1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – break schedule; updated 8/24
- Career Services advising: on hiatus until Sep 23
- Cook Counseling: Thursday & Friday 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
- Graduate School regular hours: 8:00am-5:00pm
- LISA Statistical Consulting: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10am-12pm, GLC Room A
- Writing assistance: Thursdays, 5:30-8:30pm, GLC Room A
2. DISCOVERING ISLAM
Tuesday, Sep 8, 12:00-2:00pm, ‘Information Booth A’ in front of Au Bon Pain in Squires
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world with more than 1.6 billion followers. Muslims come from almost every country in the world and speak almost every language. 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 tasty Arabian dates. Hosted by the Islamic Student Assembly (ISA). Contact grad student Haitham Elmarakeby at marakeby@vt.edu with any questions.
3. INTERVIEWING SKILLS
Tuesday, Sep 8, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room G
Be prepared for initial screening interviews as well as on-site interviews. This seminar addresses interviewing basics, employer expectations, and insights into behavioral interviews. Sponsored by Career Services. Contact Amy McPherson if you have questions, amcphers@vt.edu.
4. FREE ANXIETY AND OCD SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Sep 8, 7:00pm, GLC Meeting Room D
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety? Do you struggle with OCD? A free monthly support group meets the second Tuesday of every month. Join the group at the Graduate Life Center 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 grad student Andrew Smith at ajsmith1@vt.edu.
5. PARENT SUPPORT GROUP LUNCHEON
Wednesday, Sep 9, 12:00-1:30, GLC Room D
Graduate students with children are invited to join this year’s first Parent Support Group Luncheon. This month participants will have the privilege of hearing from guest speaker Laurie Fritsch about Student Health Initiatives at Virginia Tech that can benefit your family. Lunch is provided, and spouses are welcome. Please register at www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0E4FABAA28A1FF2-september. For more information contact Marin Riegger at mriegger@vt.edu.
6. GUAC TALK WITH THE DEAN
Wednesday, Sep 9, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Lounge
Stop by to chat with Karen DePauw, Vice President and Dean of the Graduate School, and fellow graduate students while enjoying some delicious guacamole and salsa! This event is come-and-go and free to all graduate students; hosted by the Graduate Student Assembly.
7. ARABIC COFFEE HOUR
Wednesday, Sep 9, 4:30-5:30pm, Major Williams Atrium
Join the VT Arabic Language Club and the Arabic Program for their first Arabic coffee hour of the semester. During this informal gathering, students, faculty, and anyone interested in Arabic will have the chance to enjoy Arabic coffee and sweets, practice their Arabic, and learn more about the Arabic program (particularly the new Arabic minor). This free event is hosted by the Arabic Language Club and the Arabic Program. This message is posted on behalf of grad student Turki Al Zahrani, turki82@vt.edu.
8. COMMUNICATE YOUR SCIENCE: RESEARCH A LA MODE COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Sep 9, 5:00m-7:00pm, Museum of Geosciences, 2062 Derring Hall
What do theatre improvisation exercises have to do with communicating science? While actor Alan Alda was hosting a TV science series, he discovered that scientists go into “lecture” mode and their vocabulary, body language, and even tone of voice can exclude and confuse public audiences. He also discovered that theatre improv games and exercises can help scientists learn to engage with their audiences in a different way. Virginia Tech is in its fifth year of offering an Alda-style Communicating Science course for science and engineering graduate students. Get a taste of this course at a workshop presented by Research à la Mode and take home some communication skills. Instructor Carrie Kroehler (cjkroehl@vt.edu) will lead participants through "distilling your message" and other exercises used in the full course. Enjoy ice cream after the workshop! Register by e-mailing doctoral student Lisa Whalen at lashley@vt.edu.
9. CAREER FAIR PREPARATION
Wednesday, Sep 9, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room G
Learn how to present yourself to an employer and what to ask at a job fair. Sponsored by Career Services. Contact Amy McPherson if you have questions, amcphers@vt.edu.
10. INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP – 3rd FALL MTG
Wednesday, Sep 9, 6:00pm, GLC Room B
InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship <http://gcfvt.wordpress.com/> meets weekly for a free dinner and interactive Bible discussion. The conversation theme this fall is “Encountering Jesus”. All are welcome!
11. THESIS THURSDAYS
Thursdays, 8:30am-3:30pm
Need a quiet space to work on your thesis, dissertation, or course work? Gotta study for exams? Absolutely have to get that article out, like, yesterday? Thesis Thursday is your answer! This weekly gathering is for grad students who want to keep accountable to a regular work time and need a guaranteed quiet place to work. Meet each Thursday just a few blocks off campus at 107 Church Street – 2nd floor of the State Farm office (entrance on Church Street). Free coffee and wi-fi, plus multiple spots to sit and study alone or in groups. Stop in any time during study hours. Limited parking available. For more details, contact grad student Morgan Franke at fmorg14@vt.edu.
12. JESUS & BUSINESS
Thursday, Sep 10, 12:15-1:00pm, Johnston Student Center 304
How does Christian faith intersect with business practice? All graduate students, faculty, and staff are invited to join in this conversational interest meeting. A light lunch will be provided. Sign up at http://goo.gl/forms/GxHQ2jZb2U to help the organizers order enough food. Sponsored by InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship.
13. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Sep 10, 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.
14. GROCERY BINGO
Thursday, Sep 10, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Room B
Compete against other graduate students in Bingo for a chance to win free grocery items. Register for this event here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_1FeSAJhJYFiRVn7
15. LATEX WORKSHOP
Thursday, Sep 10, 6:00-7:30pm, GLC Room C
Are you getting headaches when typing math in Word? Frustrated by Word’s restricted ability to manage equations? Wondering how others produce great-quality looking papers with less effort? If yes, time to learn LaTex, a document preparation system (see http://www.latex-project.org/ for details). This workshop is taught by grad student Shahram Amini, shahram@vt.edu. Please register at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1441297787512 if you are planning to attend. Bring your own laptop!
16. KIDS NIGHT OUT – FREE WEEKLY DROP-IN CHILD CARE
Thursdays, starting Sep 10, 2015 6:00-8:30pm, Women’s Center
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. Games, toys, books, crafts, homework help, and plenty of fun for participants. Childcare provided by the volunteers of Chi Delta Alpha sorority. KNO will be held every Thursday throughout the semester with the exception of breaks when classes are not in session. The Women’s Center is located at 206 Washington Street, enter up the stairs in the parking lot. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu or 231-7806.
17. WTS INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CHAPTER KICK OFF AT VTTI
Friday, Sep 11, 10:00am, VT Transportation Institute
Graduate students with an interest in the transportation field are invited to attend the student chapter kick off for WTS International at VTTI. VTTI conducts research to advance transportation through innovation and has impacted public policy on national and international levels. The event will feature keynote speaker, Ellen Partridge, U.S. DOT Deputy Assistant Secretary of Transportation, panel discussions with staff from VTTI, VTTI demos, and Smart Road tours. Plus, a free lunch! Transportation to the event will be provided. Reserve your spot today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wts-international-student-chapter-kick-off-tickets-18100692659
18. WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO
Friday, Sep 11, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room D
If you are a graduate student who has asked yourself this question, you are not alone! Meet fellow graduate students to talk about graduate school as an exciting – but possibly overwhelming – life adventure! Pizza will be provided. Sign-up for this event at: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bvWBNmEpcksPfox.
19. INTEREST MEETING FOR ASSOCIATION FOR INDIA’S DEVELOPMENT (AID)
Saturday, Sep 12, 5:00pm, Room 345 in Squires Student Center
The Association for India’s Development (AID) is organizing an orientation for students interested in learning more about the organization. Members will share the objectives and the activities of AID. Free refreshments will be served and AID t-shirts will be provided to those who register for the event. To register, email to Wrik Mallik at wrik@vt.edu.
20. APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FOR TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP FOR OPENCON2015 – 1st posting
The Graduate School and University Libraries are co-sponsoring a travel scholarship to attend OpenCon 2015 in Nov 2015 in Brussels, Belgium. Apply by Sep 21 at http://www.opencon2015.org/virginia_tech. Learn more about the scholarship and the conference at https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/openvt/2015/09/02/grad-students-travel-to-brussels-to-learn-about-openness/.
21. CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR ACADEMY FOR GTA EXCELLENCE – 1st posting
The Academy for GTA Excellence (see https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/jwrgrad/academy-for-advanced-teaching-and-transforming-learning-aattl/) invites applications for members and associates in its Learning Community. The Academy provides opportunities for graduate students to receive advanced education and training in innovative teaching and learning strategies. It also provides a space to recognize excellence in teaching by graduate students. Membership is open to graduate students at all VT campuses. Applications are at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_1ZUiW1qhOevG45L; nominations or recommendations at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6SbE2P349wuPv9z; both are due Saturday, Oct 3. For questions about the Academy, contact Vice President and Dean for Graduate Education Karen P. DePauw (kpdepauw@vt.edu) or Nicole J. Johnson (nicj712@vt.edu).
22. JOIN 30-AND-OVER GRAD GROUP – 1st 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, hikers, etc) let the group know and organize events within this sub-group.
23. STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE ENROLLMENT OPEN UNTIL SEP 11
The open-enrollment period for 2015-16 in the university-sponsored student health insurance plan by Aetna will end Sep 11. Review the insurance plan and enrollment details at http://www.co.vt.edu/Risk/studenthealthinsr/ and sign up by Sep 11 if you don’t have insurance coverage yet.
24. PEO INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FOR 2015-16 AWARDS – 2nd posting
Applications now accepted for P.E.O. Scholar Awards, which offer $15,000 for outstanding women in doctoral programs. Eligibility: (1) on track to complete doctoral degree between Apr 2017-Aug 2018; (2) have at least one academic year remaining to complete program when award payment is made in Aug 2016; (3) demonstrates outstanding academic excellence with strong research path, publications, awards and service activities, maturity and seriousness of purpose; (4) has clearly defined career objectives, showing promise of making a significant impact on field or society; (5) FT student at an accredited university; (6) US or Canadian citizen. Local application deadline: Sep 20; send concise letter highlighting current work and career and resume to Rebecca Caldwell (rebec.caldwell@gmail.com). More info: www.peointernational.org/about-peo-scholar-awards-psa.
25. ENGLISH CONVERSATION GROUPS THROUGH CRANWELL INTL CENTER – 2nd posting
These informal, volunteer-run groups provide an opportunity to practice English skills in a safe, informal environment. They are open to Virginia Tech students, researchers, scholars, faculty, visitors and their dependents. Individuals can attend any number of classes per week. Cranwell conversation groups are free of charge and require no registration. See schedule at http://www.international.vt.edu/programs_and_activities/english_conversation_groups/index.html.
26. RESUMANIA – 2nd posting
Get your resume ready for the upcoming career fairs. Resumania includes Career Services’ regular 10-minute walking-in advising hours of M-F, 12:00–3:00pm and offers extended hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (8/31 – 9/18) from 10:00am-4:00pm. For more information go to http://www.career.vt.edu/Events/Fall2015-Resumania.pdf.
27. FOLLOW THE GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY – 3rd posting
The officers of the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) Executive Board wish you a happy and productive new academic year! Keep your eyes on this bulletin each week for GSA program and social event announcements; follow the GSA on Twitter, Instagram, and Google+ (@vtgsa), like them on Facebook (fb.com/VTGraduateStudentAssembly), and check out their website (tinyurl.com/vt-gsa). Send questions and comments to gsa@vt.edu.
28. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR ASSESSING ERGONOMICS & MANUFACTURING PRODUCTIVITY – 1st posting
Participants are needed for a VT research study investigating effects of ergonomic designs and interventions on manufacturing quality and productivity. Requirements: must be 18–35 years old; have normal vision, and no self-reported current or recent (past 1 year) musculoskeletal injuries or other health conditions. The experiment involves two sessions (one training, and one data collection) in which you will be asked to perform a simulated drilling task using three different workstation configurations. Each session will require ~3 hours, and you will be compensated $10/hr for participation. For further information and scheduling contact 206-859-9146 or iesaad@vt.edu.
29. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR VA SCIENCE FESTIVAL – 2nd posting
Volunteers sought to help with the Virginia Science Festival in Blacksburg on Saturday, Sep 26, 10:00am-3:00pm. Last year’s event attracted approximately 6,000 people. Organizers are looking for dynamic leaders, STEAM Enthusiast (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), and hands-on volunteers to help with many aspects of this event. Consider volunteering a portion of your Saturday and encourage your student organizations or professional organizations to get involved too! Sign up at http://www.cpe.vt.edu/sciencefestival/volunteers-app.html. Posted on behalf of grad student Casey Bailey, baileycs@vt.edu.
30. CHILDREN WITH FREQUENT TANTRUMS/TEMPER OUTBURSTS SOUGHT FOR TREATMENT STUDY – 2nd posting
Children ages 8-12 are currently being enrolled for a free treatment study for frequent tantrums/temper outbursts and chronic irritability. The treatment is designed to teach children to regulate their emotions, and will be conducted in 13 weekly sessions. Families will also receive $70 for completing assessment sessions for the study. If interested in enrolling your child in this study, please contact Amber at MoodReg@gmail.com or call 540-231-9735 for more information.
31. GSA SEEKS 2015-2016 PROGRAM CHAIRS – 3rd posting
The GSA is currently accepting applications for this year’s program chairs! Chairs are interviewed and appointed by the Executive Board officers. Responsibilities include implementing the GSA’s programs, attending board and delegate meetings, and volunteering at GSA-sponsored events. Program chairs develop leadership skills and can add unique professional experiences to their CVs. Currently the GSA is seeking two Travel Fund Program chairs, two Research Symposium chairs, and one Events and Special Projects chair. All chairs will work under the supervision of the Executive Board. Position descriptions are available at http://tinyurl.com/gsa-chairs. To apply, email your CV, the name of the position to which you’re applying, and a brief letter of interest in Word format to Kasey Richardson, Administrative Director of the GSA, at kasey@vt.edu. No prior experience with the GSA is required. Deadline: Friday, 9/11 at 5pm.
32. VT ENGAGE AMERICORPS NETWORK MEMBERS SOUGHT – 3rd posting
Do you enjoy community service, but want to do more? Join the VT Engage AmeriCorps Network! VTEngage is hiring 21 part-time members to start this fall. Members will serve with the American Red Cross and Smart Beginnings New River Valley to build awareness and capacity in the areas of disaster preparedness and early childhood literacy. AmeriCorps members are placed with these nonprofits to serve the New River Valley area for a national service term that can be completed over the course of the academic year or full year (September 2015-September 2016.) Learn more at http://www.engage.vt.edu/americorps/ and apply at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5mQ48wVtrFiYX4h. Contact Lindsey Gleason at engage@vt.edu or 540.231.9798 with questions.
33. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR PROGRAM FOR MOTHERS ON STRESS MANAGEMENT & HEALTHY EATING – 3rd posting
Participation involves attending four weekly meetings lasting 1.5 hours, a focus group, and a phone interview four weeks later. You will be asked to fill out surveys about your eating behavior and experience of stress at the beginning and end of the study, along with saliva samples and body measurements. The weekly sessions will focus on managing stress, slowing down, and healthy food. The focus group and interview will help researchers learn more about your experience in the program. You may be eligible to participate if you are: a mother 18 or older with a child 5 years or younger living in your home; not currently pregnant or breastfeeding; not participating in a weight loss program or diet. Participants will receive $10-85 based on level of participation. Date and time of program will be determined upon convenience for majority of participants. Contact Lauren by calling/texting (540)808.5358 or emailing slowdownvt@gmail.com.
34. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR SURVEY OF DOCTORAL STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCE WITH LIT REVIEW – 3rd posting
A VT research team is conducting a study regarding doctoral students’ experiences in working on a literature review. The survey includes questions about your program experiences while working on the literature review phase of your doctoral program. Participation in this study will inform researchers regarding ways to help make writing a literature review a better experience for students in the future. Participants must have already completed dissertation literature review to participate in the survey, which takes about 20 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary and anonymous. If you have any questions, contact any member of the research team by emailing to literaturereviewvt@gmail.com. Complete the survey at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1429626948238 by Sep 23.
35. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY EXAMINING HEART RATE IN AUTISM – 3rd posting
Participants between the ages of 5-8 are sought for a research study investigating heart rate and restricted repetitive behaviors in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers are recruiting children with an ASD diagnosis as well as typically developing children. Participation requires a 1-hour laboratory visit from the participant and their parent. The child will be asked to watch a video while wearing a heart rate monitor and a parent will be asked to fill out a packet of questionnaires regarding their child’s health history and behavior. Participants will receive a $20.00 gift card as compensation for their 1-hour laboratory visit. If interested (IRB #: 14-1177), contact the Mind-Body Lab by email (VirginiaTechMBL@gmail.com or by phone (1-540-231-3630) for more information.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
HBCU CONNECT LUNCHEON
Wednesday, Sep 16, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room G
Did you attend an HBCU before pursuing graduate school at VT? Attend this lunch to network with other HBCU grads. Lunch will be provided by the Graduate School. Please sign up at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_85OfldFMsnZUDY1 if you are planning to attend. If you have any questions, contact Dannette Gomez Beane at dannette@vt.edu.
ANNUAL ACTIVE COMMUTE CELEBRATION
Wednesday, Sep 16, 8:00am –1:00pm, Squires Student Center Plaza
Hosted by the Office of Alternative Transportation as part of Sustainability Week, this event highlights the benefits and viability of active transportation and reward those who use it regularly. VT Police will help with bicycle registrations and representatives of the Master Plan will be distributing access to their planning app. Blacksburg Transit, VT Office of Energy and Sustainability, the Blacksburg Office of Sustainability, Healthy Hokies, VT Bicycle Ambassadors, Zipcar and VT Environmental Coalition will also have tables with activities, giveaways (including bike bells and stickers), and free food from Panera Bread! Contact grad student Mackenzie Jarvis at mrj14@vt.edu, (540) 231 2701 with any questions.
OVER-30 POTLUCK PICNIC
Wednesday, Sep 16, 6:00pm, GLC side lawn (behind the shrubs on the Bookstore side)
Bring a dish and join other grad students who are (or feel) 30 or over for a casual picnic and networking opportunity. The Graduate School will provide paper goods and drinks. Please sign up at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1441719550687 if you are planning to attend.
GSA 2015 GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL FAIR
Monday, Sep 21, 4:30-7:00pm, Squires Commonwealth Ballroom
The GSA’s annual graduate and professional school fair brings 115 recruiters from various universities, law schools, medical schools, and professional institutes across the country will be available to answer your questions about admissions requirements, applications, financial aid, and your future career options. All undergrad and grad students considering a graduate or professional program are invited to attend. Email Kasey Richardson at kasey@vt.edu with any questions or visit http://tinyurl.com/vt-gpsf for more information. Attendance free.
HISPANIC-LATINO CONNECT LUNCH
Wednesday, Sep 30, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room G
Would you like to connect with other graduate students and faculty/ staff that identify with the Hispanic/Latino community? If yes, don’t miss out on this great opportunity. The Graduate School hosts this luncheon to facilitate dialogue and fellowship. Register at http://graduateschool.vt.edu/connect_lunch if you plan to attend. If you have any questions, contact Dannette Gomez Beane at dannette@vt.edu.