Author: ememisya

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

• Career advising (walk in, no appointment needed): Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
• Cook Counseling (walk in, no appointment needed): Thursdays and Fridays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
• GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursdays, Reading Room
• Statistical consulting by LISA: Weekdays, 1:00-3:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room; find out each consultant’s software expertise>>
• Writing Center support for grads: Thursdays 4:00-6:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room (additional hours are available in the Library)

2. REFLECTIONS ON ROADS LESS TRAVELLED: PANEL DISCUSSION ON STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES
Monday, Feb 11, 7:00–9:00pm, Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires Student Center
Graduate students interested in learning more about funding international research are welcome to this panel discussion featuring Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society scholarship winners. Back from their recent travels, the panelists will share experiences and lessons learned while abroad. Dr. Tom Hammett, past winner of the Alumni Award for Excellence in International Education, will moderate the discussion. More information about the scholarships and the organization is available on the website.

3. GRADUATION FAIR HOSTED BY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Wednesday, Feb 13, 11:30am-7:30pm, Holtzman Alumni Center
Get all your graduation needs at this graduation fair: caps and gowns, diploma frames, graduation announcements, and more at a one-stop shopping event.  Take a tour of the beautiful Holtzman Alumni Center and learn about all the programs and services that the Virginia Tech Alumni Association has to offer.

4. INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Wednesdays, 6:30pm, GLC Room B
InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship meets weekly for a free dinner and interactive Bible discussion. All graduate students are welcome!  Learn more at http://www.gcf.org.vt.edu.

5. VIRTUAL GLC CAFÉ SERIES: PREPARING FOR YOUR FINAL DEFENSE… THE PROPER STEPS
Thursday, Feb 14, 12:00-2:00pm, Lobby of vGLC
Join the Graduate School staff weekly for online chats in the Virtual Graduate Life Center (vGLC). This week’s topic: Preparing for your Final Defense…What are the Proper Steps. Get into the vGLC lobby. Using avatars they have created, visitors to the vGLC can currently visit with Graduate-School staff about general academic questions; find Grad-School forms and policy information; consult with the Graduate Student Ombudsperson; attend virtual seminars and workshops; socialize with other vGLC visitors; and explore the vGLC space, which mirrors the real-world Graduate Life Center on the Blacksburg campus. Download the software at http://openlife01.cc.vt.edu:9500/wifi.  If you have questions or suggestions, please email Jodi Cromer (jodilynn@vt.edu) or Marija Telbis-Forster (mtelbisf@vt.edu).

6. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Feb 14, 3:30-5:00pm, Graduate School Lobby
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. Forget Valentine’s Day! Have some coffee or tea!

7. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE CHILDCARE ON THU NIGHTS
Thursdays, 6:00-8:30pm, VT Women’s Center 206 Washington Street    
A free weekly drop-in evening child care program for kids. 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. No need to pre-register. Childcare provided by the women of Chi Delta Alpha sorority. KNO will be held every Thursday throughout the semester except when classes are not in session. Please note that if no children have shown, volunteers will sometimes leave by 6:30.) For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu.

8. GET TO KNOW FULBRIGHT STUDENTS, SCHOLARS AND FRIENDS AT VT
Thursday, Feb 14, 6:00pm, The Cellar
Get to know fellow Fulbright students, scholars and friends at Virginia Tech and enjoy a couple of hours of conversation in a multicultural and diverse group. This is the first get together this semester. Please RSVP here. Contact Tobias (ecker@vt.edu, (202)870-9722) for questions and comments.

9. BLUE RIDGE WORKSHOP @ SOLITUDE
Fridays, 3:00-4:00pm, Solitude of Virginia Tech
Creative and literary workshop with graduate student, teacher and poet T. Byron Kelly. Email contact tbyron@vt.edu for more information.

10. SUBMISSIONS ARE INVITED FOR GLC ART, PHOTO AND WRITING CONTEST – 1st posting
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work, photography and written work by graduate students for display in the GLC during Graduate Education Week 2013 (March 25-29) and beyond. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art, photography, or written work) per graduate student. Submission deadline: Wednesday, March 20 5:00pm. Learn more>>. Contact Monika Gibson at gibsonm@vt.edu with any questions.

11. WANT TO BE A MENTOR, BUT DON’T HAVE TIME?
Any day, any time, any location—as convenient for you! Join the GUMP Grads-on-Demand program, and mentor undergrads only when you have time. Email gump@vt.edu  with your name, degree program (MA, MSc, PhD, etc.), department, expected graduation date (roughly), and preferred email address. Your info will be added to a list of graduate student volunteers at the GUMP website (see http://www.gsa.graduateschool.vt.edu/governance/cabinet/committees/gsa-gump-committee). Whenever an undergraduate student wants to ask some questions about graduate school in your discipline, we’ll refer him/her to the list online, and s/he’ll contact you directly. Schedule one meeting that fits your schedule, or multiple meetings if you’d like. (Or just tell the undergrad, “Sorry, I’m really swamped right now,” and hope you have more time for the next one!) Help by email, phone, Skype, over coffee, in your lab… It’s up to you. It’s a huge help to undergrads considering grad school and it makes for great university service on a CV.

12. PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL LATEST ISSUE IS AVAILABLE NOW
Public Knowledge Journal is pleased to announce the publication of Issue 4.2 on Intervention. View the newest issue, featuring a number of contributions from members of the Virginia Tech community, including VT graduate students Brendan Halloran, Stefanie Georgakis, Quentin Stoeffler, and Sabrina Provencher, as well as an introductory essay by Dr. Max Stephenson.

13. TEACHING AND RESEARCH ACTION PHOTOS WANTED!
The Graduate School wants your teaching and research in action photos. One of the highlights of the fall and spring graduate commencement  ceremony includes a presentation by Dean Karen DePauw called "Images and Reflections," which is projected on the Coliseum video board. The Graduate School wants to update its photo library and hope that you can share your digital photos in which you are engaged in some type of academic endeavor – teaching, tutoring, performing research, giving a workshop, attending a conference or professional society meeting, or any aspect that relates to your life as a graduate student. Please send digital photos to grads@vt.edu.

14. CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL
For its fifth anniversary issue, PKJ welcomes contributions from graduate student scholars that address the topic of resilience in its myriad forms. Submissions that critically engage with and creatively examine this topic are encouraged. Details>>. Suggested themes include, but are not limited to: Resilience of the body, mind, and/or spirit; resilience of a culture, religion, or society; Resilience of a nation or people; Resilience of materials and/or resources; Resilience of systems or structures (e.g., ecosystems, economic systems).

15. WRITING SUPPORT RESOURCES
Need extra writing support?  Sign up for a writing coach/partner through the Writing Center.  Your coach will meet with you on a weekly basis to help you improve your writing skills.  And it’s free!  If you are interested, contact the Writing Center at 540/231-5436 or stop by the center on the second floor of Newman Library.

16. INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE PROGRAM FOR GRADS
The Office of International Research, Education, and Development (OIRED) offers a Graduate Certificate in International Research.  The program encourages a multidisciplinary approach for students already working towards a graduate degree to attain special recognition for their work on international issues.  Participants must take three 5000-level courses from an approved list, with one course being outside the applicant’s department and one outside the college.  The deadline to apply for students graduating in May 2013 is Feb 11;  other applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.  More information>>, contact Betty Watts (bettyw@vt.edu; 231-6452).

17. AEL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED – 2nd posting
Alpha Epsilon Lambda (AEL) Graduate Honor Society, the only academic excellence and leadership honor society of graduate and professional school students, is now accepting applications for new members. Graduate students may become members based on their academic  achievements and leadership experiences.  Apply by no later than Feb 26 by 5 p.m. through http://www.ael.graduateschool.vt.edu/application-process/. For more information visit the AEL website  or contact Shernita Lee, president of AEL, at shernita@vt.edu with any questions. 

18. APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY HONOR SOCIETY – 3rd posting
Iota Delta Rho, the Interdisiplinary Research Honor Society at VT is accepting membership applications starting today, Monday Jan 28 through through Friday, Feb 15. There are two different levels of honor society membership: full and associate. Access the application package. Direct questions to Tammy Parece, Vice President of Membership, at tammyep@vt.edu.

19. GET INVOLVED IN NEW SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY ORGANIZATION – 3rd posting
Are you  interested in learning more about how science and engineering can influence and be influenced by policy decisions? Would you like the opportunity to experience policy-related activities such as going to Washington, DC to discuss issues in science and technology with members of Congress? If yes, please fill out the following short survey at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1358358073200 so that organizers may contact you about upcoming meetings and plan events that you want! Email Amanda Shea at ashea04@vt.edu with any questions.

20. FREE STATS ASSISTANCE FOR GRADS FROM LISA
Walk-in consulting services at the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis=LISA) begin on Jan 22 and will be available until May 8 Monday-Friday 1:00-3:00pm in the GLC Videoconference Room; additional times and locations available at www.lisa.stat.vt.edu. Statistical consultants answer quick questions and help with research projects requiring less than 30 minutes of assistance.  For more in-depth questions or longer projects, complete the LISA Collaboration Request Form at www.lisa.stat.vt.edu and a team of statistical collaborators will be assigned to work with you. LISA also offers short courses on various topics:
Feb 12: Regression Analysis Using JMP;
Feb 18: Introduction to R, Part I;
Feb 19: Introduction to R, Part I;
Feb 25: Introduction to R, Part II;
Feb 26: Introduction to R, Part III;
Mar 5: How to make plots to tell the story of your data;
Mar 18: Data Mining Basics;
Mar 19: Data Mining Basics;
Mar 26: Classification and Regression Trees (CART);

21. GRADUATE RESIDENTIAL FELLOW SOUGHT FOR RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE – 1st posting
The Graduate Residential Fellow is a live-in position with primary responsibility for offering mentorship to students and facilitating the creation of a strong sense of community. The four live-in Graduate Residential Fellows will make an important contribution to the leadership of The Residential College at West Ambler Johnson (RC@WAJ). Read more about the position and the application process>>. Apply by Mar 1.

22. GTA PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH PROJECT – 1st posting
Are you currently a graduate teaching assistant? If so, researchers want to hear from you through a survey they developed to better understand the experiences of Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) with regard to motivation and identity.  The survey should not take more than 20 minutes to complete, and participants will have the opportunity to be entered into a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card. If you are interested in participating, please click here.  Questions about this work should be directed to Rachel Louis Kajfez at rlouis@vt.edu.

23. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR METABOLISM STUDY -2nd posting
Volunteers are needed for a study examining how diet influences muscle metabolism. Participants must be: Between the ages of 18-40; not currently taking any medications; non-smokers; without any major medical problems; willing to eat a high fat diet for 4 weeks. You will receive extensive health information.  You may receive up to $500 to compensate you for your time.  If you meet the above requirements and are interested in participating in this research study, please contact John Pownall at the Human Integrative Physiology Laboratory at Virginia Tech at (540) 231-8299, heartlab@vt.edu.

24. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY QUESTIONNAIRE—2nd posting
Subjects aged 18-25 are needed for a study investigating the quality of physical activity questionnaires. The study will take place in either the GLC or in the Integrated Life Science Building located at 1981 Kraft Drive and will take about 1-1.5 hours to complete across a span of two weeks; subjects will be paid $20 for their participation. In 3 separate meetings participants will be given short surveys to complete, and then wear an accelerometer for two weeks. People not meeting the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity are especially needed. If you are interested, please email your name and contact information to Edith Nault at enault1@vt.edu.

25. REVIEWERS NEEDED FOR GSA GRADUATE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM PROPOSALS – 3rd posting
Join the Graduate Research Development Program (GRDP) Panel of Reviewers and learn more about the grant proposal writing and review process. GRDP provides graduate students from any department with an opportunity to apply for funding for their research projects. The application cycle is open once per semester and graduate students from all departments are needed to review these applications.  No experience is necessary. If you are interested in joining the panel, please fill out this survey.  For more information, contact Amanda Shea at ashea04@vt.edu.

26. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BALANCE/GAIT STUDY – 3rd posting
Female subjects are needed for a study investigating balance and gait. The study will take place in Kevin P Granata Biomechanics Lab in 208 Norris Hall. The study will take about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, and subjects will be paid $20 for their participation. If you are interested, please email your name, age, height, and weight to biomechanics.esm@gmail.com. Overweight individuals are especially needed.

27. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON TALKING WITH CHILDREN ABOUT EMOTIONAL EVENTS – 3rd posting
Do you have a 3-5 year old child (pre-kindergarten)?  If so, researchers would love to see you for a fun research study with two VT doctoral students who are interested in how you and your child talk about emotional events along with your child’s understanding of emotions and their language ability. The visit will take about an hour to complete and you will receive a $10 Target gift card for participating.  Child care for brothers and sisters is available if needed.  For more information, please email techkids@vt.edu or call 540-231-1390.

