Recurring Events:
1. WEEKLY DROP-IN SERVICES
This Week’s Events:
2a. WELCOME CENTER AND INFORMATION FAIR
2. DATA IN SOCIAL CONTEXT WORKSHOP FOR GTAs – application required
3. CONSCIENTIOUS DISCUSSION AND THOUGHT SWAP WORKSHOP
4. NAVIGATING BLACKSBURG FOR NEW GRADUATE STUDENTS
5. HEALTH INSURANCE SIGN-UP
6. LYRIC THEATER TOUR
7. GLC CAFÉ – no café this week
8. MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
9. LAIGSA WELCOME SOCIAL
Administrative Announcements:
10. GRAD 5984 – SS: BEST PRACTICES IN INTERDISCIPLINARY PEDAGOGY – 1st posting
11. GRAD 5124: RESEARCH SKILLS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS – 1st posting
12. RESEARCH TOOLS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS WORKSHOP SERIES – 1st posting
Jobs:
13. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP IN ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGIES – 1st posting
14. GRADUATE ASSISTANTS: CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING & LEARNING – 1st posting
15. GLC BUILDING MANAGER WAGE POSITION FOR FALL 2019 – 2nd posting
16. 6-WK GRAD WAGE POSITION IN ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGIES – 2nd posting
17. ENGINEERING EDUCATION: I.T./ACADEMIC ADIVISING GRAD ASSISTANT – 3rd posting
18. GRA OPPORTUNITY AT VTTI: SIGNAL PROCESSING & STATISTICAL MODELING – 3rd posting
19. GRA OPPORTUNITY AT VTTI: COMPUTER VISION & DEEP LEARNING – 3rd posting
20. PEACE CORPS CAMPUS RECRUITER GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP – 3rd posting
Volunteers and research participants sought:
21. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH STUDY ABOUT DATING – 1st posting
22. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON HUMAN PERCEPTION OF SOUND – 1st posting
23. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR AR DRIVING SIMULATOR STUDY – 1st posting
24. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AUGMENTED REALITY STUDY – 2nd posting
25. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR LIFTING STUDY WITH WEARABLE EXOSKELETONS – 2nd posting
26. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR NEW GRADUATE STUDENT ORIENTATION – 3rd posting
27. HEALTHY DOGS NEEDED FOR HEART DISEASE STUDY – 3rd posting
28. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED @ THE BLACKSBURG FARMERS MARKET – 3rd posting
Upcoming events:
ASK A COP (8/27 – Registration required)
UNDERREPRESENTED AND MINORITIZED STUDENT LUNCHEON (8/28 – registration required)
GSA WELCOME BACK BBQ (8/28 – registration requested)
CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY CENTERS COMMUNITY KICKOFF (8/29)
GRADUATE STUDENTS: CV AND RESUME WRITING (8/29 – Registration required)
MANAGING YOUR NEW ASSISTANTSHIP (8/29 – Registration required)
GRADUATE STUDENT WORKOUT AND BRUNCH – 8/30 REGISTER NOW!
GRADUATE STUDENT LIBRARY OPEN HOUSE
Recurring Events
1. WEEKLY DROP-IN SERVICES:
– Career Advising: On hiatus for summer. See: https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/gradcareeropportunity/
– Cook Counseling: on summer hiatus
– Graduate School advising hours: MTThF 8:00am-5:00pm, W 9:30-4:00, 120 GLC
– Immigration advising hours: MWF 1:00-4:00pm, TTh 9:00am-12:00pm, Room 120 GLC
– Writing assistance: reserve appointment at https://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing-center.html
This Week’s Events
2a. WELCOME CENTER AND INFORMATION FAIR
Monday through Friday, Aug 19-23, 9:00am – 4:00pm, GLC Lobby
Stop by anytime throughout the week to pick up information about programs and services that will help you get started.
2. DATA IN SOCIAL CONTEXT WORKSHOP FOR GTAs – application required
Tuesday, Aug 20, 2:00-4:00pm
This workshop prepares GTAs to teach courses that emphasize an interdisciplinary approach of data analytics, computational skills, and critical thinking in the humanities and social sciences. The workshop will feature presentations by three VT graduate students who participated in earlier workshop sessions and a faculty member affiliated with the Data & Decisions Destination Area. Apply to attend by Aug 15 at https://forms.gle/pbN1r2uC99bJUg2u7. Space is limited. Priority given to GTAs who are scheduled to teach courses in the Data & Decisions curriculum (see list of courses on the survey). Participants invited to attend will be notified by email by August 16, 2019. Direct questions about the workshop to co-directors, Tom Ewing (etewing@vt.edu) and Roan Parrish (proan13@vt.edu). Workshop info: https://sites.google.com/vt.edu/etewing/disc/disc-workshop-aug-20-2019.
