1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC
- Career Advising: W 2:00-5:00pm, Info kiosk in lobby
- Cook Counseling: Th, F 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
- Graduate School regular hours: 8:00am-5:00pm;
- Immigration advising hours: MWF 1:00-5:00pm, TTh 9:00am-12:00pm;
- Peer to peer support coaching: M 1:00-3:00pm, Room F, F 11:00am-1:00pm, Room A (email grads@vt.edu for more info)
- Writing assistance: Wednesdays, 2-4:30pm, Room A; reserve appointment at http://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing/.
2. LAST WEEK FOR VOTER REGISTRATION
Tuesdays, Oct 11, 11:00am-12:00pm, GLC Lobby
Thursday, Oct 13, 5:00-6:00pm, GLC Lobby
This is the last week to register to vote in the November election! Voter Registration is offered in the GLC lobby on Tuesday and Thursday. Registering to vote takes only a minute. If you are already registered at a different address or in a different state, you can update your registration and avoid the difficulties of the absentee voting process. Remember, the last day to register to vote in Virginia is October 17–make sure your voice can be heard on Election Day!
3. DISCOVER ISLAM
Tuesday, Oct 11, 12:30-2:00pm, Info Booth A in Squires Student Center
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). For more information contact grad student Haitham Elmarakeby, marakeby@vt.edu.
4. ELEMENTS OF A THESIS
Tuesday, Oct 11, 1:00-2:00pm, GLC Room B
Professor Jennifer Sano-Franchini will instruct students on what should be included in their thesis, how to structure information, and how to ensure EDT regulations are followed. Contact grad assistant Natalie Patterson for more information natpat@vt.edu. Register online at http://survey.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_di2Gxv0tpGcohnv if you are planning to attend.
5. OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Oct 12, 5:30-7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Learn about the OPT application process, including eligibility requirements, timing of application and other important details. Presented by IGSS immigration advisors.
6. VT WELLNESS COOKING CLASS
Wednesday, Oct 12 or Thursday, Oct 13, 6:00-7:30pm, Wallace Hall 405
Wednesday, Nov 16 or Thursday, Nov 17, 6:00-7:30pm, Wallace Hall 405
VT Wellness Cooking class registration is open for October and November. It is a great time to de-stress and learn new recipes. The October theme is Breakfast for Dinner and the November theme is Happy Healthy Thanksgiving. Sign-ups are already open so secure your spot today by signing up here: https://connect.recsports.vt.edu/Course/Search.aspx?categoryId=674f0ef1-6f3c-4343-b98d-c5f3f843b5c5 Each class is $5.00 and you’ll get to enjoy a full meal that you get to cook. Email Aubrey at aubb0b@vt.edu if you have questions.
7. HUSSAIN DAY
Thursday, Oct 13, 10:00am-5:00pm, Library Plaza (in front of bookstore)
Join us for the "Hussain Day" presented by Ahlul Bayt Student Association (ABSA).
Hussain Day is an international campaign across universities to raise awareness about Peace and Justice. Free donuts and water bottles will be passed out with a tag attached that depicts a short message about Hussain, who he was and what he stood for. For more information contact vtabsa@gmail.com. Posted on behalf of grad student Mohammad Esfahani, esfahani@vt.edu
8. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Oct 13, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room or West Patio if the weather is nice
Enjoy free coffee, tea and cookies in the company of your grad student and Grad School colleagues. Relax, network, and load up on caffeine and/or carbs. Bring your own mug if you can.
9. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE WEEKLY DROP IN CHILD CARE
Thursdays, starting Sep 1, 6:00-8:30pm, VT Women’s Center (206 Washington St)
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. There are games, toys, books, crafts, homework help, and plenty of fun with 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. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu or 231-7806.
