1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC
- GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursdays, Reading Room – year round!
Other regular GLC services are on hiatus for the summer. Please contact Career Services and the Writing Center if you need assistance.
2. STATS SHORT COURSES THIS SUMMER: MODEL SELECTION IN R, FEATURING THE LASSO
Monday, Jul 22, 5:15-7:15 pm; 3060 Torgersen Hall Taught by Dr. Chris Franck, this short course will discuss model selection, the purpose of which is to identify a parsimonious model, one that is as simple as possible while maintaining good predictive ability over the outcome of interest. The lasso, or “least absolute shrinkage and selection operator,” provides a method of continuous subset selection. This short course includes lecture and computer laboratory components and covers more advanced content than other LISA short courses. It assumes basic R coding ability and familiarity with regression and model selection. See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses<http://www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses> for instructions on how to register and to learn more. Follow LISA on Facebook.
3. SUMMER YOGA SERIES IN THE GLC
Tuesdays and Thursdays, now through August, 12:45-1:45pm, GLC Multipurpose Room Taught by graduate student Susan Beck, yoga sessions will be offered in the GLC twice a week (check with Susan about a couple of off dates). Bring your own yoga mat and wear comfortable clothes.
4. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Jul 25, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room The GLC Café is offered throughout the year with free coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. If the weather is nice (=not raining, not blistering hot, not soupy humid), the café moves out to the side patio on the Bookstore side of the GLC, behind the hedges.
5. WRITING CENTER SUMMER HOURS
The Writing Center is located in the Learning Commons (2nd floor of Newman Library). Summer hours are: Summer I May 28-Jul 3, 12:30-1:30 and 5:00-8:00pm Mondays-Thursdays. Summer II Jul 9- Aug 15, 6:00-8:00pm Mondays-Thursdays. To make an appointment stop by, or call 231-5436.
6. REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR PAYROLL DEDUCTION OF COMP FEES FOR GRAD ASSISTANTS
The registration system for paying comprehensive fees through payroll deduction now open. Graduate students on an assistantship must either pay their comprehensive fees or enroll for payroll deductions no later than Sep 6, 2013. To enroll in payroll deductions, login to Hokie SPA, choose University Account Information menu, and click on Graduate Students on Assistantship, enroll in Payroll Deduction. You must enroll in payroll deduction each semester in which you wish to take advantage of this opportunity.
7. ON-CAMPUS GRAD HOUSING STILL AVAILABLE FOR 2013-14
If you haven’t made plans for housing accommodations for the 2013-14 year yet, consider on-campus housing and dining services. Limited space is available for graduate students on campus. Visit http://www.housing.vt.edu/contracts/apply/graduate.php to learn more about grad communities and options. If you are interested in signing up for graduate housing, visit https://systems.housing.vt.edu/grad/ to put your name on the waitlist. Graduate housing offers are made from the waitlist on a first-come, first-served basis until spaces are filled. Please contact the Housing and Residence Life office at (540)231-6205 or housing@vt.edu for any questions.
8. TWO ASSISTANTSHIP OPENINGS IN SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS FOR 2013-14 -1st posting
Two 20-hour assistantship positions are available in SOPA for 2013-14 (compensation includes in-state tuition scholarship, Step 1 stipend, health insurance subsidy). Required and preferred skills: strong written communications skills; knowledge of and skill with social media; experience with event coordination; knowledge of Photoshop and graphics arts; photography and video skills; ability to organize and supervise small teams of undergrads; knowledge of InDesign; marketing/publicity experience; flexible schedule – some evenings and weekends will be required. If you have all or most of these skills and are interested in the position, submit a resume or CV to Patty Raun, director of SOPA, by email at praun@vt.edu, as soon as possible but no later than Friday, Jul 26.
9. WAGE POSITION OPEN IN GLC: DIGITAL MEDIA CONTENT MANAGER – 1st posting The incumbent is responsible for managing digital sign, web and Facebook content, including content development and scheduling, screen and software maintenance, website maintenance, and communication and coordination with Grad School and GLC Information Desk staff. Must be FT grad student, have experience with any of the following software applications: Dreamweaver, Macromedia Flash, Photoshop, MS PP, MS Paint, Samsung MagicNet Pro, flash converters. Preference will be given for: at least one semester of previous VT enrollment; web maintenance experience; knowledge of services, programs and events offered in the GLC. Must possess excellent communication skills and be able to work in a team environment. Submit cover letter and resume to grads@vt.edu. Position open until filled. Anticipated starting date: Aug 12. $12/hr.
10. CALL FOR GSA PROGRAM CHAIR APPLICANTS – 1st posting
The Graduate Student Assembly is looking for enthusiastic graduate students to fill remaining program chair positions. If you are looking to get involved on campus and gain valuable leadership experience, consider serving the graduate student community in a GSA program chair position. Program chairs have the opportunity to be creative, work with a diverse group of students, and actively participate in an assortment of events. Please refer to the GSA website http://www.gsa.graduateschool.vt.edu/governance/board and contact Mordecai Harvey, mordie02@vt.edu with any questions about the particular program chair in which you are interested.
11. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR NEW GRAD ORIENTATION/WELCOME WEEK -1st posting
The Graduate School is looking for graduate student volunteers (graduate ambassadors) to assist with international graduate student check-in (Aug 12-16), GTA training (Aug 19-2), the Welcome Center and New Graduate Student Orientation in the GLC (Aug 19-23). Roles include: check-in and registration assistance, information and guidance to attendees; Welcome Center staffing; orientation crowd control; program set up and more. If you are available and interested in assisting with any of these events, please fill out this short survey. There will be a training session for grad ambassadors during the week of Aug 12-16.
12. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR GAIT STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are needed for a VT study investigating the biomechanics of human gait. The study (IRB # 10-117) consists of one session for about 3-4 hours. Requirements: male or female with no recent history of musculoskeletal disorders within the age range of 18-30. Participants will be compensated $10/hr. If interested, please email your name, gender, age, height, and weight to rashedi@vt.edu.
13. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON NON-BIOLOGICAL CHILD ADOPTIONS – 1st posting
Have you or someone you know adopted a child who is not biologically related to you or your partner? Has the child lived with his/her adoptive family for at least 2 years? Was at least one grandparent alive during that time period? A VT doctoral student researcher would like to speak with the adoptive parent(s) in a casual interview in the convenience of their home or over the phone. All information will be kept private and used only to fulfill the requirements of a doctoral dissertation. Contact Jennifer Sayre at jensayre@vt.edu for more information.
14. FOUR- TO FOUR-AND-ONE-HALF-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN SOUGHT FOR STUDY – 1st posting
The VT C.A.P. Lab in the Psychology Department is conducting a new study focusing on children’s developing ability to control their actions during games like Simon Says. Researchers are looking for 4-4.5-year-old children to visit the lab for one to two hours. During this visit, researchers will play some fun word and movement games with participants. In addition to the games, they are interested in collecting information about the physiological components of the children’s abilities to control their actions. If you are interested in this study, please contact Amanda Watson by phone (research lab-231-2320) or by e-mail (watsonaj@vt.edu). This study was approved by VT IRB, #13-440.
15. VT CREW TEAM SEEKS COACH – 2nd posting
The VT Crew team is a club sport organization, run by students and through the VT Recreational Sports Department. Currently, they are looking for coaches for the upcoming seasons. Must have coxing/rowing experience; coaching experience not required. Contact snolta92@vt.edu for more information.
16. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON MOTHERS AND CHILDREN – 2nd posting
Are you a mother who sometimes worries or has fears? Do you have a child between 7 and 12 years of age? An ongoing study is investigating how mothers and children interpret situations in their day-to-day lives. The study is being conducted at the Child Study Center at 460 Turner Street, Suite 207, Blacksburg. For more information please contact Kristin Austin or call 540-231-8276<tel:540-231-8276>. Compensation: $50.
17. INTEREST SURVEY FOR PART-TIME GRAD STUDENTS – 2nd posting
To gauge interest in forming an interest/support group at the Blacksburg campus to discuss the unique challenges faced by part-time graduate students, part-time students are invited to take a short survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1372778290228.
18. SURVEY ON DAYLIGHTING SIMULATION – 2nd posting
Graduate students are invited to complete a survey to collect opinion on daylighting simulations software in the design process: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/12Wg88d9mQGy5AOtwpQA5dnobH5h9ipr9iY81KrHUaHQ/viewform. If you have any questions or comments about the survey, please contact researchers via email at (dalia1@vt.edu). “All survey participants must be at least 18 years old.” This research may be used for dissertations and/or publication and the data is collected anonymously. There are no more than minimal risks associated with participation; and that participation is voluntary. For any concerns, the IRB Chair’s contact information: Dr. David Moore, IRB Chair, moored@vt.edu or (540) 231-4991.
19. RESEARCH SUBJECTS NEEDED FOR GAIT AND TURNING STUDY – 2nd posting
Graduate student researchers are conducting a study to investigate how obstacles affect turning dynamics while walking. The study will take approximately 2-3 hours and will involve walking and turning around obstacles. Qualifications are: 18-45 years of age, no problems balancing, no history of dizziness, no recent injuries which affect normal walking or turning, and no concussions within the previous year. The protocols in this study have been approved by the VT IRB (IRB#13-603). If you are interested, please contact Peter Fino, 559 Whittemore Hall, fino@vt.edu.
20. GRAD HOUSING SURVEY STILL OPEN
If you haven’t filled out the housing preferences survey yet, the Graduate School invites you to do it this week. Recently, the Graduate School was contacted by local developers for our thoughts and suggestions about ways to improve the variety and availability of graduate housing within the Town of Blacksburg. A site has already been identified and the local developers intend to begin construction of new housing in the South Main Kroger vicinity within the next 18-24 months. The survey will take approximately 10-12 minutes. The information you provide will help us better understand the housing needs of our current and future graduate student community. Access the survey here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
ICAT DIGITAL STORYTELLING WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN
Saturday, Aug 17 and Aug 24, 1:00-5:00pm
The VT Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (ICAT), is organizing a workshop for children aged 8-11 on digital storytelling. Participants will try out a new story authoring system prototype that allows the creation of story scenes via enactment, practice story writing and engage in a basic electronics storytelling papercraft project. All materials and equipment will be provided. Participants need to sign up for only one of the sessions. To register or for questions, please email Sharon at sharilyn@vt.edu with child’s name, age and grade.