3. CONSCIENTIOUS DISCUSSION AND THOUGHT SWAP WORKSHOP
Tuesday, Aug 20, 2:00-4:00pm, 1120 Torg
Wednesday, Aug 21, 10:00am-12:00pm, 1129 Torg
Promote conscientious discourse in classrooms through discussion of pedagogy and the introduction and use of ThoughtSwap, a web-tool created at ThirdLab at Virginia Tech. The workshop is designed for graduate students, lecturers and instructors who are interested in improving classroom interaction and might be interested in using ThoughtSwap. Attendees will receive 2 credits from NLI (Networked Learning Initiatives) professional development at VT. This workshop also leads to potential participation in a ThoughtSwap study in Fall 2019 with compensation. Register at https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu, click on “Conscientious Discussion and ThoughtSwap” and enroll!
4. NAVIGATING BLACKSBURG FOR NEW GRADUATE STUDENTS
Wednesday, August 21, 3:00 – 3:45pm, GLC Room B (CLOSED – FULL)
Thursday, August 29, 10:30 – 11:15am, GLC Room B
Students new to Virginia Tech often have questions about how to go about dealing with day-to-day life here in Blacksburg. Learn about the best places to shop, where to get medical care, how to get a driver’s license, transportation, the school system, banking services, and more. Bring any questions you would like answered to help make your stay here in Blacksburg a great experience. Register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1NOShESl0xEpXbD
5. HEALTH INSURANCE SIGN-UP
Thursday, Aug 22, 2:00-4:30pm and Friday, 8/23, 11:00am-1:00pm, GLC Lobby
Stop by the GLC Lobby to sign up for student health insurance with Aetna and ask representatives any questions you may have.
6. LYRIC THEATER TOUR
Thursday, Aug 22, Meet at the Lyric at 2:55pm
Registration is required. https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aY0ehqgCNTNVj7L
7. GLC CAFÉ – no café this week
Thursday, Aug 22
Please attend our “Make Yourself at Home” event instead in the Multipurpose Room. The Café will return next week.
8. MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
Thursday, Aug 22, 4:30-6:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Connect with faculty, staff, new and returning graduate students and resources that can help you settle in and succeed in Blacksburg. Light refreshments and many door prizes will be provided! Register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1HLIpw2kvFoL3xz.
9. LAIGSA WELCOME SOCIAL
Saturday, Aug 24, 4:00pm, Hethwood Lawns
The Latin American and Iberian Grad. Students Association (Laigsa) invites all incoming and returning members to its traditional Welcome Back social. Join them for an afternoon outdoors picnic with food, music, and games. Check out their FB (/LaigsaofVT) and IG (@laigsaVT) walls for more information or contact grad student Martin at martinsc@vt.edu.
Administrative Announcements:
10. GRAD 5984 – SS: BEST PRACTICES IN INTERDISCIPLINARY PEDAGOGY – 1st posting
Looking for courses toward the Future Professoriate Certificate? Looking for a stimulating class this Fall to help round out Interdisciplinary Thinking AND Pedagogy? Check out this new 2 credit offering from the Graduate School at Virginia Tech and help to design an actual capstone course! Fun Instruction by Dr. Annie Pearce and a great team of Cohorts held on Thursdays from 5:00-7:00pm in GLC Room B. Follow this link for more information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LmW6MnThKiK_kwus_SOVFm_BOdlT-Vat/view?usp=sharing.
11. GRAD 5124: RESEARCH SKILLS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS – 1st posting
Take your research to the next level! GRAD 5124 (Research Skills for Graduate Students) is a one-credit, fully-online course offered by the University Libraries in fall 2019. Students will develop skills that will prepare them for research in graduate school and beyond. Four discipline-specific sections are offered, so students should be sure to sign up in HokieSPA for the one that relates to their subject area. Questions should be directed to Lisa Becksford at lisab5@vt.edu.
12. RESEARCH TOOLS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS WORKSHOP SERIES – 1st posting
There’s a lot to learn in graduate school, and the library can help! This fall, the library will offer a series of free workshops (offered both in-person and through Zoom) to help you develop the research skills you need to succeed in graduate school. Learn about literature reviews and database searching, citation management, data management, and developing your scholarly presence. For registration links and detailed information about each workshop, visit guides.lib.vt.edu/gradworkshops.
