Author: ememisya

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC  – UPDATED 11/12/12!

• 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. GRADUATE STUDENT BOOK CLUB
Monday, Nov 26, 9:00 PM, GLC Room C
Seth Grahame-Smith’s first book, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, was a surprise hit.  Then Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter came along and got its own movie adaptation.  Want to get serious on this comic novel?  Join the GLC fellows and other graduate students for light refreshments and discuss the book for this monthly book-club series. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows.  If you have any questions, please contact Mark Smiley.

3. 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: End of Semester/Graduation Checklist. 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 . If you have questions or suggestions, please email Jodi Cromer (jodilynn@vt.edu) or Marija Telbis-Forster (mtelbisf@vt.edu).

4. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Sep 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. 

5. 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.

6. EFFECTIVE READING WORKSHOP – *NEW DATE*
Thursday, Nov 29, 5:00-8:00pm, GLC Room C
Educational researchers estimate that, at best, we retain only about 10 percent of the information that we read.  Want to improve on that estimate in your academic reading?  The key to becoming a more effective reader is to learn how academic information in published papers is structured and then to discipline one’s self to hunt for information actively rather than passively wait for the information to appear on the page.  This workshop will describe how YOU can read more actively and purposely in order to locate needed information, increase comprehension, and boast retention for later use. Questions?  Contact Tara at tara@vt.edu. Please sign up online if you plan to attend.

7. GSA DELEGATE MEETING (LAST ONE IN FALL)
Thursday, Nov 29, 5:30–7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The GSA delegate body is comprised of graduate students who serve as representatives for their respective academic departments and are liaisons to graduate students regarding graduate student issues/concerns, activities, etc offered by the GSA. If you are interested in learning more about the delegate body and how GSA functions, please attend this meeting, and register to help organizers better estimate for food and drinks. For more information please contact Shaimaa Abdallah, GSA President.

8. COMMUNITY VOICES PRESENTS PAM MCMICHAEL
Thursday, Nov 29, 7:00pm, Lyric Theatre
Pam McMichael, Director of the Highlander Research and Education Center, will present, "Did Horton Hear a Who? An Exploration of the Small and Mighty Voices of the Highlander Center: Making Change for 80 Years." Through stories spanning eight decades, McMichael’s presentation will address the power to make change through the extraordinary acts of everyday people connected to the Highlander Center. She reflects on the deep listening necessary to find, hear and amplify those community voices, and the challenges and opportunities for deep listening in our fast paced technology-filled world. The Highlander Center works with people fighting for justice, equality and sustainability, and supports their efforts to take collective action to shape their own destiny. Contact graduate student Kate Preston for more information, kapresto@vt.edu.

9. BOV GRAD LUNCH WITH PRESIDENT STEGER, PROVOST MCNAMEE, & GRAD DEAN DEPAUW
Friday, Nov 30, 12:00-1:30pm, The Inn at Virginia Tech
Attend the last graduate luncheon of the semester with president Steger, provost McNamee, and  vice president and dean for graduate education, Dr. Karen DePauw at the Inn at Virginia Tech. Spaces are limited, so if you are interested in attending, please register. Graduate students selected to attend will be contacted by Nov 28. Contact Robyn Jones, graduate representative to the BOV at bovgradrep@vt.edu with any questions.

10. CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR XCALIBER AWARD – DEADLINE DEC 1
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 2012, 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 1, 2012. All students are encouraged to nominate outstanding contributions. Self-nominations are also welcome. More information and online nomination form>>.

11. CALL FOR PAPERS FOR INTL JOURNAL ON INFO TECH & MGT – 3rd posting
You are invited to submit a paper on game mechanics and dynamics for gamification, gamification methodology, processes, strategies, and tools, innovation using gamification, human cognition and performance related to gamification, gamified learning and training, legal and ethical issues of gamification. Submit manuscript by Dec 31, 2012; final version due Apr 30, 2013. Learn more >>;  submit a paper >>. Questions: Contact Kibong Song at gibbs@vt.edu

12. DIVERSITY SCHOLAR NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN – 3rd posting
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 with questions.

13. CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS FOR KIDS’ TECH UNIVERSITY – 3rd posting
Kids’ Tech University (KTU; http://kidstechuniversity.vbi.vt.edu), invites 
undergrad and grad students to turning their research into a hands-on exhibit.
If you are interested in honing your presentation skills to create a research centric hands-on event hosted on the VT campus, you may apply for a grant award ($50-100) to support your project, to be used towards supplies that KTU leaders will purchase; no money will be exchanged or given directly to award recipients.
Dates for hands-on events include: Jan 26, Feb 23, or Mar 23, 2013 (tentatively 1:30-4:00pm). All interested students must fill out the registration form. You will be asked to meet with Dr. Kristy Collins to discuss your project.

14. CHILD PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR DARK-/NIGHT-FEARS STUDY – 1st 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.

15. COMMENCEMENT VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT – 2nd 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, tbroyles@vt.edu, or by phone at 540-239-4365.

16. UPCOMING EVENTS:

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 at tammyep@vt.edu

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

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC 
Our weekly services are on hiatus during Thanksgiving break.

2. T-BREAK CHILI LUNCHEON
Monday, Nov 19, 11:30-1:00 in the GLC Multipurpose Room
You are not alone! Join others who don’t get to leave for Thanksgiving break and enjoy some wholesome home-cooked vegetarian or meat chili, corn bread, rice, and cookies, brought to you by your friendly and caring GLC- and Grad-School staff. We asked you to register by 2:00pm on Friday, Nov 16, to help us estimate how much we need to cook. However, if you didn’t register and still want to join us, please come! We cooked enough for 100+. We ask that before going back for seconds, wait until everyone has been served once. 

3. COMMENCEMENT VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT – 1st 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, tbroyles@vt.edu, or by phone at 540-239-4365.

4. CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR XCALIBER AWARD – DEADLINE DEC 1
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 2012, 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 1, 2012. All students are encouraged to nominate outstanding contributions. Self-nominations are also welcome. More information and online nomination form.

5. CALL FOR PAPERS FOR INTL JOURNAL ON INFO TECH & MGT – 2nd posting
You are invited to submit a paper on game mechanics and dynamics for gamification, gamification methodology, processes, strategies, and tools, innovation using gamification, human cognition and performance related to gamification, gamified learning and training, legal and ethical issues of gamification. Submit manuscript by Dec 31, 2012; final version due Apr 30, 2013. Learn more >>; to submit a paper. Questions: Contact Kibong Song at gibbs@vt.edu

6. DIVERSITY SCHOLAR NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN – 2nd posting
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.

7. CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS FOR KIDS’ TECH UNIVERSITY – 2nd posting
Kids’ Tech University (KTU; http://kidstechuniversity.vbi.vt.edu), invites 
undergrad and grad students to turning their research into a hands-on exhibit.
If you are interested in honing your presentation skills to create a research centric hands-on event hosted on the VT campus, you may apply for a grant award ($50-100) to support your project, to be used towards supplies that KTU leaders will purchase; no money will be exchanged or given directly to award recipients. Dates for hands-on events include: Jan 26, Feb 23, or Mar 23, 2013 (tentatively 1:30-4:00pm). All interested students must fill out the form at: http://kidstechuniversity.vbi.vt.edu/undergrads.php. You will be asked to meet with Dr. Kristy Collins to discuss your project.

8. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR SURVEY ON MOBILE PHONES AND CONTEXT REMINDERS – 3rd  posting
A graduate-student team would appreciate any feedback you can provide through this survey for a class project. Their research is related to context awareness and mobile reminders. If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Alan Baines at abaines@vt.edu.

9. UPCOMING EVENTS:

GRADUATE STUDENT BOOK CLUB
Monday, Nov 26, 9:00 PM, GLC Room C
Seth Grahame-Smith’s first book, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, was a surprise hit.  Then Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter came along and got its own movie adaptation.  Want to get serious on this comic novel?  Join the GLC fellows and other graduate students for light refreshments and discuss the book for this monthly book-club series. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows.  If you have any questions, please contact Mark Smiley at esmark86@vt.edu.

THE VIRTUAL GLC CAFÉ
Wednesdays, starting Nov 28, 2:00-3:00 pm, Lobby of vGLC
Join the Graduate School Staff weekly for online chats in the Virtual Graduate Life Center (vGLC). This week’s topic: End of Semester/Graduation Checklist. Get into the vGLC lobby. The Virtual Graduate Life Center (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).

EFFECTIVE READING WORKSHOP – *NEW DATE*
Thursday, Nov 29, 5:00-8:00pm, GLC Room C
Educational researchers estimate that, at best, we retain only about 10 percent of the information that we read.  Want to improve on that estimate in your academic reading?  The key to becoming a more effective reader is to learn how academic information in published papers is structured and then to discipline one’s self to hunt for information actively rather than passively wait for the information to appear on the page.  This workshop will describe how YOU can read more actively and purposely in order to locate needed information, increase comprehension, and boast retention for later use. Questions?  Contact Tara at tara@vt.edu. Please sign up online.

GSA DELEGATE MEETING (LAST ONE IN FALL)
Thursday, Nov 29, 5:30–7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The GSA delegate body is comprised of graduate students who serve as representatives for their respective academic departments and are liaisons to graduate students regarding graduate student issues/concerns, activities, etc offered by the GSA. If you are interested in learning more about the delegate body and how GSA functions, please attend this meeting, and register to help organizers better estimate for food and drinks. For more information please contact Shaimaa Abdallah, GSA President.

COMMUNITY VOICES PRESENTS PAM MCMICHAEL
Thursday, Nov 29, 7:00pm, Lyric Theatre
Pam McMichael, Director of the Highlander Research and Education Center, will present, "Did Horton Hear a Who? An Exploration of the Small and Mighty Voices of the Highlander Center: Making Change for 80 Years." Through stories spanning eight decades, McMichael’s presentation will address the power to make change through the extraordinary acts of everyday people connected to the Highlander Center. She reflects on the deep listening necessary to find, hear and amplify those community voices, and the challenges and opportunities for deep listening in our fast paced technology-filled world. The Highlander Center works with people fighting for justice, equality and sustainability, and supports their efforts to take collective action to shape their own destiny. Contact graduate student Kate Preston for more information, kapresto@vt.edu.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC  – UPDATED 11/12/12!

• 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
• Writing Center support for grads: Thursdays 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room (additional hours are available in the Library)

2. “GREENING THE GLC” INFORMATION SESSIONS
Monday Nov 12, 11am-1pm, Graduate School Lobby
Are you interested in learning how to make the Graduate Life Center more “green” and sustainable? Do you want to learn more about sustainability at VT? Do you want to test your sustainability knowledge with some fun trivia questions? The information sessions will include information about sustainability at Virginia Tech and the “Greening the GLC Initiative” student team. Graduate students, GLC residents, GLC staff, and the general campus community are invited to stop by and chat with representatives about sustainability in the GLC and throughout campus. If you have any questions, please contact Alyssa Halle, graduate assistant with the Office of Energy & Sustainability, at ahalle@vt.edu.

3. MAKING RUBRICS MEANINGFUL
Monday, Nov 12, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room C
Learn how to design rubrics to make your life easier and how to apply them for use in assessment.  Sign up at http://www.cideronline.org/events/events2.cfm Sponsored by the Office of Assessment and Evaluation.

4. SHORT STAT COURSE FOR GRADS: INTRODUCTION TO R, PART 3
Monday, Nov 12, 5:00-7:00pm, 3060 Torgersen Hall;
R is a free computing and graphical software/environment for statistical analysis. Taught by instructors Liang Shan and Han Li, this short course consists of 3 sections: (1) introduces the concept of generalized linear models.  R will be used for performing logistic regression and Poisson regression. (2) introduces the concept of categorical data analysis. Topics include: graphical displays of categorical data, measures of association, and contingency tables analyses. (3) will cover writing functions in R. Users can write functions in R to carry out operations  and return one or more values. Experience using R or attending Part I and Part II of this series is suggested but not required for Part III. R can be downloaded here. RStudio can be downloaded here. LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) provides a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research and learn  practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data. Register and to learn more>>.

5. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Nov 15, 30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
The GLC Café is offered throughout the semester with free coffee and tea in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. Bring your own mug if you can. 

6. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT
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. GRADUATE SCHOOL DEMYSTIFIED: A CONVENIENT TRUTH PRESENTED BY BGSO
Thursday, Nov 15, 6:30-8:00pm, GLC Room F
BGSO will host an event to inform upper-class undergrads from underrepresented groups in their respective fields about life in grad school. Come share your experience with these aspiring grad students. Contact Vice President Eric Fouh with any questions at efouh@vt.edu. Follow BGSO on Facebook.

8. 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  for more information. Email Dr. Anita Puckett with questions or concerns at apuckett@vt.edu, or to T. Byron Kelly at tbyron@vt.edu.

9. DIWALI CELEBRATION 2012
Friday, Nov 16, 5:30-9:30pm, Burruss Hall / Squires
The Indian Student Association is proud to present the Diwali celebrations with  a dazzling cultural show composed of dance and musical performances taking place in Burruss Hall, followed by a spectacular fireworks show and completing the evening with mouthwatering dishes from Taaza served in Commonwealth Ballroom in Squires. For more details on the event and dinner tickets, contact vtisa@outlook.com

10. SUPPORT A CLOTHING DRIVE
The Blacksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is hosting its annual clothing drive from Nov 1-16. On-campus clothing donation boxes are in Femoyer Hall and the Integrated Life Sciences Building (1981 Kraft Drive) in the Corporate Research Center. Off-campus locations include the Blacksburg Community Center and the Radford Library. Clothes will be donated to the Radford Clothing Bank which distributes clothes to families throughout the New River Valley. This message is posted on behalf of grad student Kacie Allen, kaciea1@vt.edu.

