Events
1. WEEKLY WALK-IN SERVICES IN THE GLC – last updated 9/25/2017
– Career Advising: Wednesday, 2:00-5:00pm, Info kiosk in lobby
– Ask the Academy: GTA Walk-In Advising: Tuesday and Wednesday, GLC Room A, 4:00-6:00pm
– Cook Counseling: Thursdays and Fridays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
– Graduate School hours: MTThF 8:00-5:00pm, W 9:30-5
– Immigration advising hours: MWF 1:00-4:00pm, TTh 9:00am-12:00pm Room 120
– Writing assistance: reserve appointment at https://www.lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing-center.html
2. WORKING IN INTERNATIONAL CONTEXTS: WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Monday, Oct 23, 5:00-6:30pm, GLC Room F
Interested in learning about to working abroad or in international/diverse contexts, with international colleagues and populations? The panel presenters will discuss intercultural communication, their experiences of conducting research and working abroad, and how students can learn to be open to different ways of working in the world. Register here.
3. ASK THE ACADEMY: GTA WALK-IN ADVISING
Tuesday & Wednesday, Oct 17 & 18, GLC Room A, 4:00-6:00pm
Do you have questions about teaching or grading? Are you experiencing a challenge in the classroom that you don’t know how to resolve? Drop by to chat, share experiences, and get advice from Fellows of the Graduate Academy for Teaching Excellence. Light refreshments will be provided; bring your own mug if you can.
4. “CLEAN PLATE CLUB?: COMBATING FOOD WASTE IN AMERICA”
Tuesday, Oct 24, 4:00-5:15pm, Multipurpose Room, Newman Library
Up to 40 percent of all edible food is wasted in the United States. Food waste has recently gained traction in social media, and within the last couple years, many initiatives have been created to combat this extensive problem. The talk will be led by Susan Chen, recipient of the 2017 Janel L. Cameron Scholarship. Susan Chen is currently a graduate student in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise and is researching food waste behaviors in children. Join this conversation as it explores the past and present issues around food waste and explores solutions to prevent this in the future.
5. USING BODY LANGUAGE TO COMMUNICATE YOUR RESEARCH
Tuesday, Oct 24, 4:30-6:00pm, GLC Room F
The way research and work is communicated is just as important as the information itself. This session will cover basic tips and strategies for learning open and clear body language that supports, not distracts from, communicating your research. Register here.
6. GRAD MINDFULNESS
Wednesday, Oct 25, 11:00-11:30am, 5071 Derring Hall
Meets every Wednesday. At each meeting there will be a short guided mindfulness exercise followed by time to practice on your own. You don’t need to stay for the whole time. Feel free to just drop in, just take care to not disturb others. Here is a link to a cool free mindfulness app! Email lashley@vt.edu with any questions.
7. GLC CAFÉ: WEDNESDAY EDITION
2nd and 4th Wednesdays, starting Oct 25, 3:30-5:00pm, Reading Room
The Wednesday café edition is in addition to, not instead of, GLC Café Thursdays. Enjoy free coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of fellow grad students and Grad School staff; network, socialize, relax! Bring your own mug if you can.
8. HBCU ALUMNI CONNECT DINNER
Wednesday, Oct 25th, 6:00pm-8:00pm, Graduate Life Center, Room F
Join the Graduate School Office of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives for dinner and connect with fellow HBCU alumni, faculty, staff and students while enjoying some free food! Please RSVP through the link: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2470SHlRrX4IimV. If you have any questions, contact Luisa Burgos at luisab93@vt.edu.
9. NORMALIZING DISSENT
Wednesday, October 25 at 6:30pm in Randolph Room 129
Guest speaker Sarah Haider will discuss the ways in which media and dishonesty around Islam affects liberal progress, the rights of Muslims, and the broader public dialogue. Check out the eventbrite page (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/islam-narratives-and-media-bias-tickets-38926829194) or Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/events/366668163793041/?active_tab=about#) for more information. This event is organized by the Freethinkers, an organization of undergrad and graduate students at Virginia Tech, and the Ex-Muslims of North America.
