March 16-22, 2015

1.  WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – updated 3/16

• Career Services advising: Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC lobby
• Cook Counseling: Thursdays and Fridays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room 
• GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursday, Reading Room
• Statistical consulting by LISA: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 10:00am-12:00pm, Room A
• Writing assistance: Thursdays starting Jan 29 5:00-8:00pm, Room A

2. STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIP INFO SESSIONS
Tuesday, Mar 17, 11:00am– 3:00pm, GLC Room B
Interested in an international opportunity, but not sure how to finance it? Celebrate International Week by learning about scholarship opportunities. The Fulbright, Boren, Gilman, and Critical Language Scholarship programs will be among the opportunities discussed. Members of the Global Education Office and the Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid will be in attendance. Information sessions will be held hourly at 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, and 2:00 and each session will last 30-45 minutes with time for questions. For more information, contact Rebecca Johnson (vtabroad@vt.edu ; 540-231-5888).

3. FEEDING A GROWING WORLD
Tuesday, Mar 17, 12:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
This program features VT alum Phil Haynie III, a fifth generation Black farmer who was recently recognized by the White House as a Champion of Change. Mr. Haynie will discuss how the agricultural community will feed 9 billion people in 2050, as well as his experiences as a Black farmer, precision agriculture, the need for scientists and engineers in agriculture, and how to use a Virginia Tech education to serve the world.

4. JELL-O WITH THE FELLOWS
Tuesday, Mar 17, 4:00-6:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
Learn about the GLC Fellow application process, job requirements, and what life is like as a Fellow. Meet current Fellows, their supervisors, and enjoy some delicious Jell-o treats. Information about the position openings can be found at www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu. 

5. SHORT STATS COURSES FOR GRADS: DESIGNING EXPERIMENTS
Tuesday, Mar 17, 4:00-6:00pm, 1080 Torgersen Hall
The goal of any scientific experiment is to maximize information gain, while minimizing the cost of the experiment. Taught by Justin Loda, this short course will discuss the three fundamental principles of experimental design (randomization, replication, and local control of error) and their relative importance in designing a useful experiment. Participants will also discuss some commonly designed experiments, such as randomized complete block and split-plot designs, as well as some more advanced. Anyone with little to no background in basic statistical techniques who are interested in acquiring an introduction to experimental design are welcome. See http://www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to REGISTER and to learn more.

6. AT THE CROSSROADS: ART, SCIENCE, RESEARCH
Tuesday, Mar 17, 7:30 pm, Cube, Moss Arts Center
During her artist residency at Virginia Tech in 2012, Healing Wars creator and director Liz Lerman engaged with faculty, students, and community members, including researchers at the VT Carilion Research Institute (VT CRI). Join a conversation between Lerman and Michael J. Friedlander, PhD, executive director of the VT CRI, on creative research, scientific research, and their intersections. Co-presented by Community Voices and the Center for Arts at VT. Free; registration required through the box office at https://artscenter.vt.edu/Online/healingwars or (540) 231-5300.

7. WORKSHOP FOR SCIENTISTS AND ARTISTS: MODELING SCIENCE, MODELING IDEAS – register now!
Wednesday Mar 18, 10:00am-12:00pm, Moss Arts Center
With vast improvements in quality and complexity of data in the life sciences, what thinking skills do we need to make sense of what’s there—and to make discoveries? Modeling brings precision and depth to the conceptualizations of biological processes, and embodied learning through "science choreography" catalyzes deconstruction and illumination of the core components and processes in modeling. This hands-on workshop, led by visiting choreographer and MacArthur "Genius Grant" Fellow Liz Lerman, is designed especially for mixed groups of artists (theatre and dance) and scientists. No experience necessary. Contact Sarah at sarahhf@vt.edu to sign up. In your message, please indicate if you identify as a scientist, an artist, or both. Limited space is available; slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

8. PARENT SUPPORT GROUP MEETING MONTHLY
Wednesday, Mar 18, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room C
The Parent Support Group is an opportunity for graduate students and their partners who have or are expecting children, designed to provide a place to connect and build community. The group will be meeting Wednesday, March 18 in the GLC. Lunch will be served and partners and children are welcome! Contact Andrea with questions at aswenson@vt.edu. Sign-up at http://www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0E4FABAA28A1FF2-parent.

9. THE HEART OF RESEARCH: A CONVERSATION FOR EMERGING SCHOLARS
Wednesday, Mar 18, 7:00-8:30pm, GLC Room G
Research is at the heart of what it means to be a graduate student or faculty member. Come share about your work in this interdisciplinary dialogue on the meaning of your research. A free dinner will be served, and all are welcome. Sponsored by InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship.

10. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Mar 19, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of your graduate student and Grad School colleagues. Relax, explore big and small ideas, and build your network of colleagues and friends.

11. SUBMISSIONS INVITED FOR GLC ART & PHOTO CONTEST –ultimate posting
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work and photography by graduate students for display in the GLC during Graduate Education Week (Mar 23-27) and beyond. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art and/or photography) per graduate student. Photos may be submitted online at https://secure.graduateschool.vt.edu/imageupload/ to be printed by the Graduate School. Submission deadline: Tuesday, Mar 17, 2015.  Learn more at http://www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/contest/.

12. CALLING ALL GRADUATE STUDENT ENTERTAINERS FOR GEW PERFORMANCE –ultimate posting
The Graduate School is seeking students to provide entertainment during the Graduate Education Week Big Cook-out on Friday, March 27. The circus-themed cook-out will run from 4:30-6:30pm on the Graduate School Lawn.  Entertainers needed include face painters, balloon artists, caricature artists, jugglers, or anything that may fit into our theme. To join our slate of performers, please complete this survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1422907809572  Contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu if you have questions.

13. GSA RESEARCH FUNDING CYCLE OPEN NEXT WEEK – 1st posting
Do you have an awesome research idea that deserves funding?  Apply to the GSA’s Graduate Research Development Program! The GRDP provides monetary support for graduate student research twice each academic year. Applications for the spring cycle are accepted Mar 23-Apr 3, 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/. Email hglane07@vt.edu with "GRDP" in the subject line with any questions.

14. SUBMISSIONS INVITED TO DIVERSITY COMPETITION AND SHOWCASE: BREAKING STEREOTYPES
The CAUS Diversity Committee invites all university students, faculty, and staff to express their perspective on "Breaking Stereotypes". Entries can comprise any of the following media: essay, music, painting, photography, poster, and video, etc and must be submitted by Mar 25, 5:00pm. Competition rules and an entry form are available at http://caus.vt.edu/diversity/diversity-index.html. Submission can be delivered to: Carolyn Harris, cjharris@vt.edu; CAUS Dean’s Office, 202 Cowgill. Awards: Faculty/staff – 1st place $750; Grad students – 1st $750, 2nd $500, 3rd $250; Ugrad students – 1st $750, 2nd $500, 3rd $250.

15. JOIN NEW 30-AND-OVER GRAD GROUP – 3rd posting
Welcome to all VT 30-and-over students who sometimes feel out of place in the traditional social circles of school. This group is intended to be social, fun and non-serious. Coffee date? OK. Hiking in the Blue Ridge? Fantastic! Bowling? I’m up for it! Planned events can be accessed through our GoogleGroups site https://groups.google.com/d/forum/VT-over-30. If you are part of a sub group (parents, athletic enthusiast, belly button lint collecting) let the group know and organize events within this group. The idea is to make everyone welcome and get to know other 30 and overs on VT’s campus.

16. CITIZEN SCHOLAR APPLICATIONS INVITED – 3rd posting
Have you used your research to benefit society in any way? Are you currently working, or have worked on a project in the past year, that has community impact, either locally or globally? If so, consider applying for the Citizen Scholar award.  If not, consider designing a Citizen Scholar project! Program requirements are described on the CSE website, http://graduateschool.vt.edu/gs/tge/cse.  Applications are due Mar 16.  For more information, email Shelby Ward, shelby08@vt.edu.

17. CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR LATINO LECTURE SERIES – 3rd posting
This project aims to provide a space for mentoring relationships to organically occur. Please nominate students to the Latino Lecture Series: students who have turned in a paper, done research on, or can discuss topics specifically related to the Latino community can be nominated to present at this symposium. Nomination process: submit students’ first name, last name, email address, major, and a title for the project, paper, or research to miguelam@vt.edu.

18. GLC FELLOW POSITION OPENINGS – 3rd posting
Residence Life and the Graduate School are seeking motivated graduate students who are committed to building graduate community, for GLC Fellow positions for the 2015-16 academic year. An ideal candidate would have previous residence life and/or event planning experience, though it is not a requirement. Applicants must submit a formal cover letter, resume and letter of recommendation, as well as complete the following survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1424447226591 . Information about cover letter requirements is at the survey link; full job description is at www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu. Apply by Mar 27, 2015. Contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu or Jacob Soles at jsoles11@vt.edu  if you have questions.

