1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC
- Career Services walk-in advising: Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
- Cook Counseling walk-in services: Thursdays and Fridays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
- GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursday, Reading Room – year round!
- Graduate School business hours: M,Tu,Th,F: 8:00am-5:00pm; W: 9:30am-5:00pm
- Writing Center walk-in assistance: Thursdays 4:30-7:30, Room D (additional hours in the Library)
2. INTERVARSITY GRAD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Wednesdays, 6:30pm, GLC Room B
InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship meets weekly for a free dinner and interactive Bible discussion. All are welcome! Learn more: http://gcfvt.wordpress.com/.
3. QUEER GRADS, PROFESSIONALS AND ALLIES (QGPA) TOWN HALL MTG
Wednesday, Jan 22, 8:00pm, GLC Room C
All are welcome. Stop by to ask questions, share information and experiences, and meet new people. Email qgpavt@gmail.com with any questions.
4. GLC CAFÉ: FEATURING GRAD BOV REP
Thursday, Jan 23, 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. This week’s special: Nick Warrington, grad rep to the Board of Visitors will be available to chat and answer questions. Bring your own mug if you can.
5. CROSS-CULTURAL BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
Thursday, Jan 23, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room C
A six week highly participatory course in which students from various cultures meet and discuss the social skills and non-verbal behaviors from their respective cultures. This group is taught by Nico Wood. Sponsored by the Cranwell International Center. For more information email Karen Howe at khowe@vt.edu.
6. FREE DINNER AND GAME NIGHT
Friday, Jan 24, 6:30-9:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Join fellow grad students for an evening of free food and fun! There will be a variety of card games, board games, video games and more. All are welcome, and you can come anytime. Sponsored by InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship.
7. REGISTER FOR ONE-CREDIT ONLINE ETHICS COURSE
The Graduate School is offering a new online course this spring on Academic Integrity and Plagiarism. Taught by Dr. Karen DePauw and Jen Henderson, this course will explore our understanding of academic integrity, research conduct, plagiarism, and different disciplinary practices. Sign up for GRAD 5014 if you are interested! (CRN 19677)
8. REGISTER NOW FOR ONE-CREDIT INTRO TO R PROGRAMMING
R is a powerful, versatile, and free statistical programming language, which has become increasingly popular among industrial and academic data analysts. This introductory course assumes no previous coding experiences in R or any other language. The intended audience for this course includes students who want to gain basic exposure to R. Instructor: Denisa Anca Olteanu Roberts. STAT 4094, CRN 20252, Monday 4:00-4:50pm, 209 Hutcheson Hall. Prerequisites: STAT 3615. This course requires a basic background in statistics. Previous experience with basic computer programming is ideal but is not assumed. More at (www.stat.vt.edu/news/Articles/2013-12-19-Intro-to-R.html) and register via Hokie Spa.
9. REGISTER FOR GRAD COURSES FOR SPRING – 3rd posting
The Graduate School offers a number of interdisciplinary courses that broaden graduate students’ perspective on various subjects. Register now for a course on:
- Career development for the future professional (GRAD 5304)
- Research in international contexts (GRAD 5404)
or other courses. See full list and descriptions at http://graduateschool.vt.edu/node/5857.
10. ENGLISH CONVERSATION GROUPS
Are you interested in learning more about American culture? Or developing new friendships with people from around the world? Or would you like an opportunity to share about your home country’s traditions and stories? If so, join an English Conversation Group! Each group focuses on a different topic including: American culture, folklore, travel, cross-cultural business communication, women only groups, and more. Registration is not required and the groups are open to everyone. For a full schedule visit http://www.international.vt.edu/programs_and_activities/english_conversation_groups/index.html or contact the Cranwell International Center at international@vt.edu.
