Recurring Events:
1. WEEKLY DROP-IN SERVICES
2. WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS
– WRITING STRATEGIES FOR GRADUATE WRITERS
– ASK THE ACADEMY: GTA WALK-IN ADVISING
– FLAMENCO AND CLASSICAL SPANISH DANCE
– GLC CAFÉ
– KIDS’ NIGHT OUT
– INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
– LUTHERAN TRADITIONAL DIVINE SERVICE
This Week’s Events
3. GRAD MINDFULNESS ON MONDAYS STARTING SEP 10
4. SALSATECH TEAMS TRYOUTS
5. WELLNESS EVENTS IN THE GLC
6. WELLNESS WEDNESDAY MINDFULNESS/YOGA
7. FIRST PARENT SUPPORT LUNCHEON
8. PhD 101: NAVIGATING GRADUATE SCHOOL AS AN UNDERREPRESENTED STUDENT
9. STRESS MANAGEMENT FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
10. THE LAST LAIGSA FALL FIESTA OF THE YEAR
Administrative Announcements:
11. WHOLE TALE – RDA/US FELLOWSHIP CALL FOR APPLICATIONS – 1st posting
12. GLOBAL EDUCATION OFFICE SEEKING FELLOWSHIP MENTORS – 2nd posting
13. COMMUNITY CHANGE COLLABORATIVE: MEETING UPDATE – 2nd posting
14. STATISTICS SHORT COURSES OFFERED IN FALL 2018 – 2nd posting
15. LIBRARY RESERVES INFO FOR GTAs – 2nd posting
16. GRAD STUDENT REP SOUGHT FOR CEOD – 3rd posting
17. GSA SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR GRAD & PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL FAIR – 3rd posting
18. ACADEMY FOR GTA EXCELLENCE SEEKS MEMBERS – Absolutely last posting
Jobs:
19. GRA OPENING: GIS PROGRAMMER/ANALYST FOR 2018-19 – 2nd posting
Volunteers and research participants sought:
20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR VR INTERACTION METHODS STUDY – 1st posting
21. MENTORS NEEDED FOR BLACKSBURG REFUGEE PARTNERSHIP – 1st posting
22. PAID VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS AGES 7-14 – 2nd posting
23. AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ADHD STUDY – 2nd posting
24. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT TO RATE SERIOUSNESS OF WORKPLACE INFRACTION SCENARIOS – 2nd posting
25. MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION STUDY – 2nd posting
26. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON FEAR OF DOGS IN YOUNG CHILDREN – 3rd posting
Upcoming events:
— VTGRATE’S TOOLS FOR TEACHING WORKSHOP: 10 TANGIBLE TIPS FOR INSTRUCTORS
— JOIN A HAPPINESS GROUP 🙂
— GLC HIKE TO TINKER CLIFFS
— ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING AN ADVISOR/ADVISEE RELATIONSHIP
— RESEARCH A LA MODE: EXPLORING INSIGHTS ON WILDLIFE RECREATIONISTS
— FREE APPLE AND PEAR TASTING
Recurring Events
1. WEEKLY DROP-IN SERVICES:
– Career Advising: Will return on Wednesdays starting Sep 19 from 2:00-5:00pm. See the Grad Students Career Ops blog for more info on career opportunities: https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/gradcareeropportunity/
– Cook Counseling: Thursday & Friday, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room, GLC
– Graduate School hours: MTThF 8:00am-5:00pm, W 9:30am-5:00pm
– Immigration advising hours: MWF 1:00-4:00pm, TTh 9:00am-12:00pm Room 120
– Ask the Academy: GTA Walk-In Advising Wednesdays, GLC Graduate Lounge and Thursdays, GLC Reading Room, 4:00-6:00pm
– Graduate writing assistance: Mondays, 9:30-11:00am and Tuesdays, 4:00-5:30pm, GLC, Room A https://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing-center.html
2. WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS:
– WRITING STRATEGIES FOR GRADUATE WRITERS
Mondays, 9:30-11:00am and Tuesdays, 4:00-5:30pm, GLC, Room A
Session can last up to 1.5 hours; you are limited to two of these special appointments at the GLC per semester. Ends Dec 2.
– ASK THE ACADEMY: GTA WALK-IN ADVISING
Wednesdays, GLC Graduate Lounge, 4-6pm & Thursdays, GLC Reading Room, 4-6pm
You can also send questions to http://vtgrate.org/ask-a-fellow/.