Jobs:
13. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP IN ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGIES – 1st posting
Accessible Technologies in TLOS is looking to fill a 1-year GA. The position is for 20 hours/week. Full details are available in the online job posting (https://www.assist.vt.edu/student-wage.html). Questions can be emailed to assist@vt.edu. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
14. GRADUATE ASSISTANTS: CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING & LEARNING – 1st posting
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning is seeking two graduate students with an interest in higher education pedagogy. These GA positions will involve duties related to the planning and completion of projects and evens, supporting center staff, conducting research and case studies, and other duties as assigned. Necessitates a mature and professional demeanor, a positive and approachable attitude, and the ability to communicate with diverse groups of faculty, staff, and students. Strong written and oral communication skills required. Successful candidates will be able to work both independently and in a team, have strong organizational skills, and be flexible. This is a 9-month Graduate Assistant appointment for 20 hours/week, with stipend and tuition remission. If interested, please email cover letters and CVs to James Harder, Research and Project Specialist, at jharder@vt.edu. Please indicate that you are applying for a graduate assistantship in the subject line of your email.
15. GLC BUILDING MANAGER WAGE POSITION FOR FALL 2019 – 2nd posting
SECL building managers oversee daily operations of the GLC by monitoring service, safety, and security of this space created for graduate students. Duties include walking rounds, responding to issues, and completing reports, in addition to the facilitation of co-curricular and administrative programs. GLC building managers are responsible for event management bookings, opening & closing of the building, and submitting of facility work orders and daily reports. Must possess strong communication and customer service skills, and have the ability to move equipment (tables and chairs). Looking for flexible staff members willing to work at least two shifts a week and have weekend availability. Pay: $12/hr. To apply, visit VT’s Handshake page https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html; log in and search for “SECL – Graduate Life Center Building Manager” position. Email Steve Buchner (satlbuch@vt.edu) with questions.
16. 6-WK GRAD WAGE POSITION IN ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGIES – 2nd posting
Accessible Technologies in TLOS is looking to fill a 1 year GA and a 6 week graduate wage position (Sept. to Mid-Oct.). The position is for 20 hours/week. Full details are available in the online job posting (https://www.assist.vt.edu/student-wage.html). Questions can be emailed to assist@vt.edu. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
17. ENGINEERING EDUCATION: I.T./ACADEMIC ADIVISING GRAD ASSISTANT – 3rd posting
The Department of Engineering Education is seeking an Information Technology (I.T.)/Academic Advising Graduate Assistant. The graduate assistant will be responsible for updating advising I.T. systems and apps, and serving as a backup to the academic advising team. This position will report to the Director of Advising and Director of Enrollment Management. Complete details are located at: https://enge.vt.edu/content/dam/enge_vt_edu/undergraduate/ga.pdf
18. GRA OPPORTUNITY AT VTTI: SIGNAL PROCESSING & STATISTICAL MODELING – 3rd posting
Virginia Tech Transportation Institute is looking for a graduate research assistant for the academic year 2019-2020 starting Fall 2019. This appointment will be 20-hour full time GRA and is open for master’s and doctoral students. This project addresses the emerging field of behavior-based predictive safety analytics, focusing on the prediction of road crash involvement based on individual driver behavior characteristics. Student with backgrounds and knowledge on statistical modeling and signal processing may apply to amiller@vtti.vt.edu with CV, cover letter and two contacts for references. For more information about the responsibilities and requirements, please visit: https://drive.google.com/open?id=19oXNgYoDKqncWYR6c6uS26yapkuJNYyF.
19. GRA OPPORTUNITY AT VTTI: COMPUTER VISION & DEEP LEARNING – 3rd posting
Virginia Tech Transportation Institute is looking for a full-time graduate research assistant who has expertise in computer vision and deep learning. This is a full academic year GRA position starting Fall 2019 with a possibility of extension to next academic year. The ideal student is a second year PhD or Masters student looking for dissertation topic and willing to work in the field of computer vision and deep learning. The student will closely work with faculties from VTTI and department of ECE. Applicant may contact Dr. Abhijit Sarkar (asarkar@vtti.vt.edu) with their CV and two contacts for reference indicating “GRA application: Computer Vision for NDS”. For more information about the responsibilities and requirements, please visit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O_B0hBlweudwCc65iJyff_Cz_S3kPqm-/view.
