1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – FALL SCHEDULE
- Career services: will start Oct 1, GLC Lobby
- Counseling by Cook: Thursdays and Fridays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
- Financial aid advising: Tuesdays 3:30-5:00, Room A
- 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
- Statistical consulting by LISA: Tu, Th, F, 10:00-12:00, Room A
- Writing Center walk-in assistance: Tuesdays 6:00-8:00, Room A (additional hours in the Library)
2. PEACE CORPS GENERAL INTEREST MEETING
Monday, Sep 29, 6:00-8:00pm, Career Center
There are over 200 Peace Corps jobs waiting to be filled. With the new streamlined application process you can submit within a day and start the process now. Come to this drop-in, informal workshop to talk about how to apply your skills and knowledge in an international context. The Peace Corps has been dedicated to peace and global friendship since its inception in 1961. Serving in the Peace Corps is a great way to help a community develop sustainability, immerse yourself in a new culture, learn a new language, and have the experience of a lifetime. Contact PeaceCorps@vt.edu for information or connect on FB at Peace Corps at Virginia Tech.
3. GHS PANELIST TRAINING
Tuesday, Sep 30, 9:00am, GLC Room B
The Graduate Honor System is currently recruiting student and faculty volunteers to serve as panelists. These individuals 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 have any questions, please contact graduate student and chief justice of the GHS Nathan Carter at ghs@vt.edu. If you are unable to attend this training, there will be two others offered on Oct 23 and Nov 6.
4. DISCOVER ISLAM
Tuesday, Sep 30, 12:00-2:00pm, Info Booth A in front of Au Bon Pain in Squires
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world with about 1.6 billion followers. Muslims come from almost every country in the world and speak almost every language. Free your mind and 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 tasting Arabian dates. Contact grad student Haitham Elmarakeby at marakeby@vt.edu with any questions. Hosted by Islamic Student Assembly (ISA).
5. FREE ANXIETY AND OCD SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Sep 30, 7:00pm, GLC Room D
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, contact the Psychological Services Center at 231-6914, visit http://www.psyc.vt.edu/outreach/psc, or email Kelsey Banes at kbanes@vt.edu.
6. GLC CAFÉ: CLICHÉ EDITION
Thursday, Oct 2, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room or GLC side patio (Bookstore side behind shrubs)
Take a break and enjoy coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of your graduate student and Grad School colleagues. The time has come for you to test your chops with speaking in clichés. It might be harder than you think, but you won’t know it until you try it. Don’t be scared out of your mind; think outside the box, and grad students will laugh with you, not at you. You might have the time of your life! The writing is on the wall – we have lemons, so we’ll also make lemonade. Be there, or be square! At least one cliché is expected of anyone who attends; best performer by popular vote will win a set of mugs.
7. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE WEEKLY DROP IN CHILD CARE
Thursdays, 6:00-8:30pm, Women’s Center (206 Washington Street, enter up the stairs in the parking lot)
Need a break? Have to study or attend a lecture? Want to catch up on work? If you are a VT student with children, bring your kids aged 2-12 (must be toilet trained). No need to pre-register. Childcare provided by the volunteers of Chi Delta Alpha sorority. KNO will be held every Thursday throughout the semester with the exception of home football games and when classes are not in session. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu, 231-7806.
8. STUDENTS WITH CHILDREN CONNECT SOCIAL – KIDS ARE WELCOME
Friday, Oct 3, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Room B, GLC
Join other graduate student parents to talk about the graduate student experience with kids or with expecting kids. RSVP at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1408723983089. Contact Dannette Beane with questions at dannette@vt.edu. More information at https://graduateschool.vt.edu/connect_lunch.
