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
– GTA Walk-In Advising: Tuesday GLC Room B 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. GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL FAIR
Monday, Sep 25, 11:30am-1:30pm, Floor 2 of Squires Student Center
This annual Graduate and Professional School Fair (GPSF), hosted by the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA), is for undergraduate and Master’s students looking to continue their schooling in the graduate and/or professional realm. Come to Floor 2 of the Squires Student Center for an opportunity to have face-to-face meetings with recruiters from over 120 different graduate and professional programs from all over the US — and from outside of the US as well. The fair will run from 11:30am-1:30pm, and is FREE for all students. For a complete list of visiting schools and programs, visit http://bit.ly/GPSF2017-institutions. To view the event page on Facebook, visit http://bit.ly/GPSF2017. If you are a graduate student TA or teacher, we ask that you please spread the word to your students! Please note that we are also looking for some graduate student volunteers for this event. As always, volunteering for a GSA event gets you free admission to one Beer & Wine Social. Sign up at bit.ly/GPSF2017-volunteers.
3. SASAKI MASTER PLAN VIEWING PARTY
Mon, Sept 25, 6:00-8:00pm, Surge 104A
The Graduate Student Assembly and the Graduate Representative to the Board of Visitors invite you to a viewing party for the Sasaki & Associates Master Plan. Come to Surge 104A for important updates this plan for the future of Virginia Tech’s campus environment. Pizza will be provided between 6pm and 6:30pm, and then the viewing will commence. We urge graduate students to attend, and to stay in the know about Master Plan updates — your voices are important to the future of our campus. And if you can’t be at Surge 104A on the 25th, you can live stream the Sasaki discussion at bit.ly/sept25-sasaki. This link will provide you with 360-degree viewing!
4. GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM PANELIST TRAININGS
Wednesday, Sep 27, 3:30 – 4:30pm and Friday, Oct 6 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room A
The Graduate Honor System is holding two trainings for faculty and student panelists in the coming weeks. Panelists are volunteers who review the evidence and sit on the hearing panels, as well as occasionally holding information sessions for academic departments. We are always in need of more people to join the honor system and be available for panels! If you are interested in getting involved, please join us. If there are questions, please e-mail ghs@vt.edu.
5. GTA WALK-IN ADVISING
Tuesday, Sep 26, GLC Room B and Wednesday, Sep 27, 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 you own mug if you can.
6. COMMUNICATING YOUR RESEARCH: TALKING WITH THE PUBLIC
Wednesday, Sep 27 (Humanities), 10:00am – 12:00pm, Torgersen Hall 3080
Talking about our work and research? to people outside our discipline? is ?hard. In many instances, we have just a few minutes to talk about several years of work and the relevance and impact it has in our world. In these sessions, participants will be able to articulate a one-minute elevator speech about their work and how it can be customized to different audiences and channels. There will be one session focused on the Humanities (Sep 27) and another session focused on Science, Technology, Math, and Engineering (Oct 9). Both sessions will take place at Torg 3080 from 10:00am to 12:00pm. For registration, go to https://app.nli.tlos.vt.edu/.
7. WEEKLY GRADUATE CAREER ADVISING BEGINS THIS WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, Sep 27, 2:00-5:00pm, Info kiosk in GLC lobby
As you begin to prepare for your future beyond graduate school, meet with a representative from Career and Professional Development. No appointment is necessary. Be sure to bring your resume or CV, cover letter, and/or any job search questions you may have.
8. OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Sep 27, 5:30-7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Mark your calendar for the OPT workshop that will walk you through the OPT application process, including eligibility requirements, timing of application and other important details. Presented by IGSS immigration advisors, this session is most relevant for international students who are planning to graduate this fall or early spring.
9. SASAKI MASTER PLAN TOWN HALL
Wed, Sept 27, 6:30-8:00pm, New Classroom Building 206
For those that cannot make the viewing party — or for those who are interested in continued discussion surrounding the future of Virginia Tech’s campus environment — there will be a Town Hall Meeting at 6:30pm in the New Classroom Building. As with the Viewing Party, we urge graduate students to attend and make their voices heard. For more information on this meeting, and on the Master Plan in general, visit the VT News page at bit.ly/2x0DC15.
