1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC
- Career services walk-in advising: Wednesdays, 1:30-5:00pm, GLC Study Room
- Walk-in counseling support: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 1-5pm, GLC Green Room
- Writing support: Mondays (4-7pm) and Wednesdays (4-6pm), GLC Videoconference Room
2. INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK (IEW)
Monday-Friday, Nov 15-19, locations vary
November 15-19 is International Education Week! Student organizations and departments have worked together to compile several fun, educational, and exciting events to celebrate international education for this week. View the schedule and details here.
3. VT ON-CAMPUS FARMERS MARKET
Monday, Nov 15, 11:00-3:00pm, GLC Plaza
Stop by for an on-campus showcase of baked goods, produce, crafts and more. Learn about the delicious local foods the market has to offer to campus and the community.
4. INTRO TO CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY & PAINTING
Monday, Nov 15, 5:30-7:00pm, GLC Room C
Learn the basic strokes of calligraphy with the bamboo brush, ink, xuan paper, and inkstone as well as the "Four Gentlemen" in Chinese painting: plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum. All materials will be provided. This event is part of the IEW celebrations.
5. CELEBRATE IEW WITH ZUMBA
Tuesday, Nov 16, 5:00-6:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Shake, Shimmy, Slide, Pop…join fellow graduate students for ZUMBA!! This one hour class full of international dance moves is free. Contact Nicole Engel, nme001@vt.edu for more information. This event is part of the IEW celebrations.
6. SHORT COURSES IN STATISTICS: USING R FOR YOUR BASIC STATISTICAL NEEDS
Monday and Tuesday, Nov 15-16, 5:00-7:00pm, 3060 Torg
These two-hour courses teach practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data. Many statistical practitioners prefer JMP, SPSS, and Minitab to R and SAS because using the latter two requires learning a computer software language instead of point and click interface. However, the point and click interface programs tend to be more limited in the kinds of analyses that they can handle. The key to successful coding in R (and SAS) means being comfortable with reading the help files. I this session participants will go through several simple data analysis examples (e.g. t-test) from start to finish. For example, for a t-test will first import the data, graph it to make sure a t-test is appropriate, look up what function in R does a t-test, what options there are when doing the analysis, etc. Register or learn more. Refreshments provided at the end of each short course. LISA also provides free statistical collaboration and consulting: the LISA website to schedule an appointment. Free daily walk-in consulting service is available from 12-2pm in 401 Hutcheson Hall.
7. LAUGHING WITH FIROOZEH DUMAS
Tuesday, Nov 16, 7:00pm, GLC Auditorium
Author Firoozeh Dumas will discuss cultural differences and her personal way of dealing with them while growing up as an Iranian in America. Her best selling book, Funny in Farsi, was created as a sitcom by ABC but was not selected. Dumas latest book, Laughing Without an Accent, was published in 2008. Event is co-sponsored by CISO, Multicultural Programs and Services (MPS), and Women and Gender Studies (WGS). This event is part of the IEW celebrations.
8. CHAND RAAT FESTIVAL
Wednesday, Nov 17, 6:30-9:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Throughout South Asia, Chand Raat is a time of celebration where families and friends gather together to celebrate the coming of Eid. Cities and homes are decorated with lights, and women and girls decorate their hands with henna. Enjoy food from Taaza, dance to cultural music and a concert by fellow students, and decorate yourself with henna at this fun-filled celebration! Co-sponsored by the Pakistani Student Alliance, GLC Resident Fellows, and the Council of International Student Organizations (CISO). This event is part of the IEW celebrations.
9. BELLY DANCE WITH HILL AND VEIL: DANCE WORKSHOP
Thursday, Nov 18, 6:30-8:00pm, GLC Room F
This is the last event for the Fall Women and Wellness HealthCARE (Healthy Consumption, Attitudes, Relationships and Exercise) series. Belly dance is a fun way to relieve stress and become more comfortable in your own skin. It’s something that anyone can learn with time and practice! Join for fun, community, and exercise. This event is co-sponsored by the Women’s Center, the GSA and the Graduate School. Registration is required.
10. NEW RESOURCE WEBSITE LAUNCHED FOR STUDENT VETERANS
On Veterans’ Day, Nov 11, the VT Center for Academic Enrichment and Excellence, in collaboration with the College of Engineering and the Graduate School, launched a new website for student and employee veterans at Virginia Tech to help veterans transition from military service to successful academic and civilian careers. A virtual “one-stop shop,” the website provides information and links to university and community resources in the areas of academics, finances, health, and work-life balance, among others. Feedback is welcome. Please contact Dr. Karen Sanders with questions or comments at 540/231-5499.
11. CITIZEN SCHOLAR APPLICATIONS INVITED
Have you used your research to benefit society in any way? If so, consider applying for the Citizen Scholar award. If not, consider designing a Citizen Scholar project! Learn more about program requirements. Applications are due December 2. For more information, email Eric Hodges.
12. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH PROJECT
ImADiva is a program designed to provide better understanding of how to increase physical activity in college black women. Individuals who meet the following criteria are sought: Black women between the ages of 18-25, English speaking, enrolled in 3 credit hrs at VT, no physician contraction towards physical activity, and not pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This research will be conducted through the Translational Obesity Research Program of the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise. There is an opportunity to receive compensation for your participation! For more information or if interested in participating, please contact Kacie Allen by Nov 18.
13. INVITATION TO SURVEY PARTICIPATION ON ETHNIC FOODS AND CHOCOLATE – 2nd posting
You are invited to participate in a survey regarding demographics, consumption habits, purchasing habits, and interest in ethnic foods and chocolate. The survey consists of 25 questions and requires approximately 15 minutes to complete. The information you provide will be used in the development of a new food product by the VT Food Science and Technology Product Development Team. If you are interested in participating, please complete the questionnaire. Contact Renee Felice with any questions.
14. FOCUS GROUPS FOR PARENTS & CHILDREN ABOUT SNACK FOODS – 2nd posting
You and your child are invited to participate in two focus group session to help develop nutritious snack foods for kids. Parents with children between the ages of 5-10 are eligible. Children must be accompanied by at least one parent or guardian. The focus group sessions will be held (1) Dec 2, 4-5:30 (complete questionnaire and participate in group discussion while children meet in separate group to discuss food products and Disney characters) and (2) Feb 10, 4-5pm (parents and children will try yogurt and fruit based snacks; after tasting, children and parents will separate and discuss with the researchers their likes and dislikes about the products sampled) in classroom 132 in the Food Science and Technology Building (on corner of Duck Pond Dr and Washington St). The first session will last 90 min and the second session will last 60 min. Participants will receive a healthy snack. The focus groups will help with designing and developing a nutritious low-fat dairy and fruit product for kids. If you are interested in participating in both of the focus group sessions, register here. Contact Renee Felice with any questions.
15. GRA OPENING IN VTTI – 3rd posting
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institution (VTTI) has an opening for a 12-m GRA starting Jan 2011. The ideal candidate has strong skill sets in vehicle dynamics, signal processing, programming, and technical writing. Master’s and doctoral students in ME, ESM or related disciplines with relevant interests and skills are encouraged to apply. Responsibilities include: 1) conducting comprehensive literature review on project-relevant materials, 2) defining methods to achieve objectives of development cycles, 3) programming and software development, and 4) composing technical documents for software modules. Must have demonstrated proficiency in producing quality technical documents and the ability to communicate research results clearly and effectively. Strong programming background in MATLAB and/or other scripting languages required. Coursework or research experience in vehicle dynamics is preferred. If interested, email a resume and cover letter to Leslie Harwood by Nov 30. Interviews will be conducted by mid-December.
16. THEATRE & CINEMA BLOG NOW AVAILABLE
Jon Catherwood, MFA student in the VT School of Performing Arts and Cinema invites you to subscribe to VT’s Department of Theatre & Cinema blog to receive updates no more than once per week. The blog includes interviews with students, faculty, and guest artists; reviews of theatre and cinema events; videos, pics, and links to supplement your experience of theatre and film projects and more.
17. COMMENCEMENT VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT
The university commencement committee is seeking graduate student volunteers to serve as ushers at the fall commencement ceremonies. If you are interested in serving the university community in this manner, please contact Thomas W. Broyles, or by phone at 540-239-4365.
18. UPCOMING EVENTS:
3.14159265 FEST
Tuesday, Nov 23, 12:00-1:30, GLC
Maybe you are not alone! Or if you are, you won’t be on Nov 23, because Grad School staff will be here too. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and feel sorry for us instead. It will make you feel better, especially since we are throwing in some savory and sweet pies, casseroles and good conversation. Meet other chained-to-their-desks, no-money-for-gas, don’t-celebrate-thanksgiving, hungry-for-a-home-cooked-meal graduate students and grad school staff and enjoy this potluck lunch. Please fill out this quick survey to give us an idea of how many to cook for. Feel free to contribute your own favorite pie(s)!
HOLIDAY CARDS FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART
Tuesday, Nov 30, 4:00-7:00pm, GLC Room C
For those in nursing homes, the holidays can often be very lonely and depressing. The GLC Fellows and Interdisciplinary Partnership for Aging (IPA) will co-sponsor a holiday card-making event for local nursing homes. The GLC Fellows will provide card-making materials, food and music. If you wish to contribute a card but can’t make the session, please bring the card to Lauren Surface in the Graduate School (110 GLC). For more information, contact Eric Hodges.
MUSIC DONATION & PAJAMA DANCE
Friday, Dec 3, 7:30-8:30pm (lessons), 8:30pm-12:00am (dance), Y Ctr on 1000 N Main
SVSDS and Solely Swing are inviting all the graduate students to attend this fun dance event. Admission: Looking for music donations in the form either iTunes gift cards or pressed CDs in lieu of the regular $3 members/$5 non-members fee. This message is posted on behalf of grad student Matt Bays.