1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – updated 3/14/16
- Career Services advising: Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
- Cook Counseling: ThF 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
- LISA Statistical Consulting: TTh 11:00-1:00, F 10:00-12:00, Room A
- Writing assistance: Th 5:30-8:30, Room A
2. GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK 2016
Monday-Friday, Mar 21-15
The Graduate School salutes Virginia Tech’s outstanding graduate students, graduate advisors, and graduate and research faculty and staff for their contributions to quality graduate education. Check out the events of the week and attend what you can! http://graduateschool.vt.edu/GEW
3. INTERNATIONAL WEEK
Monday-Sunday, Mar 21-27
The Council of International Student Organizations (CISO) has partnered with VT’s international clubs to sponsor events and programs for this year’s International Week. Download the list of events at http://www.international.vt.edu/assets/docs/internationalweekposter.pdf.
4. GRAD STUDENT ART AND PHOTO CONTEST – all week
Vote on your favorite grad student art and photography displayed throughout the first floor of the GLC. Pick up voting sheets at the Welcome Desk. All members of the VT community may vote; grad student voters will receive a raffle ticket to win gift certificates to local restaurants and other great prizes.
5. REMOVING THE MYSTERY OF THE ETD REVIEW
Monday, Mar 21, 7:00-8:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Learn how to format your electronic thesis/dissertation, use EndNote for citations, and what happens to your ETD after you submit it to the Graduate School. Bring your laptop and a pdf copy of your ETD.
6. THEOLOGY ON TAP: MORE THAN JUST HOLY SPIRITS
Monday, Mar 21, Sycamore Deli
Kick off event! From breweries to bible studies, small groups to socializing, how can you be radically faithful in the day to day? Don’t miss out on the Blacksburg area’s first Theology on Tap at Sycamore Deli – everything on the menu is $5! Talk begins at 7pm, arrive early for dinner and drinks, stay late for discussion. Chris Hitzelberger, Director of VT Catholic Campus Ministry will speak on how to integrate your faith with everyday life, followed by Q&A. For more information contact grad student Mary Claire Gibson (mcg226@vt.edu).
7. BREAKFAST SOCIAL AT NEWMAN LIBRARY – GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK EVENT
Tuesday, Mar 22, 8:00-9:30am, Newman Library Multipurpose Room
Celebrate Graduate Education Week with Newman Library! Eat, relax, and meet dedicated librarians that can help with literature reviews, managing data, assessing scholarly impact, and using citation management software. Sign-up here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_byi63kMBwDICV5r
8. DISCOVER ISLAM
Tuesday, Mar 22, 12:00-2:00pm, Info Booth A at Squires
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). Contact grad student Haitham Elmarakeby (marakeby@vt.edu) for more information.
9. GRAD MOVIE NIGHT AT THE LYRIC: The Revenant– GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK EVENT
Tuesday, Mar 22, 7:00pm, The Lyric Theatre
Enjoy a night at the movies, compliments of the Graduate School and The Lyric. Pick-up a free ticket at the GLC Welcome Center or in 120 GLC.
10. ZUMBA
Tuesday, Mar 22, 7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Bring your dance moves, both good and bad, to this free workout class. Zumba features exotic rhythms set mostly to Latin and international beats.
11. GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM & EXPO – GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK EVENT
Wednesday, Mar 23, 9:00am-5:00pm, Keynote at 7:00pm, GLC
With over 190 poster, oral, panel, roundtable, and creative presentations representing more than 55 departments and programs, this is the largest GSA symposium to date. See the work of your fellow grads, and take part in 3 featured workshops offered by the Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society, the Writing Center, and SafeZone. Then at 7pm attend the keynote address by Abhi Nemani, a writer, speaker, organizer, and technologist who most recently served as the first Chief Data Officer for the City of Los Angeles. More info on the presentations, keynote speaker, and workshop registration at https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/graduate-research-symposium/.
12. LINKED-IN LAB
Wednesday, Mar 23, 2:00-5:00pm, Graduate School Lobby
Have a free professional headshot photo taken for your LinkedIn profile and learn about how you can use LinkedIn for your job search. Career Services staff will assist you with a review of your profile. Wear appropriate shirt/top for your photo.