10. GLC CAFÉ – CUBICLE FARM TIRAMISU EDITION
Thursday, Sep 28, 3:30-5:00 pm, GLC Reading Room
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.
11. WHITE RACIAL SOCIALIZATION: FROM MIDDLE CHILDHOOD TO ADOLESCENCE
Thursday, Sep 28, 3:30–4:30pm, Pamplin Hall Room 31
Dr. Margaret Hagerman’s research focuses on how racial ideologies, or forms of racism, are socially reproduced, reworked, and resisted by young people. Her current book project explores how affluent, white children and youth come to understand race, racism, privilege, and inequality in the United States in the context of their families. Dr. Hagerman draws upon qualitative, youth-centered research methods including ethnography, in-depth interviews, and focus groups. Sponsored by the the Graduate School’s Office of Recruitment and Diversity Intiatives (ORDI). Contact Christian Matheis at matheisc@vt.edu for details.
12. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE WEEKLY DROP IN CHILD CARE
Thursday, Sep 28, 6:00-8:30pm, Women’s Center, 206 Washington St., Bburg.
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) on Thursdays from 6:00-8:30pm, at the Women’s Center. No need to pre-register. We have games, toys, books, crafts, homework help, and plenty of FUN! 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.
13. INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TAILGATE: register by 9/28
Saturday, Sep 30, 5:00-7:00pm, Graduate School Lawn
All members of Virginia Tech’s international community are invited to this community celebration before a home football game. Traditional tailgate food will be served. Hosted by the Cranwell International Center, Global Education Office, Graduate School, International Support Services, and Language and Culture Institute. Please complete this survey to register if you are planning to attend: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_doo6m4hFMIELbi5.
14. GLC HIKE TO TINKER CLIFFS
Sunday, Oct 1, 9:00am
Join the Graduate Fellows and other graduate students as they hike Tinker Cliffs, the third leg in the Triple Crown of great views of the Catawba Valley! Be advised, this hike is not easy going. You will encounter steep climbs and numerous switchbacks, so all hikers are encouraged to wear athletic shoes and bring lots of water. The hike is 7.7 miles round-trip and you should anticipate a hiking time of 4 hours. Space is limited, so complete this survey to register if you are planning to attend: https://survey.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9yqWuI03BGryM73. If you have any questions, e-mail Erik Fendik at ef@vt.edu.
Administrative Announcements
15. SUBMISSIONS INVITED TO GLC PHOTO AND ART CONTEST – 1st posting
The Graduate School invites artistic and photo submissions by graduate students for display in the GLC. The contest’s theme is "A Changing World." Submissions are limited to three pieces (art and/or photography) per graduate student. Submission deadline is Friday, October 20, 2017. For more information, go to the following link: https://graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/glc-art-and-photo-contest.html. The submission link will be up and running by the end of the week.
16. GRADUATE SCHOOL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 2017
The Grad School’s Fall 2017 Professional Development schedule is ready! Details for the first session, “Navigating Graduate School: Setting Achievable Educational Goals,” is listed in the upcoming events below. To see the full schedule, go to the link here.
17. BASIC NEEDS DRIVE FOR PUERTO RICO VICTIMS OF HURRICANE MARIA – 1st posting
A group of graduate students has organized a basic needs drive to ship much needed goods to Puerto Rico. Items will be transported from Blacksburg to Greesboro, NC where Caribex Worldwide has agreed to ship it to Puerto Rico for free. The item that will be most in need is drinking water. At this time, money is being collected to take to Greensboro Wednesday, Sep 27 for purchasing water which will be delivered to the shipping facility. For more information contact martiles@vt.edu or kvelezr@vt.edu.
18. ON-CAMPUS FOOD PANTRY – 2nd posting
209 Manna Ministries is VT’s on-campus food pantry that provides food, toiletries, and school supplies to students. A donation-based pantry, there are opportunities for graduate students to hold a food drive, shop in the pantry, or volunteer. Located at 209 W Roanoke St on the 3rd floor, the hours are 4:00-6:30pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Find more information on Facebook or at www.209mannaministries.org. Questions? Contact 209MannaVT@gmail.com.