19. GRAD RESIDENTIAL FELLOW (GRF) OPENINGS IN WEST AJ RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE – 3rd posting
The West AJ Residential College is a community of 850 multi-generational students ranging from first-year to graduate from all academic disciplines. The GRF is a live-in position with responsibilities that include:  strong presence in the "house" and residential college; know each student living in the house; coordinate activities and experiences that facilitate community and serve the goals of the Residential College; serve as a role model; assist Faculty Principal and Associate Faculty Principal; serve as advisor for House Council; use the provided major on-campus meal plan to attend weekly House Dinners at the D2; facilitate the room and selection process; participate in trainings and meetings; other duties as assigned. Must invest min. 10 hrs/wk within house community; must be FT VT grad student in good academic standing, and have strong affinity for working with people within a residential setting. An interest in strengthening the academic/ intellectual undergraduate experience for a diverse array of students is required. GRFs receive a single room and a major on-campus meal plan and are appointed for a 1-year term, but are eligible for re-appointment for another 1-year term, based on performance. Ideally, a GRF serves in the position for 2 consecutive years. To apply, email letter of interest, resume, & contact information for 3 references to: Amanda Eagan, Assistant Student Life Coordinator, aeagan2@vt.edu.

20. VT SENSORY LAB PANELISTS SOUGHT TO TASTE MILK SAMPLES
Wednesday, Mar 18, 2:00 and 6:00pm
Thursday, Mar 19, 2:00 and 6:00pm
Friday, Mar 20, 10:00am and 4:00pm
Participants in the panels will be given a set of milk samples and asked to identify the different sample. Must be 18 years or older and do not have an allergy to milk. Come to the new Human and Agricultural Biosciences Building, Rm 205, 1230 Washington St SW (corner of Washington St and Duck Pond Rd; across from VBI. The testing should take approximately 10-15 minutes. You will be compensated for your participation. Each panel you participate you will receive 2 stamps; when you receive 10 stamps you will get a gift card. A light snack (choice of soda, chips, fruit, cookies, etc) will be available after each panel. For more information contact Kemia Amin, master’s student in food science and technology, kamin2@vt.edu.

21. UPCOMING EVENTS:

GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK 2015 – Mar 23-27!
See http://graduateschool.vt.edu/GEW for a full schedule. Many events require pre-registration and spots may be limited, so please sign up early if you plan to participate! Some Highlights:

• GEW Coffee Kickoff at Newman – 3/23 8:30am, 1st floor Multipurpose Room
• Grad Night at The Lyric – 3/24; pick up your free ticket in the GLC
• VT Black Bear Research Tour – 3/25; must pre-register online, spaces limited
• GSA Research Symposium – 3/25 10:00-4:00, GLC
• VT Innovation Systems and Your Research – 3/26 12:00pm must pre-register for free lunch and presentation
• Create Your Own Terrarium – 3/26 2:00pm must pre-register; spaces are limited
• InclusiveVT Grad Forum – 3/27 10:00am, GLC
• Building a Professional Career with Purpose – 3/27 12:00pm must pre-register for free lunch and presentation
• Big Cook Out with music, food and games – 3/27 4:30-6:30, GLC Lawn

SHORT STATS COURSES FOR GRADS – SPRING 2015 SCHEDULE
LISA (Virginia Tech’s Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) 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. Registration is required, but all courses are free. Remaining Spring 2015 Schedule:

• Monday & Tuesday, March 23 & 24: Using ggplot2 to produce enhanced graphics in R;*
• Tuesday, April 7: T-tests & ANOVA;
• Tuesday, April 14: Solutions for Broken Linear Models;

*Two sessions of the same course to accommodate more attendees.
Visit the LISA website at http://www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for more information about these courses and to register.

31ST ANNUAL GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
Wednesday, Mar 25, 10:00am – 4:00pm
See the outstanding results of research efforts of your fellow graduate students: oral presentations and poster sessions will occur throughout the day. Questions? Email gsa.symposium.2015@gmail.com.

NETWORKING SESSION AND PROFESSIONAL PANEL SEEKS PARTICIPANTS– sign up now!
Saturday, Mar 28, McBryde Hall
The Blacksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc is partnering with the TRiO Programs at Virginia Tech to sponsor this event during the College and Career. The group is seeking individuals from various professional and educational backgrounds to participate on the panel and to be present at the networking session.  If you are interested in participating please email your name, major/degree, work title(s), occupation, email contact information and whether you will be joining for lunch to Brielle Wright at bswright@vt.edu. Please sign up by Thursday, Mar 5. You will receive additional information from the TRiO Programs regarding any additional logistical information.

GSA SPRING WINE AND BEER SOCIAL
Friday, Apr 3, 5:00-9:00pm, University Club
The GSA invites you to its spring wine and beer social for an evening of fun and socializing with fellow students. An assortment of beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres will be provided. Must be 21+ with a valid state ID to consume alcohol. General admission is $10 and delegates will be admitted for $5. Non-drinking guests are welcome for $2. Contact Samantha Erwin at sherwin@vt.edu with questions or if you are interested in volunteering for the event.