11. CALL FOR PAPERS FOR INTL JOURNAL ON INFO TECH & MGT
You are invited to submit a paper on game mechanics and dynamics for gamification, gamification methodology, processes, strategies, and tools, innovation using gamification, human cognition and performance related to gamification, gamified learning and training, legal and ethical issues of gamification. Submit manuscript by Dec 31, 2012; final version due Apr 30, 2013. Learn more>>;  submit a paper here. Questions: Contact Kibong Song at gibbs@vt.edu.

12. DIVERSITY SCHOLAR NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN
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 >>. Contact Dannette Beane at dannette@vt.edu with questions.

13. CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS FOR KIDS’ TECH UNIVERSITY – 1st posting
Kids’ Tech University (KTU; http://kidstechuniversity.vbi.vt.edu), invites 
undergrad and grad students to turning their research into a hands-on exhibit.
If you are interested in honing your presentation skills to create a research centric hands-on event hosted on the VT campus, you may apply for a grant award ($50-100) to support your project, to be used towards supplies that KTU leaders will purchase; no money will be exchanged or given directly to award recipients. Dates for hands-on events include: Jan 26, Feb 23, or Mar 23, 2013 (tentatively 1:30-4:00pm). All interested students must fill out the form. You will be asked to meet with Dr. Kristy Collins to discuss your project.

14. PRESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP (PMF) – correction
Applications for the Class of 2013 application period will open on Monday, Nov 5 and close on Monday, Nov 19, 2012. Applicants can now submit their application and documents directly online and no longer need approval from a university official. The Form 1300 is no longer required unless an applicant opts to fax the application documents rather than submit on line, and the form will be made available if that option is selected. Also new this year, on November 9th the PMF program office will offer Virtual Office Hours on-line through Adobe Connect and will have dedicated PMF Program Office staff to answer questions as submitted.  Applicants can connect at http://opm.adobeconnect.com/pmf2013applicantchat/ and select “Enter as a Guest.” Application information is available at the PMF website www.pmf.gov.  

15. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR SURVEY ON MOBILE PHONES AND CONTEXT REMINDERS – 2nd posting
A graduate-student team would appreciate any feedback you can provide through this survey for a class project. Their research is related to context awareness and mobile reminders. If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Alan Baines at abaines@vt.edu.

16. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH PROJECT ON BT EXPERIENCES – 3rd posting
Researchers are conducting a study focused on capturing customers’ experiences riding Blacksburg Transit and using Blacksburg Transit’s website.  If you are above 18, take Blacksburg Transit at least three times a week, including trips to places other than campus, and have a smart phone, researchers would like to interview you about your experiences taking the bus. The interview should take 30-45 minutes and your responses and participation will be kept confidential. If you are interested, please contact Yushi Yang.

17. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON ADVISOR/ADVISEE RELATIONSHIPS – 3rd posting
VT researchers are conducting a study on how international and domestic PhD students experience their relationship with their doctoral advisor within an education-related discipline. International and domestic doctoral students who have completed at least one year in an education-related program are invited to participate in this study. Participation is completely confidential.  Your identity will be known only to the co-investigators of this study and every effort will be made to mask any identifying information.  Participation will have no impact on grades, academic standing or eligibility for any activities, and does not include any compensation. If you are interested, please email Nicole Johnson at nicj712@vt.edu. Participants will be selected at random from the pool of volunteers. Must be 18 or older and in at least second year of doctoral study.

18. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR MUSCLE FATIGUE STUDY – 3rd posting
Participants are needed for a study assessing the effect of localized muscle fatigue on slip and fall risks. The study consists of 4 experimental sessions (each lasting approximately 2-2.5 hours). Participants will be compensated $10/hour with a $40 bonus after completing all sessions. Requirements: male or female, age 35-64, no recent history of musculoskeletal disorders. If interested, please contact Rahul Songra  for further details.

19. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR READING PRACTICES STUDY – 3rd posting
Participants are needed for a study investigating reading practices on different media (i.e., paper, computer, iPad). This study will take around 3 hours to complete and participants will be compensated $10/hour (total $30). Requirements: Native English speaker, age 35-80. If interested, please contact Kyunghui Oh at khoh@vt.edu for further details.

20. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON THE PRACTICES OF WORKING MOTHERS – 3rd posting
Participants who have had, have, or plan to have infants while working at Virginia Tech are needed for a study investigating the practice of nursing on campus.  This study seeks all women faculty, staff, or graduate students at the Blacksburg campus, regardless of their choice to bottle- or breast-feed with formula or human milk.  Participants will be asked to partake in a 35-45 minute interview at a mutually agreeable time and location.  If interested, please contact Jennifer Porter at (410) 570-3391 or jport89@vt.edu for more information.

21. UPCOMING EVENTS:

T-BREAK CHILI LUNCHEON – SIGN UP NOW!
Monday, Nov 19, 11:30-1:00 in the GLC Multipurpose Room
You are not alone! Join others who don’t get to leave for Thanksgiving break and enjoy some wholesome home-cooked food (meat and vegetarian options) and conversation. Brought to you by your friendly and caring GLC- and Grad-School staff. “Potluck” in this case doesn’t mean that you have to bring anything, unless you really want to. Food will be provided. Please register by 2:00pm on Friday, Nov 16, to help us estimate how much we need to cook. 

GRADUATE STUDENT BOOK CLUB
Monday, Nov 26, 9:00 PM, GLC Room C
Seth Grahame-Smith’s first book, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, was a surprise hit.  Then Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter came along and got its own movie adaptation.  Want to get serious on this comic novel?  Join the GLC fellows and other graduate students for light refreshments and discuss the book for this monthly book-club series. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows.  If you have any questions, please contact Mark Smiley at esmark86@vt.edu.

EFFECTIVE READING WORKSHOP – *NEW DATE*
Thursday, Nov 29, 5:00-8:00pm, GLC Room C
Educational researchers estimate that, at best, we retain only about 10 percent of the information that we read.  Want to improve on that estimate in your academic reading?  The key to becoming a more effective reader is to learn how academic information in published papers is structured and then to discipline one’s self to hunt for information actively rather than passively wait for the information to appear on the page.  This workshop will describe how YOU can read more actively and purposely in order to locate needed information, increase comprehension, and boast retention for later use. Questions?  Contact Tara at tara@vt.edu. Please sign up online if you plan to attend.

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
• Writing Center support for grads: Thursdays 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room (additional hours are available in the Library)

2. “GREENING THE GLC” INFORMATION SESSIONS
Monday, Nov 5, 11:00am-1:00pm, GLC Lobby;
Monday Nov 12, 11am-1pm, Graduate School Lobby
Are you interested in learning how to make the Graduate Life Center more “green” and sustainable? Do you want to learn more about sustainability at VT? Do you want to test your sustainability knowledge with some fun trivia questions? The information sessions will include information about sustainability at Virginia Tech and the “Greening the GLC Initiative” student team. Graduate students, GLC residents, GLC staff, and the general campus community are invited to stop by and chat with representatives about sustainability in the GLC and throughout campus. If you have any questions, please contact Alyssa Halle, graduate assistant with the Office of Energy & Sustainability, at ahalle@vt.edu.

3. INFO SESSION ON FINDING EXTERNAL FUN DING FOR GRADS
Monday, Nov 5, 2012, 2:00-3:30 pm, GLC Room G
Presented by Tom Ewing, Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, this session will provide guidance about identifying, seeking, and obtaining external funding for graduate studies in the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Education, and Human Sciences.

4. VISITING WRITERS & SCHOLARS FROM SRI LANKA
Monday-Wednesday, Nov 5-7, various times and locations
The Women and Gender Studies Program, the Ctr for 21st Century Studies and the Creative Writing program in English are bringing fifteen writers and scholars to VT for a symposium: "Writing & Reconciliation: Identity, Displacement, and Narrative in Sri Lanka." The events are free and open to the public. Keynote speakers include Romesh Gunesekera, author of Monkfish Moon, and Reef, a finalist for the Booker Prize Ru Freeman, author of A Disobedient Girl; and Jean Arasanayagam, one of Sri Lanka’s most prolific poets. Roundtable panelists come from English, Fine Arts, Communication, Media Studies, and Sociology departments at the University of Colombo, the University of Peradeniya, the University of Sussex, and New York University. The culminating event of the symposium is a poetry exchange between poets from Sri Lanka and our own Virginia Tech poets. Please contact grad student emilybar@vt.edu for more info.

5. SHUTTLE SERVICE TO POLLING STATIONS
Tuesday, Nov 6
Multicultural Programs and Services is providing shuttle services to the polls on election day. Shuttles will pick up students in front of the Graduate Life Center, across from the Squires parking lot.  To get a ride, please complete this survey by no later than 8:00am on Tuesday.  For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/113394945486847/.

6. VT RELAY FOR LIFE GOBBLECAKES PERCENTAGE NIGHT
Wednesday, Nov 7
Purchase goods at Gobblecakes this Wednesday and 10% of the proceeds will go to Relay For Life at Virginia Tech.  Eat some yummy cupcakes and help fight back against cancer! This message is posted on behalf of Erin Littleton, graduate liaison in VT Relay for Life.

7. WOMEN & GENTER IN INTL DEVELOPMENT PRESENTS: DR. SIEG SNAPP
Thursday, Nov 8, 12:00-1:00pm, OIRED Conference Room, Pack Bldg
Learn about Dr. Sieg Snapp’s co-learning experiences with farmers in Malawi. Dr. Snapp is a professor of crop and soil sciences at Michigan State University, and her research may be of particular interest to students in conservation agriculture, soil sciences, ecology, gender, pedagogy, and international development. Contact Maria Elisa Christie at mechristie@vt.edu for more information, and visit the Women and Gender in International Development webpage  at http://www.oired.vt.edu/wgd/.

8. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Nov 8, 30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
The GLC Café is offered throughout the semester with free coffee and tea in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. Bring your own mug if you can. 

9. EFFECTIVE READING WORKSHOP
Thursday, Nov 8, 5:00-8:00pm, GLC Room C
Educational researchers estimate that, at best, we retain only about 10 percent of the information that we read.  Want to improve on that estimate in your academic reading?  The key to becoming a more effective reader is to learn how academic information in published papers is structured and then to discipline one’s self to hunt for information actively rather than passively wait for the information to appear on the page.  This workshop will describe how you can read more actively and purposely in order to locate needed information, increase comprehension, and boast retention for later use. Questions?  Contact Tara at tara@vt.edu.  Please sign up online if you plan to attend.

10. 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.

11. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY IN THE NRV
Sunday, Nov 11, 8:00am-12:00pm and 1:00-5:00pm
Habitat is having blitz build this weekend and you are invited!  Get your grad friends together and come out to build — no experience necessary! Sign up for the morning and/or afternoon shifts at http://habitatnrv.org/?p=199. For the morning shift, breakfast will be provided as well as snacks and drinks, but lunch will be on your own at the end of the shift. For the afternoon shift, please eat lunch before you arrive. Snacks and drinks will be provided throughout the afternoon. The address for this build is  517 & 519 Nellie’s Cave Road- there is limited parking so please try to carpool! Please contact grad student Catherine Cotrupi (Cotrupi@vt.edu) with any questions.

12. SUPPORT A CLOTHING DRIVE
The Blacksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is hosting its annual clothing drive from Nov 1-16. On-campus clothing donation boxes are in Femoyer Hall and the Integrated Life Sciences Building (1981 Kraft Drive) in the Corporate Research Center. Off-campus locations include the Blacksburg Community Center and the Radford Library. Clothes will be donated to the Radford Clothing Bank which distributes clothes to families throughout the New River Valley. This message is posted on behalf of grad student Kacie Allen, kaciea1@vt.edu.

13. AEL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED – 3rd posting
Fall 2012 Application Deadline: Nov 19 by 5 p.m. 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. Please apply by Nov 19 through http://www.ael.graduateschool.vt.edu/application-process/. For more information please visit the AEL website  or contact Shernita Lee, President of AEL, at shernita@vt.edu with any questions.

14. PRESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP (PMF) – 3rd posting
Applications for the Class of 2013 application period will open on Monday, Nov 5 and close on Monday, Nov 19, 2012. Applicants must be nominated by Graduate Dean Karen P. DePauw. The PMF nomination document is Form 1300 and is part of the application. This form along with a maximum of 2-pages containing a brief CV and short essay that addresses: 1) breadth and quality of accomplishments;  2) capacity for leadership;  3) commitment to excellence in leadership and management of public policies and programs, can be emailed to grads@vt.edu or sent by fax to 540-231-3714 by Nov 15.  Do not send directly to Dean DePauw. For questions call 231-4558. Application information is available at the PMF website www.pmf.gov.  

15. COACH SOUGHT FOR BBURG MASTERS SWIMMING – PAID POSITION! – final posting
Blacksburg Masters Swimming  needs a weekday coach (Tue and Thu 8:00-9:30am).  Preference will be given to candidates with prior coaching experience or who have swam at the collegiate level.  All practices are held at the VT War Memorial Gym pool.  If interested, please contact Laurel Davis (ldavis52@gmail.com; 953-2515).

16. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR SURVEY ON MOBILE PHONES AND CONTEXT REMINDERS – 1st posting
A graduate-student team would appreciate any feedback you can provide through this survey for a class project. Their research is related to context awareness and mobile reminders. If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Alan Baines at abaines@vt.edu.

17. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR SWEETNESS EQUIVALENCE SENSORY STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are sought for evaluating the sweetness intensity of sweeteners (natural and artificial) in a sensory study on Monday, Nov 5 and Wednesday, Nov 7 from 10am-3pm in the Department of Food Science and Technology Sensory Evaluation Laboratory (Rm 127 FST Building – Corner of Duck Pond Dr. and Washington St across from VBI). Participants will be asked to taste and evaluate sweetened water solutions. This will take only 15-20 minutes. A selection of snacks will be offered for your participation.  If interested, please register through this VT survey link. An email with more details will be sent to those who fill out the survey.

18. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH PROJECT ON BT EXPERIENCES – 2nd posting
Researchers are conducting a study focused on capturing customers’ experiences riding Blacksburg Transit and using Blacksburg Transit’s website.  If you are above 18, take Blacksburg Transit at least three times a week, including trips to places other than campus, and have a smart phone, researchers would like to interview you about your experiences taking the bus. The interview should take 30-45 minutes and your responses and participation will be kept confidential. If you are interested, please contact Yushi Yang at yushi@vt.edu.

19. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON ADVISOR/ADVISEE RELATIONSHIPS – 2nd posting
VT researchers are conducting a study on how international and domestic PhD students experience their relationship with their doctoral advisor within an education-related discipline. International and domestic doctoral students who have completed at least one year in an education-related program are invited to participate in this study. Participation is completely confidential.  Your identity will be known only to the co-investigators of this study and every effort will be made to mask any identifying information.  Participation will have no impact on grades, academic standing or eligibility for any activities, and does not include any compensation. If you are interested, please email Nicole Johnson at nicj712@vt.edu. Participants will be selected at random from the pool of volunteers. Must be 18 or older and in at least second year of doctoral study.

20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR MUSCLE FATIGUE STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are needed for a study assessing the effect of localized muscle fatigue on slip and fall risks. The study consists of 4 experimental sessions (each lasting approximately 2-2.5 hours). Participants will be compensated $10/hour with a $40 bonus after completing all sessions. Requirements: male or female, age 35-64, no recent history of musculoskeletal disorders. If interested, please contact Rahul Songra at locomotionresearchlab@gmail.com for further details.

21. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR READING PRACTICES STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are needed for a study investigating reading practices on different media (i.e., paper, computer, iPad). This study will take around 3 hours to complete and participants will be compensated $10/hour (total $30). Requirements: Native English speaker, age 35-80. If interested, please contact Kyunghui Oh at khoh@vt.edu for further details.

20. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON THE PRACTICES OF WORKING MOTHERS – 2nd posting
Participants who have had, have, or plan to have infants while working at Virginia Tech are needed for a study investigating the practice of nursing on campus.  This study seeks all women faculty, staff, or graduate students at the Blacksburg campus, regardless of their choice to bottle- or breast-feed with formula or human milk.  Participants will be asked to partake in a 35-45 minute interview at a mutually agreeable time and location.  If interested, please contact Jennifer Porter at (410) 570-3391 or jport89@vt.edu for more information.

23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON HISTORIC BATTLEFIELDS – 3rd posting
Participants are needed for a survey on the public education and perception of historic battlefields among the VT community. As a potential participant, your opinions may be important. Your involvement is entirely voluntary and there are no known or anticipated risks by participating in this study. The survey should take less than 20 minutes and you will receive $5.00 as compensation. If you have any questions about this study or would like additional information, please contact Shamsul Abu Bakar (shunown1@vt.edu/540-449-9174). This study has been approved by the VT-IRB.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

“GREENING THE GLC” INFORMATION SESSIONS
Monday Nov 12, 11am-1pm, Graduate School Lobby
Are you interested in learning how to make the Graduate Life Center more “green” and sustainable? Do you want to learn more about sustainability at VT? Do you want to test your sustainability knowledge with some fun trivia questions? The information sessions will include information about sustainability at Virginia Tech and the “Greening the GLC Initiative” student team. Graduate students, GLC residents, GLC staff, and the general campus community are invited to stop by and chat with representatives about sustainability in the GLC and throughout campus. If you have any questions, please contact Alyssa Halle, graduate assistant with the Office of Energy & Sustainability, at ahalle@vt.edu.

MAKING RUBRICS MEANINGFUL
Monday, Nov 12, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room C
Learn how to design rubrics to make your life easier and how to apply them for use in assessment.  Sign up at http://www.cideronline.org/events/events2.cfm Sponsored by the Office of Assessment and Evaluation.

SHORT STAT COURSE FOR GRADS: INTRODUCTION TO R, PART 3
Monday, Nov 12, 5:00-7:00pm, 3060 Torgersen Hall;
R is a free computing and graphical software/environment for statistical analysis. Taught by instructors Liang Shan and Han Li, this short course consists of 3 sections: (1) introduces the concept of generalized linear models.  R will be used for performing logistic regression and Poisson regression. (2) introduces the concept of categorical data analysis. Topics include: graphical displays of categorical data, measures of association, and contingency tables analyses. (3) will cover writing functions in R. Users can write functions in R to carry out operations  and return one or more values. Experience using R or attending Part I and Part II of this series is suggested but not required for Part III. R can be downloaded here. RStudio can be downloaded at: http://rstudio.org/download/desktop. LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) provides a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research and learn  practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data. Register and learn more>>.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET LECTURE
Wednesday, Nov 14, 5:30-7:00pm, GLC Room G
Nutritionist and author of The Plan, Lyn-Genet, will discuss the research behind low-grade chronic inflammation and how it can contribute to almost every chronic health issue.  Eating anti-inflammatory foods that work well with your own personal biochemistry can play a significant role in improving overall health and preventing disease.  Lyn-Genet’s research with thousands of clients has shown that each person is chemically unique- that foods which may be healthy in a vacuum, when combined with your individual chemistry, can be quite toxic.  Foods that are typically thought of as healthy such as salmon, turkey, pork, eggs, yogurt, roasted nuts, asparagus, green beans, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, oatmeal, etc may actually not work well for you and Lyn-Genet will talk more about why this is the case and how you can determine the best foods for your body. Sign up online.

DIWALI CELEBRATION 2012
Friday, Nov 16, 5:30-9:30pm, Burruss Hall / Squires
The Indian Student Association is proud to present the Diwali celebrations with  a dazzling cultural show composed of dance and musical performances taking place in Burruss Hall, followed by a spectacular fireworks show and completing the evening with mouthwatering dishes from Taaza served in Commonwealth Ballroom in Squires. For more details on the event and dinner tickets, contact vtisa@outlook.com

GRADUATE STUDENT BOOK CLUB
Monday, Nov 26, 9:00 PM, GLC Room C
Seth Grahame-Smith’s first book, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, was a surprise hit.  Then Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter came along and got its own movie adaptation.  Want to get serious on this comic novel?  Join the GLC fellows and other graduate students for light refreshments and discuss the book for this monthly book-club series. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows.  If you have any questions, please contact Mark Smiley.

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
• Writing Center support for grads: Thursdays 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room (additional hours are available in the Library)

2. GRADUATE PUMPKIN CARVING PARTY
Monday, Oct 29, 5:30-7:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The GLC Fellows and the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) are sponsoring this Pumpkin Carving Party. Pumpkins, carving tools, and food will be provided. You are responsible for bringing the fun! Prizes will be given in several “best pumpkin” categories at 7pm.  This event is open to all graduate students and their children as well. Please contact Andrae Hash at hashas@vt.edu if you have any questions. Please complete the survey registration to indicate that you are coming.

3. AEL LAST LECTURE SPEAKER: DR. E. SCOTT GELLER
Monday, Oct 29, 7:30pm, GLC Room G
Alpha Lambda Epsilon (AEL), a graduate honor society, invites you to its first Last Lecture Speaker for 2012/2013 school year: Dr. E. Scott Geller will present his topic "Actively Caring for People:  A worldwide movement for safety, security, and global peace."  Refreshments will be provided.  Please direct any questions to Tammy Parece at tammyep@vt.edu.

4. SUPPORT YOUR GLC VOLLEBALL TEAM!
Monday, Oct 29, 7:30pm War Memorial Gym 141
Come out and support the GLC volleyball team at their first game. Interested in joining the team? Contact Mitchell Ostrout, grad student and captain of a grad Co.Rec team at ostroutm@vt.edu.

5. WORK-LIFE INTEGRATION WEBINAR
Tuesday, Oct 30, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room C
With the pressures of technology, globalization, and productivity, the typical workday has encroached upon what used to be considered home life. It’s harder than ever to maintain boundaries. Explore ways to identify the right balance between work and home, allowing you to contribute fully to both. We’ll share practices to manage it all and also how to communicate expectations to those around you. Hosted by the Central Virginia Women Transportation Seminar. For more information, please contact Renee LoSapio at rlosapio@vt.edu. Guest speakers:  Jennifer Pope, Vice President, Member Interactions, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans; Shannan Gardner, Partner at Moss Adams LLP.

6. THE SOCIOLOGY OF HAWAIIAN GHOST STORIES
Tuesday, Oct 30, 7:00pm, 216 Randolph
In Hawaiian culture, ghost stories are commonly used to create ethnic solidarity and to bring communities together. Hawaiians have great respect for the land, and spirits that reside within it. This talk will focus on the cultural-social effects of ghosts. Graduate student Leighton Vila will be reading actual ghost stories, as documented by the University of Hawaii Folklore Project and other academic texts, and explaining the historical, cultural, and sociological ways that these stories affect Hawaiian culture. For more information contact Leighton Vila at vila@vt.edu.

7. ETD WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Oct 31, 2:00-3:00pm, GLC Room F
The Graduate School will be holding two ETD workshops for those students who need help in developing their ETD’s or those who would like their ETD looked over for minor errors before submission. There will be a list of frequently found errors, as well as formatting templates and copyright help. Whether you are just starting to develop your ETD or are ready to submit it for review, this workshop is for you!

8. LGBTQ-HISTORY SAFE ZONE SESSION
Thursday, Nov 1, 2:00-4:00pm, GLC Room G
In the world today we hear about people coming out or being outed; we hear the debate about gay marriage, we hear politicians pander to different groups using LGBT Rights as a polarizing strategy; but none of this is new. This session will look at the history of the LGBT community especially in Europe and the US hitting important moments in the struggle for equal rights; how homosexuality by definition has changed and how it is twisted; key moments that transgender and intersex individuals have faced. Hopefully you will walk away with a better understanding of how LGBT individuals have impacted history then and now. This workshop counts towards Safe Zone certification.  Space is limited.  Sign up here.  Questions? Contact Tara at tara@vt.edu.

9. GLC CAFÉ: PEANUT EDITION
Thursday, Nov 1, 30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
The GLC Café is offered throughout the semester with free coffee and tea in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. This week’s special (in addition to, not instead of the usual cookies): Virginia peanuts in various forms, probably as peanut brittle and dry-roasted variations. Bring your own mug if you can. 

10. GRADUATE COSMIC BOWLING NIGHT
Friday, Nov 2, 9pm-1am, BreakZone in Squires Student Center
Join your fellow graduate students for a night of friendly competition with COSMIC bowling at the BreakZone! Bowl as much as you want, for as long as you want, at no cost to you. All graduate students are welcome! Hosted by the GLC Fellows. If you have any questions, please email Marielly Ruiz at mzruiz@vt.edu.

11. AEL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED – 2nd posting
Fall 2012 Application Deadline: Nov 19 by 5 p.m. 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. Please apply by Nov 19 through http://www.ael.graduateschool.vt.edu/application-process/. For more information please visit the AEL website or contact Shernita Lee, President of AEL, at shernita@vt.edu with any questions.

12. REGISTER FOR SECOND ANNUAL INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM – 2nd posting
Registration is now open for the Second Annual Interdisciplinary Research Symposium, held at Virginia Tech on Nov 2nd, 9am-3pm,  in the Graduate Life Center (GLC) Multipurpose room. The Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society (ΙΔΡ) organizes this symposium to promote interdisciplinary work being performed at Virginia Tech by graduate and undergraduate students. Dr. Bill Newell, a leading scholar on interdisciplinary research, will be the keynote speaker and host an interactive panel discussion. Additionally, undergraduate and graduate students will present their research in poster sessions and compete for poster awards in their respective categories. Coffee and lunch break provided. Registration is free! To register go to http://www.idrsociety.org/what-we-do-2/idr-symposium-2012/ .

13. STUDENT TRAVEL GRANTS FROM VT ENGAGE – 3rd posting
If you are traveling to a conference to present or lead a workshop related to civic engagement, service, or social justice, VT Engage would like to help you with travel costs. VT Engage is offering travel awards for the 2012-2013 academic year, up to $300 for selected applicants. There is a brief application at http://tinyurl.com/VTEngageTravel12-13 and decisions are made on a rolling basis. For more information, visit: http://tinyurl.com/VTEngageTravelSheet12-13 or contact Lauren Kennedy, Burruss 113, kennedy0@vt.edu.

14. PRESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP (PMF) – 2nd posting
Applications for the Class of 2013 application period will open on Monday, Nov 5 and close on Monday, Nov 19, 2012. Applicants must be nominated by Graduate Dean Karen P. DePauw. The PMF nomination document is Form 1300 and is part of the application. This form along with a maximum of 2-pages containing a brief CV and short essay that addresses: 1) breadth and quality of accomplishments;  2) capacity for leadership;  3) commitment to excellence in leadership and management of public policies and programs, can be emailed to grads@vt.edu or sent by fax to 540-231-3714 by Nov 15.  Do not send directly to Dean DePauw. For questions call 231-4558. Application information is available at the PMF website www.pmf.gov.  