10.TEACHING IN STEM DISCIPLINES: OPEN SOURCE METHODS
Thursday, Oct 26th, 11:00am–12:30pm, Library 1st Floor Multipurpose Room
Dr. Lorena Barba, Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at George Washington University will discuss application of open source philosophy to teaching and learning. Faculty and students in STEM disciplines are typically familiar with open source philosophy and rationale as applied to software. However, what could happen if the same open source philosophy was applied to teaching processes and learning tools? This presentation and discussion by Dr. Barba explores these questions. Dr. Barba’s visit is part of the Destination Areas Global Speaker Series funded through a Beyond Boundaries Grant between the Pamplin College of Business and University Libraries, in cooperation with the College of Engineering. More information/NLI credit: https://app.nli.tlos.vt.edu/#?offering=6071
11. GLC CAFÉ: HALLOWEEN EDITION
Thursday, Oct 26, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy free coffee, tea, cookies and, of course, Halloween candy in the company of fellow ghouls, grad students and Grad School staff; network, socialize, relax! Bring your own mug if you can. Costumes are optional, but there will be prizes.
12. FREE FIELD TRIP TO SEE DR. BELL HOOKS AT HOLLINS UNIVERSITY
Thursday, Oct 26, Bus will depart Squires at 4pm
Join the Graduate School Office of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives on a short field trip to go see African American activist, educator and writer, Dr. Bell Hooks. See link below if you want to read more about her. http://www.notablebiographies.com/He-Ho/Hooks-Bell.html. Bus will return to campus later in the evening following the talk and book-signing. Spots are limited, if interested in attending contact Luisa Burgos at luisab93@vt.edu.
13. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE WEEKLY DROP IN CHILD CARE (REGISTRATION NOW REQUIRED)
Thursday, Oct 16, 6:00-8:30pm, Women’s Center, 206 Washington St., Bburg
On a trial basis Kids’ Night Out (KNO) is going to try a system of preregistering. Each week there will be a link on the home page (www.womenscenter.vt.edu) where parents can sign kids up. The aim is to have the link posted to the website by Monday afternoon each week. There will a “Doodle Poll” with a limited number of spots and when that is full, additional children for that week will no longer be accepted. Because of this, the following is requested: 1) Please only register if you are sure you are going to be able to make it; 2) so that everyone can have a chance to utilize KNO, if you have been coming regularly, perhaps wait until later in the week to see if there are still spots available. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu or 231-7806.
14. Q UNION AT VIRGINIA TECH: HEALING OUR DIVIDED NATION
Thursday, October 23, 7:00-9:00PM; 281 Davidson Hall
Grad student David Chen invites grad students to come and participate in a campus-wide conversation about how Christians can thoughtfully engage with our cultural moment. Three nationally broadcasted speakers and three student presenters will educate, inspire and offer people of faith creative ways to respond to the difficult challenges facing our local campuses and communities. National speakers this year are: David Brooks on "Cultivating Virtue," Kara Powell on "Confronting Our Technology Addiction," and Propaganda on "Our Complicated Moment." Student presenters are: Mairead Novak on "You Can’t Say That," Donovan Campbell on "Having a Faithful Presence," and Seyi Olusina on "The Blindness That Hurts." More information and RSVP at: https://qunion.squarespace.com/va-tech. Co-hosted by the Bradley Study Center and Q Ideas.
15. NO PIPELINE! DISCUSSION PANEL
Thursday, Oct 26, 7:00pm, GLC Auditorium
The Greens at Virginia Tech, chaired by graduate student Ryan Wesdock, are hosting a two-part speaker series. The first is a No Pipeline! Discussion Panel with speakers discussing how to stop an environmental catastrophe from destroying our water, our air, and our land. To find out more, visit our Facebook events https://www.facebook.com/events/153165675281656
16. CAREERS IN STUDENT AFFAIRS MONTH: AN AFTERNOON WITH DR. PERILLO
Friday, Oct 27, 3:30-5 pm, 198 McComas Hall
Join Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Patty Perillo, in community and conversation about careers in student affairs. Open to all students.