13. LADIES’ NIGHT IN THE WEIGHT ROOM
Wednesday, Mar 23, 5:00-7:00pm, McComas Hall Small Weight Room
Free event for women to experience the weight room in a comfortable, educational, and open setting. Female personal trainers will be available to answer questions, guide workouts, and offer support. Stop by anytime. *Free shirt to first 100 people*
14. BROGA (MALE-ONLY YOGA) CLASS
Wednesday, Mar 23, 5:15-6:15pm, McComas Hall Fitness Studio B
Free event for men to enjoy an hour of flexibility and balance training led by male yoga instructors. *Free tank for attending*
15. THE HEART OF RESEARCH: A CONVERSATION FOR EMERGING SCHOLARS
Wednesday, Mar 23, 6:00-7:30pm, GLC Room G
What’s the heart of your research? Join this interdisciplinary dialogue about the relationship between who we are and what we study. A free dinner will be served, and all are welcome. Sponsored by InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship.
16. TEACH-IN AGAINST HATE
Wednesday, Mar 23, 6:00pm, 3100 Torgersen
VT faculty will offer critical responses to Charles Murray’s controversial work and will facilitate and open forum for students to ask questions or comment. Posted on behalf of grad student Stephanie House-Niamke, stepha4@vt.edu
17. RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM KEYNOTE: ABHI NEMANI
Wednesday, Mar 23, 7:00pm, GLC Auditorium
Abhi Nemani is a writer, speaker, organizer and technologist, who served as the first chief data officer for the city of Los Angeles.
18. GLC CAFÉ: GEW SPECIAL EDITION WITH GIFT RAFFLE
Thursday, Mar 24, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy free coffee, tea and cookies in the company of your grad student and Grad School colleagues. Relax, network, and load up on caffeine and/or carbs. Bring your own mug if you can. Gift raffle!
19. GRAD STUDENT GAME NIGHT
Thursday, Mar 24, 7:15-9:15pm, GLC Student Lounge
Join the GLC Fellows and other graduate students for a fun evening of games and snacks. Some games will be provided, but feel free to bring your own favorite game(s) to share.
20. MOONLIGHT BOWLING
Thursday, Mar 24, 8:00-11:00pm, BreakZONE, Squires Student Center
Enjoy free Moonlight Bowling with your fellow graduate students at the BreakZONE. Food, games, and shoes will be provided, but bring some cash if you’d like to play billiards, foosball, or any of the other games in the center. If you have any questions, email Laura at lkkoehle@vt.edu; register online at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jONMVHooIFwvR3.
21. MINDFULNESS STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES
Friday, Mar 25, 1:00-2:00pm, GLC Room B
Participate in an interactive introduction to mindfulness-based stress management techniques and enjoy light refreshments. Sponsored by Cook Counseling Center. Register online at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e8Qen6uM5QWhxxb. Gift raffle!
22. BIG COOKOUT
Friday, Mar 25, 4:30-6:30pm, Graduate School Lawn and GLC Multipurpose Room
As is our tradition, Graduate Education Week will wrap with the annual favorite big cookout on the lawn. All graduate students and their families are invited to enjoy free food (vegetarian and meat options), music, and games. This year’s specials: bubble blowing, temporary tattoos, beach balls and more. Bring a blanket!
23. HOKIE WORLD GAMES FEATURING FENCING
Friday, Mar 25, 5:00-7:00pm, McComas Hall Basketball Courts
Free event that lets you try the internationally popular sport of fencing! Join the VT Fencing Team to learn more about the sport and try out some fencing skills!
24. NOMINATIONS ACCEPTED FOR CISO BOARD MEMBERSHIP – 1st posting
Nominations are now open for Council of International Student Organizations (CISO) Board Members! To learn more about becoming a board member of CISO, the requirements, and to submit a nomination, visit: https://goo.gl/fbgLaz; nominations will be collected from Mar 14 through Apr 3. If you have any questions, contact Suzie Baker at sjbaker@vt.edu.
25. GRAD STUDENT ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS FOR 2016-17 – NOMINATIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH MAR 24
If you are interested in leadership opportunities with the GSA, now is the time to nominate yourself or someone else for a position! Email Kasey Richardson, Admin Director (kasey@vt.edu) to do so electronically. Nominations received by 5pm 3/24 will appear on the ballot during the elections at the 4/28 meeting. Nominations received after deadline require approval of the assembly and must be written in. All graduate students are eligible to run for office. See position descriptions at http://tinyurl.com/gsa-elect. Posted on behalf of Stephanie Myrick and Daniel Wolozy, 2016 Elections Chairpersons.