15. SPRING GRAD COURSE OFFERINGS
The Graduate School courses for spring semester include the following:
— Communicating Science: GRAD 5984 CRN 18468 Friday 2:20-4:15 PM
  Taught by Patricia Raun, this short course is designed for graduate students in scientific or technological fields to increase their ability to communicate about their work in a variety of contexts and to lessen the discomfort of spontaneous interaction. Areas of emphasis will include tools for synchronous communication (one-to-one, one-to-an-audience, and media-based) which include imagination, relaxation, observation, and concentration through improvisation. Some attention will be focused on the tools required for distilling messages in writing (asynchronous communication).
— Effective Academic Assessment for Higher Education 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.
— Cognition, Learning, and the Internet CRN 18776 Tu,Th 9:30-10:45 AM.
Taught by Gardner Campbell, 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.
— Topics in Interdisciplinary Research: Regenerative Medicine: Science and Society
  Taught by a team of instructors representing three colleges, this course will provide a general introduction to the science and promise of regenerative medicine. We seek to integrate stem cell biology, biomaterials/bioengineering, social and ethical issues, experimental design, and business and public policy into one cohesive program of study because of the transformative nature of this area. The course format will include a combination of didactic lectures and discussions. Expect faculty members from all involved units in attendance at this course, learning from each other and learning together. GRAD 5134 T/R 12:30-1:45 pm.
—Topics in Interdisciplinary Research: Translational Plant Science
 Taught by John McDowell, this course will examine the process through which insights from basic research are translated Learning Units will progress along a continuum from basic science to applied science to social and economic impacts. Progression through the units: (1) What are the key questions, issues, or problems? (2) What do we, as a scientific community, already know? (3) What knowledge is necessary to move the field forward? (4) What are the strategies we can use for generating this knowledge and for solving the problem? The course will be interdisciplinary and include modules in social and economic assessment training, as well as intellectual property and commercialization. GRAD 5134 T/R 9:30-10:45 am.
 
16. CALL FOR PAPERS, PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL – 3rd posting
Submit your paper, book review, or multimedia work! Public Knowledge Journal, an open-access peer-reviewed journal hosted by the Center for Digital Discourse and Culture at Virginia Tech, seeks articles, book reviews, essays, interviews, and multimedia submissions for Volume 4, Issue 2, on Interventions. The last day to submit for this issue is Saturday, October 20. Public Knowledge is a graduate student journal dedicated to the understanding of the journal process for new scholars, and thus only accepts submissions from current graduate students or of research conducted while enrolled as a graduate student. Some questions to consider: How does the response to the financial crisis shape or preclude social intervention? What kinds of (non)intervention would be the most socially useful? Who should be responsible for what kinds of financial interventions? What role should local authorities, state government, international bodies, corporations, and NGOs play in global environmental interventions? Submit to:  editor@pkjournal.org

17. COACH SOUGHT FOR BBURG MASTERS SWIMMING – PAID POSITION! – 3rd posting
Blacksburg Masters Swimming http://www.blacksburgmasters.com needs a weekday coach (Tue and Thu 8:00-9:30am).  Preference will be given to candidates with prior coaching experience or who have swam at the collegiate level.  All practices are held at the VT War Memorial Gym pool.  If interested, please contact Laurel Davis (ldavis52@gmail.com; 953-2515).

18. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR SWEETNESS EQUIVALENCE SENSORY STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are sought for evaluating the sweetness intensity of sweeteners (natural and artificial) in a sensory study on Monday, Nov 5 and Wednesday, Nov 7 from 10am-3pm in the Department of Food Science and Technology Sensory Evaluation Laboratory (Rm 127 FST Building – Corner of Duck Pond Dr. and Washington St across from VBI). Participants will be asked to taste and evaluate sweetened water solutions. This will take only 15-20 minutes. A selection of snacks will be offered for your participation.  If interested, please register through this VT survey link: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1348096426103. An email with more details will be sent to those who fill out the survey.

19. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH PROJECT ON BT EXPERIENCES – 1st posting
Researchers are conducting a study focused on capturing customers’ experiences riding Blacksburg Transit and using Blacksburg Transit’s website.  If you are above 18, take Blacksburg Transit at least three times a week, including trips to places other than campus, and have a smart phone, researchers would like to interview you about your experiences taking the bus. The interview should take 30-45 minutes and your responses and participation will be kept confidential. If you are interested, please contact Yushi Yang at yushi@vt.edu.

20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON ADVISOR/ADVISEE RELATIONSHIPS – 1st posting
VT researchers are conducting a study on how international and domestic PhD students experience their relationship with their doctoral advisor within an education-related discipline. International and domestic doctoral students who have completed at least one year in an education-related program are invited to participate in this study. Participation is completely confidential.  Your identity will be known only to the co-investigators of this study and every effort will be made to mask any identifying information.  Participation will have no impact on grades, academic standing or eligibility for any activities, and does not include any compensation. If you are interested, please email Nicole Johnson at nicj712@vt.edu. Participants will be selected at random from the pool of volunteers. Must be 18 or older and in at least second year of doctoral study.

21. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR MUSCLE FATIGUE STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are needed for a study assessing the effect of localized muscle fatigue on slip and fall risks. The study consists of 4 experimental sessions (each lasting approximately 2-2.5 hours). Participants will be compensated $10/hour with a $40 bonus after completing all sessions. Requirements: male or female, age 35-64, no recent history of musculoskeletal disorders. If interested, please contact Rahul Songra at locomotionresearchlab@gmail.com for further details.

22. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR READING PRACTICES STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are needed for a study investigating reading practices on different media (i.e., paper, computer, iPad). This study will take around 3 hours to complete and participants will be compensated $10/hour (total $30). Requirements: Native English speaker, age 35-80. If interested, please contact Kyunghui Oh at khoh@vt.edu for further details.

23. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON THE PRACTICES OF WORKING MOTHERS – 1st posting
Participants who have had, have, or plan to have infants while working at Virginia Tech are needed for a study investigating the practice of nursing on campus.  This study seeks all women faculty, staff, or graduate students at the Blacksburg campus, regardless of their choice to bottle- or breast-feed with formula or human milk.  Participants will be asked to partake in a 35-45 minute interview at a mutually agreeable time and location.  If interested, please contact Jennifer Porter at (410) 570-3391 or jport89@vt.edu for more information.

24. VT STUDENTS FOR OBAMA – 2nd posting
Want to help re-elect President Obama? The VT Students for Obama group has volunteer opportunities every day through the election. If you want to help to ensure that the President wins on Nov. 6th, contact Victoria Elliott at velliott@vt.edu.

25. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON HISTORIC BATTLEFIELDS – 2nd posting
Participants are needed for a survey on the public education and perception of historic battlefields among the VT community. As a potential participant, your opinions may be important. Your involvement is entirely voluntary and there are no known or anticipated risks by participating in this study. The survey should take less than 20 minutes and you will receive $5.00 as compensation. If you have any questions about this study or would like additional information, please contact Shamsul Abu Bakar (shunown1@vt.edu/540-449-9174). This study has been approved by the VT-IRB.

26. GRADUATE STUDENT MENTORS NEEDED – 3rd posting
The Graduate–Undergraduate Mentorship Program (GUMP) is seeking mentors from all fields! This program allows undergraduate students to shadow a graduate mentor for 2–4 hours per week over 2 weeks. Undergraduates and graduates are matched according to their area of study, allowing the undergraduate to get a taste for graduate school and to ask questions of current graduate students. Each graduate mentor will be matched with 2–4 mentees, who will shadow them at times convenient for the graduate mentor during the Spring semester. Mentors must attend one program orientation meeting the second week of the Spring semester, after which they will coordinate shadowing activities independently with their undergraduate mentees. If you have any questions please contact gump@vt.edu.  All interested graduate students should fill out the application.

27. UPCOMING EVENTS:

EFFECTIVE READING WORKSHOP
Thursday, Nov 8, 5:00-8:00pm, GLC Room C
Educational researchers estimate that, at best, we retain only about 10 percent of the information that we read.  Want to improve on that estimate in your academic reading?  The key to becoming a more effective reader is to learn how academic information in published papers is structured and then to discipline one’s self to hunt for information actively rather than passively wait for the information to appear on the page.  This workshop will describe how you can read more actively and purposely in order to locate needed information, increase comprehension, and boast retention for later use. Questions?  Contact Tara at tara@vt.edu.  Please sign up online .

GRADUATE STUDENT BOOK CLUB
Monday, Nov 26, 9:00 PM, GLC Room C
Seth Grahame-Smith’s first book, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, was a surprise hit.  Then Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter came along and got its own movie adaptation.  Want to get serious on this comic novel?  Join the GLC fellows and other graduate students for light refreshments and discuss the book for this monthly book-club series. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows.  If you have any questions, please contact Mark Smiley at esmark86@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
• Writing Center support for grads: Thursdays 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room (additional hours are available in the Library)

2. GSA DELEGATE MEETING
Monday, Oct 22, 5:30–7:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The GSA delegate body is comprised of graduate students who serve as representatives for their respective academic departments and are liaisons to graduate students regarding graduate student issues/concerns, activities, etc offered by the GSA. If you are interested in learning more about the delegate body and how GSA functions, please join us them at this meeting. Fill out this survey to help them estimate the food and drinks that will be served. For more information please contact Shaimaa Abdallah (shaimaa@vt.edu), GSA President.

3. THE DEBATES: YOU DECIDE
Monday, Oct 22, 9:00-10:30pm, GLC Student Lounge
Watch the nationally televised presidential debates with your fellow graduate students in the GLC TV lounge and engage in dialogue about foreign & domestic policies, campaigns and issues that matter to you and your vote for 2012 presidential elections. Sponsored by GLC Fellows. Contact Emily Eskew at eceskew@vt.edu if you have any questions.

4. TOWN OF BLACKSBURG WANTS YOUR INPUT
Tuesday, Oct 23, 11:00am-1:30pm, GLC Lobby
The Town of Blacksburg is updating its Comprehensive Plan and needs input from you, the residents. The Town of Blacksburg wants to hear from YOU! Share your thoughts on the future – stop by the GLC lobby to chat with representatives.

5. GAME NIGHT IN THE GLC
Tuesday, Oct 23, 8:00-10:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
Take a break from homework, meetings and tests and have a little fun! Enjoy some healthy competition with other grad students in a variety of games. Feel free to bring food, drinks, and of course, your favorite games. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows. Contact Emily Eskew for more details at eceskew@vt.edu.

6. ETD WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Oct 24 and Oct 31, 2:00-3:00pm, GLC Room F
The Graduate School will be holding two ETD workshops for those students who need help in developing their ETD’s or those who would like their ETD looked over for minor errors before submission. There will be a list of frequently found errors, as well as formatting templates and copyright help. Whether you are just starting to develop your ETD or are ready to submit it for review, this workshop is for you!

7. STRESS MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Oct 24, 3:00pm, GLC Room D
Feeling stressed?  Learn about strategies to decrease stress in your daily life, and to cope better with stress when it does happen! Included will be ways to enhance the enjoyable activities that are already part of your life, improve your ability to manage worries, and relaxation techniques.  Space is limited so sign up here. Sponsored by the Graduate Student Services Office.  Questions?  Contact Tara at tara@vt.edu.

8. BIKE TUNE-UP SOCIAL
Thursday, Oct 25, 12:00-13:30pm, GLC Patio and Stage
Sponsored by the VT Bicycle Ambassador Program, this event is open to all students, faculty, and staff on campus. Two of the Emergency Bike Kits on campus are located at Squires and Newman Library, so the GLC Plaza is the perfect place between those locations. Using tools from the emergency kits, bike ambassadors will help repair bikes by patching tires, adjusting breaks, etc. For additional information contact kathrynx@vt.edu.

9. "THE HOW AND WHY OF GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICATIONS" FOR SPANISH LANGUAGE PROGRAMS
Thursday, Oct 25, 3:00pm, Major Williams Hall, Room 327
Thinking about applying for a PhD? Come hear Dr. Zac Zimmer’s presentation on "The How and Why of Graduate School Applications," specifically for Spanish language programs or those looking to highlight Spanish language experience on their applications. Dr. Zimmer recently completed his doctoral degree from Cornell University and is an Assistant Professor of Spanish in the Department of Foreign languages and Literatures. Take advantage of this great opportunity to hear what makes a good PhD candidate and a successful application. The event is sponsored by Sigma Delta Pi, the Hispanic Honor Society.

10. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Oct 25, 30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
The GLC Café is offered throughout the semester with free coffee and tea in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. Bring your own mug if you can. 

11. OCTOBER BGSO SOCIAL
Friday, Oct 26, 6:30-10:00pm, Sharkey’s (Downtown Blacksburg)
Graduate students are invited to join and mingle with members of the Black Graduate Student Organization (BGSO) at their October social. Contact Larry at lacox@vt.edu with any questions. Follow BGSO on Facebook.

12. THE PARANORMAL UNIVERSE WITH NAHUM ARAV
Friday, Oct 26, 7:00-8:15pm, GLC Auditorium
Sponsor: Freethinkers at Virginia Tech. Join astronomer Nahum Arav to explore the evidence for paranormal phenomena. What roles do human psychology, sociology, and the media play in our understanding of astrology, crop circles, UFOs, etc? Stay for discussion afterward.

13. DURGA PUJO CELEBRATION
Saturday, Oct 27, 3:15-8:30pm, Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires Student Center
The Bengali Students’ Association at VT is proud to present this year’s Durga Pujo celebration, a time for families and friends to get together for cultural celebration and to share and wish love and prosperity amongst all. The event will include a token ceremony, a sumptuous Indian dinner, and a gala cultural show. Tickets (ceremony + Indian dinner + cultural program): VT student special pricing: $11.99. Others: $14.99 per person. Children under 10 attend for free! Website: http://www.bengali.org.vt.edu. Email: vtpujo@gmail.com. Seats are limited, so please get your tickets at the earliest online.

14. HALLOWEEN COSTUME DANCE PARTY
Saturday, Oct 27, 9:00pm-2:00am, at Giovanni’s / O’s Lounge
Tickets on sale now: $ 4.00 pre-sale; $5.00 at the door. Open to all public, age 18 and up. At Giovanni’s / O’s Lounge (Formerly Abella’s) across from Sheesha and beside Bollo’s on 204 Draper Rd NW Blacksburg, VA 24060. Contact a LAIGSA active members to buy a Pre-sale ticket. Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Reggaeton, Latín Hip-Hop, Reggae and more. For more information about this event contact grad student Raul Saucedo at rsaucedo@vt.edu.