11. CALL FOR ABSTRACTS FOR FOREST RESOURCES/ENVIRON CONSERVATION GRAD SYMPOSIUM – 3rd posting
Held on Apr 1, 2014, the 6th annual forest resource and environmental conservation research symposium brings together graduate students from VT and other colleges and universities to communicate within and across disciplines and to build relationships with future colleagues and potential employers. Accommodations will be provided for presenters at the Inn at Virginia Tech. Abstracts are invited in the following areas: Forest Biometrics and Geomatics; Forest Ecology and Silviculture; Forest Economics and Policy; Urban Forestry; Forest Operations and Business; Forest Soils and Hydrology; Human Dimensions; Forest Genetics and Biotechnology. Submission deadline: Midnight, Jan 10, 2014. Abstracts can be up to 250 words and should include objectives and methods and will be judged based on relevancy to the symposium. Visit http://frec.vt.edu/grs/ for further information. Abstracts can be submitted through the website or at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K7BKJ5H. Contact Beth Avera at bavera@vt.edu with any questions.
12. REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR PAYROLL DEDUCTION OF COMP FEES FOR GRAD ASSISTANTS
The registration system for paying comprehensive fees through payroll deduction for spring 2014 is now open. Graduate students on an assistantship must either pay their comprehensive fees or enroll for payroll deductions by the payment deadline set by the Bursar’s Office. 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.
13. NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS OPEN UNTIL JAN 31
A number of prestigious awards are granted to graduate students each year, carrying a monetary prize ($200-$1000 each) and award certificate. Discuss the possibility of your nomination by your advisor/department for any of the following awards that will be given out during the Graduate School’s annual awards banquet on March 27, 2014:
- Outstanding Dissertation in (1) math, sciences and engineering, and (1) in social sciences, business and humanities
- Preston Society Master’s Thesis Award
- Graduate Student Teaching Excellence (1) for GTA instructor of record (1) GTA instructor assistant
- Graduate Student Service Excellence
- Graduate Student of the Year (up to three awards given)
- Outstanding master’s and doctoral student in each college and in interdisciplinary programs
More information about criteria, forms, and process for nomination are at: http://graduateschool.vt.edu/awards.
14. APPLICATIONS SOON TO OPEN FOR BOV GRAD REPRESENTATIVE POSITION
Applications for the graduate representative for the Board of Visitors (BOV) will be accepted starting next week. The graduate student representative to the BOV serves as a liaison between graduate students and the board. The position provides a great leadership experience, as well as an opportunity to learn about the university’s governance structure and decision-making process. Nick Warrington, the current BOV grad rep will be at the GLC café on Thursday, Jan 23, to answer any questions. Please consider the position or encourage deserving peers to apply. Contact Nick Warrington at nick.warrington@vt.edu with any questions.
15. VT KNOWLEDGEWORKS STUDENT BUSINESS CONCEPT CHALLENGE
Competition is open to all full-time registered VT students. Average team age must be 27 or less. The competition encourages students to develop their entrepreneurial ideas, enhance understanding of requirements for a successful business venture, and showcase the creativity of students at Virginia Tech. Must register by Feb 14, 2014. Learn more at http://www.vtknowledgeworks.com/echallenge/studentcompetition2014.
16. WAGE POSITION OPEN IN DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS HR – 2nd posting
Graduate student applications are invited for a student wage position as HR Training Event Assistant in the Division of Student Affairs. Assistant will help with coordination of HR training sessions and other events, and with data entry, research, correspondence, reports, and other clerical duties. 10-15 hrs/wk, approx.. $10/hr. Must have some office/administrative experience and customer service skills. If interested or need more information, email letter of interest and resume to Greg Beecher, gbeecher@vt.edu.
17. VT LGBT JOURNAL, THE INTERLOPER, SEEKING WRITERS, EDITORS, STAFF – 1st posting
The Interloper’s focus is to provide advocates of the queer community a platform to express their otherwise overlooked opinions and perspectives. With this focus in mind, The Interloper is determined to present progressive content through a queer lens by challenging what is often deemed “socially acceptable.” For the Spring 2014 semester, the journal is looking for progressive, sassy, talented staffers for the following positions: (a) Editorial: features editor, writers (for articles, creative pieces, etc.), copy editors, fact checkers (b) Visuals: art director, photography director, illustrators/artists, photographers. To apply for a position, send 2-3 samples of your writing, photography, and/or art to matthew@vt.edu by Friday, Jan 24. Include a paragraph detailing the position you are applying for and why you think you will be a good fit for The Interloper.
18. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON MOTHERS AND CHILDREN – 1st 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 at momanxiety@vt.edu or call 540-231-8276. Compensation: $50.
19. RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR INTERFACE EVALUATION STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are needed for an interface evaluation study (about Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) guidance application, IRB number: 13-236). The study will last about 1 hour and take place in 530 Whittemore Hall. Compensation $10 for 1 hr. Requirements: Must be age 18-49; and must have used a touch-screen smartphone before. Your response will help in designing a MAR application that better fits your needs. If you’re interested, please contact Na Mi by phone at 540-577-9153 or by e-mail na8@vt.edu.
20. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR KIDS’ TECH UNIVERSITY PROGRAM – 3rd posting
The Virginia Bioinformatics Institute, Virginia 4-H, and other members of the VT community are asking for volunteers to assist with logistics of the spring 2014 Kids’ Tech University program (http://kidstechuniversity.vbi.vt.edu/), which brings about 450 kids ages 9-12 to VT to spark their interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM disciplines). Volunteers are needed on any or all of the following days: Jan 25, Feb 22, Mar 22, and Apr 5, 2014 from 9:00am to 4:00pm. In the morning, there will be an interactive session followed by Q & A, a lunch break, then hands-on activities. If you can only be there for a portion of the time please let organizers know. If interested in volunteering, fill out this survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1381347633696. Contact KTU’s volunteer coordinator, Ms. Maria Laubenbacher, maria@vbi.vt.edu, with questions.
21. CALL FOR RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS FOR LIFESTYLE AND CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH STUDY – 3rd posting
Men and women 18-35 years old, who are sedentary or recreationally active are invited to participate in a cross-sectional study examining how lifestyle factors influence arterial health. 1-2 lab visits for a total of ~2 hours would be required. Measures include anthropometrics and body composition, surveys, a blood draw, and measurement of arterial health with an ultrasound and a small probe. Participants receive $50 upon study completion. E-mail Tanya (tanyamh@vt.edu) for more information.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
HONOR SYSTEM PANELIST TRAININGS
The Graduate Honor System is recruiting student and faculty volunteers to serve as panelists who, once trained, hear and decide on cases of academic and research integrity. Interested individuals need to attend a single one-hour training session and are then able to serve on panels as their schedule allows. If you are interested, contact Jordan Booker, doctoral student and chief justice of the GHS, at ghs@vt.edu. Scheduled training sessions:
- Monday, Jan 27, 11:00am-12:00pm, GLC Room D
- Thursday, Jan 30, 11:00am-12:00pm, GLC Room D
- Friday, Jan 31, 1:00-2:00pm, GLC Room D
FREE ANXIETY AND OCD SUPPORT GROUP AVAILABLE
Tuesday, Jan 28, 7:00pm, VT Psychological Services Center (3110 Prices Fork Road)
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety? Do you struggle with OCD? A free monthly support group meets the last Tuesday of every month. Join the group to learn more about anxiety disorders and OCD, hear success stories from those who have worked to overcome their anxiety and OCD, and receive support in an informal setting. Family members and significant others are also welcome. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact the Psychological Services Center at 231-6914, visit http://www.psyc.vt.edu/outreach/psc, or email doctoral student Brenna Maddox at bmaddox7@vt.edu.
RESUME WRITING WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Jan 29, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room G
Having a well-polished resume is the most critical step toward getting an interview. Start early to be ready for fall career fairs and on-campus interviews. Sponsored by Career Services. Contact Amy McPherson at amcphers@vt.edu if you have questions.
LUNCH WITH THE DEAN – REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Thursday, Jan 30, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room C
Meet Graduate School Dean Kr. Karen DePauw as well as several graduate student leaders at this free lunch and learn about the Dean’s latest plans for graduate education. Share your perspective in a casual, intimate setting. Register at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1389723744595.
GLOBAL GAMES NIGHT
Thursday, Jan 30, 6:00-8:00pm, Squires Student Center BreakZONE
The Gamma Omega chapter of the Phi Beta Delta international honor society is hosting a ‘Global Games Night.’ Light refreshments will be served. Join this free social event to meet international students, VT students returning from overseas, and anyone interested in international education and opportunities. For more information contact Betty Watts (bettyw@vt.edu; 231-6452).