10. ALPHA – INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GROUP
Thursdays, 7:00-9:00pm, 211A Washington Street
Alpha is a group specifically for international students. Enjoy a home cooked meal from a country outside of the US (often India, China, or Uganda). Then play an interactive game and watch a video based on answering some faith topic from a Christian perspective (Why pray? Do you think there is more to life? Who is Jesus? How does God guide us? etc.) After the video there is open and simple discussion where people are encouraged to share their honest thoughts on the materials presented in the video. This is a comfortable and fun environment to begin to explore some of life’s bigger questions. Sponsored by Chi Alpha Campus Ministry at Virginia Tech.
11. CHI ALPHA CAMPUS MINISTRY CAMPING TRIP
Friday-Saturday, Oct 15-16, Mt. Rodgers
Chi Alpha Campus Ministry is going on a camping trip over fall break to Mt. Rodgers. The group will camp in tents and cook a meal by the fire on Friday night and hike Mt. Rodgers on Saturday during the day. There is also an alternative day hike to Dragon’s Tooth and a scenic non-athletic trip to Sandstone Falls. Contact nickarakaky@gmail.com for more information.
12. DANDIYA NIGHT
Saturday, Oct 15, 6:30-9:00pm, Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires Student Center
The time of the year to pick up your dandiya sticks and dance away the night to traditional Indian beats is here again! So deck yourself out in your colorful best and join us for a night of dance, music and lots of fun! Dandiya sticks will be provided. Check out the event page for more details: https://www.facebook.com/events/193447641086508/. Contact Disha Sardana at dishas9@vt.edu if you have any questions. Sponsored by the Indian Students Association.
13 .CALL FOR SHOW & TELL PRESENTATIONS AT GLC OPEN HOUSE
Graduate students are sought for show & tell presentations during the fall GLC Open House on Friday, Oct 28. 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. The Graduate School may be able to assist with the purchase of supplies if needed. Please complete this survey by Friday, October 14 if you are interested in participating https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8bKtl9Rn2l8ckDP
14. GSA TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM APPLICATION – OCT 16-22
The Graduate Student Assembly’s Travel Fund Program will open for applications on October 16 and close on October 22 at 11:59PM. The application guide is now available on the GSA website (http://tinyurl.com/GSATravelFund). This program can provide partial support for professional or conference travel occurring between July 1 and December 31, 2016. If you have questions, contact TFP Chair Zack Shiner at gsaTravelFund@gmail.com
15. BOARD OF VISITORS GRADUATE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE HOURS-2nd posting
The BoV Graduate Representative, Tara Reel, has office hours this year. Have a concern? Schedule a meeting via the Google calendar: tinyurl.com/meetbovgradrep
16. PEO INTERNNATIONAL PEACE SCHOLARSHIP FOR INTL GRAD WOMEN – 2nd posting
This scholarship is designed for women who are qualified for admission to full-time graduate study, working toward a graduate degree in the college or university she will attend. Requirements: Applicants must not hold U.S. or Canadian citizenship or permanent residency; must have a full year of course-work remaining and be enrolled and on campus for the entire school year. Doctoral students who have completed coursework and are working on dissertation only are not eligible as first-time applicants. The maximum scholarship for one year of study is $12,500, based upon need (year runs from August to August). Complete details are available at http://www.peointernational.org/about-peo-international-peace-scholarship-ips.. Send questions to Terry Arthur at arthurt@cs.vt.edu.
17. OMICRON DELTA KAPPY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 2nd posting
Omicron Delta Kappa is a national leadership honor society that recognizes the highest achieving individuals in different leadership areas at our university. Membership is extended to undergraduate juniors and seniors, graduate students, faculty, staff and alumni. Students must be in high academic standing and display qualities/achievements in one of five areas of leadership. To apply and for more information on membership, visit our website: http://www.odk.org.vt.edu/membership.php Contact Eileen Bui regarding any membership questions: ebui90@vt.edu
18. PAID SUMMER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY – 3rd posting
International Research Experience for Students (IRES) – provides eligible VT engineering students with paid 2017 summer research (3 weeks at VT, 7 weeks abroad at the University of Nottingham, UK). Must be US citizen or permanent resident and a full-time graduate student (graduating after May 2017). Visit https://www.eng.vt.edu/international/ires for more information and to apply. Deadline to apply: Oct 28, 2016. Email engabroad@vt.edu with any questions.