– FLAMENCO AND CLASSICAL SPANISH DANCE
Wednesdays, Squires 116, 7:00-8:00pm
– GLC CAFÉ
2nd and 4th Wednesday and every Thursday, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Every Thursday, enjoy free coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of fellow grad students and Grad School staff; network, socialize, relax! Bring your own mug if you can.
– KIDS’ NIGHT OUT
Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm, VT Women’s Center, 206 Washington St., B’burg
Kids aged 2+ (must be potty trained) enjoy fun activities with volunteer sitters. For additional information, and to sign up, visit the doodle poll at https://doodle.com/poll/svvzn46bmki2uiir. Please note that spots are limited. Contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu for more info.
– INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Fridays, 6:30-9:00pm, GLC Room F
For more info visit: https://gcfvt.wordpress.com/small-groups/
– LUTHERAN TRADITIONAL DIVINE SERVICE
Sundays, 3:30pm, War Memorial Chapel
For more information, contact Nathaniel at nhall28@vt.edu.
This Week’s Events
3. GRAD MINDFULNESS ON MONDAYS STARTING SEP 10
Starting Monday, Sep 10, 12:00-12:30pm, Derring 5071
Each meeting will consist of a short (about 5 mins.) guided mindfulness exercise followed by time to practice. It is not necessary to stay for the whole time. Here is a link https://app.stopbreathethink.org/ to a cool free mindfulness app. Mindfulness http://www.mindful.org/ is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you’re mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience. Contact Lisa Whalen for more info at lashley@vt.edu
4. SALSATECH TEAMS TRYOUTS
Monday, Sep 10, 6:00 – 9:00pm, Squires Student Center Room 116
LAIGSA (LATIN AMERICAN and IBERIAN Graduate Student Association) invites you to come out to join one of the SalsaTech Teams. Learn some choreography and show off your moves. No dance experience necessary. Come out test your skills and meet a people with similar passion. 6:00-7:00pm is warm up and learning choreography; 7:00-9:00pm is dancing the choreography. For more info go to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1860761074005191/
5. WELLNESS EVENTS IN THE GLC
Wednesday, Sep 12, all day, GLC Health & Wellness Room (G)
Learn about events and resources that support your well-being and healthy life-style throughout the semester! Take advantage of a sampling of programs:
– 8:00-9:00am – Mindfulness session with Hokie Wellness
– 11:30-11:50am – Snacks and a walk to Burruss to participate in Walking Wednesdays
– 4:00-6:00pm – Well-Check event, including blood pressure screenings; functional movement screening; skin check; intro to wellness vocabulary in American Sign Language; meet Moose, the therapy dog; and learn about GLC resources. For more information and accommodations, email Lindsay Vander Molen, ltvander@vt.edu.
6. WELLNESS WEDNESDAY MINDFULNESS/YOGA
Starting Wednesday, Sep 12, GLC Health & Wellness Room G
Come participate in a Yoga or Mindfulness class every Wednesday from 8:00-9:00AM in GLC Health & Wellness Room (G) 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays will be Yoga Classes and 2nd and 4th Wednesdays will be a Mindfulness Classes (Mindfulness skills 8:00-8:30am, Self Meditation 8:30-9:00am) For more information and accommodations, email Lindsay Vander Molen, ltvander@vt.edu. Ends Dec 5.
7. FIRST PARENT SUPPORT LUNCHEON
Wednesday, Sep 12, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room F
Please join us for the first Parent Support Luncheon of the year! Each month the Graduate School will host a FREE LUNCH event for any interested students and their families. There is no cost for this event, and spouses/partners and children are always welcome. Please sign up at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4fabaa28a1ff2-september3 so that enough food for everyone can be ordered. This month NRVCares will speak about programs and resources available to parents and families in the New River Valley. For more information on NRVCares, click here. For more information, or questions about this and other luncheon events, email childcare@vt.edu.
8. PhD 101: NAVIGATING GRADUATE SCHOOL AS AN UNDERREPRESENTED STUDENT
Wednesday, Sep 12, 6:00pm, GLC Room B
A panel discussion featuring Virginia Tech faculty, sponsored by the Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program and the Graduate School Office of Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion.
8. STRESS MANAGEMENT FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
Friday, Sept 14, 2pm, GLC Room B
Graduate work tends to bring out stress and anxiety in students and at times can feel overwhelming. If you want to learn how to manage and cope with stress, come to this stress management workshop designed specifically for graduate students. Sponsored by Cook Counseling Center. Sign-up at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScWymn0Htv92abBFBReUkbhXsGw0D6J8i29V1fODZk8sqsb3A/viewform.