15. AEL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED – 1st posting
Fall 2012 Application Deadline: Nov 19 by 5 p.m. 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. Please apply by Nov 19 through http://www.ael.graduateschool.vt.edu/application-process/. For more information please visit the AEL website or contact Shernita Lee, President of AEL, at shernita@vt.edu with any questions.

16. REGISGRATION OPEN FOR SECOND ANNUAL INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
Registration is now open for the Second Annual Interdisciplinary Research Symposium, held at Virginia Tech on Nov 2nd, 9am-3pm,  in the Graduate Life Center (GLC) Multipurpose room. The Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society (ΙΔΡ) organizes this symposium to promote interdisciplinary work being performed at Virginia Tech by graduate and undergraduate students. Dr. Bill Newell, a leading scholar on interdisciplinary research, will be the keynote speaker and host an interactive panel discussion. Additionally, undergraduate and graduate students will present their research in poster sessions and compete for poster awards in their respective categories. Coffee and lunch break provided. Registration is free! To register go to symposium.idrsociety.org.

17. STUDENT TRAVEL GRANTS FROM VT ENGAGE – 2nd posting
If you are traveling to a conference to present or lead a workshop related to civic engagement, service, or social justice, VT Engage would like to help you with travel costs. VT Engage is offering travel awards for the 2012-2013 academic year, up to $300 for selected applicants. There is a brief application at http://tinyurl.com/VTEngageTravel12-13 and decisions are made on a rolling basis. For more information, visit: http://tinyurl.com/VTEngageTravelSheet12-13 or contact Lauren Kennedy, Burruss 113, kennedy0@vt.edu.

18. PRESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP (PMF)
Applications for the Class of 2013 application period will open on Monday, Nov 5 and close on Monday, Nov 19, 2012. Applicants must be nominated by Graduate Dean Karen P. DePauw. The PMF nomination document is Form 1300 and is part of the application. This form along with a maximum of 2-pages containing a brief CV and short essay that addresses: 1) breadth and quality of accomplishments;  2) capacity for leadership;  3) commitment to excellence in leadership and management of public policies and programs, can be emailed to grads@vt.edu or sent by fax to 540-231-3714 by Nov 15.  Do not send directly to Dean DePauw. For questions call 231-4558. Application information is available at the PMF website www.pmf.gov.  

19. SPRING COURSE OFFERINGS
The Graduate School courses for spring semester include the following:
– Preparing the Future Professoriate
– Pedagogical Practices
– Career Development for the Future Professional
– Research in International Contexts
– Communicating Science
– Effective Academic Assessment for Higher Education
– Topics in Interdisciplinary Research
Find details on these and other GRAD courses for spring 2013 in the Timetable. Web course request begins Oct 23.

20. VT STUDENTS FOR OBAMA – 1st posting
Want to help re-elect President Obama? The VT Students for Obama group has volunteer opportunities every day through the election. If you want to help to ensure that the President wins on Nov. 6th, contact Victoria Elliott at velliott@vt.edu.

21. CALL FOR PAPERS, PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL – 2nd posting
Submit your paper, book review, or multimedia work!
Public Knowledge Journal, an open-access peer-reviewed journal hosted by the Center for Digital Discourse and Culture at Virginia Tech, seeks articles, book reviews, essays, interviews, and multimedia submissions for Volume 4, Issue 2, on Interventions. The last day to submit for this issue is Saturday, October 20. Public Knowledge is a graduate student journal dedicated to the understanding of the journal process for new scholars, and thus only accepts submissions from current graduate students or of research conducted while enrolled as a graduate student. Some questions to consider: How does the response to the financial crisis shape or preclude social intervention? What kinds of (non)intervention would be the most socially useful? Who should be responsible for what kinds of financial interventions? What role should local authorities, state government, international bodies, corporations, and NGOs play in global environmental interventions? Submit to:  editor@pkjournal.org

22. INTERDISCIPLINARY GRAD STUDY ABROAD PROJECT IN BRAZIL – 3rd posting
The Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability (CNRE program in the National Capital Region – http://cligs.vt.edu) is offering a graduate-level interdisciplinary study abroad project in Brazil over winter break and the spring semester for students interested in gaining international experience in cross-sector partnerships for sustainable development. The Global Sustainability Initiative (GSI) 2013 Brazil Project will be offered as a spring course (NR 5954) for six credits. Spanning ten weeks with 10 days spent in Brazil over winter break, the GSI Brazil Project will explore innovative cross-sector strategies to conserve and enhance Brazil’s valuable ecosystem services while meeting rising global food demands. The team will travel to a variety of locations including the Atlantic Rainforest and Cerrado biomes, and cities that are leading the way for green infrastructure in Latin America. Application deadline: Nov 9, 2012. To learn more and apply, visit http://gsi.cnre.vt.edu.

23. COACH SOUGHT FOR BBURG MASTERS SWIMMING – PAID POSITION!
Blacksburg Masters Swimming http://www.blacksburgmasters.com needs a weekday coach (Tue and Thu 8:00-9:30am).  Preference will be given to candidates with prior coaching experience or who have swam at the collegiate level.  All practices are held at the VT War Memorial Gym pool.  If interested, please contact Laurel Davis (ldavis52@gmail.com; 953-2515).

24. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON HISTORIC BATTLEFIELDS – 1st posting
Participants are needed for a survey on the public education and perception of historic battlefields among the VT community. As a potential participant, your opinions may be important. Your involvement is entirely voluntary and there are no known or anticipated risks by participating in this study. The survey should take less than 20 minutes and you will receive $5.00 as compensation. If you have any questions about this study or would like additional information, please contact Shamsul Abu Bakar (shunown1@vt.edu/540-449-9174). This study has been approved by the VT-IRB.

25. RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT STUDY – 1st posting
Researchers conducting a study through the VT School of Education are examining graduate student experiences and management of stress – please consider participating! Any graduate student who is currently enrolled full-time at Virginia Tech is eligible. The study involves a 30-min in-person interview with a graduate student researcher. Location and scheduling of interview are flexible, based on what is convenient for you. Your confidentiality will be protected and your name will not be shared with anyone. Participants will be compensated with a $5 Starbucks gift card. If you are interested, please contact Brock Mutcheson at rbmutch@vt.edu or (402) 618-2580.

26. GRADUATE STUDENT MENTORS NEEDED – 2nd posting
The Graduate–Undergraduate Mentorship Program (GUMP) is seeking mentors from all fields! This program allows undergraduate students to shadow a graduate mentor for 2–4 hours per week over 2 weeks. Undergraduates and graduates are matched according to their area of study, allowing the undergraduate to get a taste for graduate school and to ask questions of current graduate students. Each graduate mentor will be matched with 2–4 mentees, who will shadow them at times convenient for the graduate mentor during the Spring semester. Mentors must attend one program orientation meeting the second week of the Spring semester, after which they will coordinate shadowing activities independently with their undergraduate mentees. If you have any questions please contact gump@vt.edu.  All interested graduate students should fill out the application.

27. 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 at momanxiety@vt.edu or call 540-231-8276. Compensation: $50.

28. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY OF ANXIETY AND DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIORS IN CHILDREN- 3rd posting
This project is for children ages 10-14 and their families. The family will have the opportunity to participate in an experimental treatment lasting approximately 12 sessions designed for children who worry excessively and exhibit disruptive behaviors (e.g., talking back, refusing to do things, becoming easily angered, etc.). Children participating in the study will be assessed prior to treatment, throughout treatment, immediately following treatment, and 1 month later. All assessment and treatment sessions will be free of charge. The study is being conducted at the Child Study Center of Virginia Tech. For more information please contact Maria Fraire at mgfraire@vt.edu or call 540-231-2024 or check out our website: http://www.psyc.vt.edu/labs/csc/dropout.

29. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR ELECTION VOLUNTEERS STUDY – 3rd posting
A VT graduate student is looking for volunteers from the local offices of the presidential election campaigns to participate in a study about campaign messages. Respondents will be asked to complete a brief survey, and selected contributors may be asked to participate in 1-3 one-on-one interviews at their convenience, either in person or over the phone. If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact Tana Schiewer at tanas@vt.edu. Must be 18 years of age or older.

30. UPCOMING EVENTS:

ASSESSMENT PROCESS IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAM
Monday, Oct 29, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room C
Hear how the Higher Education Program in the School of Education has developed student outcomes and measures and then used the information gathered to inform decision-making regarding curriculum and other aspects of the program.  Sign up online at http://www.cideronline.org/events/events2.cfm   Sponsored by the Office of Assessment and Evaluation.

GRADUATE PUMPKIN CARVING PARTY
Monday, Oct 29, 5:30-7:30pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
The GLC Fellows and the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) are sponsoring this Pumpkin Carving Party. Pumpkins, carving tools, and food will be provided. You are responsible for bringing the fun! Prizes will be given in several “best pumpkin” categories at 7pm.  This event is open to all graduate students and their children as well. Please contact Andrae Hash at hashas@vt.edu if you have any questions. Please complete the survey registration to indicate that you are coming: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1349457070525.

AEL LAST LECTURE SPEAKER: DR. E. SCOTT GELLER
Monday, Oct 29, 7:30pm, GLC Room G
Alpha Lambda Epsilon (AEL), a graduate honor society, invites you to its first Last Lecture Speaker for 2012/2013 school year: Dr. E. Scott Geller will present his topic "Actively Caring for People:  A worldwide movement for safety, security, and global peace."  Refreshments will be provided.  Please direct any questions to Tammy Parece at tammyep@vt.edu.

SUPPORT YOUR GLC VOLLEBALL TEAM!
Monday, Oct 29, 7:30pm War Memorial Gym 141
Come out and support the GLC volleyball team at their first game. Interested in joining the team? Contact Mitchell Ostrout, grad student and captain of a grad Co.Rec team at ostroutm@vt.edu.

WORK-LIFE INTEGRATION WEBINAR
Tuesday, Oct 30, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room C
With the pressures of technology, globalization, and productivity, the typical workday has encroached upon what used to be considered home life. It’s harder than ever to maintain boundaries. Explore ways to identify the right balance between work and home, allowing you to contribute fully to both. We’ll share practices to manage it all and also how to communicate expectations to those around you. Hosted by the Central Virginia Women Transportation Seminar. For more information, please contact Renee LoSapio at rlosapio@vt.edu. Guest speakers:  Jennifer Pope, Vice President, Member Interactions, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans; Shannan Gardner, Partner at Moss Adams LLP.

LGBTQ-HISTORY SAFE ZONE SESSION
Thursday, Nov 1, 2:00-4:00pm, GLC Room G
In the world today we hear about people coming out or being outed; we hear the debate about gay marriage, we hear politicians pander to different groups using LGBT Rights as a polarizing strategy; but none of this is new. This session will look at the history of the LGBT community especially in Europe and the US hitting important moments in the struggle for equal rights; how homosexuality by definition has changed and how it is twisted; key moments that transgender and intersex individuals have faced. Hopefully you will walk away with a better understanding of how LGBT individuals have impacted history then and now. This workshop counts towards Safe Zone certification.  Space is limited.  Sign up at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1350402760241  Questions? Contact Tara at tara@vt.edu.

GRADUATE COSMIC BOWLING NIGHT
Friday, Nov 2, 9pm-1am, BreakZone in Squires Student Center
Join your fellow graduate students for a night of friendly competition with COSMIC bowling at the BreakZone! Bowl as much as you want, for as long as you want, at no cost to you. All graduate students are welcome! Hosted by the GLC Fellows. If you have any questions, please email Marielly Ruiz at mzruiz@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
• Writing Center support for grads: Thursdays 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room (additional hours are available in the Library)

2. GET INVOLVED WITH THE GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM!
Monday, Oct 8, 4:00-5:00pm, GLC videoconference room
Wednesday, Oct 10, 2:00-3:00pm, GLC Room D
The Graduate Honor System is currently recruiting student and faculty volunteers to serve as panelists who hear and decide on cases. Interested individuals need to attend any one of the one-hour training sessions, and then will be able to serve on cases as their schedules allow. If you are interested, please email ghs@vt.edu.

3. TOUR THE HAHN HORTICULTURE GARDEN – SIGN UP NOW!
Tuesday, Oct 9, 1:30pm
The Hahn Horticulture Garden encompasses nearly six acres of teaching and display gardens on Virginia Tech’s campus. The garden serves as a Learning resource for plant material, landscaping concepts, and environmental awareness.  Features include perennial borders, water gardens, shade gardens, and meadow garden, and the Peggy Lee Hahn Garden Pavilion. Learn more about the Hahn Horticulture Garden with this special tour!  Space is limited so please sign up here. Questions? Contact Tara Frank. Sponsored by the Graduate Student Services Office.

4. FREE MOVIE NIGHT – "BIUTIFUL"
Wednesday, Oct 10, 7:00pm, GLC Auditorium
Come and join LAIGSA for a free movie night! “Biutiful” is a drama directed by Mexican director Alejandro GonzálezIñárritu and starring Javier Bardem. This movie was nominated for two Academy Awards in 2011 – Best Foreign Language Film and Best Actor. Open to everybody, organized by the Latin American and Iberian Graduate Students Association as part of the Hispanic Latino Heritage Month.

5. MIND AND BODY CHECK FAIR
Thursday, Oct 11, 11:00am-3:00pm, McComas Hall Lobby (Health Ed/Rec Sports side)
The Cook Counseling Center in collaboration with Schiffert Health Center’s Health Education, Recreational Sports, and HNFE is sponsoring this fair to provide opportunities for students to get a mental health check, talk with personal trainers and nutrition counselors, and get information on how to protect their skin from the sun (facial Dermascan skin self-checks available).  Information will be provided to help improve your health and overall well-being.  Giveaways and a raffle for massage therapy gift certificates! For additional information, contact Charlotte Amenkhienan or David Andrews, 231-7780.

5B. LITTLE HOKIES SWAP
Thursday, Oct 11, 3:00-8:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Donated baby- and children’s items will be displayed in the Multipurpose Room for graduate student parents to take. Bags will be provided at entry and graduate students can fill their bag with as many items as they may need.

6. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Oct 11, 30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
The GLC Café is offered throughout the semester with free coffee and tea in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. Last week’s call still stands: share your favorite poetry or quote! Bring it on a piece of paper and post in on a bulletin board in the Reading Room for everyone to enjoy. Bring your own mug if you can. 

7. FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS’ FALL MEETING
Thursday, Oct 11, 6:00pm, The Cellar
Get to know fellow Fulbright Scholars (current, Alumni & friends) at Virginia Tech and enjoy a couple of hours of conversation in a multicultural and diverse group. Please RSVP. Contact Tobias (202)870-9722) for questions and comments.

8. SUBMISSIONS ARE INVITED FOR GLC ART, PHOTO AND WRITING CONTEST – 3rd posting
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work, photography and written work by graduate students for display in the GLC during GLC Open House on Oct 19, 2012 and beyond. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art, photography, or written work) per graduate student. Submission deadline: Tuesday, Oct 16, 5:00pm. Learn more >>. Don’t be shy, please share your photos, art work and writing with others!

9. REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT – SIGN UP NOW!
The second annual GLC Open House Cornhole Tournament will take place on Friday, Oct 19, 1:00-3:00pm on the Graduate School Lawn.  Up to ten teams of two will compete in a double-elimination tournament. At least one member of each team must be a graduate student. Sign up here. Please contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu if you have questions.

10. REC SPORTS SPECIAL FALL EVENTS
Learn what all rec sports has to offer to individuals and groups who are interested in different exercise formats.

11. DONATE ITEMS FOR LITTLE HOKIES SWAP
Donations accepted through Oct 10, GLC
The Graduate School, the Graduate Student Assembly and the Women’s Center are sponsoring a first ever grab bag for Little Hokies to benefit VT graduate students and their children. Unused or gently used children’s items for ages 0-10 are collected (toys [including music and film DVDs], clothing, formula (that is not expired), medical supplies (breast pumps, other lactation devices), strollers, car seats, school supplies, bedding, bathing and grooming supplies (bathers, unopened/unused creams, lotions, powders), feeding supplies (bibs, baby bottles, food warmers), baby gear (activity gyms, bassinets, play mats, baby carriers, swings), diapers. All donations can be dropped off at the Graduate Life Center from Oct 1-10. On Oct 11, 3:00-8:00pm, the donated items will be displayed in the GLC Multipurpose Room. Bags will be provided at entry and graduate students can fill their bag with as many items as they may need.

12. NEW BUSINESS HOURS IN GRAD STUDENT SERVICES
The Graduate School’s student services and advising area (120 GLC) will operate with new business hours starting Oct 1. On Wednesdays the service area will open at 9:30am and close at 6:00pm. This is a pilot program for the fall semester; at the end of fall we will evaluate the impact of this change and decide whether to continue with altered hours or return to an 8-5/M-F schedule. Send comments to grads@vt.edu.

13. CALL FOR ABSTRACTS FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM – 2nd posting
The Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society (IDR) is now accepting undergraduate and graduate student abstract submissions for the poster session of the Second Annual Interdisciplinary Research Symposium, held at Virginia Tech on Nov 2, 9:00am-3:00pm, in the Graduate Life Center (GLC) Multipurpose room. Abstracts will be selected primarily on the extent of integration of distinct disciplines into the author’s work and secondarily on the results, outcomes, impact of the work. Submission deadline: Monday, Oct 8. Abstract format & submission guidelines>>. Abstract notifications will be sent on Oct 22. Any Questions? Contact Megan Holcomb  or Elizabeth Elvington.

14. JOIN THE GRAD SCHOLARS SOCIETY NOW! – 2nd posting
Graduate students are invited to participate in the Graduate Scholars Society. The GSS believes being a graduate student should also be about scholarship, and scholars can apply their reason, training, and perspective to all issues. GSS offers a forum for graduate students from any department and any origin to examine the broader issues effecting our lives and times. Each group is limited in size and meets based on its own needs (most in the evenings, some off campus, some on). For more information, email Gold Darr at grd0001@gmail.com. The topics: The Financial Future of America! Election platforms, domestic policy–making sense of the proposed financial strategies; Current Events in Global Economics: Should Greece stay in the Euro? What are the implications of China’s currency strategies?; Future of Robotics – In 50 years and what should the world look like?; One topic TBA. Please complete this poll to determine which group you are interested in and to receive more information regarding GSS.

15. INTERDISCIPLINARY GRAD STUDY ABROAD PROJECT IN BRAZIL – 1st posting
The Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability (CNRE program in the National Capital Region – http://cligs.vt.edu) is offering a graduate-level interdisciplinary study abroad project in Brazil over winter break and the spring semester for students interested in gaining international experience in cross-sector partnerships for sustainable development. The Global Sustainability Initiative (GSI) 2013 Brazil Project will be offered as a spring course (NR 5954) for six credits. Spanning ten weeks with 10 days spent in Brazil over winter break, the GSI Brazil Project will explore innovative cross-sector strategies to conserve and enhance Brazil’s valuable ecosystem services while meeting rising global food demands. The team will travel to a variety of locations including the Atlantic Rainforest and Cerrado biomes, and cities that are leading the way for green infrastructure in Latin America. Application deadline: Nov 9, 2012. Learn more and apply >>.

16. GRADUATE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 2nd posting
The Graduate Student Assembly’s Graduate Research Development Program (GRDP) is now accepting applications. GRDP provides monetary support to graduate students for research associated with their thesis or dissertation. The maximum award amounts are $500 for master’s students and $700 for doctoral students. Submit applications or find more information about the program, eligibility, application process, and FAQs >>.  Email Amanda Shea (ashea04@vt.edu) with any questions.

17. TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM (TFP) NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 3rd posting
The Graduate Student Assembly’s Travel Fund Program (TFP) is now accepting applications.  The TFP provides monetary support in the form of a reimbursement to graduate students presenting at conferences.  More information about the program, eligibility, application process, and FAQs may be found online; email if you have any questions.

18. WAGE POSITION OPEN FOR GRAD STUDENTS – 2nd posting
Drs. Holly Matusovich and Marie Paretti in the Department of Engineering Education are currently seeking graduate students to transcribe interviews associated with an NSF-funded project entitled “Understanding Barriers to Engineering as a Career Choice Among Appalachian Youth”.  The interviews are one-on-one and are approximately one hour long.  Participants range from high school students to working professionals.  The position will be approximately 10-20 hours of time per week at $10.00/hour to start. Experience with interview transcription is preferred but not required. Please contact Matthew Boynton if interested or to seek additional information.
 
19. GRA POSITION OPENING – 3rd posting
The Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resource Collaborative Research Support Program (SANREM CRSP) is a USAID-funded project that conducts applied research to support the implementation of sustainable agriculture and natural resource management practices in developing countries. A GRA is sought to conduct research in soil and crop management for conservation agriculture farming systems, soil-based carbon sequestration, and climate change. Must have BS in agronomy, crop or soil science, chemistry, or a closely related field of study that has equipped the applicant with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; excellent written and oral English skills. Learn more about the position >>.

20. CALL FOR GSA PROGRAM CHAIR APPLICATIONS – 3rd posting
If you are looking to get involved on campus and gain valuable leadership experience, consider serving the graduate student community in a GSA Program Chair position! As Program Chair you will have the opportunity to be creative, work with a diverse group of students, and actively participate in an assortment of events. The GSA is currently accepting applications from pro-active students for Website Director and GSA Historian.  Please view the GSA website for a full description of each position. Send a letter of interest, resume/CV, and goals for the academic year if interested.  Please direct any questions and send resumes to Elaine Mathis, VP of Programs at efm28@vt.edu. 

21. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR GSA FALL WINE SOCIAL – 1st posting
The GSA is seeking volunteers to assist in the upcoming fall wine social on Friday, Oct 19, 3:45-8:30pm at the University Club. Tasks will include set-up, registration, food preparation, bottle openers, pourers, and clean-up. Regardless of the task, all volunteers must be present for a pre-social meeting to take place at 4:30pm the day of the event.  If you would like to volunteer or have additional questions please contact Elaine Mathis, VP of Programs. 

22. 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 or call 540-231-8276. Compensation: $50.

23. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY OF ANXIETY AND DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIORS IN CHILDREN-1st posting
This project is for children ages 10-14 and their families. The family will have the opportunity to participate in an experimental treatment lasting approximately 12 sessions designed for children who worry excessively and exhibit disruptive behaviors (e.g., talking back, refusing to do things, becoming easily angered, etc.). Children participating in the study will be assessed prior to treatment, throughout treatment, immediately following treatment, and 1 month later. All assessment and treatment sessions will be free of charge.The study is being conducted at the Child Study Center of Virginia Tech. For more information please contact Maria Fraire at mgfraire@vt.edu or call 540-231-2024 or check out our website.

24. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR ELECTION VOLUNTEERS STUDY – 1st posting
A VT graduate student is looking for volunteers from the local offices of the presidential election campaigns to participate in a study about campaign messages. Respondents will be asked to complete a brief survey, and selected contributors may be asked to participate in 1-3 one-on-one interviews at their convenience, either in person or over the phone. If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact Tana Schiewer. Must be 18 years of age or older.

25. CHILDREN SOUGHT FOR STUDY – 2nd posting
A study through the VT Department of Psychology is examining mother-child interactions in children without a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Researchers seek children ages 4-11 without an Autism Spectrum Disorder (Autism, Asperger’s, or PDD-NOS) to complete age-appropriate play-based tasks involving mother and child (1 visit) in the VT Autism Clinic in Blacksburg or Roanoke Higher Education Center in Roanoke. Flexible scheduling – daytime, evening, or weekend appointments available. Families will be compensated $15 for participation; a brief summary of the autism and cognitive assessments is also available. If you are interested in participating, please contact Tyler Hassenfeldt or (412) 600-8304.

26. CHILD PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STORYTELLING ACTIVITY – 3rd posting
Researchers are looking for children aged 8-10 to participate in a study on enactment-based creative storytelling.  The child will be asked to enact and create stories using gestures and physical objects. The storytelling session will last around an hour, and will take place on the VT campus conducted by researchers from the VT Center for Human-Computer Interaction. Researchers are also willing to keep your child for longer should it be more convenient for you.  Transport arrangements can also be made if necessary. Please contact Sharon or 540-998 6488 if interested in participating.

27. UPCOMING EVENTS:

AN UT PROSIM INDEX: MEASURING STUDENTS’ SERVICE ORIENTATION
Monday, Oct 15, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Room C
Bring your lunch and come hear how VT Engage is developing instruments to measure students’ service orientation. This session should be of interest to anyone who is measuring the learning outcomes of their students or outcomes of programs. Sign up online >>  Sponsored by the Office of Assessment and Evaluation.

LEARN TURKISH AT VT: FREE LANGUAGE CLASSES
Wednesdays, starting Oct 17, 6:00-7:00pm, Cranwell International Center
Sponsored by the Intercultural Understanding Club (ICUC), experienced teachers are offering Turkish language classes from beginner to advanced levels. You don’t need to know any Turkish to start. One hour class per week and four classes in a month. Registration >>; Questions: Haktan Suren – hsuren@vt.edu.

NUTRITION WORKSHOP
Thursday, Oct 18, 2:00-3:30pm, GLC Room F
Are you curious about how to eat healthy on and off campus?  How to read a food label?  How to identify serving sizes?  This interactive workshop will go over common food myths, help you examine what you are currently eating, and give you realistic tips and resources on how to create a better plate.  Please register online >>. Questions? 
Contact Tara Frank at tara@vt.edu.

GLC OPEN HOUSE 2012
Friday, Oct 19, 10:00am-3:00pm, GLC
The Graduate School and Graduate Life Center will host an open house in the nationally recognized, award-winning Graduate Life Center (GLC).  Special events for graduate students and visitors include: art, writing and photo contest; tour of the GLC residence hall on upper floors; scavenger hunt – win a limited-edition GLC t-shirt and other small prizes; cornhole tournament; free refreshments all day; and more!

GSA FALL WINE SOCIAL
Friday, Oct 19, 5:00-8:00pm. University Club
Join GSA and your fellow grad students at this popular annual event – the GSA fall wine social! Wine services will stop at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10 for food and wine or $5 for food only. GSA delegate and cabinet members can get in for $5 at the door. If you have any questions please contact Elaine Mathis, VP of Programs. 

GAME NIGHT IN THE GLC
Tuesday, Oct 23, 8:00-10:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
Take a break from homework, meetings and tests and have a little fun! Enjoy some healthy competition with other grad students in a variety of games. Feel free to bring food, drinks, and of course, your favorite games. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows. Contact Emily Eskew for more details.

STRESS MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Oct 24, 3:00pm, GLC Room D
Feeling stressed?  Learn about strategies to decrease stress in your daily life, and to cope better with stress when it does happen! Included will be ways to enhance the enjoyable activities that are already part of your life, improve your ability to manage worries, and relaxation techniques.  Space is limited, so please sign up here. Sponsored by the Graduate Student Services Office.  Questions?  Contact Tara.

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
• Writing Center support for grads: Thursdays 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room (additional hours are available in the Library)

2. GET INVOLVED WITH THE GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM!
Monday, Oct 1, 4:00-5:00pm, GLC videoconference room
The Graduate Honor System is currently recruiting student and faculty volunteers to serve as panelists who hear and decide on cases. Interested individuals need to attend any one of the one-hour training sessions, and then will be able to serve on cases as their schedules allow. Remaining sessions:
– Wednesday, Oct 3, 2:00pm. GLC Room D
– Friday, Oct 5, 11:00am, GLC videoconference room
If you are interested, please email ghs@vt.edu.