28. UPCOMING EVENTS:

IDR MARCH SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT: DR. DENIS GRACANIN
Friday, February 22, 12-1pm in the GLC Meeting Room F
Iota Delta Rho, the Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society presents Dr. Denis Gracanin, Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science. He will be discussing interdisciplinary experiences from the development of Virginia Tech’s award-winning smart and sustainable LumenHaus. His talk is entitled "Sustainable Built Environments: Empowering Users to Make Sustainable Energy Choices." Come enjoy a lively talk and complimentary lunch. If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Elvington, the Social Spotlight Series Chair, esavage@vt.edu.

ORIGAMI WORKSHOP FOR GRAD STUDENTS
Monday, Feb 25, 3:00pm, Room G
Learn some basics about the art of paper folding and walk away with a piece of art you craft yourself. Supplies are provided. Space is limited to the first 20 students who sign up. Please contact Marielly Ruiz at mzruiz@vt.edu to reserve a spot. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows.

GLC BOOK CLUB: CANDIDE BY VOLTAIRE
Wednesday, Feb 27, 5:30pm, GLC Au Bon Pain
All graduate students are welcome to join this book club. Read the next selection, Candide by Voltaire, and discuss this book at the next meeting. Please contact Emily Eskew at eceskew@vt.edu with any questions. Sponsored by GLC Fellows.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

• Career advising (walk in, no appointment needed): Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
• Cook Counseling (walk in, no appointment needed): Thursdays and Fridays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
• GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursdays, Reading Room
• Statistical consulting by LISA: Weekdays, 1:00-3:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room; find out each consultant’s software expertise>>
• Writing Center support for grads: Thursdays 4:00-6:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room (additional hours are available in the Library)

2. MY PRESIDENT IS BLACK: EXPLORING THE ROLE AND INFLUENCE OF BLACK LEADERSHIP IN AMERICA
Monday, Feb 4, 6:00pm, GLC Room G
The Blacksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta invites you to participate in this Black History Month 2013 program. As integration and progression have been seen in multiple contexts in America, the African-American leaders have remained present. Though many Americans are proud of these leaders and the work they continue to do, some may argue that the "relevance" of African-American leaders has diminished. Others may feel confused about which communities African-American leaders are supporting or feel that leaders have become complacent. Join this interactive forum to delve deeper into the role and influence of Black leadership. All opinions, perceptions, and experiences are welcome. Light refreshments will be served. Contact Kacie Allen with any questions.

3. SHORT STAT COURSE: TUTORIAL IN T-TESTS AND ANOVA IN JMP
Tuesday, Feb 5; 4:00-6:00pm, GLC Room G
Presented by Dr. Anne Ryan, this short course provides an overview of statistical analyses useful for comparing the means for one or more samples. The statistical training will include the discussion of the one sample t-test, the two sample t-test, matched-pairs t-test, and ANOVA. Data analysis examples using JMP statistical software will also be covered. For more information, please visit www.lisa.stat.vt.edu.

4. LUNCH WITH THE DEAN
Wednesday, Feb 6, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room B
Meet Graduate School Dean Dr. Karen DePauw and several graduate student leaders at this free lunch and learn about the latest in graduate education. Share your perspectives in a casual setting. While this program is primarily targeted to new students, returning students who haven’t had a chance to participate in previous lunches with the dean are also welcome to sign up. Registration required.

5. VIRTUAL GLC CAFÉ: DEFENDING STUDENT STATUS & FINAL EXAM SUBMISSION VIA ESS
Wednesday, Feb 6, 2:00-3:00pm, Lobby of vGLC
Join Graduate School staff weekly for online chats in the Virtual Graduate Life Center (vGLC). This week’s topic: Defending Student Status and Final Exam Submission via Electronic Signature System. Get into the vGLC http://virtual.glc.vt.edu/ lobby. The vGLC extends VT’s graduate-education community from campus to computer.  Using avatars they have created, visitors to the vGLC can currently visit with Graduate-School staff about general academic questions; find Grad-School forms and policy information; consult with the Graduate Student Ombudsperson; attend virtual seminars and workshops; socialize with other vGLC visitors; and explore the vGLC space, which mirrors the real-world Graduate Life Center on the Blacksburg campus. Download the software>>.  If you have questions or suggestions, please email Jodi Cromer (jodilynn@vt.edu) or Marija Telbis-Forster (mtelbisf@vt.edu).

6. INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Wednesdays, 6:30pm, GLC Room B
InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship meets weekly for a free dinner and interactive Bible discussion. All graduate students are welcome!  Learn more>>.

7. I LOVE BLACK HISTORY MONTH: SPEED NETWORKING LUNCHEON
Thursday, Feb 7, 11:30am-1:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The Black Graduate Student Organization, Multicultural Programs and Services, and the Graduate School’s Office of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives invite you to attend this networking event. Please register if you are interested in attending. The event is free and lunch is provided. This is a great opportunity to meet other students, faculty, and staff. Contact Dannette@vt.edu if you have any questions.

8. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Feb 7, 3:30-5:00pm, Graduate School Lobby
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.

Sorry, no 9 this week because this morning 7 8 9.

10. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE CHILDCARE ON THU NIGHTS
Thursdays, 6:00-8:30pm, VT Women’s Center 206 Washington Street    
A free weekly drop-in evening child care program for kids. 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. No need to pre-register. Childcare provided by the women of Chi Delta Alpha sorority. KNO will be held every Thursday throughout the semester except when classes are not in session. Please note that if no children have shown, volunteers will sometimes leave by 6:30.) For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner.

11. CREATING A CAREER PATH IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Friday, Feb 8, 11:00am-12:00pm, GLC Room B
Join a conversation with Dr. Dianne Boardley Suber, President of St. Augustine’s University, who will be speaking about creating career paths in higher education. This program is sponsored by the Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP).  For more information contact: Delight Yokley or Dr. Jody Thompson.

12. APA CITATIONS 101
Friday, Feb 8, 2:00pm, GLC Room G
Have any questions about APA 6th Edition Citations? Still confused about how things are supposed to look in-text or in your references? Then this is the session for you. Heather Moorefield-Lang, Education and Applied Social Sciences Librarian, will be offering an hour session on Friday, February 8th in the GLC Room G. She will be talking about APA 6th, what the manual contains, different citation and referencing rules, as well as some updates for items such as e-books, online videos, and more. Plenty of time for discussion and questions will be available.  Questions?  Contact Tara at tara@vt.edu.  Please register online.

13. GSA/QG&A SPEED DATING
Friday, Feb 8, 7:00-9:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The Graduate Student Assembly is partnering with Queer Grads and Allies for this Valentine’s Speed Dating event, catering to both the straight and the LGBTQ community; please register and participate so that this event can be a success. All graduate students, VCOM students, VMRCVM students, as well as young professionals are invited to attend. Register here. Send questions and comments to Elaine Mathis, GSA VP Programs, efm28@vt.edu.

14. INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE PROGRAM FOR GRADS – apply by Feb 11
The Office of International Research, Education, and Development (OIRED) offers a Graduate Certificate in International Research.  The program encourages a multidisciplinary approach for students already working towards a graduate degree to attain special recognition for their work on international issues.  Participants must take three 5000-level courses from an approved list, with one course being outside the applicant’s department and one outside the college.  The deadline to apply for students graduating in May 2013 is Feb 11;  other applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.  For more information, contact Betty Watts, 231-6452 or visit http://www.oired.vt.edu/graduatecertificate.html.

15. AEL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED – 1st posting
Alpha Epsilon Lambda (AEL) Graduate Honor Society, the only academic excellence and leadership honor society of graduate and professional school students, is now accepting applications for new members. Graduate students may become members based on their academic  achievements and leadership experiences.  Apply by no later than Feb 26 by 5 p.m. For more information visit the AEL website or contact Shernita Lee, president of AEL, at shernita@vt.edu with any questions. 

16. APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY HONOR SOCIETY – 2nd posting
Iota Delta Rho, the Interdisiplinary Research Honor Society at VT is accepting membership applications starting today, Monday Jan 28 through through Friday, Feb 15. There are two different levels of honor society membership: full and associate. The application package can be found online. Direct questions to Tammy Parece, Vice President of Membership.

17. GET INVOLVED IN NEW SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY ORGANIZATION – 2nd posting
Are you  interested in learning more about how science and engineering can influence and be influenced by policy decisions? Would you like the opportunity to experience policy-related activities such as going to Washington, DC to discuss issues in science and technology with members of Congress? If yes, please fill out this short survey  so that organizers may contact you about upcoming meetings and plan events that you want! Email Amanda Shea at ashea04@vt.edu with any questions.

18. FREE STATS ASSISTANCE FOR GRADS FROM LISA
Walk-in consulting services at the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis=LISA) begin on Jan 22 and will be available until May 8 Monday-Friday 1:00-3:00pm in the GLC Videoconference Room; additional times and locations available at www.lisa.stat.vt.edu. Statistical consultants answer quick questions and help with research projects requiring less than 30 minutes of assistance.  For more in-depth questions or longer projects, complete the LISA Collaboration Request Form at www.lisa.stat.vt.edu and a team of statistical collaborators will be assigned to work with you. LISA also offers short courses on various topics:
Feb 12: Regression Analysis Using JMP;
Feb 18: Introduction to R, Part I;
Feb 19: Introduction to R, Part I;
Feb 25: Introduction to R, Part II;
Feb 26: Introduction to R, Part III;
Mar 5: How to make plots to tell the story of your data;
Mar 18: Data Mining Basics;
Mar 19: Data Mining Basics;
Mar 26: Classification and Regression Trees (CART);

19. APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED FOR GRAD BOV REP POSITION – 3rd posting
Applications for the graduate representative for the Board of Visitors (BOV) are now being accepted.  The graduate student representative to the BOV serves as a liaison between graduate students and the board.  This position will give a graduate student an opportunity to broaden his/her experiences and learn from direct participation about how decisions are made that affect the university. Applications are due by Friday, Feb 15, 2013.  More information>>. Please encourage deserving peers to apply.  Contact current BOV grad rep Robyn Jones at bovgradrep@vt.edu with any questions.

20. WAGE POSITION OPENING IN MARKETING DEPARTMENT – 2nd posting
Teaching assistant (not GTA) sought for Marketing Strategy course (Ugrad/MBA). Average under 10 hrs/wk (distribution varies) at $12/hr (no tuition assistance). Must be master’s or doctoral student; familiar with Scholar; knowledgeable in Excel; detail oriented; able to execute tasks quickly and accurately; reliable. Must have very good English (native preferred, but not required), sufficient available time. Restrictions: international students with existing full-time GTA/GA/GRA contracts should not apply; no first year MBA students. To apply, email your resume and a cover letter conveying your interest/a summary of relevant experience to yael@vt.edu with subject line “Teaching Assistant Application”.

21. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR METABOLISM STUDY -1st posting
Volunteers are needed for a study examining how diet influences muscle metabolism. Participants must be: Between the ages of 18-40; not currently taking any medications; non-smokers; without any major medical problems; willing to eat a high fat diet for 4 weeks. You will receive extensive health information.  You may receive up to $500 to compensate you for your time.  If you meet the above requirements and are interested in participating in this research study, please contact John Pownall at the Human Integrative Physiology Laboratory at Virginia Tech at (540) 231-8299, heartlab@vt.edu.

22. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY QUESTIONNAIRE–1st posting
Subjects aged 18-25 are needed for a study investigating the quality of physical activity questionnaires. The study will take place in either the GLC or in the Integrated Life Science Building located at 1981 Kraft Drive and will take about 1-1.5 hours to complete across a span of two weeks; subjects will be paid $20 for their participation. In 3 separate meetings participants will be given short surveys to complete, and then wear an accelerometer for two weeks. People not meeting the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity are especially needed. If you are interested, please email your name and contact information to Edith Nault at enault1@vt.edu.

23. REVIEWERS NEEDED FOR GSA GRADUATE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM PROPOSALS – 2nd posting
Join the Graduate Research Development Program (GRDP) Panel of Reviewers and learn more about the grant proposal writing and review process. GRDP provides graduate students from any department with an opportunity to apply for funding for their research projects. The application cycle is open once per semester and graduate students from all departments are needed to review these applications.  No experience is necessary. If you are interested in joining the panel, please fill out this survey.  For more information, contact Amanda Shea.

24. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BALANCE/GAIT STUDY – 2nd posting
Female subjects are needed for a study investigating balance and gait. The study will take place in Kevin P Granata Biomechanics Lab in 208 Norris Hall. The study will take about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, and subjects will be paid $20 for their participation. If you are interested, please email your name, age, height, and weight to biomechanics.esm@gmail.com. Overweight individuals are especially needed.

25. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON TALKING WITH CHILDREN ABOUT EMOTIONAL EVENTS – 2nd posting
Do you have a 3-5 year old child (pre-kindergarten)?  If so, researchers would love to see you for a fun research study with two VT doctoral students who are interested in how you and your child talk about emotional events along with your child’s understanding of emotions and their language ability. The visit will take about an hour to complete and you will receive a $10 Target gift card for participating.  Child care for brothers and sisters is available if needed.  For more information, please email techkids@vt.edu or call 540-231-1390.

26. UPCOMING EVENTS:

TOUR THE VT COAL PLANT!
Tuesday, Feb 12, 12:15pm, meet in the GLC Lobby
This tour will include an introductory presentation and then a guided tour of the coal plant by staff engineers.  A highlight attraction is viewing the inside of a working coal furnace with safety protection. The group will meet in the GLC Lobby (by the info desk) and will be leaving the GLC promptly at 12:15pm.  Only 15 participants can attend so please RSVP here. Questions?  Email Tara Frank at tara@vt.edu.

GRAD STUDENTS HIKE TO THE CASCADES
Saturday, Feb 23, 9:30am, leaving from the GLC
Join fellow grads in a late-winter hike to the Cascades, a popular waterfall near Blacksburg. Dressing comfortably in outdoor gear is recommended, as well as bringing water, light snack, or other hiking essentials. There are limited spaces for transportation, so please reserve your spot by e-mailing GLC Fellow Emily Eskew.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

• Career advising (walk in, no appointment needed): Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
• Cook Counseling (walk in, no appointment needed): Thursdays and Fridays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
• GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursdays, Reading Room
• Statistical consulting by LISA: Weekdays, 1:00-3:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room; find out each consultant’s software expertise here: http://www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=walk_in
• Writing Center support for grads: Thursdays 4:00-6:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room (additional hours are available in the Library)

2. JESUS & WOMEN? – AN OVERVIEW OF THE GOSPELS
Monday, Jan 28, 7:30-9:00pm, GLC Room C
At a time when some prayed “Blessed art thou O Lord that you have not made me a gentile, a slave or a woman,” we see the Rabbi Jesus having dramatically different interactions with women. Come and see Jesus in his own words – teaching, interacting with and empowering women. Sponsored by InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship. Learn more>>.

3. RESUME 101 FOR INTL STUDENTS
Tuesday, Jan 29, 4:00-5:00pm, Cranwell International Center
Get some expert guidance on how to create a resume for your job search in the United States. This workshop is offered by the Career Services Center.

4. SHORT STAT COURSE: DESIGNING EXPERIMENTS AND COLELCTING USEFUL DATA
Tuesday, Jan 29, 4:00-6:00pm, GLC Room G
Across all disciplines, the ability to test theories by experimentation is vital for validation and discovery.  When designing an experiment, the researcher hopes to maximize the obtained information by reducing wasted resources and allocating treatments in such a way as to minimize variances. In this course the basic principles of experimental design will be given and specific designs discussed, including completely randomized designs and optimal blocking strategies. For each design participants will discuss implementation, appropriate analysis and provide examples in SAS.  Learn more and register >>.

5. COUPONING 101 WORKSHOP
Tuesday, Jan 29, 5:00pm, GLC Room C
Learn the technique of couponing and other money-saving strategies specific to the New River Valley. Light refreshments will be served. If you aren’t able to attend but would like a copy of the Power Point slides from the workshop, please email Lauren Surface.

6. WRITING A WINNING RESUME
Wednesday, Jan 30, 5:30pm, GLC Room G
If you are planning an industry, government, or non-tenure track educational job search, having a well polished resume is the most critical step toward getting an interview. Start early to be ready for September and October career fairs and on-campus interviews. Contact Amy McPherson if you have questions.

7. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Jan 31, 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.

8. CAREER FAIR PREP FOR INTL STUDENTS
Firday, Feb 1, 4:00-5:00pm, Cranwell International Center
Learn how to present yourself effectively at career fairs in the U.S. This workshop is offered by the Career Services Center.

9. WELCOME BACK SOCIAL FOR GRAD STUDENTS
Friday, Feb 1, 4:30-6:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Enjoy music, free food, games and more at this welcome-back social for graduate students! Bring your appetite, friends and family. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows and Graduate Student Assembly.

10. APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY HONOR SOCIETY – 1st posting
Iota Delta Rho, the Interdisiplinary Research Honor Society at VT is accepting membership applications starting today, Monday Jan 28 through through Friday, Feb 15. There are two different levels of honor society membership: full and associate. Download the application package >>. Direct questions to Tammy Parece, Vice President of Membership, at tammyep@vt.edu.

11. GET INVOLVED IN NEW SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY ORGANIZATION – 1st posting
Are you  interested in learning more about how science and engineering can influence and be influenced by policy decisions? Would you like the opportunity to experience policy-related activities such as going to Washington, DC to discuss issues in science and technology with members of Congress? If yes, please fill out this short survey so that organizers may contact you about upcoming meetings and plan events that you want! Email Amanda Shea  with any questions.

12. FREE STATS ASSISTANCE FOR GRADS FROM LISA
Walk-in consulting services at the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis=LISA) begin on Jan 22 and will be available until May 8 Monday-Friday 1:00-3:00pm in the GLC Videoconference Room; additional times and locations available at www.lisa.stat.vt.edu. Statistical consultants answer quick questions and help with research projects requiring less than 30 minutes of assistance.  For more in-depth questions or longer projects, complete the LISA Collaboration Request Form at www.lisa.stat.vt.edu and a team of statistical collaborators will be assigned to work with you. LISA also offers short courses on various topics:
Jan 29: Designing Experiments and Collecting Useful Data;
Feb 5: A Tutorial in T-Tests and ANOVA in JMP;
Feb 12: Regression Analysis Using JMP;
Feb 18: Introduction to R, Part I;
Feb 19: Introduction to R, Part I;
Feb 25: Introduction to R, Part II;
Feb 26: Introduction to R, Part III;
Mar 5: How to make plots to tell the story of your data;
Mar 18: Data Mining Basics;
Mar 19: Data Mining Basics;
Mar 26: Classification and Regression Trees (CART);

13. APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED FOR GRAD BOV REP POSITION – 2nd posting
Applications for the graduate representative for the Board of Visitors (BOV) are now being accepted.  The graduate student representative to the BOV serves as a liaison between graduate students and the board.  This position will give a graduate student an opportunity to broaden his/her experiences and learn from direct participation about how decisions are made that affect the university. Applications are due by Friday, Feb 15, 2013.  More information>>. Please encourage deserving peers to apply.  Contact current BOV grad rep Robyn Jones with any questions.

14. NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS OPEN – deadline Feb 1
A number of prestigious awards are granted to graduate students each year, carrying a monetary prize ($500-$1000 each) and award certificate. Consider applying or discuss the possibility of your nomination by your advisor/department for any of the following awards that will be given out during the Graduate School’s annual awards banquet on March 28, 2013:
– Outstanding Dissertation in (1) math, sciences and engineering, and (1) in social sciences, business and humanities
– Graduate Student Teaching Excellence
– Graduate Student Service Excellence
– Graduate Man and Woman of the Year
– Outstanding master’s and doctoral student in each college and in interdisciplinary programs
More information about criteria, forms, and process for nomination>>.

15. GRAD 5984: FROM MEMEX TO YOUTUBE: COGNITION, LEARNING AND THE INTERNET
T,R, 9:30-10:45am, taught by Dr. Gardner Campbell
How is Wikipedia not simply a reference work, but a learning environment and a community of practice? How does Google both model and shape human cognition? How does Twitter both represent and stimulate collective intelligence? This course explores the intersections of computing, information science, education, Internet studies, the humanities, and the visual and performing arts, as well as the crucial and long-contested relationships among making, doing, and knowing. The course includes readings, hands-on experiences with blogging, tweeting, social bookmarking, and other Web 2.0 affordances, as well as student-led class presentations and student-selected projects. Read more at http://gardnercampbell.wetpaint.com/page/vtclis13, or contact Dr. Campbell.

16. SPRING GRAD COURSE OFFERING: EFFECTIVE ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT FOR HIGHER ED
CRN 18694 Thursday 6:00-8:50 PM
Taught by Ray Van Dyke, this course provides an overview of assessment principles and practices in contemporary higher education. The course promotes a general understanding of academic assessment, as well as the assessment of ancillary programs that support academic quality. The course prepares the future professoriate to design and implement successful assessment practices that enhance teaching and learning.

17. SPRING COURSE: GRAD5304 PREPARING THE FUTURE CAREER PROFESSIONAL
Tuesdays, 1:00-3:30pm, spring 2013
This class is designed to provide graduate students with knowledge, skills and abilities to prepare for employment in industry, business, government, research development and non-profit worlds. Topics will include communication, collaboration/teamwork, motivation, workplace and community ethics, leadership, building relationships, starting a business, managing change, writing a resume and cover letter, and working in a diverse environment.

18. WAGE POSITION OPENING IN MARKETING DEPARTMENT
Teaching assistant (not GTA) sought for Marketing Strategy course (Ugrad/MBA). Average under 10 hrs/wk (distribution varies) at $12/hr (no tuition assistance). Must be master’s or doctoral student; familiar with Scholar; knowledgeable in Excel; detail oriented; able to execute tasks quickly and accurately; reliable. Must have very good English (native preferred, but not required), sufficient available time. Restrictions: international students with existing full-time GTA/GA/GRA contracts should not apply; no first year MBA students. To apply, email your resume and a cover letter conveying your interest/a summary of relevant experience to yael@vt.edu with subject line “Teaching Assistant Application”.

19. REVIEWERS NEEDED FOR GSA GRADUATE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM PROPOSALS – 1st posting
Join the Graduate Research Development Program (GRDP) Panel of Reviewers and learn more about the grant proposal writing and review process. GRDP provides graduate students from any department with an opportunity to apply for funding for their research projects. The application cycle is open once per semester and graduate students from all departments are needed to review these applications.  No experience is necessary. If you are interested in joining the panel, please fill out this survey.  For more information, contact Amanda Shea at ashea04@vt.edu.

20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BALANCE/GAIT STUDY – 1st posting
Female subjects are needed for a study investigating balance and gait. The study will take place in Kevin P Granata Biomechanics Lab in 208 Norris Hall. The study will take about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, and subjects will be paid $20 for their participation. If you are interested, please email your name, age, height, and weight to biomechanics.esm@gmail.com. Overweight individuals are especially needed.

21. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON TALKING WITH CHILDREN ABOUT EMOTIONAL EVENTS – 1st posting
Do you have a 3-5 year old child (pre-kindergarten)?  If so, researchers would love to see you for a fun research study with two VT doctoral students who are interested in how you and your child talk about emotional events along with your child’s understanding of emotions and their language ability. The visit will take about an hour to complete and you will receive a $10 Target gift card for participating.  Child care for brothers and sisters is available if needed.  For more information, please email or call 540-231-1390.

22. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON MOTHERS AND CHILDREN – 3rd posting
Are you a mother who sometimes worries or has fears? Do you have a child between 7 and 12 years of age? A new study is investigating how mothers and children interpret situations in their day-to-day lives. The study is being conducted at the Child Study Center at 460 Turner Street, Suite 207, Blacksburg. For more information please contact Kristin Austin  or call 540-231-8276. Compensation: $50.

23. UPCOMING EVENTS:

MY PRESIDENT IS BLACK: EXPLORING THE ROLE AND INFLUENCE OF BLACK LEADERSHIP IN AMERICA
Tuesday, Feb 5, 6:00pm, GLC Room F
The Blacksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta invites you to participate in this Black History Month 2013 program. As integration and progression have been seen in multiple contexts in America, the African-American leaders have remained present. Though many Americans are proud of these leaders and the work they continue to do, some may argue that the “relevance” of African-American leaders has diminished. Others may feel confused about which communities African-American leaders are supporting or feel that leaders have become complacent. Join this interactive forum to delve deeper into the role and influence of Black leadership. All opinions, perceptions, and experiences are welcome. Light refreshments will be served. Contact Kacie Allen at kaciea1@vt.edu with any questions.