10. THE LAST LAIGSA FALL FIESTA OF THE YEAR
Saturday, Sep 15, 9:30pm, Sycamore Deli, Downtown Bburg
Make new friends or have a good start of the semester with your current friends by joining us partying at the Fall Fiesta of the Year. The party will have the hottest salsa, bachata, merengue, and reggaeton!. No dancing experience required. Hosted by the Latin American and Iberian Graduate Student Association. For more info, see their Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/1595092133970989/
Administrative Announcements:
11. WHOLE TALE – RDA/US FELLOWSHIP CALL FOR APPLICATIONS – 1st posting
The Whole Tale (WT) project, in cooperation with the US region of the Research Data Alliance (RDA/US) and its early career fellowship program RDA/US Data Share, invites applications for the joint WT-RDA/US Early Career fellowship program. Fellows will engage with both the WT and RDA communities and, depending on commitment, receive $5,000 for self-directed projects and/or travel support to attend the RDA Thirteenth Plenary. For more details, deadlines and the application form, please visit https://wholetale.org/2018/09/06/wt-rdaus-ecf-fellows.html. Applications due September 30. Contact dataservices@vt.edu to learn more about VT participation in these initiatives.
12. GLOBAL EDUCATION OFFICE SEEKING FELLOWSHIP MENTORS – 2nd posting
Any VT graduate student who has received a national fellowship in the past (Fulbright, Boren, Marshall, Goldwater, NSF-GRFP, etc.) and would be interested in serving as a resource for future candidates, please contact Betty Anderson in the Global Education Office (betty.anderson@vt.edu). Activities include speaking at info sessions, application review, one-on-one mentoring, etc. Time commitment is minimal and flexible based on participants’ schedules.
13. COMMUNITY CHANGE COLLABORATIVE: MEETING UPDATE – 2nd posting
Based on the results of the poll, the new regular meeting day will be weekly on Thursday at 11:00am in the GLC. All meetings will be in Room C with the following exceptions: Sep 6 – Room B; Sep 13 – Room F; Sep 27 – No Meeting; Oct 11 – Room B. If needed, go to the information desk in the GLC for the meeting location.
14. STATISTICS SHORT COURSES OFFERED IN FALL 2018 – 2nd posting
The Statistical Applications & Innovation Group (SAIG) is offering a number of two-hour short courses for graduate students that cover a variety of statistical methods in platforms like R and JMP. To find out more details about the short courses and sign-up, go to https://app.nli.tlos.vt.edu/ and search for “SAIG” in the Sponsor field. For more information about SAIG and the other free services available, visit https://saig.stat.vt.edu/
15. LIBRARY RESERVES INFO FOR GTAs – 2nd posting
Nearly 500 assigned textbooks are available for 2 hours, 2 days or 7 days via Library Course Reserves https://catalog.lib.vt.edu/cgi-bin/koha/opac-course-reserves.pl and eBook versions for some additional course textbooks can be found by searching the Library’s Discovery Search at: https://lib.vt.edu. Suggestions that the Libraries purchase a textbook and put it on reserve for a particular course can be sent to at https://vt.libsurveys.com/loader.php?friendly=textbook-purchase. Printed textbooks reported to the VT Bookstore and already owned by the library will automatically be added to the list of textbooks on Reserve. Questions? Contact reserve@vt.edu.
16. GRAD STUDENT REP SOUGHT FOR CEOD – 3rd posting
The Commission on Equal Opportunity and Diversity (CEOD) is seeking applicants for its graduate at-large position for a one-year term. Meetings are held once a month on Mondays 10:30am-12:00pm. In addition, participation on subcommittees (scheduled according to member availability) is expected. If interested, apply at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2o7SMVBiJokvx1X by 5:00pm on Friday, Sep 14. CEOD is a governance body that reports to the University Council. Learn more at http://www.governance.vt.edu/equal-opportunity-and-diversity.php.
17. GSA SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR GRAD & PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL FAIR – 3rd posting
The Graduate Student Assembly is seeking volunteers to help meet the demands for their annual Graduate and Professional School Fair (GPSF) on Monday, Sep 24 in the Squires Student Center. For your involvement, volunteers will be offered a meal ticket to participate in the catered dinner portion of the fair. If interested, sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0d4eacaf2ca7fb6-graduate. Email Joshua Slaughenhoupt (jslaugh@vt.edu ) with questions.
