium. The remaining meeting dates for the fall semester are Sep 26, Oct 10, Oct 24, Nov 7, and Nov 28. Spring meeting dates will be distributed later in the year. Direct any questions to the chair of the board, Jordan Schoeneberger, at sjordan6@vt.edu. To join, go to: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7NFKgHV1A9C9ICV.
16. ACADEMY FOR GTA EXCELLENCE CALL FOR MEMBERSHIP – 2nd posting
The Academy for Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Excellence welcomes applications for Member, Associate, and Fellow in its learning community. VTGrATE provides advanced education and training in innovative teaching and learning strategies and provides a space to recognize excellence in teaching by graduate students. Membership is open to all graduate students at all VT campuses. For more info or to apply: http://vtgrate.org/membership/application-and-review/. Applications due Sat., Sep 16, 2017. Questions? Contact Michelle Soledad soledadmm@vt.edu.
17. TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP TO OPENCON CONFERENCE – 3rd posting
Graduate students are encouraged to apply for a travel scholarship, sponsored by the University Libraries and the Graduate School, to OpenCon, a conference for early career researchers on open access, open data, and open education. One Virginia Tech graduate student will be selected to attend the conference held in Berlin, Germany on November 11-13. Read reports from Virginia Tech attendees in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Apply by Sep 5 at bit.ly/VTOpenCon2017.
18. IMPROVE YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS – 3rd posting
GRAD 5124, Research Skills for Graduate Students, is a 1-credit, fully-online course offered by University Libraries in Fall 2017. Five discipline-specific sections are offered. Sign up in HokieSpa for the one that relates to your subject area. Questions? Contact Lisa Becksford at lisab5@vt.edu.
19. STUDENTS INVITED TO JOIN INTERNATIONAL LGBTQ+ GROUP – 3rd posting
AcrossBorders@VT provides a friendly group and space for international LGBTQ+ students/faculty/affiliates of Virginia Tech to discuss concerns about their sexuality and coming out, and support one another. Given that the international population comes from cultures different from the one(s) in the US, the group aims to provide a more customized support to the international LGBTQ+ population. The group ensures confidentiality and privacy of all members. If interested or have questions, contact acrossborders.vt@gmail.com. Email to join the confidential Facebook group to connect with other international LGBTQ+ people.
20. PROGRAM CHAIRS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY – 1st posting
The GSA is currently accepting applications for this year’s program chairs. Responsibilities include implementing the GSA’s programs, attending board and delegate meetings, and volunteering at GSA-sponsored events. Seeking applicants with excellent time management and multi-tasking skills; good communication and writing skills; and creative problem-solving skills. This year, we are hiring a chair to manage our Travel Fund Program, our Graduate Research and Development Program, and our annual Research Symposium (2 chairs). Chairs will work under the supervision of the Executive Board. For more information on each position, visit bit.ly/GSAProgramChairs1718. To apply, email your CV, the position for which you are applying, and a brief (1 page or less) letter of interest in Word format to Joshua Slaughenhoupt at jslaugh@vt.edu. Applications are due on Friday, September 15th, at 5:00pm.
21. PART-TIME GA POSITION IN SOCIAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH – 1st posting
The research team for “Cultivating an Ethical STEM Culture through an Integrated Undergraduate General Education” seeks a PT graduate assistant with competencies in social scientific research to participate in project. Students from any program or department will be considered, but the ideal student will be at least two years into their studies and have knowledge of survey methodology, ethics, and pedagogy, as well as an undergraduate background in a STEM discipline. Will work with all project members during periods of the project. Will work most closely with Dr. Sara Jordan (Center for Public Administration & Policy), Dr. Diana Biaraktarova, (Dept. of Engineering Education), and/or Dr. Stephen Biscotte (Office of the Provost). Key tasks include: Identifying sampling frames for student and faculty surveys; development of survey instrument language and identification of survey platforms (e.g., Web or App based); monitoring survey data acquisition; development of participant observation strategies; note taking during participant observations of courses; and conducting literature reviews. 10 hrs/wk for Fall 2017, with possible continuation and migration to full time in subsequent semesters. Particular periods of the project will require more intensive work and hours than others. If interested, send a CV and a cover letter describing how previous work has met key tasks, how background meets requirements, and how current or planned research would be helped along by working with this research team to: srjordan@vt.edu.