17. THE THOUGHTFUL COAL MINER LECTURE
Friday, Oct 27, 6:30pm, Haymarket Theater, Squires
The Greens at Virginia Tech, chaired by graduate student Ryan Wesdock, are hosting a two-part speaker series. The second event is a lecture by Nick Mullins titled “The Thoughtful Coal Miner” (www.thoughtfulcoalminer.com). Mr. Mullins will talk about the intersection of environmental politics, climate change, coal mining, and big business in the 21st century. To find out more, visit our Facebook events
https://www.facebook.com/events/965044630328061
18. BGSO HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY
Saturday, Oct 28, 10:00pm-2:00am, The Reserve, 204 Draper Rd., Blacksburg
Issa costume party!!!! Enjoy a night of music and Halloween fun with BGSO. Fellow graduate student, Courtney "DJ King Court" Lawrence will be spinning all night. There will be cash prizes for the most creative and original costumes, so come dressed to impress. Tickets are $5.00 and can be purchased at https://bgsohalloween.eventbrite.com
Administrative Announcements
19. INTERNATIONAL ONE HEALTH DAY COMPETITION
VMCVM SAVMA Chapter, the Public Health Association, and the BMVS GSA are putting together the first ever competition in honor of International One Health Day! Teams of four students consisting of at least one veterinary student, MPH student, and research graduate student will develop plans to solve several different outbreak scenarios. Sign-up as a full team of 4 people, a partial team, or individually and be added you to a team. Prizes will be awarded to the winning teams, and lunch will be provided! Sign-up by filling out this survey: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5aTq8Xs1LvcEB8N. If you have any questions or any trouble signing up, please email scavma@vt.edu.
20. LITTLE HOKIE(TM) HAND-ME-DOWN – 1st posting
How to Donate: Donations will be accepted November 1-13 at the GLC Welcome Center (front desk) or at the VT Women’s Center (206 Washington St.) What to Donate: Gently used clothes, books, toys, bedding, medical supplies, school supplies, formula (unexpired), bathing & grooming supplies (unopened), strollers, car seats, baby gear, diapers, etc. Shopping Days: Students come by the GLC Multi-Purpose room Nov 14 from 12:00-6:00pm and Staff come by the same location on Nov 15 from 8:00am-12:00pm. Bags are provided. For more information, click here or contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu
21. VT ENGAGE: 3-WEEK PERU SERVICE IMMERSION TRIP – 1st posting
Immerse yourself in a powerful learning and service experience that will take you from the Amazon rainforest focusing on environmental conservation and protection projects, to the high Andes to work on community development projects. Participants spend time together on reflecting on experiences and social issues encountered on the trip, and grapple with difficult questions while sharing perspectives on service, justice, and social change. Serve with and learn about two nonprofits, visit Incan sites, connect with new people and more. Estimated cost. $2,800 + airfare. A limited amount of need-based financial assistance is available. All applicants will be considered. Contact Eliza Wethey at elizaw8@vt.edu or 540-231-5853 with questions. Learn more, and apply by Dec 1, 2017 here.
22. COOKING CLASSES STILL AVAILABLE – SIGN UP SOON! – 1st posting
There are two more Cooking Classes to sign up for and spots are still open! Classes are either $5 or $10 per person depending on the time and day. There is always plenty of food and everyone has the chance to cook and learn new recipes. The next classes are: “Multicultural Night” on Tuesday October 24 from 6:00-7:30pm OR Friday October 27th from 12:00-1:30pm. "I Can’t Believe It’s Vegan!" night is Nov 7 from 6:00-7:30pm OR Nov 10 from 12:00-1:30pm. For more information click here, or email Shelly Rasnick at rasnicks@vt.edu.
23. CALL FOR PAPERS: DOING INTERDISCIPLINARITY – 1st posting
The Alliance for Social, Political, Ethical, and Cultural Thought (ASPECT) invites papers that engage a variety of contemporary issues about interdisciplinarity for its upcoming conference to be held March 22-24, 2018. Possible paper topics may include but are not limited to: the body and politics; critical approaches to technology and aesthetics; ecological and environmental issues; gender and sexuality; geopolitics and international relations; identity politics; marginalized knowledges; moral and political philosophy; new materialities; writing and history; postcolonialism; post-Marxism and ideology; race and politics; religion and secularity; minority studies; critical security studies; critical pedagogy; and violence and representation.
If interested, please go to one of the following websites, www.facebook.com/aspectvt or https://aspectconference.wordpress.com/, or email aspect@vt.edu.
24. INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH HONOR SOCIETY SEEKS NEW MEMBERS – 2nd posting
The Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society is recruiting new members! This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other students doing interdisciplinary research and support interdisciplinarity on campus. If your research is interdisciplinary please check out our requirements and application procedures at http://www.idrsociety.org/membership/membership/ or email Jessie at mjessie1@vt.edu with any questions. Deadline Nov 15.
25. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT POLL – PLEASE TAKE SURVEY – 3rd posting
The Graduate Professional Development series for Spring 2018 is currently being developed and we need your help. Please go here to take part in a two minute survey. Thanks!
26. INTRO SESSIONS INSPIRED BY SOFTWARE CARPENTRY – REGISTRATION OPEN – 3rd posting
A group of graduate students will be offering software carpentry-inspired sessions on Git and the Unix Shell.