18. ACADEMY FOR GTA EXCELLENCE SEEKS MEMBERS – Absolutely last posting
The Academy for Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Excellence (VTGrATE) 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 campuses. Information about the application process may be found in our website: http://vtgrate.org/membership/application-and-review/. Applications are due on Sunday, Sep 16. Questions? Contact Katie Ayers (ayersk14@vt.edu) or leave a message on our Ask a Fellow page at http://vtgrate.org/ask-a-fellow/.
Jobs:
19. GRA OPENING: GIS PROGRAMMER/ANALYST FOR 2018-19 – 3rd posting
VT central IT’s Enterprise GIS team is seeking GRA 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, including developing scripts to automate GIS data management and server administration tasks; performing mapping and analysis; and developing and maintaining GIS-enabled web applications. Required experience: Python programming, Tools and APIs related to the ESRI ArcGIS platform. For other relevant experience and more details about the job, visit https://www.gis.vt.edu/jobs/. To apply, forward a current resume and cover letter explaining interest in and qualification for the position as soon as possible to egisjobs@bev.vt.edu. Position open until filled.
Volunteers and research participants sought:
20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR VR INTERACTION METHODS STUDY – 1st posting
This research is studying various interaction methods for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies and investigating the best ways to indicate and mark targets of interest in AR.
Participants will be asked to use these techniques to then answer questions and comment on their usability. The experiment will be performed in the Sandbox, Room 160 of the Moss Arts Center, and will take 60 – 90 minutes for each participant. Participants must be at 18+ years old and have normal vision (glasses and contacts are fine). Sign up at http://people.cs.vt.edu/~llisle/experiment_slots.html. Contact Lee Lisle at llisle@vt.edu for more information.
21. MENTORS NEEDED FOR BLACKSBURG REFUGEE PARTNERSHIP – 1st posting
Grad student Allison Miller, co-coordinator of The Blacksburg Refugee Partnership (BRP), advises that the BRP is seeking mentors for refugee children in the community. Mentors spend a minimum of one day a week with their mentee engaging in activities that will build on their community involvement and contribute to their overall well-being. This may be taking the mentee to the park, doing arts and crafts, hiking, and more. This is a unique opportunity to get involved with BRP and space is limited. There are no language requirements and all those who are interested must pass a background check. It is preferred that mentors have a minimum of one year left in Blacksburg. If interested, please contact mentoradmin@blacksburgrefugeepartnership.org for more information.
22. PAID VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS AGES 7-14 – 2nd posting
The Clinical Psychology program at VT has developed an assessment training opportunity for doctoral students. Graduate students enrolled in the Psychological Assessment course will be conducting psychological assessments of children/adolescents, ages 7-14, and their parents. Volunteers will be reimbursed $30 for their participation. These assessments are only for training purposes, not for clinical use. Participants must be available for three to four 3-hour sessions from Oct 10 through Nov 7, scheduled on an individual basis. Please contact Lauren Delk at ladelk@vt.edu for more information.
23. AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ADHD STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants needed to take part in confidential interview for a study exploring health behavior and health care utilization practices of African American adults who experienced adolescent symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, or a behavioral disorder. Participants will receive a $10 gift card to thank them for their participation. You are eligible to participate in the study if you: 1) Identify as African American or Black; 2) are 18 years of age or older 3) are currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student; 4) have experienced first symptoms of ADHD or a behavioral disorder beginning before the age of 12. If interested, please complete this short 5-minute survey: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8ojGNYxbi9LQ3el. Direct questions about the study or eligibility to Marissa Lang at Lang.Marissa@gmail.com.
24. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT TO RATE SERIOUSNESS OF WORKPLACE INFRACTION SCENARIOS – 2nd posting
Graduate student volunteers needed for a study rating the seriousness of workplace infraction scenarios. The study will should take less than 20 minutes to complete and involves each scenario and rating it on a scale from 1 (minor) to 5 (serious). Study is being done entirely online and responses will be completely anonymous. If interested, go to https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9B3vAwlQlo4kbDD. Questions? Email Bethany at bbodo@vt.edu.
25. MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION STUDY – 2nd posting
The Psychology Department at Virginia Tech is currently conducting a research study examining a program designed to improve health and well-being. The program, called Mindfulness-Based-Stress-Reduction (MBSR), involves an 8-week class on meditation and mindful movement techniques such as tai-chi and yoga. Study will test the impact of MBSR on stress, emotion and attention functions, and on the physical factors that affect these processes. The purpose is to find out if MBSR classes will decrease negative emotions, increase attention, decrease stress levels and boost your immune system. For more information, go to www.scanlab.org/mbsr.pdf or email hokiemindfulness@gmail.com.
26. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON FEAR OF DOGS IN YOUNG CHILDREN –3rd posting
This treatment research study is for children ages 4-7 with a fear of dogs that interferes in their lives. Parents are provided with a children’s book designed to assist young children in becoming more comfortable around dogs and will meet with a clinician who will teach them how to read the book with their child and do activities at home to improve their child’s fear. If fear level remains high, parents will be offered the opportunity to come in for additional treatment. Treatment is offered at no cost and families will be compensated for completing pre-treatment and follow-up assessment sessions. If interested, call the Child Study Center at 540-231-8276 or e-mail childstudycenter@gmail.com for further information.
Upcoming events:
— VTGRATE’S TOOLS FOR TEACHING WORKSHOP: 10 TANGIBLE TIPS FOR INSTRUCTORS
Wednesday, Sep 19, 4:00-5:30pm, GLC Room C
This teaching workshop, sponsored by VTGrATE, is oriented toward first-time or seasoned instructors with an interest in reviewing ten quick, straightforward tips to ensure the course taught is on the right track. Regardless of knowledge and experience level, this workshop aims to provide an overview of ten helpful tips and to stimulate reflection upon the essential elements that every instructor should consider for a successful, smooth, and meaningful course. All ten general tips for all instructors will be reviewed, regardless of discipline, (you need to attend to find out what they are 🙂 then facilitate discussion.
— JOIN A HAPPINESS GROUP!
Starts Wednesday, Sep 19, 5:30-6:30pm, 142 McComas Hall
Meets Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30pm starting September 19th for 8 weeks to discuss what it means to ‘be happy’ and how certain strategies can improve your ability to live happily. Each week, participants will learn powerful ways to live more positively, joyfully, and mindfully. Open to everyone and free. Sign up at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScWymn0Htv92abBFBReUkbhXsGw0D6J8i29V1fODZk8sqsb3A/viewform. Contact Shelly at rasnicks@vt.edu or 540-231-0620 with any questions or concerns.
— COVER LETTER 101
Thursday, Sep 20, 4:15pm, GLC Room C
Sponsored by Career and Professional Development. All workshops can be accessed on Zoom at http://virginiatech.zoom.us/my/alyssa.rametta
— GLC HIKE TO TINKER CLIFFS
Sunday, Sept 23, 9:00am
Join the Graduate Fellows and other graduate students as they hike Tinker Cliffs, the third leg in the Triple Crown with great views of the Catawba Valley! Be advised, this hike is not easy going. You will encounter steep climbs and numerous switchbacks, so all hikers are encouraged to wear athletic shoes and bring lots of water. The hike is 7.7 miles round-trip and you should anticipate a hiking time of 4 hours. Space is limited, so complete this survey to register if you are planning to attend at https://survey.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2mXTqjdDwixGzd3. If you have any questions, e-mail Athulya Simon at aasimon@vt.edu.
— ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING AN ADVISOR/ADVISEE RELATIONSHIP
Monday, Sep 24, 4:00pm, GLC Room C
Having a good advisor/advisee relationship can be a great resource when it comes to questions and concerns about your academic career. In this first event in the Graduate School’s Professional Development Series, learn how you can establish and maintain an effective relationship with your advisor with this workshop. Sign up at https://virgi.niatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0eaT0vWrKkOWlY9. For more information and for a complete list of professional development events this fall, check out the Graduate School website: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/student-life/professional-development/professional-development-series.html.
— GET LINKED IN TO LINKEDIN
Thursday, Sep 27, 4:15pm, GLC Room C
Sponsored by Career and Professional Development. All workshops can be accessed on Zoom at http://virginiatech.zoom.us/my/alyssa.rametta
— RESEARCH A LA MODE: EXPLORING INSIGHTS ON WILDLIFE RECREATIONISTS
Thursday, Sep 27, 5:00-6:00pm, Museum of Geosciences, Derring Hall Rm. 2062
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. This month PhD student Bennett Grooms, who studies the thoughts and behaviors of wildlife recreationists in Virginia, will share his insights on how things like motivations, trust, and attitudes are important for wildlife conservation. Come support graduate students learning to communicate their science. Enjoy free ice cream during the talk.
— FREE APPLE AND PEAR TASTING
Saturday, Sept 29, 10am-12pm, Blacksburg Farmers Market
Come join the GLC Fellows and fellow graduate students for the free Apple and Pear Tasting event at the Blacksburg Farmers Market. Anyone is welcome to join us for this family friendly outing! Please fill out this survey at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_575ApPtERFXp6rb for more details and to help gage interest. Feel free to contact Athulya Simon at aasimon@vt.edu with any questions.