3. VT HOSTS ‘DEMOCRACY NOW!’
Monday, Oct 1, 7:00pm, McBryde Hall 100
Democracy Now! is an independent, non-profit news program broadcast on TV, radio, and the internet. As part of their 100-city tour between the Democratic and Republican National Conventions and election day, Democracy Now! will be hosted at Virginia Tech. Award-winning journalist and Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman will be hosting the event with a focus on the issues of violence. Come and enjoy this rare opportunity presented for the Virginia Tech community. This message is posted on behalf of graduate student George Batten.  

4. DONATE ITEMS FOR LITTLE HOKIES SWAP
Donations accepted Oct 1-10, GLC
The Graduate School, the Graduate Student Assembly and the Women’s Center are sponsoring a first ever grab bag for Little Hokies to benefit VT graduate students and their children. Unused or gently used children’s items for ages 0-10 are collected (toys [including music and film DVDs], clothing, formula (that is not expired), medical supplies (breast pumps, other lactation devices), strollers, car seats, school supplies, bedding, bathing and grooming supplies (bathers, unopened/unused creams, lotions, powders), feeding supplies (bibs, baby bottles, food warmers), baby gear (activity gyms, bassinets, play mats, baby carriers, swings), diapers. All donations can be dropped off at the Graduate Life Center from Oct 1-10. On Oct 11, 3:00-8:00pm, the donated items will be displayed in the GLC Multipurpose Room. Bags will be provided at entry and graduate students can fill their bag with as many items as they may need.

5. GSA CUPCAKES WITH THE DEAN
Tuesday, Oct 2, 12:00–1:30pm, Graduate School Lobby
Please join the Grad School Dean Dr. Karen DePauw, GSA representatives and fellow graduate students for cupcakes and discussion. This is an exciting opportunity to meet Dean DePauw and bring up any questions or concerns you might have and mingle with fellow graduate students while enjoying delicious cupcakes.  Discussion will take place in the.  We hope to see you there!  Please direct any questions to Elaine Mathis, VP of Programs.

6. SHORT STAT COURSE: ANALYZING SURVEYS
Tuesday, Oct 2, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC
Taught by Marcos Carzolio, this course will follow the Designing Surveys course focusing on analyzing the data collected from surveys. Different statistical approaches will be discussed as well as graphing and presentation of results. Instructions on how to register and to learn more. Courses are held 5:00-7:00 pm. Remaining fall 2012 Schedule:
– Monday & Tuesday, Oct 15 & 16: How to make plots to tell the story of your data. For more information, please visit our website www.lisa.stat.vt.edu. Follow LISA on Facebook.

7. PAYCHECK TAXES: WHAT IS FIT/SIT & WHY DO YOU HAVE TO PAY THEM?
Wednesday, Oct 3, 3:00pm, GLC Room G
This workshop will provide an in-depth explanation of the taxes that are required to be withheld from your VT paycheck and how the taxes are calculated. If you have questions, please contact international tax specialist, Janet Kunz, at jakunz@vt.edu.

8. THE DEBATES: YOU DECIDE
Wednesday, Oct 3, 9:00-10:30pm, GLC TV Lounge
Watch the nationally televised presidential debates with your fellow graduate students in the GLC TV lounge and engage in dialogue about foreign & domestic policies, campaigns and issues that matter to you and your vote for 2012 presidential elections. Sponsored by GLC Fellows. Contact Emily Eskew at eceskew@vt.edu if you have any questions.

9. VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE
Are YOU registered to VOTE? There’s no better time than now! Your VOICE is your VOTE!
The Blacksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will be hosting a Voter Registration Drive on October 4th from 10am-2pm in the lobby of the Graduate Life Center. Visit our booth for registration forms, deadline information, and to ask your many questions about casting your vote. Regardless of which candidate you decide to support, if you are Virginia resident or would like to change your registration to a Virginia voter, you must be registered by October 15, 2012.   For more information, please visit http://www.sbe.virginia.gov/. Check your voter eligibility for any state>>
Questions: contact Kacie Allen.

10. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Oct 4, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
The GLC Café is offered throughout the semester with free coffee and tea in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. This week’s special: share your favorite poetry or quote! Bring it on a piece of paper and post in on a bulletin board in the Reading Room for everyone to enjoy. Bring your own mug if you can.  

11. SAFE ZONE 101 TRANING FOR GRADS – REGISTER NOW!
Friday, Oct 5, 1:00pm-3:00pm, GLC Room B
Interested in becoming Safe-Zone certified? This session is for individuals interested in learning more about the LGBTQ community. Topics addressed in the first training session include: common LGBTQ terms, sexual orientation vs. sexual identity, the coming out process, experiences of LGBTQ individuals, and how you can be a Safe-Zone ally. Please register here.  Questions?  Contact Tara Frank at tara@vt.edu.  Sponsored by Multicultural Programs and Services and the Graduate Student Services Office.

12. SUBMISSIONS ARE INVITED FOR GLC ART, PHOTO AND WRITING CONTEST -2nd posting
The Graduate School invites submissions of art work, photography and written work by graduate students for display in the GLC during GLC Open House on Oct 19, 2012 and beyond. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art, photography, or written work) per graduate student. Submission deadline: Tuesday, Oct 16, 5:00pm. Learn more>>.

13. REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT – SIGN UP NOW!
The second annual GLC Open House Cornhole Tournament will take place on Friday, Oct 19, 1:00-3:00pm on the Graduate School Lawn.  Up to ten teams of two will compete in a double-elimination tournament. At least one member of each team must be a graduate student. Sign up here. Please contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu if you have questions.

14. NEW BUSINESS HOURS IN GRAD STUDENT SERVICES
The Graduate School’s student services and advising area (120 GLC) will operate with new business hours starting Oct 1. On Wednesdays the service area will open at 9:30am and close at 6:00pm. This is a pilot program for the fall semester; at the end of fall we will evaluate the impact of this change and decide whether to continue with altered hours or return to an 8-5/M-F schedule. Send comments to grads@vt.edu.

15. CALL FOR ABSTRACTS FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
The Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society (IDR) is now accepting undergraduate and graduate student abstract submissions for the poster session of the Second Annual Interdisciplinary Research Symposium, held at Virginia Tech on Nov 2, 9:00am-3:00pm, in the Graduate Life Center (GLC) Multipurpose room. Abstracts will be selected primarily on the extent of integration of distinct disciplines into the author’s work and secondarily on the results, outcomes, impact of the work. Submission deadline: Monday, Oct 8. Abstract format & submission guidelines>>. Abstract notifications will be sent on Oct 22. Any Questions? Contact Megan Holcomb at mkh@vt.edu or Elizabeth Elvington at esavage@vt.edu.

16. JOIN THE GRAD SCHOLARS SOCIETY NOW!
Graduate students are invited to participate in the Graduate Scholars Society. The GSS believes being a graduate student should also be about scholarship, and scholars can apply their reason, training, and perspective to all issues. GSS offers a forum for graduate students from any department and any origin to examine the broader issues effecting our lives and times. Each group is limited in size and meets based on its own needs (most in the evenings, some off campus, some on). For more information, email Gold Darr at grd0001@gmail.com. The topics: The Financial Future of America! Election platforms, domestic policy–making sense of the proposed financial strategies; Current Events in Global Economics: Should Greece stay in the Euro? What are the implications of China’s currency strategies?; Future of Robotics – In 50 years and what should the world look like?; One topic TBA. Please complete this poll to determine which group you are interested in and to receive more information regarding GSS.

17. GRADUATE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 1st posting
The Graduate Student Assembly’s Graduate Research Development Program (GRDP) is now accepting applications. GRDP provides monetary support to graduate students for research associated with their thesis or dissertation. The maximum award amounts are $500 for master’s students and $700 for doctoral students. To submit applications or for more information about the program, eligibility, application process, and FAQs, go to http://www.gsa.graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/grdp.  Email Amanda Shea (ashea04@vt.edu) with any questions.

18. TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM (TFP) NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 2nd posting
The Graduate Student Assembly’s Travel Fund Program (TFP) is now accepting applications.  The TFP provides monetary support in the form of a reimbursement to graduate students presenting at conferences. The GSA is offering a TFP Application Workshop on Friday, Oct 5, at 5:30pm in the Graduate Life Center, Room G.  The workshop is for students with questions about the application and funding process.  More information about the program, eligibility, application process, and FAQs may be found online at  http://www.gsa.graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/tfp; email gsatfpchair@gmail.com  if you have any questions.

19. PHI BETA DELTA INTL EDUCATION HONOR SOCIETY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 2nd posting
PBD recognizes the scholarly achievement of international students and scholars, U.S. students who have studied abroad, and faculty and staff who are involved in international activities and provides a network on each campus for faculty, staff, and international students involved in international endeavors. PBD is looking for new members who are willing to help expand program activities and increase PBD’s visibility on campus through work with special events, public relations, awarding of scholarships and recognitions, and membership development.  For more information contact Dr. Amer Fayad afayad@vt.edu, 231-9668.  Application>>; deadline: 10/5.  

20. APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH HONOR SOCIETY – 3rd posting
Iota Delta Rho, the Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society is now accepting applications for membership. Applications and FAQs can be found on IDR’s website. Applications are accepted through Oct 3, 2012. If you have any questions, please contact Tammy Parece, the Vice-President of Membership, tammyep@vt.edu.

21. GA POSITION OPEN IN INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH & EFFECTIVENESS – 1st posting
VT’s IRE office is looking for a Graduate Assistant for Spring 2013, and possibly immediately to assist with the conversion of some static web-site activity to dynamic, user-driven, SQL-Server apps. Required skills include SQL, with ideally at least an awareness of SQL Server Reporting Services. Additionally some experience with ASP.NET, using C# or VB.NET would be great. Preferred skills include HTML, IIS, a fun personality, dependability, and good communication skills. Interested grad students can send their information to Dennis Catley, dcatley@vt.edu by October 15, 2012 or until position is filled.

22. WAGE POSITION OPEN FOR GRAD STUDENTS – 1st posting
Drs. Holly Matusovich and Marie Paretti in the Department of Engineering Education are currently seeking graduate students to transcribe interviews associated with an NSF-funded project entitled “Understanding Barriers to Engineering as a Career Choice Among Appalachian Youth”.  The interviews are one-on-one and are approximately one hour long.  Participants range from high school students to working professionals.  The position will be approximately 10-20 hours of time per week at $10.00/hour to start. Experience with interview transcription is preferred but not required. Please contact Matthew Boynton at matthew5@vt.edu if interested or to seek additional information.
 
23. GRA POSITION OPENING – 2nd posting
The Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resource Collaborative Research Support Program (SANREM CRSP) is a USAID-funded project that conducts applied research to support the implementation of sustainable agriculture and natural resource management practices in developing countries. A GRA is sought to conduct research in soil and crop management for conservation agriculture farming systems, soil-based carbon sequestration, and climate change. Must have BS in agronomy, crop or soil science, chemistry, or a closely related field of study that has equipped the applicant with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; excellent written and oral English skills. Learn more about the position at http://www.oired.vt.edu/GRA-Crop-Soil-Environmental-Sciences-JobListing.html.

24. CALL FOR GSA PROGRAM CHAIR APPLICATIONS – 2nd posting
If you are looking to get involved on campus and gain valuable leadership experience, consider serving the graduate student community in a GSA Program Chair position! As Program Chair you will have the opportunity to be creative, work with a diverse group of students, and actively participate in an assortment of events. The GSA is currently accepting applications from pro-active students for Website Director and GSA Historian.  Please view the GSA website at http://www.gsa.graduateschool.edu for a full description of each position. Send a letter of interest, resume/CV, and goals for the academic year if interested.  Please direct any questions and send resumes to Elaine Mathis, VP of Programs at efm28@vt.edu.  

25. CHILDREN SOUGHT FOR STUDY – 1st posting
A study through the VT Department of Psychology is examining mother-child interactions in children without a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Researchers seek children ages 4-11 without an Autism Spectrum Disorder (Autism, Asperger’s, or PDD-NOS) to complete age-appropriate play-based tasks involving mother and child (1 visit) in the VT Autism Clinic in Blacksburg or Roanoke Higher Education Center in Roanoke. Flexible scheduling – daytime, evening, or weekend appointments available. Families will be compensated $15 for participation; a brief summary of the autism and cognitive assessments is also available. If you are interested in participating, please contact Tyler Hassenfeldt at thassen@vt.edu or (412) 600-8304.

26. REVIEWERS NEEDED FOR PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL – 2nd posting
The Public Knowledge Journal is seeking reviewers for the 2012-2013 year.  Articles are reviewed through a double-blind peer review process. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about the ins and outs of the academic publication world, and is a great way to add a line to your CV!  The Public Knowledge Journal is an interdisciplinary graduate student journal committed to the exchange of ideas and information about policy, issues, and research relevant to the public sphere.  More information about the journal can be found at pkjournal.org.  Please contact Stefanie Georgakis at sgeorgakis@vt.edu by Oct 1 if you’re interested in being a peer reviewer for this academic year.

27. PIANIST NEEDED FOR GSA WINE SOCIAL – 2nd posting
The GSA is searching for a pianist to play for about an hour during the fall wine social on Friday, Oct 19, 5–8 pm. If you are able to play and interested in providing live entertainment for fellow graduate students please contact the GSA. The volunteer will receive free entry to the event, which includes wine and snacks.  A piano will be provided and you are not expected to play for the entire time.  It is preferred that any interested volunteers have a piano available for an audition before obtaining the job.  Please direct any questions to Cory Brozina, Events Chair (sbrozina@vt.edu).    

28. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO FORM GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM SUB-COMMITTEES
Monday, Oct 1, 5:00-6:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
The GSA is looking for sub-committee members to help plan the Research Symposium on Mar 27, 2013. The meeting on Oct 1 is dedicated to forming sub-committees for judging, sponsorship, the keynote speaker, and event promotion. This is a great way to gain event-planning experience, boost your resume, and be involved in one of the GSA’s largest events of the year. For more information contact George (gpb2c@vt.edu) or Diana (dwilson4@vt.edu), co-chairs of the Research Symposium.

