1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC (on a walk-in basis unless otherwise noted)
- Career services advising: Wednesdays, 1:30-5:00pm, GLC Study Room
- Counseling: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room (across from Room G)
- GLC Café: Thursdays, 3:30-5:00pm, Reading Room
- Statistical consulting by LISA: Wednesdays, 1:00-3:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room
- Writing support: Wednesdays (6-9pm) and Thursdays (6-9pm), GLC Videoconference Room – for information on reserving a spot, visit the Writing Center
2. PAYCHECK AND TAXES: WHAT IS FIT/SIT & WHY DO YOU HAVE TO PAY THEM?
Tuesday, Sep 27, 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Room C
This workshop will provide an in-depth explanation of the taxes that are required to be withheld from your VT paycheck and how the taxes are calculated. Presented by Janet Kunz, tax specialist in the VT controller’s office.
3. NANO-VT MEETING AND BOARD ELECTION
Tuesday, Sep 27, 4:00-5:00pm, 457 Whittemore Hall
Join this meeting of members of the NanoVT student organization if you are interested in micro and nanotechnology research and NanoVT group activities, which include meeting fellows from academy and industry, organizing seminars, help to develop the group activities further, etc. Free pizza! Choose a new board in this meeting. All positions are open: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Seminar Committee Chair, Outreach Committee Chair, MICRON Data Base Committee Chair, Supporting Officer, and Undergraduate Liaison. If you are interested to be nominated for NanoVT board, please send Alireza Salmanzadeh an email including 1-2 paragraphs about yourself before the meeting.
4. SHORT COURSE IN STATS: INTRO TO R
Tuesday & Thursday, Sep 27 & 29;* 5:00-7:00pm, 3060 TORG
R is a free computing and graphical software/environment for statistical analysis. This short course, taught by Sai Wang, consists of 3 sections: (1) introduction to R programming basics, such as data objects in R, loops, import/export datasets, along with examples of data manipulation/cleaning; (2) R graphing environment and how to create some basic statistical plots; (3) basic statistical analysis in R, such as t-tests, ANOVA and linear regression. *The Tuesday and Thursday courses are identical. Attend the session that fits your schedule. The Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) provides 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. Instructions on how to register and to learn more>>.
5. COMMUNITY VOICES SPEAKER: NANCY AGEE
Tuesday, Sep 27, 7:00-8:00pm, Lyric Theatre
Community Voices (CV) will kickoff its Fall 2011 series with a talk by Nancy Agee, President and CEO of Carilion Clinic, an integrated healthcare organization serving Western Virginia. Agee will speak on servant leadership in defining her role at the head of a major community corporation enabling community change. CV speakers give concise and engaging 20-minute talks that incorporate stories of leadership for community transformation, followed by a dialogue between audience members and the CV speakers. CV video-records the presentations and makes them widely available through a public access web-site. Learn more>>. This message is posted on behalf of MFA candidate Jon Catherwood-Ginn.
6. GLC MOVIE NIGHT: THE COVE
Tuesday, Sep 27, 8:30pm, GLC Student Lounge
This documentary movie is about animal rights and specifically addresses the killing of dolphins. GLC Fellow Kiril Stoyanov will invite a faculty member and lead a discussion after the movie. Learn more about the movie, or see a trailer . For more information about this event, contact Kiril.
7. AEL LAST LECTURE SERIES: DR. MICHAEL HOCHELLA
Wednesday, Sep 28, 5:00-6:00pm, Jamestown Room, Squires
Alpha Epsilon Lambda (AEL) grad honor society presents the last lecture series, featuring world-renowned faculty from Virginia Tech who will share with the audience anecdotes from their personal and professional experiences, interspersed with pearls of wisdom, as though this were their very last lecture. The first presenter is Michael Hochella, Jr., University Distinguished Professor and fellow of six international scientific societies, and current VP of the Mineralogical Society of America.
8. GLC CAFÉ: BYOM CHALLENGE CONTINUES
Thursdays, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy free coffee and tea in the GLC Reading Room on Thursday afternoons and socialize with your fellow grads. This week’s special: mug contest continues! Bring your own mug and get your “mug shot” taken by a GLC Café photographer. Mug shots will be posted on the Graduate School Facebook page; the owner of the mug getting the most votes will get something. Maybe a gift certificate to Bollo’s? Please contact us if you have any comments or suggestions about this event.