19. C’MON, GET HAPPY! – 3rd posting
Join a Happiness group! These groups meet once a week for ten weeks to learn and practice happiness strategies. This is a great experience for graduate students whether you are struggling to find happiness or already consider yourself a relatively happy person. Date and time of group will be dependent on interested participant availability. If interested, please complete this form. Group meetings will start the week of Sep 18. Please contact Shelly Rasnick, Wellness Coordinator at rasnicks@vt.edu or 540-231-0620 with any questions.
20. WHAT’S COOKIN’? – 3rd posting
Sign up for a cooking class through VT Recreational Sports Wellness and learn easy and healthy recipes to try at home! Everyone gets to help cook at these classes and then we will try all the recipes we make. More information about the dates, time and prices can be found here! Sign up quickly, spots are limited. Please contact Shelly Rasnick, Wellness Coordinator at rasnicks@vt.edu or 540-231-0620 with any questions.
Jobs
21. HOURLY WAGE RESEARCH ASSISTANT FOR NIH-FUNDED PROJECT – 1st posting
An hourly wage research assistant position is available to assist on an NIH-funded project examining heat exposure in urban and rural communities in Alabama. This approximately 15 hr. per week position will run from Nov 1, 2017 – Jun 30, 2018, paying $17.00 per hour. Job responsibilities include data organization, data preparation, and help with statistical analysis of data collected; literature search and tabular summary on heat exposure metrics and heat-air pollution-health epidemiology studies; help plan and develop agendas and survey instruments for workshops and presentation (written and oral) of findings to research group. Candidates will have excellent written communication and organizational skills; ability to pay attention to detail, work independently, and meet deadlines; basic statistical analysis skills with mixed effects (repeated measures) regression analysis experience preferred. This position could lead to a Graduate Research Assistantship. If you are interested, please email your cover letter and resume by Oct 15 to Julia Gohlke at jgohlke@vt.edu.
22. WATER POLO COACH – 2nd posting
The VT women’s club water polo team is in search of a coach for this academic year! This team of approximately 20 undergrads with varying water polo experience practices three times a week: Sundays 5-7pm and Monday/Wednesdays 8-10pm in War Memorial Pool. Practice is currently run by our four captains but someone out of the water with experience is needed to give guidance to improve. Please contact president, Brittany Henry (britth4@vt.edu), if you are interested or want more information.
Volunteers and research participants sought
23. FEMALE RUNNERS NEEDS FOR SYMMETRY STUDY – 1ST posting
The Granata Lab is recruiting female runners for a study looking at side-to-side symmetry. Participants much be able to complete a 4 mile outdoor run. This study requires two visits that are less than 1 hour. If you are interested in participating please contact us at: granata-lab-g@vt.edu or (540) 231-4294.
24. PARTICIPANTS NEED FOR A WALKING AND RUNNING STUDY – 1st posting
The Granata Lab is recruiting participants for a short indoor walking and running study. The research session is expected to last approximately 45 minutes and involved 10 minutes of walking and running at various paces and inclines. If you are interested in participating please contact us at: granata-lab-g@vt.edu or (540) 231-4294.
25. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR VIRTUAL REALITY STUDY – 3rd posting
The 3DI group is seeking volunteers to participate in a research study with virtual reality (VR) technologies. Our team is investigating how VR can help researchers to better understand complex scientific data. The project is supervised by Dr. Doug Bowman in Computer Science and will make use of state-of-the-art VR equipment. Participants will have 1 in 6 chances to receive a $40 giftcard. If you are interested in participating, please contact Wallace Lages at wlages@vt.edu for more details.
26. 12- TO 15-MONTH-OLD INFANTS NEEDED FOR A NEW STUDY – 3rd posting
Beginning September 2017, the iLEAP Lab is recruiting 12- to 15-month-old infants for a new study! We are interested in the effects of seeing either a geometric shape or a human female face on infants’ abilities to show preferences for certain kinds of speaking styles. We will also ask mothers to fill out surveys on infants’ language skills, temperament, and social attention. We offer $20 per family, free child care for older siblings, and convenient parking. Please email iLEAP@vt.edu or call 540-231-3972 if interested.