Oct 20: The Unix Shell (9:00am – Noon), Oct 31: The Unix Shell (10:00-11:30am), and Nov 9: Git (12:30pm-3:30pm). Registration is now open at this link.
27. GSA GRADUATE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (GRDP) – 3rd posting
Wednesday, Oct 18 at 12:00am – Wednesday, Oct 25 at 11:59pm
Do you have a research idea that deserves funding? The GSA Graduate Research Development Program (GRDP) provides research grant funds to support graduate research. PhD students may be awarded up to $1,000 and Master’s students up to $750 to support their projects. The application will open at 12:00am on October 18, and will close on October 25 at 11:59pm. The application guidelines and more information can be found at bit.ly/GRDP-fall2017. If you have questions, contact the GRDP Chair at gsaGRDP@gmail.com.
28. SIGN UP FOR “INTERNATIONAL VOICES” – 3rd posting
The Cranwell International Center runs International VOICES (Valuable Opportunities for Intercultural Communication, Education, and Sharing) to showcase VT’s global diversity and facilitate opportunities for international students to share their culture, perspectives, and life experiences with the broader community. International students are matched with campus and community partners who wish to invite speakers for presentations, small group conversations, and panel discussions. The program provides international students with opportunities to: talk to interested audiences; help break down stereotypes and prejudices; improve public-speaking skills; form relationships on campus and in the community; contribute to open and accepting community; help prepare global citizens; and add a meaningful experience to their resume. Public-speaking training and support provided as needed. Learn more and sign up at http://international.vt.edu/advocacyandsupport/international-voices-.html. Direct questions to Cranwell Intl Ctr, 540.231.6527 or international@vt.edu.
Jobs: None at this time
Volunteers and research participants sought
29. WEB-BASED VISUALIZATION AND REAL-TIME DATABASE PROGRAMMER – 1st posting
The DSV lab is currently looking for an experienced VT graduate/undergraduate student to help build modules or APIs for the Web-based visualization and a real-time database. General requirements for applicants include: experience with Python or C++; experience with Web based languages: HTML, PHP, Javascript, etc.; knowledge of designing and structuring API for visualization; web development experiences; This is a 10 hr/wk wage position and starts Nov 2017. Depending on performance, the job may be extended for the next semester. If interested, send your resume to Mr. Xiaoyu Chen at xiaoyuch@vt.edu. Visit the DSV website for more info:
https://sites.google.com/a/vt.edu/ran-jin/about
30. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR DANCE OF NATIONS – 1st posting
CISO (Council of International Student Organizations) is looking for volunteers to help with set-up and backstage help for Dance of Nations to be held on Nov 10. Volunteers will be assigned their duty on November 9th and there also will be free dinner on that day (9th). If interested sign-up at https://goo.gl/forms/YJbGxBRRarGsW0K43). Contact archanaa@vt.edu with any questions.
31. PARTICIPANTS AGES 7 – 17 YEARS NEEDED FOR PSYCHOLOGY STUDY – 1st posting
The Virginia Tech Clinical Psychology graduate program is looking for faculty or staff with children between the ages 7 – 17 years old to participate in a volunteer child assessment. The program offers $30 to volunteers. The assessment consists of three sessions, each lasting approximately 2 to 3 hours during which a graduate student will administer cognitive, achievement, and behavioral assessments tests to your child. These assessments will be conducted at the Child Study Center (460 Turner St.) and supervised by Dr. Susan White (director of the Child Assessment Clinic) and an upper level graduate student. As this is not a formal psychological assessment or a research project, testing results from this training exercise are not considered valid and parents do not receive an assessment report at the end of their participation.
If you are interested, please email swaindm@vt.edu and provide contact information (email and phone number) and availability during October. A graduate student will contact participants to schedule the sessions.
32. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: TREATMENT OF FEAR OF DOGS IN 4-7 YR OLD CHILDREN – 1st posting
A new study at the Virginia Tech Child Study is looking for interested participants in a treatment research study for 4-7 year old children with fears of dogs that are interfering in their lives. Parents will be provided with a book which has been designed to assist young children in becoming more comfortable around dogs. Parents will meet with a clinician who will teach them how to read the book with their child and do activities at home to improve their child’s fear. If the child’s fear level remains high, parents will be offered the opportunity to come in to the clinic for additional treatment. Treatment is offered at no cost and families will be compensated for completing pre-treatment and follow-up assessment sessions. If you are interested in participating in this study, please call the Child Study Center at 540-231-8276 or e-mail childstudycenter@gmail.com for further information.