9. DINNER FUNDRAISER
Thursday, Sep 29, 5:00-8:00pm, Moe’s (239 North Main, Bburg)
The Blacksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a non-profit community service organization, invites you to have dinner at Moe’s as part of a fundraiser. Fifteen percent (15%) of all pre-taxed food sales will be donated to the organization for the implementation of on campus and community programs throughout the New River Valley. Look out for the group passing out 20% off coupons around campus or for flyers posted in campus buildings. Present your coupon on the day of the event to receive the discount. This messages is posted on behalf of doctoral student Kacie Allen.
10. KIDS NIGHT OUT
Thursdays during semester (except breaks & football nights), 6:00-8:30pm, VT Women’s Center
Take advantage of this free drop-in evening of childcare for 2 to 12-year-old kids of VT students, provided by the Women’s Center. Kids must be toilet trained. Fun, crafts, toys, games and new friends, plus a snack. No pre-registration required. For additional information contact Jessie Meltsner.
11. ETD WORKSHOP SERIES: MANUSCRIPT VS. STANDARD ETD FORMATS
Thursday, Sep 29, 6:30-8:00pm, GLC Room F
Presenter Dr. Karen DePauw will discuss the two available format options for electronic theses and dissertations. If you need someone to watch your kid(s) while you attend this session, take advantage of the “Kids Night Out” drop-in child-care service offered by the Women’s Center.
12. AAUW HAPPY HOUR AT AWFUL ARTHUR’S
Thursday, Sep 29, 7:00pm
Graduate student members of the American Association of University Women, Bburg/VT chapter, invite you to this opportunity to mingle with colleagues. For more information contact Rebecca Miller.
13. OUTDOOR CLUB WHITEWATER RAFTING – SIGN UP NOW
Sunday, Oct 2, 6:00am-10:00pm.
The Outdoor Club at Virginia Tech (OCVT) is organizing a whitewater rafting trip to raft the entire Gauley, upper and lower; 23 miles of river, over a 100 rapids, in 1 day. Take part in one of the best whitewater rafting experiences in the world. Rafters have to be at base camp in WV at 6:00am and will finish rafting at 6:30 pm. There will be an orientation/safety briefing before rafting. Details and registration>>; contact Nimal with questions. Sign up by Sep 28. Must know how to swim.
14. INDIAN FESTIVAL: DURGA PUJO
Sunday, Oct 2, 4:00-8:30pm, Old Dominion Ballroom, Squires
Durga Pujo celebrates passion for life, culture and traditions; it heralds the destruction of evil and the triumph of Shakti or strength. Graduate students, their family and friends are invited to celebrate Durga Pujo. Tickets (Pujo and 10-course course dinner and cultural program): $9.99 for students; $12.99 for others. Purchase tickets by Wednesday, Sep 28. More information here or send email inquiry to vtpujo@gmail.com.
15. GRADUATE SCHOLARS SOCIETY (GSS): SIGN UP TODAY!
GSS is a society of graduate students who form into discussion groups of 5-8 to meet 5+ times during the semester in relaxed environments on or off campus. Discussions are lead by a faculty member and a graduate student knowledgeable about the group’s topic. Topics this fall are:
(1) Taking an Oath for Ethical Research and Scholarly Integrity led by Ishwar Puri
(2) University Emergency Preparedness – Are we ready for disaster? led by Michael J. Mulhare
(3) The World’s Energy Demand – Go Nuclear? led by Mark Pierson
(4) Through the Looking Glass – The Influence of Measurement Technology on Scientific Research led by Joe Pitt and
(5) How Technology Shapes Our Relationship to Music; led by Ivica Ico Bukvic.
Please register for a discussion group here by end of the day 9/26.
16. INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH HONOR SOCIETY CALLS FOR ABSTRACTS & REGISTRATION
The Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society (ΙΔΡ) is organizing the first Interdisciplinary Research Symposium at Virginia Tech on Nov 4, 9am-4pm, in the Graduate Life Center (GLC) Multipurpose room. The goal of this symposium is to showcase student research projects to promote and recognize the interdisciplinary work being performed at Virginia Tech by both graduate and undergraduate students. Visit their website for free registration to the event and view additional information about abstract submission. Submit abstracts to mailto:symposium@idrsociety.org by Oct 2.