Upcoming events:
RESEARCH A LA MODE PRESENTS: FROM TRASH TO CASH
Tuesday, Oct 3, 2017, 5:00-6:00pm, Museum, 2062 Derring Hall
Research a la Mode is a monthly venue for graduate students from different departments to come together and hear a talk by one of their peers. This month’s talk will discuss how Biotechnology, Engineering and Photosynthesis can change high-value chemicals production. The rate of discovery of new molecules with antibiotic activity is not fast enough to keep up with the rate of resistance development by microorganisms, creating a need for the dangerous use of stronger last-resort drugs to treat infections. At this talk, we will explore how Cyanobacteria, the oldest photosynthetic organisms on Earth could revolutionize the production of antibiotics and how our everyday trash could be used to make the entire production process much cheaper. Come for the talk and enjoy free ice cream!
NAVIGATING GRADUATE SCHOOL: SETTING ACHIEVABLE EDUCATIONAL GOALS
Wednesday, October 4, 4:00-5:00, GLC Room C
Professor Jennifer Sano-Franchini will guide a small group of students in developing achievable educational goals. Students will learn to express why they have chosen their current profession, how they plan to be successful in graduate school, and ultimately plan for a successful future beyond. Participants will be learn how to express their strengths and weaknesses through writing, and finish the session knowing a bit more about themselves. Register here.
NAVIGATING IMPOSTER SYNDROME DISCUSSION
Wednesday, Oct 4, 2017, 6:00 p.m., GLC Room B
Do you ever doubt your abilities? Do you feel an intense pressure to succeed and prove yourself? Do you ever feel like a fraud? Join the Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP) for a discussion on how to navigate imposter syndrome in graduate school! This discussion will be led by Dr. Julie Dunsmore (Psychology) and Dr. Gabriel Serna (Higher Education).
MEET THE CANDIDATES
Wednesday, Oct 4 2017, 6:30pm, GLC Auditorium
Graduate student Ryan Wesdock invites you to a candidate forum hosted by The Greens at Virginia Tech. The forum will feature local candidates for town council, mayor, and House of Delegates. Everyone is invited to attend. If you are interested in local politics, this is a great opportunity to be informed about what’s going on right in your backyard. Questions from the audience will be read, time permitting. Please email greensatvirginiatech@gmail.com for more information.
HISPANIC/LATINX CONNECT LUNCH
Thursday, Oct 5th, 12:00pm-1:00pm, Graduate Life Center, Room F
Join the Graduate School Office of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives for lunch in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s lunch will be keynote by Dr. Luisa Havens, Vice President for Enrollment Management. Please RSVP by Sunday, October 1st through the link below: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3KSuqbLSYcXvuVn If you have any questions, contact Luisa Burgos at luisab93@vt.edu.
H-1B (WORK VISA) AND PERMANENT RESIDENCY WORKSHOP
Thursday, Oct 5, 5:30-7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Learn about work visa and employment-based permanent residency options at this workshop presented by immigration attorneys. This workshop is most relevant for international students who are planning to graduate this fall and may seek OPT and/or H-1B employment after graduation.
BREAKFAST WITH THE DEAN
Fri, Oct 6, 9:00-10:00am, Graduate Life Center (GLC) Room C
How’s your semester going so far? What are your thoughts about the graduate life experience here at Virginia Tech? Get some face-to-face time with Dr. Karen DePauw, Dean of the Graduate School, and share your thoughts with her and other students in the graduate community. Breakfast will be provided, and this event is free to all graduate students. RSVP at bit.ly/DeanBreakfast-Oct6.
GSA FALL BEER & WINE SOCIAL
Fri, Oct 6, 5:00-9:00pm, Lane Stadium South End Zone Club
Save the date! The Graduate Student Assembly is gearing up for an exciting Autumnal Beer & Wine Social in a brand new space: Lane Stadium. Tickets will be $12 ahead of time, and $15 at the door, and will come with a set amount of tastings. Please note that money for additional tastings beyond those that come with the tickets will go to hurricane relief efforts. Stay tuned for more information on how and where you can obtain tickets.
OCTOBER PARENT SUPPORT LUNCHEON
Wednesday, Oct 11, 12:00pm, GLC Room F
No such thing as a free lunch?… Sure there is. As always, significant others and children are welcome, but it is limited to the first 50 people who RSVP AT http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4fabaa28a1ff2-october2. Also, we need your help! We want to ensure these events are relevant and engaging. Please help as we seek to find Parent Support luncheon speakers whose messages are tailored to what you feel is pertinent to your situation. You can access the two-question survey here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JJTRHCR .