9. DURGA PUJO CELEBRATION 2014
Saturday, Oct 4, 4:00-8:30pm, Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires Student Center
The Bengali Students’ Association presents its annual celebration of one of India’s biggest and widely celebrated festivals – Durga Pujo. Durga Pujo transcends religion and worship, and is most importantly a time for friends and family to come together. The event will include a small ceremony, an acclaimed cultural program, and a gala Indian dinner which is sure to tickle your taste buds and leave you asking for more. Visit http://www.bengali.org.vt.edu/ for more information and dinner tickets (no tickets required for children under 10). Tickets are limited and usually don’t last long, so get yours soon. Email vtpujo@gmail.com with questions. Posted on behalf of grad student Arnab Gupta.
10. DANCE NIGHT 2014
Saturday, Oct 4, 5:30-10:00pm, Old Dominion Ballroom, Squires Student Center
The Indian Student Association at Virginia Tech invites you to their Dance Night 2014. The event will celebrate the Indian Season of Navaratri and will have the element of Garba Dance as well. Delicious Indian dinner will be provided by the famous Indian restaurant in Ronoake, Taaza. The ticket sales for dinner are open. Check Facebook for more details: https://www.facebook.com/events/286972738164452/?notif_t=plan_user_joined or http://www.isa.org.vt.edu/. Posted on behalf of Garima Malhotra.
11. SPEED-FRIENDING EVENT BY FREETHINKERS @VT
Sunday, Oct 5, 4:00-6:00pm, 342 Squires Student Center
The Freethinkers at Virginia Tech will be hosting a speed friending event for graduate students: speed-friending is the platonic version of speed dating, with 2-3 minute rounds for people to get to know each other before moving on to the next person. Come get a break from the grind of graduate school and talk to strangers! Please contact grad student Ozzie Lane at olane@vt.edu with any questions.
12. GSA TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM’S FALL APPLICATION CYCLE OCT 6-26 – 1st posting
If you’re planning to travel or have traveled to present your research at a scholarly conference between Jul 1 and Dec 31, 2014, consider applying for the Graduate Student Assembly’s Travel Fund Program (TFP). Last year, the TFP provided partial reimbursement of travel and registration expenses to over 200 graduate students. Masters/doctoral students and domestic/intl travel are all eligible. Applications accepted for the fall cycle from Mon, Oct 6 8:00am to Sun, Oct 26 5:00pm. (Reimbursement for travel Jan-Jun 2015 will take place this coming spring). Visit http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/travel-fund-program/ for details and to apply. Read all the eligibility requirements and the FAQ. Check out the GSA’s other programs and opportunities while you’re there! Contact Kasey Richardson, TFP Chair at tfp2014@vt.edu with questions.
13. PEO INTL PEACE SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN – 1st posting
This scholarship is designed for international women who are working toward a graduate degree. Must have full year of coursework remaining and be enrolled/in residence for entire school year. For information about IPS policies, instructions and eligibility form, visit http://www.peointernational.org/about-peo-international-peace-scholarship-ips.
14. SNAP CHALLENGE – 1st posting
Take the 2014 Blacksburg Farmers Market SNAP Challenge! Walk a mile in the shoes of hungry families in our community by pledging to live on a SNAP (Food Stamp) budget for one week, Oct 11-17, 2014. Learn how local families stretch their SNAP food budget with help from The Blacksburg Farmers Market by taking this challenge. Free tote bags for the first 100 people who sign up. Go to the Eat Smart, Move More blog http://goo.gl/6A4edy to take the pledge and learn more about the challenge.
15. SUBMISSIONS ARE INVITED FOR GLC ART AND PHOTO CONTEST – 3rd posting
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work and photography by graduate students for display in the GLC during GLC Open House on Oct 24, 2014 through end of March 2015. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art and/or photography) per graduate student. Photos may be submitted online to be printed by the Graduate School. Submission deadline: Monday, Oct 21, 5:00pm. Learn more at http://www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/contest/.