22. GA POSITION ON LEARNING DESIGN TEAM IN TLOS – 2nd posting
Learning Experience Design, a unit of Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies, is seeking a graduate student to fill a GA position dedicated to supporting the design and development of online courses and course content. Requires knowledge of instructional design and instructional technology along with strong skills in development of media for course content including video, graphics, images and interactive digital learning objects. Experience with Camtasia or other screen recording technology, Adobe Captivate, Articulate Storyline, Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.), video editing and consumer level video camera experience is desired. If interested, contact lbaab@vt.edu.
23. GRA OPENING FOR A GIS PROGRAMMER/ANALYST – 2nd posting
The Enterprise GIS units of Virginia Tech’s central IT organization has an opening for a full-time GRA (20 hr/wk) position, beginning Fall 2017 and continuing for a full year (through August 2018). Position requires a highly-motivated graduate student with GIS programming, GIS analysis and/or web design skills to support a variety of projects in a technical team environment, using an evolving set of best-practice tools, libraries and techniques. Tasks include developing scripts to automate GIS data management and server administration tasks; performing mapping and analysis tasks; and developing and maintaining GIS-enabled web applications. Experience with Python programming, Tools and APIs related to the ESRI ArcGIS platform required. If interested, forward a current resume and cover letter to egisjobs@bev.vt.edu.
24. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: MIDDLE CHILDHOOD EMOTION REGULATION STUDY – 1st posting
The C.A.P. Lab in the Psychology Department at Virginia Tech is conducting a new study focusing on children’s ability to learn how to regulate their emotions and its impact on memory. During this visit, your child will watch some short video clips, play some word and computer games. In addition to these games, we are interested in collecting information about the physiological components of these abilities. Your child will wear a stretchy EEG cap to collect brain wave activity and ECG electrodes to collect heart rate activity. The visit should last about 1.5 hours. Participants must be 9-10 years old, born after a full-term pregnancy, weighed at least 6 pounds at birth, and currently healthy. We offer a $20 Target gift card as compensation for parents and a toy for children, and we can provide childcare for siblings. If you are interested in this study, contact Tatiana Garcia-Meza by research lab phone 540-231-2320 or email tgarcia@vt.edu.
25. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: OSTEOPATHIC ASSESSMENT AND MANIPULATION STUDY – 1st posting
The Kevin P. Granata Lab is seeking volunteers for a study examining osteopathic assessment and manipulation. Participation in the study would include an osteopathic assessment and a biomechanical assessment; osteopathic manipulation and a second biomechanical assessment may also be included in participation. Volunteers must be between 18 and 35 years of age and have no past or current lower extremity injuries that required medical care. If you meet these requirements and are interested in participating, please contact Cherice Hughes-Oliver at granata-lab-g@vt.edu or (540) 231-4294.
26. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: MINDFULLNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION STUDY – 1st posting
Are you chronically stressed? The Virginia Tech Department of Psychology is conducting a study investigating the effectiveness of a weekly mindfulness meditation group for people who experience chronic stress. Must be Ages 18-55 and able to attend 8 weekly group meetings (Wed 9:00-11:00am). Learn coping mechanisms and mindfulness meditation. No experience required. More information at If interested in participating, please email hokiemindfulness@gmail.com.
27. SPEAKERS WANTED FOR RESEARCH A LA MODE – 2nd posting
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. The main idea is to give graduate students an opportunity to practice communicating their research to an audience that is unfamiliar with their discipline in order to cut down on reliance on jargon and to simplify and clarify their presentation skills. RALM aims to help graduate students become better teachers, researchers and communicators. Talks are usually around 30 minutes. Email lashley@vt.edu if interested.