17. IDR ACCEPTING MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW
Iota Delta Rho, the Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society, is accepting applications for membership beginning, Monday, Sep 26 through Monday, Oct 24. Information on the society, the application process and the membership application packet are available here. If you have any questions about the application process, please send an email to Tammyep@vt.edu
18. GRAD STUDENT PHOTO-ART-WRITING CONTEST: GRAD LIFE THROUGH THE EYES OF GRADS
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work, photography and written work by graduate students for display in the GLC for the Graduate School’s Open House on October 21 and beyond. All pieces will be displayed on October 21 and November 12; selected pieces will be displayed from October 21, 2011 through March 2012. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art, photography, or written work) per graduate student. Learn more >>.
19. CONFERENCE TRAVEL FUNDS THROUGH CSECP
The Center for Student Engagement and Community Partnerships (CSECP) invites you to apply for the Conference Travel Fund Program that offers up to $500 to students who are accepted to present on a civic engagement-related topic, research, or project at a professional meeting or conference. Grants are awarded in 2 cycles, Fall (conference dates 10/21-2/27) and Spring (conference dates 2/27-9/10). Learn more>>.
20. STATISTICAL COLLABORATION SERVICE THROUGH LISA
LISA (Virginia Tech’s Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) provides faculty, staff, and student researchers with quality statistical support for free. LISA’s statistical collaborators are trained to help design experiments, analyze and plot data, run statistical software, interpret results, and communicate statistical concepts to non-statisticians. For best results, request a collaboration meeting with LISA before you collect your data. If you are seeking advice on data analysis or report writing after collecting data, please bring to the meeting a clear idea of your overall research goals, specific research questions, cleaned data you may have already collected, and the results of any analyses already performed – including any plots or graphs. More information about LISA’s services.
21. VIRTUAL GLC LAUNCH
Visit the Virtual Graduate Life Center (vGLC), which extends Virginia Tech’s graduate-education community from campus to computer. This online, interactive space connects VT users across the Commonwealth and around the world. Using avatars they have created, visitors to the vGLC can visit with Graduate-School staff during select hours to ask general questions related to academics and immigration; find Graduate-School forms and policy information; consult with the Graduate Student Ombudsperson about issues or concerns; attend virtual seminars and workshops, such as the ETD Workshop on 9/29/11; explore the vGLC space; and socialize with other vGLC visitors. Users can access the vGLC 24/7. Connect to the virtual world, create an avatar and download the software here.
22. GRAD-UGRAD MENTORING PROGRAM SEEKING VOLUNTEERS – 1st posting
The GSA’s Graduate Undergraduate Mentoring Program (GUMP) is looking for graduate volunteers to serve as mentors and advisors to undergraduates interested in pursuing graduate school. GUMP matches undergraduate and graduate students in mentoring relationships in order to expose undergraduate students to the graduate experience as they consider further study and to provide graduate students with the opportunity to develop mentoring skills as they share their own personal experiences with the undergraduate students in the program. There’s more than one way to get involved! Please visit http://www.gsa.uusa.vt.edu/programs/gump or email gump@vt.edu if you’re interested.
23. GRDP REVIEWERS SOUGHT – 1st posting
The Graduate Research Development Program (GRDP) of the GSA provides monetary support to graduate students for research conducted at Virginia Tech. The GSA is looking for graduate students who are not applying for funding during the current application cycle to serve as GRDP reviewers. This can be a great resume-building experience. Please fill out this survey if you are interested in getting involved. Questions: Contact Milad Radiom, GRDP Chair, at mradiom@vt.edu.
24. GRADUATE REPRESENTATIVE TO THE BOARD OF VISITORS-HAVE YOU MET YOUR REP YET?
Meet Michelle McLeese, your 2011-2012 graduate representative to the board of visitors (BOV). There are many reasons to know about the BOV and to have your voice heard and be represented! Michelle is your direct liaison to the BOV and she also works with the graduate student assembly (GSA) every month to present information from the BOV directly to you and your departments. Consider visiting Michelle in the Graduate Life Center (23A) or emailing her for more information at mmcleese@vt.edu.
25. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are needed for a study investigating the effects of job rotation on muscle fatigue and performance. The study consists of 6 separate experimental sessions (each lasting approximately 2 hours) and one screening session. Participants will be compensated $10/hour with a $10 bonus after completing all sessions. Requirements: male or female, age 18-25, low body fat, right handed, 20/20 vision (corrected okay), no recent history of musculoskeletal disorders, and exercise 2-3 times per week. If interested, please contact Leanna Horton.