16. CALL FOR SHOW & TELL PRESENTATIONS AT GLC OPEN HOUSE – 3rd posting
Graduate students are sought for show & tell presentations during the fall GLC Open House on Friday, Oct 24. The purpose of these presentations is to showcase to other graduate students and the public the many ways in which graduate study and research can fun, exciting and intriguing. Demonstrations can be 10-30 minutes long, preferably highly visual and/or participatory, and should show something interesting to a general audience about your discipline, research, or materials/equipment you are working with. For examples, a chemistry student might demonstrate how to use liquid nitrogen to make ice cream; a mechanical engineering student may show how a Segway is used in research and allow the audience to test-drive one. The Graduate School may be able to assist with the purchase of supplies if needed. Please complete this survey by Sep 30 if you are interested in participating: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1410795455841.
17. STUDENT CONDUCT SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR COMMITTEE IN 2015-16 – 3rd posting
VT Student Conduct invites students to apply to serve on the Student Conduct Committee during the 2015-2016 academic year. The strength of the Hokie community and conduct process is defined significantly by students who serve in a committee role. Therefore, outstanding student leaders are sought to support and advance the educational mission of Student Conduct and Virginia Tech. Selected candidates will complete an eight-week training program during the Spring 2015 semester that equips new committee members with the leadership, conflict resolution, communication, and critical thinking skills needed to be a successful member of the team. Committee members will serve with a group of 3-4 other students during the 2015-2016 academic year. Attend an interest session on Wednesday, Sep 24, 6:00–7:00pm in Squires 300 to learn more, or visit http://www.studentconduct.vt.edu; find the online application at https://gobblerconnect.vt.edu/form/start/49254. Deadline: 5:00pm, Oct 15, 2014. Contact Lexi Fisher at afisher4@ vt.edu with any questions.
18. HR TRAINING ASSISTANT WAGE POSITION IN STUDENT AFFAIRS HR OFFICE – 3rd posting
The Division of Student Affairs HR office is looking for a graduate student for a wage position, 10-15 hrs/wk at about $10 per hour. The HR Training Assistant helps coordinate DSA HR training events, performs office administration duties including database entry, research, correspondence, listservs, reports and spreadsheets; electronic files and databases, and other duties. Qualifications: Instructional design, talent development, business school education and/or equivalent training and experience in office administration, business, and/or related experience. Previous experience with coordination of training or event planning; handling sensitive and confidential information, documents, and files; working in a customer service environment. Exceptional customer service skills with the ability to communicate in a professional and courteous manner; interact respectfully and comfortably with all individuals in a diverse, multicultural environment; exercising excellent judgment, discretion, initiative. Demonstrated experience using computers including Windows, MSOffice suite and internet search engines for research. To Apply, email resume and cover letter to Greg Beecher, DSA Human Resources, gbeecher@vt.edu.
19. VOLUNTERS SOUGHT TO REVIEW UGRAD ESSAYS ON VT COMMON BOOK -1st posting
Dr. Megan O’Neill, Assoc. Director of First Year Experiences, is seeking graduate student reviewers to help review common-book short essays written by undergraduates. Information about the common book program can be found at http://www.commonbook.vt.edu/. Time commitment ranges from a few to several hours depending on reading speed, between Oct 15-Nov 1. Delivery will be online, using a rubric to score 1-2-page essays. No commenting needed. There is no monetary compensation; however, Megan will host an event to thank you and feed you some of Blacksburg’s finest cuisine. This also counts as service if you’re looking to build your CV. If you’re interested or have questions, email Dr. O’Neill directly: oneill@vt.edu.
20. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR GOOGLE GLASS STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are sought for a study investigating the safety and health issues during order-picking using augmented reality technologies. Must be: 18-40 years old; no current or recent history (1 year) of physical disorder affecting shoulder, knee, lower back and ankle joints; no eyeglasses; exercise on a regular basis (2-3 times per week); must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. Participants will perform order-picking tasks (i.e., retrieving boxes from shelves, loading/unloading boxes onto/from a hand cart and maneuvering a hand cart) using a paper pick-list and a Google glass. During data collection, participants will be asked to wear a wearable motion capture system. The weight of boxes will range 10-40 lbs. Compensation: 1-1.5 hour session, at $10/hour. If interested, call(text) or email Sunwook Kim: 540-557-7763, sunwook@vt.edu.