19. INTERIM GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON AVAILABLE FOR GRAD STUDENTS – 3rd posting
Dr. Anne McNabb will serve as the Interim Ombudsperson in the Graduate School during the next few months until a permanent replacement for Monique McKay is on board. Anne is an Emerita Professor of Biological Sciences and former Associate Dean of the Graduate School. She will be in the Graduate School half time and can be reached at (540) 231-9573. You can also leave a message or email her at happy@vt.edu, or ask for an appointment by calling (540) 231-8636.
20. SUBMISSIONS INVITED TO GLC PHOTO AND ART CONTEST – 3rd posting
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work and photography by graduate students for display in the GLC during Fall Open House (Oct 28) and beyond. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art and/or photography) per graduate student. Learn more at http://graduateschool.vt.edu/graduate-life-center/glc-art-and-photo-contest.html Submission deadline: Thursday, Oct 20, 2016.
21. SPRING 2017 GLC FELLOW POSITION OPENING – 1st posting
Residence Life and the Graduate School are seeking a motivated graduate student who is committed to building graduate community, for a GLC Fellow position for Spring 2017. 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, and fully complete the following survey: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_etFlFGFfWtFVSyV Information about cover letter requirements is detailed in the survey and the full job description is at http://graduateschool.vt.edu/graduate-life-center.html Apply by midnight on Friday, Oct. 28, 2016. Contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu or Sam Harbison at samlh@vt.edu if you have questions.
22. WAGE POSITION OPENING FOR PT VT GITHUB COORDINATOR – 3rd posting
VT University Libraries seeking part-time GitHub Coordinator to collect, showcase, and preserve open source code written at VT. The coordinator will create and manage a central, public GitHub organization; offer git and GitHub and git-based workflow training; facilitate collaborations between GitHub-based projects; and ensure that VT code repositories are preserved for future data science research. Required qualifications: significant experience with git, GitHub, and teaching technical skills. Position ends May 17, 2017. $15/hour, working 10-30 hrs/wk with flexible schedule; some work can be done remotely, but at least half of the weekly hours must be done at the University Libraries between 8am to 5pm. Full position description at http://j.mp/vtul-gh-coord-ad. Apply anonymously at http://j.mp/vtul-gh-coord-app to be reviewed in a blind recruitment process.
23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED – 2nd postin
Students are invited in a Virginia Tech study investigating the stability, comfort and usability of different arm brace designs. Must be 18 years or older and not have current or recent (past 1 year) history of musculoskeletal injuries. Participants will be asked to perform simulated activities of daily living (e.g. opening an envelope) with five different arm braces. One experimental (2-3 hours long) is required to complete the study. Compensation is $10/hour. Research protocols have been approved by the VT IRB. If interested, please contact Kristine Cantin at kdc14@vt.edu .
Upcoming events:
CONNECTION JOB FAIR
Tuesday, Oct 18, 10:00am-4:00pm, Squires Student Center
Over 100 employers representing various fields will attend this Connection Job Fair. See the list of employers and information about the jobs they have and candidate qualifications they’re seeking at https://db.career.vt.edu/connection/EmployerList.asp?E=1692
PARENT SUPPORT LUNCH GROUP
Wednesday, Oct 19, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room G
Join your fellow graduate student parents for a support group luncheon and hear from Jessie Meltsner of the VT Women’s Center about programs that can benefit your family. Spouses and children are always welcome. Sign-up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4fabaa28a1ff2-october1 These lunches fill up fast so sign-up soon. Contact childcare@vt.edu if you have questions.
GRADUATE STUDENT AND ADVISOR SOCIAL
Wednesday, Oct 19, 5:00-7:00pm, University Club
Graduate students and their advisors are invited to a social, hosted this time by the College of Engineering and the University Club. Enjoy good conversation and network with colleagues over a glass of wine or beer and light refreshments. Invite your advisor, committee member or other faculty to attend! Please complete this survey to register for the event and allow organizers to arrange the right amount of refreshments: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_ablk0hCGngPGTJj
BOREN AWARDS INFO SESSION
Thursday, Oct. 20, 10:00-11:00am, GLC Room F
Boren Scholarships and Fellowships provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests, and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. A representative from the Boren awards program will hold this session followed by an informal q & a session from 11am-12pm.