26. GSA TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM OPENS FOR SPRING CYCLE – 2nd posting
The Graduate Student Assembly’s Travel Fund Program will open on Monday, Mar 14 and close on Sunday, Mar 27, 11:59PM. Apply during this period for funding to offset your costs for professional/conference travel between Jan 1–Jun 30, 2016. Final decisions will be emailed by April 30, 2016. If you have questions, contact Marie Stettler Kleine and Omchand Mahdu, GSA TFP Co-Chairs: gradtravelfund1516@vt.edu.
27. GRAD RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT FUNDING CYCLE NOW OPEN – 3rd posting
Do you have an awesome research idea that deserves funding? Apply to the GSA’s Graduate Research Development Program, which provides monetary support for graduate student research twice each academic year. PhD students can be awarded up to $1,000 and master’s students up to $750 to conduct their projects. The spring cycle for applications is Mar 21-Apr 1, 2016, with winners announced in early May. Get more information and apply online through the GSA website: https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/graduate-research-development-program/. Contact GRDP Chair Hannah Lane at hglane07@vt.edu with any questions.
28. GRADS GOT TALENT – SAVE THE DATE: APR 8 – 3rd posting
Grad students are invited to show off their talent(s)! The GLC Fellows are hosting a talent competition in early April. Mark your calendars, figure out your act, start practicing, and get ready for an awesome evening. To sign up to perform your talent, fill out the following survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1457624448088 For any questions, reach out to GLC Fellow Scarlet at scarlet7@vt.edu.
28 ½. CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR THE GLC WEEKLY APRIL-1 SPECIAL EDITION!
Here is your opportunity to get published in a peer-viewed online weekly notice: Submit your fake event description, faux call for research subjects, and other nonexistent opportunities for graduate students for the April 1 special edition of the GLC weekly listserv posting. Exercise your imagination and writing skills and earn extra points (in the form of chocolates and candy in 117 GLC) for a creative event or research idea, succinct description, and completeness of details. Submission deadline: March 31, midnight. Send to gibsonm@vt.edu, with subject line: You are a fool.
29. 2016-17 GRADUATE ASSISTANT OPENING IN NEWMAN LIBRARY – 1st posting
Newman Library is seeking one graduate assistant to work at the 2nd-floor Reference Assistance desk. The GA will work an average of 20 hours/week and receive a tuition waiver. Stipend will be determined by University Libraries. Hours determined upon hire. Must be able to work weekends and weeknights (until 12:00 midnight). Applications must include an application, current resume and cover letter. Submit to Lori Lee at ljlee@vt.edu by 5:00pm on Apr 15, 2016. Interviews will be scheduled in late April/early May. Mandatory training of finalist will take place Aug 15-19, 2016. A job description and application are online: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/financial/students.
30. 2016-17 REFERENCE LIBRARY ASSISTANT POSITION OPENINGS – 1st posting
Newman Library is seeking 5-7 reference library assistants to work at the 2nd-floor Reference Assistance Desk. RLAs work an average of 8-12 hours per week at $15.00/hour. These wage positions do not include a tuition waiver. Hours will be determined upon hire. Must be able to work weekends and weeknights (until 12:00 midnight). Applications must include an application, current resume and cover letter. Submit to Lori Lee at ljlee@vt.edu by 5:00pm on Apr 15, 2016. Interviews will be scheduled in late April/early May. Mandatory training will take place August 15-19, 2016. A job description and application can be found here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/financial/students.
31. GRAD INTERN POSITION OPENING – 1st posting
Advanced Research Computing (ARC) is seeking a grad intern to work with ARC scientists and corporate partner, Engility, to develop models and algorithms to support failure prediction on current High Performance Computing clusters within ARC. The successful candidate will work closely with research teams to understand different failure modes and derive statistical models and methods to predict failures. Duties will span from working with raw data to performing complex data analytics. Candidate will be responsible for: learning and using COTs analytic software as well as developing small applications to review data; provide project status updates and meeting pre-established deadlines. Must be self-starter and be able to work independently on projects and assignments. Internship to run Jun-Aug 2016. If interested, apply online at: https://careers-engility.icims.com/jobs/19041/high-performance-computing-%28hpc%29-researcher-intern/job.
32. THE BIG EVENT GRADUATE COMMUNITY TEAM
The Big Event on Saturday, Apr 9 is a student-run community service effort where everyone comes together to complete hundreds of community service projects throughout Blacksburg, Christiansburg and the New River Valley to give a big thanks to the local community that always supports our university. This year the graduate fellows are putting together a team just for graduate students. If you would like to spend the day volunteering and giving back to the local community while meeting new graduate students, join the "GLC Graduate Community" team by registering online at https://registration.vtbigevent.org/signup/index/joingroup/code/33086-00148 by Mar 31. If you have any questions, contact Scarlet Soult at scarlet7@vt.edu.
33. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR VALIDATING DIETARY ASSESSMENT METHODS – 1st posting
HNFE’s Dietary Assessment Laboratory is conducting a study to determine the validity of new dietary intake assessment methods (questionnaires and biomarkers). Must be 18 or older to participate. The study involves 3 visits (over 2-week period) to the VT campus. Each visit will be less than 60 minutes. The study will include one blood draw and two 24-hour urine collections. Participants will be compensated a total of $75 upon successful completion of all study visits. For more information contact Emily in the Dietary Assessment Laboratory at 540-231-4386 or eamyers@vt.edu.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
UGANDA’S MELLOW MUSHROOM PERCENTAGE NIGHT
Monday, Mar 28, 5:00-9:00pm, Mellow Mushroom, Bburg
Come out to Mellow Mushroom and support the Uganda Project of Engineers Without Borders. All proceeds are going towards student travel this summer to work on solar panel systems at three site locations. You can dine in or get it to go, so no excuses; just tell them you’re participating in the EWB fundraiser! EWB-VT Uganda is a project that mainly focuses on solar power system installation in Central Uganda. Posted on behalf of grad student Tim Pierce, timomp13@vt.edu.
SHORT STAT COURSES FOR GRADS BY LISA – SPRING SCHEDULE
LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) provides a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research. These two-hour courses teach practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data. See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and to learn more. This semester all courses will also be available via WebEx for distance attendees. Remaining Spring 2016 Schedule:
- Tuesday, Mar 29, 4:00-6:00 pm: Basics of R;
- Tuesday, Apr 5, 4:00-6:00 pm: Statistical Analysis Using R;
- Tuesday, Apr 12, 4:00-6:00 pm: Better Data Visualization in R Using the ggplot2 Package;
- Tuesday, Apr 19, 4:00-6:00 pm: Introduction to Web Scraping in R;
- Tuesday, Apr 26, 4:00-6:00 pm: Introduction to Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) in JMP.
Follow LISA on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Statistical.collaboration) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/LISA_VT) to be the first to know about LISA events! Learn more at www.lisa.stat.vt.edu.
GRADUATE STUDENT WOMEN’S MONTH CONNECT LUNCH – Sign-up by 3/22!
Tuesday, Mar 29, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room G
Celebrate the achievements of women and female-identified individuals in our community and discuss our success and challenges on the Virginia Tech campus and in the New River Valley. This lunch will be a space where graduate students, faculty, staff and administrators can fellowship, network, and connect with one another. Register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_81CuzSvBk4yWLCB by 5pm on Tuesday, Mar 22. For questions, contact Whitley Johnson at whitley09@vt.edu.
FINDING THE RIGHT FIT: TIPS FOR FINDING THE RIGHT ADVISOR AND MENTOR
Thursday, Mar 31, 12:15-1:30pm, GLC Room F
Facilitated by grad student ombudsperson Monique McKay, a panel of graduate students will discuss the ins and outs of finding the right advisor and mentor(s). Please register online at http://www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/ (registration will open Monday afternoon) if you are planning to attend.
GRAPEVINE CONFERENCE: BEING BLACK IN WHITE SPACES
Thursday, Mar 31, 5:00pm, 335 Lavery Hall
The Grapevine Conference will host this student session with Dr. Stacey Pearson Wharton. The program includes a light reception. Please register at: http://survey.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_cAwX7fERni3yjch
CASCADES TRIP
Saturday, Apr 2, 10:00am-2:00pm, Pembroke, VA
Mark your calendars for a graduate student hike in early April. The GLC Fellows are planning to journey to the beautiful Cascades (pending good weather). In order to help organizers gauge interest and finalize the details of this event, fill out the following survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1457713639094. Transportation may be provided but will be first come, first served. If you have any questions, email Kevin Parker at kmpark07@vt.edu.
HISPANIC/LATINO RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM – register now to present and/or attend
Wednesday, Apr 6, 12:00pm-5:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The symposium features the research of Hispanic/Latino students and research topics that are related to Hispanic/Latino issues. Students, faculty, and staff attend and network around these topics and build a stronger sense of community. Refreshments available. Contact Dannette gomezds@vt.edu by Mar 30 if you’d like to present. Register to attend at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6llAMxdOQWNPhNb.