20. PEACE CORPS CAMPUS RECRUITER GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP – 3rd posting
The Center for International Research, Education, and Development (CIRED) is searching for a graduate student who is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) to serve as the part-time Campus Peace Corps Recruiter (20 hours/week). The recruiter will be the main point of contact at VT and other universities in Southwest Virginia for people interested in joining the Peace Corps. The successful candidate will receive a graduate stipend and tuition remission. For application information go to: https://cired.vt.edu/About/job-opportunities.html
Volunteers and research participants sought:
21. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH STUDY ABOUT DATING – 1st posting
Participate in a study about what your parents told you and what they didn’t tell you. Conducted by Joong Won Kim and Dr. Bonnie Zare in the Virginia Tech Sociology Department. Purpose of this research is to explore how men build relationships with family, friends and romantic partners. Seeking information on answers to questions like: 1) Do you feel like the dating atmosphere at Tech is competitive? 2) What does your family expect from you regarding dating /starting a relationship of any kind/being intimate? 3) How do your ideas differ from your family’s? Must be at least 18 years old, male or male-identified and unmarried. If interested, go to https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8libq89kQnZuWkl.
Your name and your responses will be separated. Survey takes less than 40 min. You will receive a $10 Amazon gift card for your time.
22. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON HUMAN PERCEPTION OF SOUND – 1st posting
This user-study gives participants the chance to play an Audio-game with the Cube’s 128-speaker array using gestures alone while collecting valuable data on human perception of sound. Sign up for this immersive audio-game experience here: User-Study Appointment Calendar. The complete study will last for 60 minutes and will be held in the Cube, a facility within the Moss Arts Center. For more details, please go to http://wvtf.org/post/music-spheres-big-data-meets-big-sound. Questions? Contact Disha Sardana at dishas9@vt.edu.
23. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR AR DRIVING SIMULATOR STUDY – 1st posting
The COGENT Lab at Virginia Tech (https://cogent.ise.vt.edu/) needs volunteers for a study using in-vehicle and head-up displays and how they impact drivers. Participants will be asked to complete short tasks while driving in the simulator and wearing eye tracking glasses. Must be 18+, an active driver with valid US driver’s license for over a year, and have normal or corrected-to-normal vision (corrected using contact lenses). Compensation is $15 and the study should last no more than 1.5 hours. Please be aware that there is a risk of induced motion sickness when using a driving simulator. Do not volunteer if susceptible to motion sickness, migraines, epilepsy, dizziness or blurred vision, or are pregnant. Questions? Contact Nayara Faria via email at nfaria@vt.edu
24. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AUGMENTED REALITY STUDY – 2nd posting
VT researchers in the Cognitive Engineering for Novel Technologies (COGENT) Lab are recruiting participants for an augmented reality study. During the experiment, you will be asked to use augmented reality (AR) glasses to scan a simulated bridge surface for targets. You do not need to have used AR before, nor do you need any experience in bridge inspection to participate. Must be 18 years of age or older and have normal, or corrected to normal vision. You will be compensated at $10/hr and the study should last no more than 1 hour. If you have any questions or interested in participating, please contact Jared Van Dam via email at Jaredvd@vt.edu.
25. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR LIFTING STUDY WITH WEARABLE EXOSKELETONS – 2nd posting
Participants are sought for a research study about lifting with and without wearable exoskeletons. Participants must be 18-35 years old with no recent or prior musculoskeletal disorders or back injuries (at least for 12 months). A height range of 5′ 4″- 6 3′ is preferred. Should be able to comfortably lift a box (~10% of the bodyweight) from the floor to waist height and perform a variety of lifting tasks both with and without the exoskeletons. The training session takes about 1 hour and the data collection session takes about 3-4 hours. The compensation rate is $10/hour. If interested, email Saman Madinei at madinei@vt.edu
26. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR NEW GRADUATE STUDENT ORIENTATION – 3rd posting
The Graduate School is seeking graduate student volunteers to help with a variety of events and activities for new students during orientation period Aug 19 – 23. Please complete this survey if you are available to assist us with these events. https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3eKrERJUZ3pulNz
27. HEALTHY DOGS NEEDED FOR HEART DISEASE STUDY – 3rd posting
Healthy dogs needed to compare to a clinical population of dogs affected by mitral valve disease. Dogs’ health status will be determined by owner interview, physical examination, and echocardiography. To enroll, dogs must be 1-5 years of age, weigh 7-55 lbs, and be free of systemic disease, such as diabetes, Cushing’s, kidney disease, and heart disease. Excluding factors include presence of other acquired or congenital cardiovascular diseases; dogs that would require sedation for undergoing ECG examination; and/or presence of severe clinical systemic disease that affects the cardiovascular system. Once enrolled in study, the dog will undergo a standard cardiac examination, at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Bburg. Procedures are non-invasive, but may require a small area of fur on dog’s chest to be shaved. All appointments are on Saturdays and should take less than 30 minutes. To schedule study appointment, please call the Small Animal Clinic at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at 540-231-4621 and mention the 2D3D echo/mitral valve disease study.
28. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED @ THE BLACKSBURG FARMERS MARKET – 3rd posting
Sign up for a volunteer shift at the Blacksburg Farmers Market for the annual tomato and salsa tasting! Volunteers are needed to help run the information booth on market days. Saturday, the market is open 8:00am-2:00pm and shifts are 8:00-11:00am and 11:00am-2:00pm. The Farmer’s Market is near Squires and the GLC. More information is on the sign up link https://signup.com/client/invitation2/6775657374/1219389/false#!1219389/false/false. If you have any questions, email oliviao6@vt.edu.
Upcoming events:
ASK A COP
Tuesday, Aug 27, 5:00pm, GLC Room C
Dunk into the dos and don’ts of what to do if you get pulled over by the police. Also learn when to call the police for assistance and hear about the services and events the Virginia Tech Police Department offers to students. Ever wonder why cops are always associated with donuts? Find out the answer at this session! This is tailored for international students but anyone is welcome to attend. Bring your questions. Yes, there will be donuts! Register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aXkLTlQzxmReL53.
UNDERREPRESENTED AND MINORITIZED STUDENT LUNCHEON
Wednesday, Aug 28, 2019, Noon-1:30pm, Graduate Life Center, Multi-Purpose Room
Join the Office for Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion for a lunch dedicated to all underrepresented and/or minoritized students. These groups include racial/ethnic minorities, sexual/gender minorities, and others who identify as a minority in graduate education. All are welcome to attend! Please register here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_39n9xQfTkTgQwm1 Questions? Contact Dr. Shernita Lee at shernita@vt.edu.
GSA WELCOME BACK BBQ (REGISTRATION REQUESTED)
Wednesday, Aug 28, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC lawn
Join the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) for their annual welcome (back) to campus celebration! Please register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUQwF2Ss0VtWEj3wU7xKiZiWovqeyWFrTkwChvD6AVVbBF2A/viewform if you are planning to attend so that organizers can anticipate food needs. Contact the GSA with any questions and problems at gsa@vt.edu.
CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY CENTERS COMMUNITY KICKOFF
Thursday, Aug 29, 4:00-7:00pm, Commonwealth Ballroom and other locations in Squires
Learn about the various cultural and community centers that support all students!
GRADUATE STUDENTS: CV AND RESUME WRITING
Thursday, Aug 29,5:30-6:30 pm, Graduate Life Center, Room F
Graduate students attending this workshop will learn the basics of writing resumes and CVs, understand the key differences between the two documents, and how to convert a CV to a resume for an industry job search. Additional career resources available for graduate students will also be shared. Register at
https://vt.joinhandshake.com/events/324568/share_preview
MANAGING YOUR NEW ASSISTANTSHIP
Thursday, Aug 29, 4:00pm, GLC Room C OR
Thursday, Sep 5, 10:30am, GLC Room B
This informal workshop, for students with a first-time assistantship at VT, will answer a variety of questions often posed by students when starting an assistantship such as payroll, tuition awards, maintaining eligibility, performance management, time worked, time off, and termination. We will also discuss how to work with your supervisor to get the most out of your assistantship experience. Register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bBkDxALoiEz8m8t
GRADUATE STUDENT WORKOUT AND BRUNCH – REGISTER NOW!
Mon Sept 2, 9:00-11:00am, McComas Hall
Rec Sports is sponsoring this exclusive graduate student fitness and wellness event. Choose from yoga, cycle, mindfulness, open rec, or weight room exercise, followed by brunch at 10am. Children are welcome and supervised activities will be provided while the parents work out. Learn what Rec Sports has to offer grad students! Sign-up by August 28 here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5ApqEnO6SJurd77. Space is limited!
GRADUATE STUDENT LIBRARY OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday, Sep 4, 2:00-4:00pm, Newman Library Multipurpose Room (101)
Who can help me at the library? How many books can I check out? What support do you offer for data management? Come find out the answers to these questions and more at the Graduate Student Library Open House! Stop in any time between 2:00-4:00pm to chat with representatives from across the library, ask questions, and learn about all the ways that the University Libraries support graduate students throughout their time at the university, from their first semester all the way to finishing a thesis or dissertation. Snacks and drinks will be served. Registration is requested. To register, visit tinyurl.com/libgradopenhouse.