GRADUATE ARTS COUNCIL: ART WALK
Friday, Oct 21, 5:30-7:00pm, Theatre 101
Interested in meeting graduate students from other departments? Want to know more about Blacksburg’s artistic scene? Please join the Graduate Arts Council (a campus organization dedicated to exploring, supporting, and expanding the arts in and around the Virginia Tech area) for an art-walk to Blacksburg’s galleries. We will meet outside of Theatre 101 to begin the walking tour. Hope to see you there!
JOE’S TREES DAY TRIP
Saturday, Oct 22, 1:00pm-5:00pm
Join your fellow grad students on a trip to one of the New River Valley’s best kept secrets! Joe’s Trees is a family owned business that runs a pumpkin patch each fall. There are plenty of fun activities including hay rides, pumpkin picking, and learning about local artisan craft work. Make sure to bring some cash in case you find any awesome crafts or yummy food to purchase! If you are interested in joining, fill out this survey: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d10xJrCrkTWnNSl. Contact Scarlet Soult at scarlet@vt.edu if you have any questions!
BRING YOUR OWN DATA WORKSHOP: HOW TO INCREASE THE IMPACT OF YOUR RESERCH
Tuesday, Oct 25, 11:00am-3:00pm, Newman Library Multipurpose Room, 1st floor
Attend this free, hands-on workshop co-hosted by the Center for Open Science and VT University Libraries and learn about resources and tools to increase the reuse and discoverability of your research by following F.A.I.R. data principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable). Lunch provided. Registration required at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeizQE8IDfk5Wo-D1SFH5ssNRbQQ8NYomkkDSvmt6HI0piqpQ/viewform?c=0&w=1.
MINGLE LIKE YOU MEAN IT
Thursday, Oct 27, 2:00-3:30pm, GLC Room B
How are you at networking when it comes to large receptions, conferences or other professional events? Feel like you need to get better? Improve your skills at mingling at this interactive session where you’ll practice introductions, opening lines and more with fellow graduate students.
HALLOWEEN PARTY
Thursday, Oct 27, 7:00-9:00pm, Owens Banquet Hall
Come celebrate the spooky season with other graduate students! Prizes for costumes, games, and light refreshments will be provided. Co-sponsored by International Support Services, Language and Culture Institute, Cranwell International Center, and the Graduate School. Contact Kristen Haas at kjhaas@vt.edu for more information.
GSA FALL BEER & WINE SOCIAL
Friday, Oct 28, 5:00-9:00pm, University Club
Join the Graduate Student Assembly for an autumnal Beer & Wine Social and tasting! Admission will be $5, and a set of 6 tasting tickets will be an additional $5. Light refreshments and snacks will be free with admission; food trucks will be on-site with food for purchase, for those that want heavier meals. This social is for students 21 and over. Tickets will be sold at the event (and note that there will be an additional $1 charge for all tickets purchased by credit card). However, please be sure to RSVP to the Beer & Wine Social event on Facebook at tinyurl.com/beerandwine-fall2016, so that the GSA can have a rough idea of attendance.
FALL ETIQUETTE DINNER – register now!
Wednesday, Nov 2, 5:00-7:30pm, Owens Banquet Room
Career and Professional Development’s annual etiquette dinner is an opportunity to learn and practice good table manners to assist you in being successful in your job and internship search and as a new professional. Register at the Hokies4Hire website: https://www.myinterfase.com/vt/Account/LogOn. Select “Career Events”, and then from drop-down menu choose “Dining Etiquette”, “Search” and then select “Dining Etiquette: A Networking and Fine Dining Experience.” Registration deadline is October 24 and the cost is $11.00. Email cpd@vt.edu if you have questions.