28. INTERNATIONAL TEACHING ASSISTANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY – 3rd posting
VT researchers are conducting a longitudinal study during Fall 2017 to understand the experiences of international teaching assistants (ITAs) at Virginia Tech. Participants must be graduate teaching assistants in an engineering department at the university with an F-1 or a J-1 visa. The study involves 3 interviews lasting approximately 45-60 minutes each and weekly journal responses taking about 10-15 minutes each. $20 Kroger gift card upon completion of each interview. Weekly reflection prompt response enters you in raffle for $25 Kroger gift card. Contact Ashish Agrawa, Dept. of Engineering Education at 540-922-5125 or ashishag@vt.edu for more info.
29. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR MUSCULOSKELETAL STUDY – 3rd posting
Participants are needed for a research study about metabolic cost of lifting with and without a wearable exoskeleton. Must be 18-65 years old with no recent or prior musculoskeletal disorders or back injuries. A weight range of 155 – 190 lbs is preferred. Should be able to comfortably lift about 25% of bodyweight from the floor to waist height. Will perform a variety of lifting tasks both with and without the exoskeleton during two experimental sessions. Compensation: $10/hour. If interested, email Mehdi Alemi at malemi@vt.edu or call at 317-473-1736.
Upcoming events:
OLYMPIC TAEKWONDO CLUB AT VIRGINIA TECH — OPEN WORKOUT
Monday, September 11th, 8:00-9:00pm, 915 Hethwood Blvd., Blacksburg
Want to do something different this semester? Now’s your chance! The Olympic Taekwondo Club is holding an open workout for anyone who is interested in trying taekwondo. No experience is necessary and everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Casey Denham atmalemi@vt.edu malemi@vt.edu
PARENT SUPPORT LUNCHEON
Wednesday, Sep 13, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room F
Join other graduate student parents, spouses, and partners at this free lunch sponsored by the Graduate School. Preschoolers are welcome to join the group. A topic relevant to parenting while in school will be discussed. Space is limited and spots fill up quickly, so be sure to signup soon at this link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4fabaa28a1ff2-september2
SCHOLARLY COMMUNICATION AT VT LIBRARIES
Thursday, Sep 14, 5:00-6:00 pm, Newman Library Room 207A
Learn about electronic thesis/dissertations, open educational resources, library publishing services, VTech Works and participate in an optional tour of Newman Library. Pizza and drinks will be provided. Sign-up here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cN4UCKF5foJjyip
KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE WEEKLY DROP IN CHILD CARE – Starting Thursday, Sep 14
Thursday, Sep 14, 2017 6:00-8:30pm, Women’s Center, 206 Washington St., Bburg.
Need a break? Have to study or attend a lecture? Want to catch up on work? If you are a VT student with children, bring your kids aged 2-12 (must be toilet trained) on Thursdays from 6:00-8:30pm, at the Women’s Center. No need to pre-register. We have games, toys, books, crafts, homework help, and plenty of FUN! Childcare provided by the volunteers of Chi Delta Alpha sorority. KNO will be held every Thursday throughout the semester with the exception of breaks when classes are not in session. The Women’s Center is located at 206 Washington Street, enter up the stairs in the parking lot. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu or 231-7806.
"VIRGINIA TECH AFTER #CHARLOTTESVILLE" – A #STILLCONCERNEDVT FACULTY INITIATIVE
Thursday, Sep14th, 6:00-8:00pm, Owens Banquet Hall
FEATURED SPEAKERS: Students are strongly encouraged to attend this teach-in on recent events.1) The social construction of diversity and community engagement" – Dr. Sarah Ovink, Sociology; 2) "White nationalist appropriation of medieval symbols" – Dr. Matthew Gabriele, Religion & Culture; 3) "The First Amendment, free speech, and the ‘Unite the Right’ organizers" – Dr. Wornie Reed, Sociology. Moderator: Dr. Carmen Gitre, History. Contact: Christian Matheis (matheisc@vt.edu). Sponsored by The Office of Inclusion and Diversity, The Graduate School.
WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO?
Friday, Sep 15, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room C
If you’re a new graduate student who has asked yourself this question, the Graduate School wants you to know that you are not alone! Meet fellow graduate students, new and returning, to talk about this exciting—and often overwhelming—life adventure. There will be pizza! If you plan on attending, be sure to sign-up at the following link: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aWUQeoKnVQSbz37