LUNCH WITH THE DEAN
Wednesday, Feb 6, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room B
Meet Graduate School Dean Dr. Karen DePauw and several graduate student leaders at this free lunch and learn about the latest in graduate education. Share your perspectives in a casual setting. While this program is primarily targeted to new students, returning students who haven’t had a chance to participate in previous lunches with the dean are also welcome to sign up. Registration required.

I LOVE BLACK HISTORY MONTH: SPEED NETWORKING LUNCHEON
Thursday, Feb 7, 11:30am-1:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The Black Graduate Student Organization, Multicultural Programs and Services, and the Graduate School’s Office of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives invite you to attend this networking event. Please register if you are interested in attending. The event is free and lunch is provided. This is a great opportunity to meet other students, faculty, and staff. Contact Dannette@vt.edu if you have any questions.

CREATING A CAREER PATH IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Friday, Feb 8, 11:00am-12:00pm, GLC Room B
Join a conversation with Dr. Dianne Boardley Suber, President of St. Augustine’s University, who will be speaking about creating career paths in higher education. This program is sponsored by the Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP).  For more information contact: Delight Yokley, b18409y@vt.edu or Dr. Jody Thompson, jodyt@vt.edu.

GSA/QG&A SPEED DATING
Friday, Feb 8, 7:00-9:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The Graduate Student Assembly is partnering with Queer Grads and Allies for this Valentine’s Speed Dating event, catering to both the straight and the LGBTQ community; please register and participate so that this event can be a success. All graduate students, VCOM students, VMRCVM students, as well as young professionals are invited to attend. Register here. Send questions and comments to Elaine Mathis, GSA VP Programs, efm28@vt.edu.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

• Career advising (walk in, no appointment needed): Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
• Cook Counseling (walk in, no appointment needed): Thursdays and Fridays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
• GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursdays, Reading Room
• Statistical consulting by LISA: Weekdays, 1:00-3:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room; find out each consultant’s software expertise here: http://www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=walk_in
• Writing Center support for grads: Thursdays 4:00-6:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room (additional hours are available in the Library)

2. GLC BOOK CLUB
Tuesday, Jan 22, 8:00pm, GLC Fellows office (off the main GLC lobby)
Open to all graduate students! The next book is “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Read the book during the winter break, then meet with other grad students on Jan 22 at 8pm in the GLC Fellows office to discuss it and pick the next book as well. Contact Emily or Mark at eceskew@vt.edu or esmark86@vt.edu respectively for any questions.

3. LUNCH WITH THE DEAN
Thursday, Jan 24 and Wednesday, Feb 6, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room B
Meet Graduate School Dean Dr. Karen DePauw and several graduate student leaders at this free lunch and learn about the latest in graduate education. Share your perspectives in a casual setting. While this program is primarily targeted to new students, returning students who haven’t had a chance to participate in previous lunches with the dean are also welcome to sign up. Registration required:
– for 1/14
– for 2/6

4. GLC CAFÉ: MUG RAFFLE 2013 ONCE MORE
Thursday, Jan 24, 3:30-5:00pm, Graduate School Lobby
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. This week’s special: mug raffle back by popular demand. Raffle at 4:30 – stop by between 3:30 and 4:30 to get your name into the pool. Do not have to be present to win. 

5. APA WORKSHOP
Friday, Jan 25, 2:00-3:00pm, GLC Room C
Have any questions about APA 6th Edition Citations? Still confused about how things are supposed to look in-text or in your references? Then this is the session for you. Heather Moorefield-Lang, Education and Applied Social Sciences Librarian, will be talking about APA 6th, what the manual contains, different citation and referencing rules, as well as some updates for items such as e-books, online videos, and more. Plenty of time for discussion and questions will be available.

6. BLUE RIDGE WORKSHOP @ SOLITUDE
Fridays, 3:00-4:00pm, Solitude of Virginia Tech
Creative and literary workshop with VT/RU alum, teacher and poet T. Byron Kelly.
Email contact tbyron@vt.edu for more information.
 
7. FREE STATS ASSISTANCE FOR GRADS FROM LISA
Walk-in consulting services at the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis=LISA) begin on Jan 22 and will be available until May 8 Monday-Friday 1:00-3:00pm in the GLC Videoconference Room; additional times and locations available at www.lisa.stat.vt.edu. Statistical consultants answer quick questions and help with research projects requiring less than 30 minutes of assistance.  For more in-depth questions or longer projects, complete the LISA Collaboration Request Form at www.lisa.stat.vt.edu and a team of statistical collaborators will be assigned to work with you. LISA also offers short courses on various topics:
Jan 29: Designing Experiments and Collecting Useful Data;
Feb 5: A Tutorial in T-Tests and ANOVA in JMP;
Feb 12: Regression Analysis Using JMP;
Feb 18: Introduction to R, Part I;
Feb 19: Introduction to R, Part I;
Feb 25: Introduction to R, Part II;
Feb 26: Introduction to R, Part III;
Mar 5: How to make plots to tell the story of your data;
Mar 18/19: Data Mining Basics;
Mar 26: Classification and Regression Trees (CART);

8. APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED FOR GRAD BOV REP POSITION
Applications for the graduate representative for the Board of Visitors (BOV) are now being accepted.  Applications are due by Friday, Feb 15, 2013.  More information>>.  Please encourage deserving peers to apply.  Contact current BOV grad rep Robyn Jones for more information.

9. NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS OPEN – deadline Feb 1
A number of prestigious awards are granted to graduate students each year, carrying a monetary prize ($500-$1000 each) and award certificate. Consider applying or discuss the possibility of your nomination by your advisor/department for any of the following awards that will be given out during the Graduate School’s annual awards banquet on March 28, 2013:

• Outstanding Dissertation in (1) math, sciences and engineering, and (1) in social sciences, business and humanities
• Graduate Student Teaching Excellence
• Graduate Student Service Excellence
• Graduate Man and Woman of the Year
• Outstanding master’s and doctoral student in each college and in interdisciplinary programs

More information about criteria, forms, and process for nomination>>.

10. SPRING GRAD COURSE OFFERING: EFFECTIVE ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT FOR HIGHER ED
CRN 18694 Thursday 6:00-8:50 PM
Taught by Ray Van Dyke, this course provides an overview of assessment principles and practices in contemporary higher education. The course promotes a general understanding of academic assessment, as well as the assessment of ancillary programs that support academic quality. The course prepares the future professoriate to design and implement successful assessment practices that enhance teaching and learning.

11. SPRING COURSE: GRAD5304 PREPARING THE FUTURE CAREER PROFESSIONAL
Tuesdays, 1:00-3:30pm, spring 2013
This class is designed to provide graduate students with knowledge, skills and abilities to prepare for employment in industry, business, government, research development and non-profit worlds. Topics will include communication, collaboration/teamwork, motivation, workplace and community ethics, leadership, building relationships, starting a business, managing change, writing a resume and cover letter, and working in a diverse environment.

12. CALL FOR ABSTRACTS FOR STUDENT CONFERENCE IN FEB 2013 – deadline extended
The VT Institute for Policy and Governance and Department of Religion and Culture is organizing a student conference on "Religious extremism and its impacts on Culture and Civil Society" on Feb 15-16, 2013, including a film festival and student panels. Papers are invited that cover any of the following topics : Intra-religious/church institutional discourse and politics; the roles of media and technology in religion-based movements; how adherents of extreme religious views conceive of the role of the state and of faith within it, including what their perspectives portend for accepted understandings of human rights; how leaders of groups view and use history, culture and contemporary religious discourse in structuring their beliefs and motivating their adherents; how humanitarian and peace building NGOs can/should navigate such movements in the course of their efforts to ameliorate suffering and bridge social differences. Send an abstract of max. 300 words describing the topic, contribution and methods underpinning your proposed paper to Sabith Khan at khanpgg@vt.edu by Jan 25, 2013.

13. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON MOTHERS AND CHILDREN – 2nd posting
Are you a mother who sometimes worries or has fears? Do you have a child between 7 and 12 years of age? A new study is investigating how mothers and children interpret situations in their day-to-day lives. The study is being conducted at the Child Study Center at 460 Turner Street, Suite 207, Blacksburg. For more information please contact Kristin Austin at momanxiety@vt.edu or call 540-231-8276. Compensation: $50.

14. UPCOMING EVENTS:

RESUME 101 FOR INTL STUDENTS
Tuesday, Jan 29, 4:00-5:00pm, Cranwell International Center
Get some expert guidance on how to create a resume for your job search in the United States. This workshop is offered by the Career Services Center.

SHORT STAT COURSE: DESIGNING EXPERIMENTS AND COLELCTING USEFUL DATA
Tuesday, Jan 29, 4:00-6:00pm, GLC Room G
Across all disciplines, the ability to test theories by experimentation is vital for validation and discovery.  When designing an experiment, the researcher hopes to maximize the obtained information by reducing wasted resources and allocating treatments in such a way as to minimize variances. In this course the basic principles of experimental design will be given and specific designs discussed, including completely randomized designs and optimal blocking strategies. For each design participants will discuss implementation, appropriate analysis and provide examples in SAS.  Learn more and register at www.lisa.stat.vt.edu.

COUPONING 101 WORKSHOP
Tuesday, Jan 29, 5:00pm, GLC Room C
Learn the technique of couponing and other money-saving strategies specific to the New River Valley. Light refreshments will be served. If you aren’t able to attend but would like a copy of the Power Point slides from the workshop, please email Lauren Surface.

WRITING A WINNING RESUME
Wednesday, Jan 30, 5:30pm, GLC Room G
If you are planning an industry, government, or non-tenure track educational job search, having a well polished resume is the most critical step toward getting an interview. Start early to be ready for September and October career fairs and on-campus interviews. Contact Amy McPherson if you have questions.

CAREER FAIR PREP FOR INTL STUDENTS
Friday, Feb 1, 4:00-5:00pm, Cranwell International Center
Learn how to present yourself effectively at career fairs in the U.S. This workshop is offered by the Career Services Center.

WELCOME BACK SOCIAL FOR GRAD STUDENTS
Friday, Feb 1, 4:30-6:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Enjoy music, free food, games and more at this welcome-back social for graduate students! Bring your appetite, friends and family. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows and Graduate Student Assembly.

I LOVE BLACK HISTORY MONTH: SPEED NETWORKING LUNCHEON
Thursday, Feb 7, 11:30am-1:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The Black Graduate Student Organization, Multicultural Programs and Services, and the Graduate School’s Office of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives invite you to attend this networking event. Please register if you are interested in attending. The event is free and lunch is provided. This is a great opportunity to meet other students, faculty, and staff. Contact Dannette@vt.edu if you have any questions.

GSA/QG&A SPEED DATING
Friday, Feb 8, 7:00-9:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The Graduate Student Assembly is partnering with Queer Grads and Allies for this Valentine’s Speed Dating event, catering to both the straight and the LGBTQ community; please register and participate so that this event can be a success. All graduate students, VCOM students, VMRCVM students, as well as young professionals are invited to attend. Register here . Send questions and comments to Elaine Mathis, GSA VP Programs, efm28@vt.edu.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC
Weekly services are on hiatus until the spring semester begins, except for the GLC café, which is always on!

• GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursday, Reading Room

2. GLC CAFÉ: MUG RAFFLE 2013 ONCE MORE
Thursday, Jan 17, 3:30-5:00pm, Graduate School Lobby
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. This week’s special: mug raffle back by popular demand. Raffle at 4:30 – stop by between 3:30 and 4:30 to get your name into the pool. Do not have to be present to win. 

3. NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION/CAFÉ
Friday, Jan 18, 3:00-4:30pm, GLC Lobby
Join new graduate students for some conversation, coffee and refreshments in the GLC Lobby and help us make them feel at home in the GLC and at VT!

4. WINTER BREAK 2012 PHOTO CHALLENGE   
You are invited to submit photos of your winter break experience (wherever and whatever that might be) to be displayed in the GLC and on the Grad School Facebook page in January and February. Each student may upload up to three photos here. Submission deadline is Jan 18, 2013.

5. NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS OPEN – deadline Feb 1
A number of prestigious awards are granted to graduate students each year, carrying a monetary prize ($500-$1000 each) and award certificate. Consider applying or discuss the possibility of your nomination by your advisor/department for any of the following awards that will be given out during the Graduate School’s annual awards banquet on March 28, 2013:

• Outstanding Dissertation in (1) math, sciences and engineering, and (1) in social sciences, business and humanities
• Graduate Student Teaching Excellence
• Graduate Student Service Excellence
• Graduate Man and Woman of the Year
• Outstanding master’s and doctoral student in each college and in interdisciplinary programs

More information about criteria, forms, and process for nomination>>.