21. GOBBLERFEST SURVEY – 3rd posting (complete by 9/30)
Share your Gobblerfest 2014 experience by completing a short survey. If you attended Gobblerfest and respond to this survey, you can be entered to win two (2) tickets to see Chance the Rapper in concert on October 14th. Access the survey at http://studentvoice.com/vt/gobblerfest2014survey. The survey will remain open until Sep 30 at 11:59pm.
Upcoming Events:
GRADUATION 101 SERIES: GRADUATION GUIDELINES
Monday, Oct 6, 1:00-2:00pm, at your computer
The Graduate School will be hosting monthly Graduation 101 Webinars. Webinar participants will need a computer with Internet access, microphone and speakers to fully participate. October’s topic: Graduation Guidelines. Host: Marija Telbis-Forster. https://virginiatech.webex.com/virginiatech/j.php?ED=293561567&UID=508438147&RT=MiMxMQ%3D%3D; no password is required. For assistance contact Marija at mtelbisf@vt.edu.
SHORT STAT COURSES FOR GRADS BY LISA – FALL 2014 SCHEDULE
LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) is providing a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research. The focus of these two-hour courses is on teaching 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. Fall 2014 Schedule:
- Tuesday, Oct 7: Design of Experiments;
- Tuesday, Oct 14: SQL in R;
- Tuesday, Oct 21: Survey Design and Analysis;
- Tuesday, Oct 28: Introduction to R;
- Tuesday, Nov 4: Generalized Linear Models and Categorical Data Analysis in R;
- Tuesday, Nov 11: Graphics in R;
- Tuesday, Nov 18: A tutorial for shiny in R;
- Tuesday, Dec 2: Data Analysis in SAS;
SHORT STAT COURSE: SAS – VISUAL ANALYTICS
Wednesday, Oct 15, 8:00am-12:00pm, Solitude Room, The Inn at Virginia Tech
Taught by Dr. Tom Bohannon, this short course will demo SAS Visual Analytics to show that you can explore all relevant data quickly and easily. You can look at more options, uncover hidden opportunities, identify key relationships and make more precise decisions faster than ever before. Self-service, ad hoc visual data discovery and exploration put lightning-fast insights within everyone’s reach. Absolutely no coding required. Sophisticated analytics, including decision trees, on-the-fly forecasting and scenario analysis, have been seamlessly integrated with ease-of-use features such as auto charting, "what does it mean" pop-ups, and drag-and-drop capabilities. To enroll visit: http://app.nli.tlos.vt.edu/registration/all_courses/?specificcourse=841
SHORT STAT COURSE: SAS – MIXED MODELS
Wednesday, Oct 15, 8:00am-12:00pm, Torgersen 1100 (Learning Studio)
Taught by Dr. Michael Speed, this intro to mixed models uses SAS Enterprise Guide to analyze linear mixed models using PROC MIXED. Topics include analyzing data with random effects; learning how to determine what is being tested for the fixed effects; fitting random coefficient models; analyzing repeated measures data; and performing residual and influence diagnostic analysis. A case study will be presented to illustrate all of the concepts and procedures presented in the workshop. As part of the Global Academic Program at SAS, Michael Speed teaches classes for faculty and students and conducts research in linear models, generalized linear models, nonlinear mixed models, and data mining. Enroll at http://app.nli.tlos.vt.edu/registration/all_courses/?specificcourse=838. Contact Anne Driscoll at agryan@vt.edu with any questions.
BLUE RIDGE FULBRIGHT ASSOCIATION FALL DINNER – register by 10/3
Friday, Oct 17, 6:30 pm, Holiday Inn Blacksburg
The local Fulbright chapter is honored to have Prof. Moira Baker from Radford University speak on “Experiencing the Academic Culture of Croatia”. (Cost: $28 / Students: $22 / Fulbright scholars: free). For more information and the official invitation email Tobias Ecker ecker@vt.edu or find them on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FulbrightBlueRidgeVirginia. Reservations are due Oct 3.