26. STUDY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT – 3rd posting
Participants are needed for a study investigating endurance for the arm, shoulder, and low back. The study consists of 1 session lasting approximately 2 hours. Participants will be compensated $15/hour. Requirements: not involved in any regular aerobic or resistance training, age 18-29, and no recent history of musculoskeletal or metabolic disorders. Overweight individuals are especially needed. If interested, please complete a brief survey. Contact Lora Cavuoto with any questions.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
SHORT STAT COURSES FOR NON-STAT MAJORS
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 2-hr 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. Short courses will be held from 5-7PM.
Remaining Fall 2011 Schedule:
Tuesday, Oct 4: Applying Statistics in Research: Case Studies; Fralin Auditorium.
For more information, please visit www.lisa.stat.vt.edu.
LUNCH WITH GRAD DEAN DEPAUW, PROVOST MCNAMEE, AND PRESIDENT STEGER – SIGN UP NOW
Monday, Oct 3, 11:30am-1:00pm, The Inn
Attend the first of 3 graduate luncheons of the fall semester with President Steger, Provost McNamee, and Graduate Dean Dr. DePauw at the Inn at Virginia Tech. Spaces are limited, so if you are interested in attending, please fill out this survey and include any issues (positive or negative) that you believe need to be discussed. Please indicate if you are unable to attend the first luncheon, whether you wish to be considered for future lunches. Lunches will be organized by themes and graduate students selected for attendance will be contacted by Thursday, Sep 29. Contact Michelle McLeese with any questions.
AAUW POWERFUL PRESENCE BROWN BAG LUNCH
Monday, Oct 3, 12:00pm, GLC Room B
Join colleagues at this brown bag luncheon to discuss “Effective Communication Skills for Handling Disagreements and Conflict.” Presenter will be Dale Robinson of the Department of Human Resources. More information about this and other AAUW events will be posted ontheir Facebook page.
DIALOGUE WITH THE DEAN I.
Tuesday, Oct 4, 5:30-7:00pm, GLC Rm C
Discuss graduate student life and university policies with Dean DePauw over dinner. This is your opportunity to bring up issues that matter most to you! Space is limited; please register here. If you have questions, contact: Swetha Kumar, GSA VP of Programs, at swethak@vt.edu.
BGSO PRESENTS: NAVIGATING DEPARTMENTAL POLITICS, PART II.
Wednesday, Oct 5, 7:15pm, GLC Room G
There’s more to grad school than research, teaching, and taking classes: departmental/university politics can make or break a graduate career. A panel will discuss how to navigate departmental politics, and give advice on what to do if you get stuck! Panelists include Dr. Karen DePauw, VP and Dean of Graduate Education; Dr. Guy Sims, Asst VP for Student Affairs; Dr. Manbeena Sekhon, licensed professional counselor; Ms. Ennis McCreary, Ombudswoman; grad students Ms. Jasmine Graham, Ms. Keyana Ellis, Ms. Kenya King, and newly minted Ph.D. Jonathan Gaines.
THE PHD MOVIE ADVANCE TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Wednesday, Oct 12, 7:00 pm, The Lyric
The GSA brings to you The PHD Movie, based on the popular web-comic by Jorge Cham (see www.phdcomics.com). The film delves into the unique and funny culture of academia and follows four graduate students as they struggle to find balance between research, teaching, and their personal lives. Tickets are $5.00 and will be available during GSA Office Hours Tue 8-10am and Wed 1:30-3:30pm in the GLC Graduate Student Organization Office (21 GLC). Questions: Contact Swetha Kumar.
HISPANIC-LATINO HERITAGE MONTH LUNCHEON
Friday, Oct 14, 11:30AM-1:00pm GLC room F
The Graduate School hosts the Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month luncheon open to all students, featuring Douglas Garcia, Executive Director of Federal Relations and Outreach for the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. Topics discussed will include internship and fellowship opportunities, trends of Hispanics in education, and how to get involved in HACU. Please complete this survey if interested in attending.
DINING ETIQUETTE DINNER – REGISTER NOW
Wednesday, Oct 19, 5:30-8:00pm, The Inn at Virginia Tech
Register now for Career Services’ fall etiquette dinner, Shine While you Dine: A Networking and Fine Dining Experience. Learn how to stand out from other candidates in this interactive dining experience. The program begins with networking and hors d’oeuvres and is followed by an evening of fine dining and question facilitation. Registration is required in person at the Smith Career Center between Sep 12 and Sep 30. The cost for the evening is $10 and includes light hors d’oeuvres and a three course meal. Learn more>>