33. VOLUNTEER FOR ECONOMIC STUDY – EARN MONEY FOR MAKING DECISIONS – 2nd posting
Virginia Tech researchers are currently seeking participants aged 18 and older for a research study. The study involves making interactive decisions on a computer and completing surveys. The study takes place in the Virginia Tech Economics Laboratory in 2088 Derring Hall. The study will take about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Participants receive $10 and may receive an additional $25 depending on choices made by you and the other participants. All compensation will be paid in cash at the conclusion of the experiments. If interested, sign up for an experiment session at https://vteconlab.sona-systems.com. Questions? Email vteconlab@gmail.com.
Upcoming events:
BGSO GENERAL BODY MEETING
Tuesday, October 31, 2017 Black Cultural Center, 7:00 – 9:00pm
All treats, and no tricks! Dinner and socializing will occur from 7:00 – 7:30pm, with the meeting to commence at 7:30pm. The Black Graduate Student Organization is YOUR organization, and in order for it to thrive we need your, time, talents, feedback, and ideas. Come out and be a part of something special!
GSA TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM (TFP)
Wednesday, Nov 1 at 12:00am – Wednesday, Nov 8 at 11:59pm
The Graduate Student Assembly’s Travel Fund Program will open for applications on November 1st at 12:00am, and will close on November 8th at 11:59PM. This program can provide partial support for professional or conference travel occurring between July 1st and December 31st, 2017. We will release the application guide in the coming weeks, so keep checking bit.ly/TFP-fall2017 for updates and information. If you have questions, send them to gsaTravelFund@gmail.com.
EXPLORE, CREATE, CONNECT: INAUGURAL DIGITAL LITERACY SYMPOSIUM
Thursday, Nov 2, 9:30am-9:00pm, Newman Library Multipurpose Room
Graduate students are invited to explore digital literacy during this day-long symposium. Learn more about the program at https://lib.vt.edu/research-learning/digital-literacy.html. Registration required through NLI: http://bit.ly/2gadh7X . Contact Julia Feerrar (feerrar@vt.edu) with any questions.
MENTORING: WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Tuesday, November 7, 4:00-5:00pm, GLC Room B
Are you a student looking for a mentor? Or do you already have one, but you have trouble communicating what you need? Or are you a faculty member who wants to learn about being more approachable to advising and mentoring students? Our panel of faculty and staff members will discuss their experiences with mentoring, and tips for making the mentorship process better. Sign-up here.
WRITING AN ABSTRACT
Tuesday, November 7, 7:00-8:00pm, GLC Room C
Academic abstracts are not only a vital part of getting involved in conferences and journals, but also offer you an opportunity to describe and explain your work to broader audiences. At this writing workshop, we will explore the purpose, components, and organizational structure of academic abstracts. This workshop is best suited for students who are interested in composing an abstract about a current research project. If you would like detailed feedback on your writing, please bring a short draft of your research statement and your abstract to the workshop. Register here.
US STUDENT FULBRIGHT INFO SESSIONS
Wednesday, November 8, GLC Room B: 1:00 – 2:00; 2:30 – 3:30; 4:00 – 5:00
These interactive workshops introduce participants to the Fulbright program that offers US citizens funding opportunities to research, study, or teach abroad in more than 140 countries. For more information or to make an individual advising appointment, contact Betty Anderson (betty.anderson@vt.edu)
INTERNATIONAL CAFÉ HOUR: SUDAN
Friday, Nov 10, 4:00-5:30pm, Deet’s Place, Dietrick Dining Center
The International Café Hour is an opportunity for all to engage in conversations, create friendships, share their culture, and to connect with the VT community in a casual and comfortable environment. The program is designed to be both social and educational so join us. This program is a wonderful opportunity for students to connect and learn across cultures! This month’s café hour is sponsored by Aljaliya Al-Sudaniya (the Sudanease Student Organization). For more info, see our webpage: International Café Hour.
GUAC TALK WITH THE DEAN
Monday, Nov 13, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room B
How’s your semester going? Do you have questions or comments about graduate life? If you answered yes — or if you answered no, but still want to attend a discussion about graduate life — join this month’s Guac Talk with Dean DePauw. There will be guacamole (of course), great conversation, and hopefully you! This event is brought to you by the Graduate Student Assembly.