6. SPRING GRAD COURSE OFFERING: EFFECTIVE ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT FOR HIGHER ED
CRN 18694 Thursday 6:00-8:50 PM
Taught by Ray Van Dyke, this course provides an overview of assessment principles and practices in contemporary higher education. The course promotes a general understanding of academic assessment, as well as the assessment of ancillary programs that support academic quality. The course prepares the future professoriate to design and implement successful assessment practices that enhance teaching and learning.

7. SPRING COURSE: GRAD5304 PREPARING THE FUTURE CAREER PROFESSIONAL
Tuesdays, 1:00-3:30pm, spring 2013
This class is designed to provide graduate students with knowledge, skills and abilities to prepare for employment in industry, business, government, research development and non-profit worlds. Topics will include communication, collaboration/teamwork, motivation, workplace and community ethics, leadership, building relationships, starting a business, managing change, writing a resume and cover letter, and working in a diverse environment.

8. CALL FOR ABSTRACTS FOR STUDENT CONFERENCE IN FEB 2013 – deadline extended
The VT Institute for Policy and Governance and Department of Religion and Culture is organizing a student conference on "Religious extremism and its impacts on Culture and Civil Society" on Feb 15-16, 2013, including a film festival and student panels. Papers are invited that cover any of the following topics : Intra-religious/church institutional discourse and politics; the roles of media and technology in religion-based movements; how adherents of extreme religious views conceive of the role of the state and of faith within it, including what their perspectives portend for accepted understandings of human rights; how leaders of groups view and use history, culture and contemporary religious discourse in structuring their beliefs and motivating their adherents; how humanitarian and peace building NGOs can/should navigate such movements in the course of their efforts to ameliorate suffering and bridge social differences. Send an abstract of max. 300 words describing the topic, contribution and methods underpinning your proposed paper to Sabith Khan at khanpgg@vt.edu by Jan 25, 2013.

9. WAGE JOB OPENING IN THE GLC
The GLC Student Building Manager works closely with the Auxiliary Student Center Operations Coordinator and Graduate School to provide services to the patrons who use the GLC. This includes providing excellent customer service, reserving rooms, oversight of the information desk, basic cleaning (wiping tables, vacuuming, etc.), administrative support, marketing and clerical duties. The Student Building Manager has primary responsibility, including emergency response, for the building during evening and weekend hours. 10-15 hours per week at $12/hour. Apply online. Click the “Student Centers and Activities ‘VT Graduate Student’ Pool.” Please contact Eric Margiotta (Margiotta@vt.edu) with questions.

10. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON MOTHERS AND CHILDREN – 1st posting
Are you a mother who sometimes worries or has fears? Do you have a child between 7 and 12 years of age? A new study is investigating how mothers and children interpret situations in their day-to-day lives. The study is being conducted at the Child Study Center at 460 Turner Street, Suite 207, Blacksburg. For more information please contact Kristin Austin at momanxiety@vt.edu or call 540-231-8276. Compensation: $50.

11. STUDY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT – 3rd posting
Volunteers are needed for a research study on how diet influences muscle metabolism. Participants must be: males between the ages of 18-40; not currently taking any medications; non-smokers; free from major medical issues; willing to eat a high fat diet for 4 weeks. You may benefit by receiving extensive help information and up to 200$ to compensate you for your time. Please contact the following if you meet the above criteria and are interested in participating: Nabil Boutagy or Kris Osterberg at the Human Integrative Physiology Laboratory at Virginia Tech by email at heartlab@vt.edu or call (540) 231-8299.

12. UPCOMING EVENTS:

GLC BOOK CLUB
Open to all graduate students! The next book is “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Read the book during the winter break, then meet with other grad students on Jan 22 at 8pm in the GLC Fellows office to discuss it and pick the next book as well. Contact Emily or Mark at eceskew@vt.edu or esmark86@vt.edu respectively for any questions.

LUNCH WITH THE DEAN
Jan 24 and Feb 6, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room B
Meet Graduate School Dean Dr. Karen DePauw and several graduate student leaders at this free lunch and learn about the latest in graduate education. Share your perspectives in a casual setting. While this program is primarily targeted to new students, returning students who haven’t had a chance to participate in previous lunches with the dean are also welcome to sign up. Registration required:

• for 1/14
• for 2/6

APA WORKSHOP
Friday, Jan 25, 2:00-3:99pm, GLC Room C
Have any questions about APA 6th Edition Citations? Still confused about how things are supposed to look in-text or in your references? Then this is the session for you. Heather Moorefield-Lang, Education and Applied Social Sciences Librarian, will be talking about APA 6th, what the manual contains, different citation and referencing rules, as well as some updates for items such as e-books, online videos, and more. Plenty of time for discussion and questions will be available.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC
Weekly services are on hiatus until the spring semester begins, except for the GLC café, which is always on!

• GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursday, Reading Room

2. GLC CAFÉ: MUG RAFFLE 2013 – Note the special location!
Thursday, Jan 10, 3:30-5:00pm, Graduate School Lobby
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. This week’s special: hot chocolate, with three orange mugs raffled off among participants (see why>>). 

3. WINTER BREAK 2012 PHOTO CHALLENGE   
You are invited to submit photos of your winter break experience (wherever and whatever that might be) to be displayed in the GLC and on the Grad School Facebook page in January and February. Each student may upload up to five photos here. Submission deadline is Jan 18, 2013.

4. COMMENCEMENT DVD SALES
A DVD of the Fall 2012 Graduate Commencement Ceremony will be available from the University Bookstore for a limited time. Click the Graduation button on the bookstore’s homepage for ordering information: www.bookstore.vt.edu or contact the Bookstore with any questions.

5. GLC WINTER RENOVATIONS
A couple of the first-floor public areas of the GLC are undergoing some renovations during the winter break, including new lighting, seating and flooring in the auditorium and new painting in the back corridor and meeting-rooms corridor. Residents and graduate students in active status will continue to have access to the GLC (use your Hokie Passport for entry) 24/7. Some of the work will be noisy and/or smelly – please forgive the inconvenience. Follow the progress on Facebook and check out the finished spaces after Jan 17!

6. NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS NOW OPEN
A number of prestigious awards are granted to graduate students each year, carrying a monetary prize ($500-$1000 each) and award certificate. Consider applying or discuss the possibility of your nomination by your advisor/department for any of the following awards that will be given out during the Graduate School’s annual awards banquet on March 28, 2013:

• Outstanding Dissertation in (1) math, sciences and engineering, and (1) in social sciences, business and humanities
• Graduate Student Teaching Excellence
• Graduate Student Service Excellence
• Graduate Man and Woman of the Year
• Outstanding master’s and doctoral student in each college and in interdisciplinary programs

More information about criteria, forms, and process for nomination>>.

7. COMMUNICATING SCIENCE GRAD 5984 SPRING COURSE – ENROLL NOW!
Seats are still available for Communicating Science (CRN 18468) meeting on Fridays 2:15-4:15pm. This 2-credit participatory course is taught by Professor Patricia Raun, and was inspired by her work with the Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University (http://www.centerforcommunicatingscience.org/) and the belief that "scientists have a responsibility to share the meaning and implications of their work, and that an engaged public encourages sound public decision-making. In addition, the ability to communicate directly and vividly can enhance scientists’ career prospects, helping them secure funding, collaborate across disciplines, compete for positions, and serve as effective teachers." Participation in the course will lessen the discomfort of spontaneous interaction. Areas of emphasis will include imagination, relaxation, observation, and concentration through improvisation.  Please contact Professor Raun at praun@vt.edu if you have questions or need more information.

8. SPRING COURSE: GRAD5304 PREPARING THE FUTURE CAREER PROFESSIONAL
Tuesdays, 1:00-3:30pm, spring 2013
This class is designed to provide graduate students with knowledge, skills and abilities to prepare for employment in industry, business, government, research development and non-profit worlds. Topics will include communication, collaboration/teamwork, motivation, workplace and community ethics, leadership, building relationships, starting a business, managing change, writing a resume and cover letter, and working in a diverse environment.

9. STUDY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT – 2nd posting
Volunteers are needed for a research study on how diet influences muscle metabolism. Participants must be: males between the ages of 18-40; not currently taking any medications; non-smokers; free from major medical issues; willing to eat a high fat diet for 4 weeks. You may benefit by receiving extensive help information and up to 200$ to compensate you for your time. Please contact the following if you meet the above criteria and are interested in participating: Nabil Boutagy or Kris Osterberg at the Human Integrative Physiology Laboratory at Virginia Tech by email at heartlab@vt.edu or call (540) 231-8299.

10. UPCOMING EVENTS:

GLC BOOK CLUB
Open to all graduate students! The next book is “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Read the book during the winter break, then meet with other grad students on Jan 22 at 8pm in the GLC Fellows office to discuss it and pick the next book as well. Contact Emily or Mark at eceskew@vt.edu or esmark86@vt.edu respectively for any questions.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC
Weekly services are on hiatus until the spring semester begins. Except for the GLC café, which is always on (except Dec 27)!

• GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursdays, Reading Room

2. FINALS WEEK OPEN STUDY ROOMS IN GLC
Through Thursday, Dec 20, all day, Rooms F and G
Rooms F and G have been designated as open study rooms during finals week. No reservations are required; feel free to take advantage of the various study spaces in the GLC as you prepare for exams and complete final projects! All the best for everyone!

3. EXTERNAL FUNDING FOR GRAD STUDENTS IN SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES
Monday, Dec 17, 7:00pm, Blacksburg (Norris Global Technology Center) + 2 extended campus locations
Information will be shared by Tom Ewing, Associate Dean, CLAHS (etewing@vt.edu) about external fellowships and grants available to graduate students, with particular attention to opportunities in the humanities, social sciences, education, human sciences, and creative arts.

4. GLC CAFÉ & BOOK SWAP – Note the special location!
Thursday, Dec 20, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
The GLC Café is offered throughout the semester with free coffee, tea and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. This is the final café of 2012, so we are going out in style with hot cider, hot chocolate, and cookies galore in addition to the usual coffee and tea. Bring your own mug if you can. We also want to make sure that grad students have something good (and not mandatory) to read during the winter break, so the café will also serve as a venue for a book swap. Share your favorite read with others, bring a book (if you can), and take a book or more to read during the winter break.

5. GRADUATE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
Friday, Dec 21, 3:00pm, Cassell Coliseum
Join the celebration of 300+ master’s and doctoral students graduating this semester! Learn more>>.

6. GRADUATE SCHOOL WINTER BREAK HOURS

• The Graduate School will be open with regular business hours this week, closing at 5:00pm on Friday, Dec 21.
• The Graduate School will be closed, along with the rest of the university, Dec 22-Jan 1. No services will be available during this time. Regular business hours will resume on Wednesday, Jan 2, 9:30am. 

7. COMMENCEMENT NEWS: DVD SALES
A DVD of the Fall 2012 Graduate Commencement Ceremony will be available from the University Bookstore for a limited time. Click the Graduation button on the bookstore’s homepage for ordering information: www.bookstore.vt.edu or contact the Bookstore with any questions.

8. WINTER 2012 PHOTO CHALLENGE   
You are invited to submit photos of your winter break experience (wherever and whatever that might be) to be displayed in the GLC and on the Grad School Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Virginia-Tech-Graduate-School/348802603577 ) in January and February. Each student may upload up to three photos here. Submission deadline is Jan 18, 2013.

9. GLC WINTER RENOVATIONS
A couple of the first-floor public areas of the GLC will undergo some renovations during the winter break, including new seating and flooring in the auditorium and new painting in the back corridor and meeting rooms corridor. Residents and graduate students in active status will continue to have access to the GLC (use your Hokie Passport for entry) 24/7. However, the Bookstore side entrance will be closed and the corridor in front of the auditorium will be blocked off for the contractors. Check out all the updates after Jan 17!

10. CALL FOR ABSTRACTS FOR STUDENT CONFERENCE IN FEB 2013
The VT Institute for Policy and Governance and Department of Religion and Culture is organizing a student conference on "Religious extremism and its impacts on Culture and Civil Society" on Feb 15-16, 2013, including a film festival and student panels. Papers are invited that cover any of the following topics : Intra-religious/church institutional discourse and politics; the roles of media and technology in religion-based movements; how adherents of extreme religious views conceive of the role of the state and of faith within it, including what their perspectives portend for accepted understandings of human rights; how leaders of groups view and use history, culture and contemporary religious discourse in structuring their beliefs and motivating their adherents; how humanitarian and peace building NGOs can/should navigate such movements in the course of their efforts to ameliorate suffering and bridge social differences. Send an abstract of max. 300 words describing the topic, contribution and methods underpinning your proposed paper to Sabith Khan at khanpgg@vt.edu by Jan 4, 2013.

11. NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS NOW OPEN
A number of prestigious awards are granted to graduate students each year, carrying a monetary prize ($500-$1000 each) and award certificate. Consider applying or discuss the possibility of your nomination by your advisor/department for any of the following awards that will be given out during the Graduate School’s annual awards banquet on March 28, 2013:
– Outstanding Dissertation in (1) math, sciences and engineering, and (1) in social sciences, business and humanities
– Graduate Student Teaching Excellence
– Graduate Student Service Excellence
– Graduate Man and Woman of the Year
– Outstanding master’s and doctoral student in each college and in interdisciplinary programs
More information about criteria, forms, and process for nomination>>.

12. SPRING COURSE: GRAD5304 PREPARING THE FUTURE CAREER PROFESSIONAL
Tuesdays, 1:00-3:30pm, spring 2013
This class is designed to provide graduate students with knowledge, skills and abilities to prepare for employment in industry, business, government, research development and non-profit worlds. Topics will include communication, collaboration/teamwork, motivation, workplace and community ethics, leadership, building relationships, starting a business, managing change, writing a resume and cover letter, and working in a diverse environment.

13. ALUMNI TRIP TO EUROPE – 2nd posting
The Virginia Tech Alumni Association invites you to celebrate your college successes with an unforgettable voyage through Europe. Travel with fellow grads, see the world and make friends for life. The trip takes place May 28-Jun 15, 2013; extended tour ends Jun 20. Seats are limited. For more information or to book your trip, contact the VT Alumni Association, 540-231-6285; alumnitravel@vt.edu.

14. SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS SURVEY – 3rd posting
The Society of Women Engineers(SWE) at VirginiaTech wants to know more about you. SWE is an international organization that strives to aspire, advance and achieve. At VT, they participate in several events which are directed towards the community, future engineers and members. They are looking for your input to help serve graduate students at VT better. You can help by filling out this quick and short survey:  https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1353003602607. You can also write in to Graduate Liaison Officer, Sreyoshi Bhaduri (sreyoshibhaduri@gmail.com) with your ideas, questions, comments and suggestions. For information about SWE and the work they do, please visit: https://sites.google.com/site/swevatech/about-us.

15. GSA EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT – HALF ASSISTANTSHIP OPENING – 3rd posting
The GSA is searching for an executive assistant for the remainder of the 2012-2013 academic year. Must be a full-time graduate students in Blacksburg. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, exercise sound judgment, function efficiently in a fast-paced environment, have a commitment to providing professional administrative support and a constructive, team-oriented approach to work, and a genuine interest to be part of the Graduate Student Assembly. All submitted applications (letter of interest, and curriculum vitae) shall be reviewed by the GSA Executive Board, and interviews with the finalists will be held. This is a 50% assistantship (10 hrs/wk); check the GSA website for details. Please send any applications or questions to Shaimaa Abdallah, GSA President, at shaimaa@vt.edu.  Application deadline: 8:00am Dec 18.

16. STUDY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT – 1st posting
Volunteers are needed for a research study on how diet influences muscle metabolism. Participants must be: males between the ages of 18-40; not currently taking any medications; non-smokers; free from major medical issues; willing to eat a high fat diet for 4 weeks. You may benefit by receiving extensive help information and up to 200$ to compensate you for your time. Please contact the following if you meet the above criteria and are interested in participating: Nabil Boutagy or Kris Osterberg at the Human Integrative Physiology Laboratory at Virginia Tech by email at heartlab@vt.edu or call (540) 231-8299.

17. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR 2ND CANCER SYMPOSIUM – 3rd posting
Cancer Research Scholars is an interdisciplinary student organization that brings together cancer researchers represented across various departments, colleges, and labs at Virginia Tech. They organized the first cancer research symposium 2 years ago (http://www.cancerresearchscholars.org.vt.edu/) and now  are looking for motivated and committed volunteers to organize the second one. The symposium gives researchers an opportunity to learn from one another and network for potential future collaboration. It also promotes the visibility of cancer research within the community. If you are interested in getting involved, please fill this doodle poll http://www.doodle.com/2hxvagc2rmti5d5v to attend the first general meeting and email Alireza Salamzandeh (alireza@vt.edu) your contact info as well as your questions and suggestions.
 
18. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR PAID VIRTUAL REALITY STUDY – 3rd posting
Researchers are looking for participants for a study on Virtual Reality for Sport Anxiety. The study is investigating the potential of virtual reality to be used as a training platform to prepare athletes for high-pressure situations. No sport experience is needed. The study will consist of defending simulated soccer penalty kicks in a variety of conditions. All participants will be paid a base rate of $10, plus $0.10 per ‘SAVE’.  The maximum potential payout is $30 ($10 base + $20 performance). The study will take place in the VisCube in Torgesson 3050. Participants must be over the age of 18. The study will last 60-90 minutes. Contact Cheryl Stinson for details (cstinson@vt.edu).

19. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BALANCE/GAIT STUDY –  3rd posting
Subjects are needed for a VT study investigating balance and gait. The study will take place in Kevin P Granata Biomechanics Lab in 208 Norris Hall. The study will take about 1.5 hours to complete, and subjects will be paid $20 for their participation. If you are interested, please email your name, age, height, and weight to biomechanics.esm@gmail.com. Overweight individuals are especially needed.

20. UPCOMING EVENTS:

GLC CAFÉ 2013
Thursday, Jan 3, 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. Come to the first café of 2013 and enjoy an edible surprise. Bring your own mug if you can.

DATA BOOT CAMP: COMBATING THE DATA DELUGE: register now!
Tuesday-Wednesday, Jan 8-9, Torg 1100C
Register before Dec 21 for this free two-day workshop offered by the library to help you learn best practices in data management, which is an important topic for researchers and scholars across domains. Requirements by funding agencies for data management plans encourage researchers to plan ahead for data management and help to promote practices that facilitate reproducible research, data use and reuse, and interoperability among distributed systems.  Instructors at both Virginia Tech and UVA will cover topics such as understanding research data; the graduate student research lifecycle, organizing data, file formats and transformation, documentation and metadata, storage and security, data protection, rights and access, and preservation, sharing and licensing.  Space is limited to 15 students at each campus location. Light refreshments will be provided.  RSVP to Associate Dean for Research and Informatics Julie Speer at jspeer@vt.edu by December 21.

GLC BOOK CLUB
Open to all graduate students! The next book is “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Read the book during the winter break, then meet with other grad students on Jan 22 at 8pm in the GLC Fellows office to discuss it and pick the next book as well. Contact Emily or Mark at eceskew@vt.edu or esmark86@vt.edu respectively for any questions.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

• Career advising (walk in, no appointment needed): Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
• Cook Counseling (walk in, no appointment needed): Thursdays and Fridays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
• GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursdays, Reading Room
• Statistical consulting by LISA: Weekdays, 1:00-3:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room; find out each consultant’s software expertise here: http://www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=walk_in
• Writing Center support for grads: Thursdays 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room (additional hours are available in the Library)

2. EARN YOUR AMATEUR/HAM RADIO LICENSE
Tuesday, Dec 11, 6:00pm, Dogwood Room of Squires Student Center
The VT Amateur Radio Association (VTARA) will be giving amateur radio license exams for a fee of $15. For more information, visit http://www.vtara.org.vt.edu  or contact Nathaniel Frissell at nafrissell@vt.edu. Learn more about ham radio in general>>.

3. VIRTUAL GLC (vGLC) CAFÉ
Wednesdays, 2:00-3:00 pm, Lobby of vGLC
Join the Graduate School Staff weekly for online chats in the vGLC. This week’s topic: open discussion. Get into the vGLC lobby at http://virtual.glc.vt.edu. The vGLC extends VT’s graduate-education community from campus to computer. Using avatars they have created, visitors to the vGLC can currently visit with Graduate-School staff about general academic questions; find Grad-School forms and policy information; consult with the Graduate Student Ombudsperson; attend virtual seminars and workshops; socialize with other vGLC visitors; and explore the vGLC space, which mirrors the real-world Graduate Life Center on the Blacksburg campus. Download the software (Create Avatar);  (Imprudence Viewer/Software) 1.4.0-beta-2 Mac (Intel) . If you have questions or suggestions, please email Jodi Cromer or Marija Telbis-Forster.

4. CRAWL FOR A CURE – RELAY FOR LIFE FUNDRAISER
Wednesday, Dec 12, downtown Blacksburg
A percentage of all profits at Frosty Parrot that evening will go to Relay For Life. Hokie House will be offering a purple drink during happy hour (5-9pm) that will benefit Relay, and the $1 cover at Big Als and TOTS will all go to Relay For Life. Enjoy Reading Day Eve and help find a CURE for cancer! This message is posted on behalf of VT Relay for Life grad liaison Erin Littleton, erinml@vt.edu.

5. HOLIDAY COOKIE DECORATING
Wednesday, Dec 12, 7:00-9:00pm, GLC Room B
Free and open to all graduate students! GLC Fellows will provide the cookies and decorating supplies; all you need to do is join them. Please contact Emily  with any questions.

6. GHS THANK YOU BREAKFAST
Thursday, Dec 13, 9:00-10:30am, GLC Student Organization Offices area (across from ABP)
Graduate Honor System panelists and anyone interested in learning more about the GHS are invited to this end-of-the-year breakfast to recognize and thank those who have participated in honor system activities this fall as volunteer panelists, and provide an opportunity for students to learn more about the GHS and their possible roles in it. Please stop by as your time allows. Please register if you plan to attend.

7. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Dec 13, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
The GLC Café is offered throughout the semester with free coffee, tea and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. Bring your own mug if you can. 

8. CXWORX CORE CLASS
Thursday, Dec 13, 5:00pm, GLC Multipurpose room
Join GLC Fellow Emily (who won first place in her age group at last Saturday’s 5K Jingle Bell Run in Roanoke) as she leads the Les Mills 30 minute core class, CXWORX. Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers and bring water and a towel! Contact Emily with any questions.

9. THERAPY DOGS AT THE GLC
Thursday, Dec 13, 6:00-7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Our friends from VT Helping PAWS (Pet Assisted Wellness Service) will visit for stress relief and companionship on Reading Day. All graduate students are welcome to stop by and enjoy the dogs in the GLC Multipurpose Room. Please contact Andrae Hash (hashas@vt.edu) if you have any questions.

10. FINALS WEEK OPEN STUDY ROOMS IN GLC
Friday-Thursday, Dec 14-20, all day, Rooms F and G
Rooms F and G have been designated as open study rooms during finals week. No reservations are required; feel free to take advantage of the various study spaces in the GLC as you prepare for exams and complete final projects! All the best for everyone!

11. GRADUATE SCHOOL SPECIAL CLOSURE: Friday, Dec 14, 11:30am-2:00pm.

12. BLUE RIDGE WORKSHOP @ SOLITUDE
Fridays, Oct-May, 3:00-4:00pm, Solitude of Virginia Tech
Creative and literary workshop with VT/RU alumni, teacher and poet T. Byron Kelly. Weekly attendance is optional and participants can attend whenever they want to join as well. Visit the workshop webpage at http://blueridgeworkshop.weebly.com/  for more information. Email Dr. Anita Puckett with questions or concerns at apuckett@vt.edu, or to T. Byron Kelly at tbyron@vt.edu.

13. NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS NOW OPEN
A number of prestigious awards are granted to graduate students each year, carrying a monetary prize ($500-$1000 each) and award certificate. Consider applying or discuss the possibility of your nomination by your advisor/department for any of the following awards that will be given out during the Graduate School’s annual awards banquet on March 28, 2013:

• Outstanding Dissertation in (1) math, sciences and engineering, and (1) in social sciences, business and humanities
• Graduate Student Teaching Excellence
• Graduate Student Service Excellence
• Graduate Man and Woman of the Year
• Outstanding master’s and doctoral student in each college and in interdisciplinary programs

More information about criteria, forms, and process for nomination>>.

14. SPRING COURSE: GRAD5304 PREPARING THE FUTURE CAREER PROFESSIONAL
Tuesdays, 1:00-3:30pm, spring 2013
This class is designed to provide graduate students with knowledge, skills and abilities to prepare for employment in industry, business, government, research development and non-profit worlds. Topics will include communication, collaboration/teamwork, motivation, workplace and community ethics, leadership, building relationships, starting a business, managing change, writing a resume and cover letter, and working in a diverse environment.

15. ALUMNI TRIP TO EUROPE
The Virginia Tech Alumni Association invites you to celebrate your college successes with an unforgettable voyage through Europe. Travel with fellow grads, see the world and make friends for life. The trip takes place May 28-Jun 15, 2013; extended tour ends Jun 20. Seats are limited. For more information or to book your trip, contact the VT Alumni Association, 540-231-6285; alumnitravel@vt.edu; or visit http://www.alumniworldtravel.com/vt.html.

16. SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS SURVEY – 2nd posting
The Society of Women Engineers(SWE) at VirginiaTech wants to know more about you. SWE is an international organization that strives to aspire, advance and achieve. At VT, they participate in several events which are directed towards the community, future engineers and members. They are looking for your input to help serve graduate students at VT better. You can help by filling out this quick and short survey. You can also write in to Graduate Liaison Officer, Sreyoshi Bhaduri (sreyoshibhaduri@gmail.com) with your ideas, questions, comments and suggestions. More information about SWE and the work they do>>.

17. GSA EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT – HALF ASSISTANTSHIP OPENING – 2nd posting
The GSA is searching for an executive assistant for the remainder of the 2012-2013 academic year. Must be a full-time graduate students in Blacksburg. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, exercise sound judgment, function efficiently in a fast-paced environment, have a commitment to providing professional administrative support and a constructive, team-oriented approach to work, and a genuine interest to be part of the Graduate Student Assembly. All submitted applications (letter of interest, and curriculum vitae) shall be reviewed by the GSA Executive Board, and interviews with the finalists will be held. This is a 50% assistantship (10 hrs/wk); check the GSA website for details. Please send any applications or questions to Shaimaa Abdallah, GSA President, at shaimaa@vt.edu.  Application deadline: 8:00am Dec 18.

18. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR 2ND CANCER SYMPOSIUM – 2nd posting
Cancer Research Scholars is an interdisciplinary student organization that brings together cancer researchers represented across various departments, colleges, and labs at Virginia Tech. They organized the first cancer research symposium 2 years ago (http://www.cancerresearchscholars.org.vt.edu/) and now  are looking for motivated and committed volunteers to organize the second one. The symposium gives researchers an opportunity to learn from one another and network for potential future collaboration. It also promotes the visibility of cancer research within the community. If you are interested in getting involved, please fill this doodle poll to attend the first general meeting and email Alireza Salamzandeh (alireza@vt.edu) your contact info as well as your questions and suggestions.
 
19. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR PAID VIRTUAL REALITY STUDY – 2nd posting
Researchers are looking for participants for a study on Virtual Reality for Sport Anxiety. The study is investigating the potential of virtual reality to be used as a training platform to prepare athletes for high-pressure situations. No sport experience is needed. The study will consist of defending simulated soccer penalty kicks in a variety of conditions. All participants will be paid a base rate of $10, plus $0.10 per ‘SAVE’.  The maximum potential payout is $30 ($10 base + $20 performance). The study will take place in the VisCube in Torgesson 3050. Participants must be over the age of 18. The study will last 60-90 minutes. Contact Cheryl Stinson for details (cstinson@vt.edu).

20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BALANCE/GAIT STUDY – 2nd posting
Subjects are needed for a VT study investigating balance and gait. The study will take place in Kevin P Granata Biomechanics Lab in 208 Norris Hall. The study will take about 1.5 hours to complete, and subjects will be paid $20 for their participation. If you are interested, please email your name, age, height, and weight. Overweight individuals are especially needed.

21. CHILD PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR DARK-/NIGHT-FEARS STUDY – 3rd posting
Does your child refuse to enter dark rooms? Do you have to leave a light on in the hallway or in your child’s room? Is bedtime a struggle each night? A new research project is looking at the effectiveness of two novel treatments for dark fears and being alone at night in children ages 5 to 7. The study is being conducted at the Child Study Center at 460 Turner St. N.W., Suite 207, Blacksburg. For more information, contact Sarah Terrell or call 540-231-8276. Compensation is $50.

22. UPCOMING EVENTS:

EXTERNAL FUNDING FOR GRAD STUDENTS IN SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES
Monday, Dec 17, 7:00pm, Blacksburg (Norris Global Technology Center), Falls Church (room TBA), Alexandria (room TBA)
Information will be shared by Tom Ewing, Associate Dean, CLAHS about external fellowships and grants available to graduate students, with particular attention to opportunities in the humanities, social sciences, education, human sciences, and creative arts.

DATA BOOT CAMP: COMBATING THE DATA DELUGE: register now!
Tuesday-Wednesday, Jan 8-9, Torg 1100C
Register before Dec 21 for this free two-day workshop offered by the library to help you learn best practices in data management, which is an important topic for researchers and scholars across domains. Requirements by funding agencies for data management plans encourage researchers to plan ahead for data management and help to promote practices that facilitate reproducible research, data use and reuse, and interoperability among distributed systems.  Instructors at both Virginia Tech and UVA will cover topics such as understanding research data; the graduate student research lifecycle, organizing data, file formats and transformation, documentation and metadata, storage and security, data protection, rights and access, and preservation, sharing and licensing.  Space is limited to 15 students at each campus location. Light refreshments will be provided.  RSVP to Associate Dean for Research and Informatics Julie Speer by December 21.

GLC BOOK CLUB
Open to all graduate students! The next book is “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Read the book during the winter break, then meet with other grad students on Jan 22 at 8pm in the GLC Fellows office to discuss it and pick the next book as well. Contact Emily or Mark at eceskew@vt.edu or esmark86@vt.edu respectively for any questions.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

• Career advising (walk in, no appointment needed): Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
• Cook Counseling (walk in, no appointment needed): Thursdays and Fridays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
• GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursdays, Reading Room
• Statistical consulting by LISA: Weekdays, 1:00-3:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room; find out each consultant’s software expertise here: http://www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=walk_in
• Writing Center support for grads: Thursdays 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room (additional hours are available in the Library)

2. AEL PRESENTS LAST LECTURE SERIES: DR. E.S. GELLER
Monday, Dec 3, 5:30pm, GLC Room G
Alpha Epsilon Lambda, the academic excellence and leadership honor society, invites you to its last lecture speaking event, presenting Dr. E. S. Geller and his lecture – Life Lessons from Psychological Science: Bringing the best out of yourself and others. For any questions, please contact Tammy Parece.
   
3. GSA DONUTS WITH THE DEAN
Tuesday, Dec 4, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Lounge
GSA is holding the second dialogue with dean DePauw.  Stop by to ask questions, talk with fellow grad students and enjoy donuts from Carol Lee.

4. VIRTUAL GLC (vGLC) CAFÉ
Wednesdays, starting Nov 28, 2:00-3:00 pm, Lobby of vGLC
Join the Graduate School Staff weekly for online chats in the vGLC. This week’s topic: open discussion. Get into the vGLC lobby. The vGLC extends VT’s graduate-education community from campus to computer. Using avatars they have created, visitors to the vGLC can currently visit with Graduate-School staff about general academic questions; find Grad-School forms and policy information; consult with the Graduate Student Ombudsperson; attend virtual seminars and workshops; socialize with other vGLC visitors; and explore the vGLC space, which mirrors the real-world Graduate Life Center on the Blacksburg campus. Download the software; if you have questions or suggestions, please email Jodi Cromer or Marija Telbis-Forster.

5. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Dec 6, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
The GLC Café is offered throughout the semester with free coffee, tea and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. Bring your own mug if you can. 

6. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE CHILDCARE ON THU NIGHTS
Thursdays, 6:00pm, VT Women’s Center 206 Washington Street    
A free weekly drop-in evening child care program for kids. 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. No need to pre-register. Childcare provided by the women of Chi Delta Alpha sorority. KNO will be held every Thursday throughout the semester with the exception of home football games and when classes are not in session. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu.

7. SAFE ZONE TRAINING: SUICIDE WATCH AND PREVENTION
Friday, Dec 7, 1:00-3:00pm, GLC Room D
Concerned about a student or a friend?  Learn how to recognize issues and support students, friends, and colleagues.  Sponsored by The Raft Crisis Hotline, a free service offering suicide intervention, empathy and support to residents of the NRV. Raft is a program of New River Valley Community Services and has been serving the local community for over forty years. A majority of the hotline’s volunteers have been VT students and an official partnership was formed through the former Raft Hotline Manager, Brittany Mabry, and VT’s LGBTQ Coordinator, Catherine Cotrupi, to offer Suicide Watch and Prevention training to VT Safe Zones.  This session is led by Raft Crisis Hotline Manager, Rebecca Bryce. Please sign up here. Questions?  Contact Tara at tara@vt.edu

8. GSA INTERNATIONAL BEER TASTING
Friday, Dec 7, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC Lounge
GSA is hosting this international beer tasting with flavors from around the world! The cost is $5.00 per person (cash) at the door for 4 tastings, 1 beer, and snacks ($2 for snacks only). All graduate students, post-docs, and faculty are invited. Please direct any questions to Cory Brozina (sbrozina@vt.edu).

9. SWEATERFEST:  FARADAY, MERCHANTS OF SEVEN, JUGBUSTERS
Friday, Dec 7, 7:00pm, Cafe at Champs (entrance opposite of Main street)
Live music: Faraday, Merchants of Seven, Jugbusters. Contest: Ugly sweater auction during first set change, ugly sweater contest for prizes in second set change. Cover: $5.00 charge at door to help Engineers Without Borders-VT build a septic system for a Mayan boarding school in Xix, Guatemala.  More info>>. This message is posted on behalf of grad student Becky Halvorson Lahr, rhlahr@gmail.com.

10. NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS NOW OPEN
A number of prestigious awards are granted to graduate students each year, carrying a monetary prize ($500-$1000 each) and award certificate. Consider applying or discuss the possibility of your nomination by your advisor/department for any of the following awards that will be given out during the Graduate School’s annual awards banquet on March 28, 2013:

• Outstanding Dissertation in (1) math, sciences and engineering, and (1) in social sciences, business and humanities
• Graduate Student Teaching Excellence
• Graduate Student Service Excellence
• Graduate Man and Woman of the Year
• Outstanding master’s and doctoral student in each college and in interdisciplinary programs

More information about criteria, forms, and process for nomination>>.

11. SPRING COURSE: GRAD5304 PREPARING THE FUTURE CAREER PROFESSIONAL
Tuesdays, 1:00-3:30pm, spring 2013
This class is designed to provide graduate students with knowledge, skills and abilities to prepare for employment in industry, business, government, research development and non-profit worlds. Topics will include communication, collaboration/teamwork, motivation, workplace and community ethics, leadership, building relationships, starting a business, managing change, writing a resume and cover letter, and working in a diverse environment.

12. SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS SURVEY – 1st posting
The Society of Women Engineers(SWE) at VirginiaTech wants to know more about you. SWE is an international organization that strives to aspire, advance and achieve. At VT, they participate in several events which are directed towards the community, future engineers and members. They are looking for your input to help serve graduate students at VT better. You can help by filling out this quick and short survey. You can also write in to Graduate Liaison Officer, Sreyoshi Bhaduri (sreyoshibhaduri@gmail.com) with your ideas, questions, comments and suggestions. For information about SWE and the work they do, please visit: https://sites.google.com/site/swevatech/about-us.

13. DIVERSITY SCHOLAR APPLICATION DEADLINE: 12/6
Diversity scholars are graduate students who specialize in and advocate for the awareness, knowledge, and skills associated with diversity and inclusion in the Graduate School and greater community. A diversity scholar’s goal is to create dialogue, provide advocacy, and implement change for a more diverse and inclusive experience for all graduate students, faculty, staff, and administrators. Nominations are open now. The deadline is Dec 6, 2012. Learn more  or contact Dannette Beane at dannette@vt.edu.
   
14. GSA EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT – HALF ASSISTANTSHIP OPENING – 1st posting
The GSA is searching for an executive assistant for the remainder of the 2012-2013 academic year. Must be a full-time graduate students in Blacksburg. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, exercise sound judgment, function efficiently in a fast-paced environment, have a commitment to providing professional administrative support and a constructive, team-oriented approach to work, and a genuine interest to be part of the Graduate Student Assembly. All submitted applications (letter of interest, and curriculum vitae) shall be reviewed by the GSA Executive Board, and interviews with the finalists will be held. This is a 50% assistantship (10 hrs/wk); check the GSA website for details. Please send any applications or questions to Shaimaa Abdallah, GSA President, at shaimaa@vt.edu. 

15. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR GSA INTL BEER TASTING
GSA is looking for volunteers to help with the international beer tasting on Friday, Dec 7, 5-7pm in the GLC Lounge. Take part and help out in the GSA’s last event of the semester.  Tasks will include setting-up, serving beer and food, and cleaning up.  Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older.  Please contact Elaine Mathis (efm28@vt.edu) if you are interested.

16. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR 2ND CANCER SYMPOSIUM – 1st posting
Cancer Research Scholars is an interdisciplinary student organization that brings together cancer researchers represented across various departments, colleges, and labs at Virginia Tech. They organized the first cancer research symposium 2 years ago  and now  are looking for motivated and committed volunteers to organize the second one. The symposium gives researchers an opportunity to learn from one another and network for potential future collaboration. It also promotes the visibility of cancer research within the community. If you are interested in getting involved, please fill this doodle poll to attend the first general meeting and email Alireza Salamzandeh (alireza@vt.edu) your contact info as well as your questions and suggestions.
 
17. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR PAID VIRTUAL REALITY STUDY – 1st posting
Researchers are looking for participants for a study on Virtual Reality for Sport Anxiety. The study is investigating the potential of virtual reality to be used as a training platform to prepare athletes for high-pressure situations. No sport experience is needed. The study will consist of defending simulated soccer penalty kicks in a variety of conditions. All participants will be paid a base rate of $10, plus $0.10 per ‘SAVE’.  The maximum potential payout is $30 ($10 base + $20 performance). The study will take place in the VisCube in Torgesson 3050. Participants must be over the age of 18. The study will last 60-90 minutes. Contact Cheryl Stinson for details.

18. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BALANCE/GAIT STUDY – 1st posting
Subjects are needed for a VT study investigating balance and gait. The study will take place in Kevin P Granata Biomechanics Lab in 208 Norris Hall. The study will take about 1.5 hours to complete, and subjects will be paid $20 for their participation. If you are interested, please email your name, age, height, and weight . Overweight individuals are especially needed.

19. CHILD PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR DARK-/NIGHT-FEARS STUDY – 2nd posting
Does your child refuse to enter dark rooms? Do you have to leave a light on in the hallway or in your child’s room? Is bedtime a struggle each night? A new research project is looking at the effectiveness of two novel treatments for dark fears and being alone at night in children ages 5 to 7. The study is being conducted at the Child Study Center at 460 Turner St. N.W., Suite 207, Blacksburg. For more information, contact Sarah Terrell or call 540-231-8276. Compensation is $50.

20. COMMENCEMENT VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT – 3rd posting
The university commencement committee is seeking graduate student volunteers to serve as ushers at the Spring ceremonies on Dec 21. The University Graduate Commencement will be held at 3:00 pm in Cassell Coliseum and the University Ceremony will be at 11:00 am. Ushers should arrive at least one hour prior to the ceremony. If you are interested in serving the university community in this manner, please contact Thomas W. Broyles, or by phone at 540-239-4365.

21. UPCOMING EVENTS:

MEASURING INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE: DESIGNING ASSESSMENT TO STRENGTHEN DIVERSITY
Monday, Dec 10, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room C
How do you define and measure diversity? How do you gauge change? The presenters will lead a discussion on measurement and assessment issues related to diversity initiatives, current activities underway, and future directions.  Please register here.

EARN YOUR AMATEUR/HAM RADIO LICENSE
Tuesday, Dec 11, 6:00pm, Dogwood Room of Squires Student Center
The VT Amateur Radio Association (VTARA) will be giving amateur radio license exams for a fee of $15. For more information, visit http://www.vtara.org.vt.edu  or contact Nathaniel Frissell at nafrissell@vt.edu. Learn more about ham radio in general>>.

HOLIDAY COOKIE DECORATING
Wednesday, Dec 12, 7:00-9:00pm, GLC Room B
Free and open to all graduate students! GLC Fellows will provide the cookies and decorating supplies; all you need to do is join them. Please contact Emily with any questions.

CXWORX CORE CLASS
Thursday, Dec 13, 5:00pm, GLC Multipurpose room
Join GLC Fellow Emily as she leads the Les Mills 30 minute core class, CXWORX. Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers and bring water and a towel! Please contact Emily with any questions.

THERAPY DOGS AT THE GLC
Thursday, Dec 13, 6:00-7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Our friends from VT Helping PAWS (Pet Assisted Wellness Service) will visit for stress relief and companionship on Reading Day. All graduate students are welcome to stop by and enjoy the dogs in the GLC Multipurpose Room. Please contact Andrae Hash if you have any questions.

EXTERNAL FUNDING FOR GRAD STUDENTS IN SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES
Monday, Dec 17, 7:00pm, Blacksburg (Norris Global Technology Center), Falls Church (room TBA), Alexandria (room TBA)
Information will be shared by Tom Ewing, Associate Dean, CLAHS about external fellowships and grants available to graduate students, with particular attention to opportunities in the humanities, social sciences, education, human sciences, and creative arts.

1.  WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

• Career Services walk-in advising: Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
• Cook Counseling walk-in services: Thursdays and Fridays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
• GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursday, Reading Room – year round!
• Graduate School business hours: M,Tu,Th,F: 8:00am-5:00pm; W: 9:30am-5:00pm
• Writing Center walk-in assistance:  Thursdays 2-5pm, GLC Room D (additional hours available in the library)

 2. EARN YOUR AMATEUR/HAM RADIO LICENSE
Tuesday, Dec 3, 7:00pm, Dogwood Room of Squires Student Center
The VT Amateur Radio Association (VTARA) will be giving amateur radio license exams for a fee of $15. For more information, visit http://www.vtara.org.vt.edu/?q=node/5 or contact Nathaniel Frissell at nafrissell@vt.edu. If you want to learn more about ham radio in general, visit http://www.arrl.org.

3. GLC GAME NIGHT WITH CUPCAKES
Tuesday, Dec 3, 8:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
This is going to be a night of fun, games, more fun, and more games. If none of those appeal to you, then there will be cupcakes too. Come ready to make some friends, play games, and eat cupcakes. If you think you’ll be able to stop by, please sign up at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1385092153597 to help organizers estimate food amounts.

4. DOCUMENTARY FILM: SOMM
Wednesday, Dec 4, 7:00pm, theater in West Ambler Johnston
The Phi Beta Delta international honor society will show a documentary movie about four sommeliers who attempt to pass the Master Sommelier exam, a test with one of the lowest pass rates in the world. Following the screening there will be an international wine tasting at the Continental Divide. Both events are free but attendance is limited to 50 participants, so reservations are necessary. Please email Betty Watts at bettyw@vt.edu to RSVP or if additional information is required.

5. GLC CAFÉ: NOTHING SPECIAL THURSDAY
Thursday, Dec 5, 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.

6. NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS NOW OPEN – 1st posting
A number of prestigious awards are granted to graduate students each year, carrying a monetary prize ($200-$1000 each) and award certificate. Discuss the possibility of your nomination by your advisor, department or fellow student for any of the following awards that will be given out during the Graduate School’s annual awards banquet on March 27, 2014:

• Outstanding Dissertation in (1) math, sciences and engineering, and (1) in social sciences, business and humanities
• Preston Society Master’s Thesis Award
• Graduate Student Teaching Excellence (1) for GTA instructor of record (1) GTA instructor assistant
• Graduate Student Service Excellence
• Graduate Student of the Year (up to three awards given)
• Outstanding master’s and doctoral student in each college and in interdisciplinary programs

More information about criteria, forms, and process for nomination are at: http://graduateschool.vt.edu/awards.

7. CALL FOR RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM WEBSITE DESIGNER – 1st posting
The GSA is looking for a web designer for the research symposium website.  Candidates should be proficient in Drupal and PHP coding and must be a VT student. Submit your resume and cover letter to Mordecai Harvey at mordie02@vt.edu by the end of Dec 9, 2013. 

8. START-UP CLASS FOR STUDENTS AND STUDENT TEAMS – 3rd posting
The StartUp Class is a semester-long course for teams of students who are interested in learning to become technology leaders and innovators through a structured curriculum that focuses on the development of a business model through customer discovery and assessment of product market fit. Teams will receive structured mentoring and have the opportunity to connect to professionals and fellow entrepreneurs.  This is not a lecture class; participants work on or form their own start up idea. This is a 3-credit elective for those who want to learn more about their own startup/business, open to any major and both grad and ugrad students. Offered Wednesdays, 4-7pm at the new incubator space in Collegiate Square (below the Next Door Bakery). If you are interested, contact startup@vt.edu.

9. CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR AEL NATIONAL GRAD HONOR SOCIETY – 3rd posting
Alpha Epsilon Lambda (AEL) was founded in 1990 specifically to honor academic excellence and leadership among graduate students.  The mission of AEL is to: confer distinction for high achievement; promote leadership development and scholarship; encourage intellectual development; enrich the intellectual environment of graduate education institutions; and encourage high standards of ethical behavior. Qualifications for membership are: (1) academic achievement in the top 35th percentile of the member’s degree program; (2) successful completion of 12 graduate credits and active enrollment in a degree program; (3) demonstrated leadership through involvement in on-campus or off-campus activities while a graduate student. Download application form at http://www.ael.graduateschool.vt.edu/application-process/ and email it to Marwa Abdel Latif at mka3@vt.edu. Submit your completed application by Jan 20.

10. CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR XCALIBER AWARD – 3rd posting
The XCaliber award recognizes faculty, graduate teaching assistants, and teams (faculty/ staff/ students) who have made notable contributions to integrating innovative technology in teaching and learning in a course or in a significant technology-enriched project. All graduate students and faculty are eligible for the award. If you know of someone who has done outstanding technology-enriched teaching and learning in 2013, or if you know of a group of individuals who have contributed to a significant technology-enriched project, please complete the online nomination form by Dec 6, 2013. Self-nominations are also welcome. For more information and to access the online nomination form, visit http://tlos.vt.edu/xcaliber_awards/.

11. DEANS FORUM ON GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT SURVEY – 2nd posting
The Deans’ Forum on Global Engagement will be held March 25–27, 2014. Because this overlaps with the GSA’s Research Symposium on March 26, the Deans’ Forum organizing committee is looking to partner with the GSA by providing a parallel session focused on international careers. Organizers of the forum invite you to complete a short survey regarding your potential interest in a parallel session; your input will help guide the planning of the program. Access the survey at: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8HvS9KdeUJIGsER. For questions or feedback, contact: Kim Lester at kimml61@vt.edu.

12. RESEARCH SUBJECTS NEEDED FOR TRIP, FALL AND CATCH STUDY – 2nd posting
Graduate student researchers are conducting a study to investigate tripping during normal walking while carrying a tool, and the subsequent fall. The study will take approximately 2 hours and will involve walking while carrying a load and a randomly induced trip. Separately, participants will fall onto a padded mat while their movements are recorded with motion tracking cameras. Finally, subjects will fall a short distance onto a hard surface to study how people catch themselves. Preferred qualifications are 35-60 years old, BMI >25, and able to carry a 40lb tool in hands. Additional participants outside of the parameters will also be accepted as space allows. Exclusion criteria are any chronic wrist, elbow, or shoulder injuries or any injuries to the wrist, elbow, or shoulder in the past year. Participants will be compensated $10 per hour. The protocols in this study have been approved by the VT IRB (13-505). If you are interested, please contact Peter Fino, 559 Whittemore Hall, fino@vt.edu.

13. SURVEY ON RELATION BETWEEN TRAFFIC CONTROL TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL IMPACTS – 2nd posting
You are invited to complete a short survey about the relation between traffic control technology (e.g., traffic light) and social impacts (e.g., the effect on fulfilling your needs, the effect on fulfilling your rights, etc.). The information will be used for research purpose only, to help researchers determine social perspectives for designing control technology for self-driving vehicles. The survey should take you approximately 7 minutes and is available online. Your participation in this study is completely voluntary, and there are no more than minimal risks associated with participation. Your survey responses will be anonymous and confidential. Participants must be at least 18. If you have questions, contact Milos at 540-553-5949 or via email milosm@vt.edu.

14. MCPS SCHOOL LUNCH SURVEY FOR PARENTS OF K-5 CHILDREN – 3rd posting
If you are a parent of a child who attends public elementary school (pre-K through 5th grade) in Montgomery County, researchers are interested in your opinions about school lunches and packed lunches and how they affect your decision to participate in the National School Lunch Program. Complete the following short on-line survey at:  http://tinyurl.com/MCPSlunch, and you will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift-card to Target or Wal-Mart.  For questions/comments please contact Alisha Farris at alisha@vt.edu or 501-358-9264. 

15. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON MOTHERS AND CHILDREN – 3rd posting
Are you a mother who sometimes worries or has fears? Do you have a child between 7 and 12 years of age? An ongoing study is investigating how mothers and children interpret situations in their day-to-day lives. The study is being conducted at the Child Study Center at 460 Turner Street, Suite 207, Blacksburg. For more information please contact Kristin Austin at momanxiety@vt.edu or call 540-231-8276. Compensation: $50.