29. CHILD PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STORYTELLING ACTIVITY – 2nd posting
Researchers are looking for children aged 8-10 to participate in a study on enactment-based creative storytelling.  The child will be asked to enact and create stories using gestures and physical objects. The storytelling session will last around an hour, and will take place on the VT campus conducted by researchers from the VT Center for Human-Computer Interaction. Researchers are also willing to keep your child for longer should it be more convenient for you.  Transport arrangements can also be made if necessary. Please contact Sharon  or 540-998 6488 if interested in participating.

30. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR READING PRACTICES STUDY – 3rd posting
Participants are needed for a study investigating reading practices on different media (i.e., paper, computer, iPad). This study will take around 3 hours to complete and participants will be compensated $10/hour (total $30). Requirements: Native English speaker, age 35-80. If interested, please contact Kyunghui Oh for further details.

31. UPCOMING EVENTS:

TOUR THE HAHN HORTICULTURE GARDEN – SIGN UP NOW!
Tuesday, Oct 9, 1:30pm
The Hahn Horticulture Garden encompasses nearly six acres of teaching and display gardens on Virginia Tech’s campus. The garden serves as a Learning resource for plant material, landscaping concepts, and environmental awareness.  Features include perennial borders, water gardens, shade gardens, and meadow garden, and the Peggy Lee Hahn Garden Pavilion. Learn more about the Hahn Horticulture Garden with this special tour!  Space is limited so please sign up. Questions? Contact Tara Frank at tara@vt.edu. Sponsored by the Graduate Student Services Office.

FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS’ FALL MEETING
Thursday, Oct 11, 6:00pm, The Cellar
Get to know fellow Fulbright Scholars (current, Alumni & friends) at Virginia Tech and enjoy a couple of hours of conversation in a multicultural and diverse group. Please RSVP. Contact Tobias (ecker@vt.edu, (202)870-9722) for questions and comments.

LEARN TURKISH AT VT: FREE LANGUAGE CLASSES
Wednesdays, starting Oct 17, 6:00-7:00pm, Cranwell International Center
Sponsored by the Intercultural Understanding Club (ICUC), experienced teachers are offering Turkish language classes from beginner to advanced levels. You don’t need to know any Turkish to start. One hour class per week and four classes in a month. Registration: http://www.icuc.org.vt.edu/turkish/
Questions: Haktan Suren – hsuren@vt.edu.

NUTRITION WORKSHOP
Thursday, Oct 18, 2:00-3:30pm, GLC Room F
Are you curious about how to eat healthy on and off campus?  How to read a food label?  How to identify serving sizes?  This interactive workshop will go over common food myths, help you examine what you are currently eating, and give you realistic tips and resources on how to create a better plate.  Please register online. Questions? Contact Tara Frank at tara@vt.edu.

GLC OPEN HOUSE 2012
Friday, Oct 19, 10:00am-3:00pm, GLC
The Graduate School and Graduate Life Center will host an open house in the nationally recognized, award-winning Graduate Life Center (GLC).  Special events for graduate students and visitors include: art, writing and photo contest; tour of the GLC residence hall on upper floors; scavenger hunt – win a limited-edition GLC t-shirt and other small prizes; cornhole tournament; free refreshments all day; and more!

GAME NIGHT IN THE GLC
Tuesday, Oct 23, 8:00-10:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
Take a break from homework, meetings and tests and have a little fun! Enjoy some healthy competition with other grad students in a variety of games. Feel free to bring food, drinks, and of course, your favorite games. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows. Contact Emily Eskew for more details.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC  – MORE UPDATES!
All weekly services are back with additional counseling hours!

• 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
• Writing Center support for grads: Thursdays 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room (additional hours are available in the Library)

2. SHORT STAT COURSE: DESIGNING SURVEYS
Tuesday, Sep 25, 5:00-7:00pm, GLC
Taught by Dr. Eric Vance, this short course helps students learn how to design a survey to strengthen research by applying statistical thinking to designing a survey and learning the five steps necessary for collecting data that will answer research questions. Topics include sample selection (including sample size calculations), questionnaire design to minimize errors and biases inherent in surveys, pilot testing and re-testing a survey, and implementation. Instructions on how to register and to learn more>>. Courses are held 5:00-7:00 pm. Remaining fall 2012 Schedule:

• Tuesday, Oct 2: Analyzing Surveys; in GLC
• Monday, Oct, 8: Introduction to R, Part I; in 3060 TORG
• Tuesday, Oct 9: Introduction to R, Part II; in 3060 TORG
• Monday & Tuesday, Oct 15 & 16: How to make plots to tell the story of your data. More information>>.

3. SELF-DEFENSE WORKSHOP – REGISTER NOW!
Wednesday, Sep 26, 12:00pm-1:30pm, GLC Room F
Learn about the basics of personal safety and crime prevention! Topics covered include how NOT to be a victim of crime, common misperceptions of crime, and basic self-defense techniques.  Space is limited so please register online. Questions? Contact Tara Frank. Sponsored by the Graduate Student Services Office and VTPD.

4. SUPPORT YOUR GRAD INTRAMURAL SOCCER TEAM!
Wednesday, Sep 26, 9:30pm, SRA field #3
Come out and support the graduate student soccer team as they compete in their upcoming games! For more information contact GLC Fellow, Emily Eskew.

5. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Sep 27, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
The GLC Café is offered throughout the semester with free coffee and tea in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. Bring your own mug if you can. 

6. FIRST BGSO SOCIAL
Friday, Sep 28, 6:00-10:00pm, Sharkey’s Restaurant in downtown Blacksburg
Mingle with members of the Black Graduate Student Organization (BGSO) as they prepare for a successful fall semester at Virginia Tech. If you have any questions, contact Larry at lacox@vt.edu. Follow BGSO on Facebook.

7. 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 GLC Open House on Oct 19, 2012 and beyond. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art, photography, or written work) per graduate student. Submission deadline: Tuesday, Oct 16, 5:00pm. Learn more >>.

8. NEW BUSINESS HOURS IN GRAD STUDENT SERVICES
The Graduate School’s student services and advising area (120 GLC) will operate with new business hours starting Oct 1. On Wednesdays the service area will open at 9:30am and close at 6:00pm. This is a pilot program for the fall semester; at the end of fall we will evaluate the impact of this change and decide whether to continue with altered hours or return to an 8-5/M-F schedule. Send comments to grads@vt.edu.

9. INVITATION TO COMPLETE GOBBLERFEST SURVEY
The university would like to hear your feedback about Gobblerfest 2012, hoping that you had an enjoyable experience and learned about resources available to you on campus and in the surrounding community. Please complete a short survey about your experience- it should only take about 10 minutes of your time. If you attended Gobblerfest and respond to this survey, you will automatically be entered to win two (2) tickets to see Kendrick Lamar and Hoodie Allen in Burruss Auditorium in October! Please enter your name and email address at the end of the survey to be entered into the drawings. Access the survey here . The survey will be open until Sep 28 at 11:59pm. The 2012 Gobblerfest Planning Team thanks you for your time and welcomes you to the Hokie Neighborhood!

10. TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM (TFP) NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 1st posting
The Graduate Student Assembly’s Travel Fund Program (TFP) is now accepting applications.  The TFP provides monetary support in the form of a reimbursement to graduate students presenting at conferences. The GSA is offering a TFP Application Workshop on Friday, Oct 5, at 5:30pm in the Graduate Life Center, Room G.  The workshop is for students with questions about the application and funding process.  More information about the program, eligibility, application process, and FAQs may be found online; email gsatfpchair@gmail.com  if you have any questions.

11. PHI BETA DELTA INTL EDUCATION HONOR SOCIETY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 1st posting
PBD recognizes the scholarly achievement of international students and scholars, U.S. students who have studied abroad, and faculty and staff who are involved in international activities and provides a network on each campus for faculty, staff, and international students involved in international endeavors. PBD is looking for new members who are willing to help expand program activities and increase PBD’s visibility on campus through work with special events, public relations, awarding of scholarships and recognitions, and membership development.  For more information contact Dr. Amer Fayad, 231-9668.  Applications online; deadline: 10/5. 

12. APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH HONOR SOCIETY – 2nd posting
Iota Delta Rho, the Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society is now accepting applications for membership. Applications and FAQs can be found on IDR’s website. Applications are accepted through Oct 3, 2012. If you have any questions, please contact Tammy Parece, the Vice-President of Membership.
 
13. SUBMIT YOUR EVENT REQUESTS AND IDEAS NOW! – 3rd posting
The GLC Fellows can help you get you what you want, but they need to know what it is first! The Fellows want to plan events and activities that will reach a wide variety of graduate students.  Please fill out this survey so that they can learn more about you and what you would like to see in the Graduate Life Center at Donaldson-Brown. The survey should only take a few minutes of your time.

14. NOMINATE A FACULTY MEMBER! – 3rd posting
The Graduate School is seeking faculty members for a series of lunch time discussions on various topics that may be of interest to graduate students.  Do you know a faculty member who might want to share their research with graduate students?  Or is there a topic area you would like to learn more about?  Let us know by completing the survey. Questions or comments?  Contact Tara Frank.

15. GRA POSITION OPENING – 1st posting
The Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resource Collaborative Research Support Program (SANREM CRSP) is a USAID-funded project that conducts applied research to support the implementation of sustainable agriculture and natural resource management practices in developing countries. A GRA is sought to conduct research in soil and crop management for conservation agriculture farming systems, soil-based carbon sequestration, and climate change. Must have BS in agronomy, crop or soil science, chemistry, or a closely related field of study that has equipped the applicant with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; excellent written and oral English skills. Learn more about the position>>.

16. CALL FOR GSA PROGRAM CHAIR APPLICATIONS – 1st posting
If you are looking to get involved on campus and gain valuable leadership experience, consider serving the graduate student community in a GSA Program Chair position! As Program Chair you will have the opportunity to be creative, work with a diverse group of students, and actively participate in an assortment of events. The GSA is currently accepting applications from pro-active students for Website Director and GSA Historian.  Please view the GSA website at http://www.gsa.graduateschool.edu for a full description of each position. Send a letter of interest, resume/CV, and goals for the academic year if interested.  Please direct any questions and send resumes to Elaine Mathis, VP of Programs. 

17. REVIEWERS NEEDED FOR PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL – 1st posting
The Public Knowledge Journal is seeking reviewers for the 2012-2013 year.  Articles are reviewed through a double-blind peer review process. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about the ins and outs of the academic publication world, and is a great way to add a line to your CV!  The Public Knowledge Journal is an interdisciplinary graduate student journal committed to the exchange of ideas and information about policy, issues, and research relevant to the public sphere.  More information about the journal>>.  Please contact Stefanie Georgakis at sgeorgakis@vt.edu by Oct 1 if you’re interested in being a peer reviewer for this academic year.

18. PIANIST NEEDED FOR GSAE WINE SOCIAL
The GSA is searching for a pianist to play for about an hour during the fall wine social on Friday, Oct 19, 5–8 pm. If you are able to play and interested in providing live entertainment for fellow graduate students please contact the GSA. The volunteer will receive free entry to the event, which includes wine and snacks.  A piano will be provided and you are not expected to play for the entire time.  It is preferred that any interested volunteers have a piano available for an audition before obtaining the job.  Please direct any questions to Cory Brozina, Events Chair.   

19. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO FORM GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM SUB-COMMITTEES
Monday, Oct 1, 5:00-6:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
The GSA is looking for sub-committee members to help plan the Research Symposium on Mar 27, 2013. The meeting on Oct 1 is dedicated to forming sub-committees for judging, sponsorship, the keynote speaker, and event promotion. This is a great way to gain event-planning experience, boost your resume, and be involved in one of the GSA’s largest events of the year. For more information contact George (gpb2c@vt.edu) or Diana (dwilson4@vt.edu), co-chairs of the Research Symposium.

20. CHILD PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STORYTELLING ACTIVITY – 1st posting
Researchers are looking for children aged 8-10 to participate in a study on enactment-based creative storytelling.  The child will be asked to enact and create stories using gestures and physical objects. The storytelling session will last around an hour, and will take place on the VT campus conducted by researchers from the VT Center for Human-Computer Interaction. Researchers are also willing to keep your child for longer should it be more convenient for you.  Transport arrangements can also be made if necessary. Please contact Sharon at sharilyn@vt.edu or 540-998 6488 if interested in participating.

21. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR READING PRACTICES STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are needed for a study investigating reading practices on different media (i.e., paper, computer, iPad). This study will take around 3 hours to complete and participants will be compensated $10/hour (total $30). Requirements: Native English speaker, age 35-80. If interested, please contact Kyunghui Oh at khoh@vt.edu for further details.

22. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR LOAD-HOLDING STUDY – 3rd posting
Participants are needed for a study about the ergonomic research on manufacturing tasks.  The study consists of two sessions of about 1-2 and 3-4 hours respectively.  Requirements: male or female with no recent history of musculoskeletal disorders within the age range of 18-30 years.  Participants will be compensated $10/hr.  If interested, please contact Chelsea Susbilla at csus218@vt.edu for further details.

23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON HISTORIC BATTLEFIELDS – 3rd posting
Participants are needed for a survey on the public education and perception of historic battlefields among the VT community. As a potential participant, your opinions may be important. Your involvement is entirely voluntary and there are no known or anticipated risks by participating in this study. The survey should take less than 20 minutes and you will receive $5.00 as compensation. If you have any questions about this study or would like additional information, please contact Shamsul Abu Bakar (shunown1@vt.edu/540-449-9174). This study has been approved by the VT-IRB.

24. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR SURVEY EXPLORING PURCHASING BEHAVIORS – 3rd posting
A VT graduate student in industrial design is conducting a survey to gather feedback on sustainable purchasing behaviors. The survey takes no more than 10 minutes. All responses will be kept anonymous. If you are interested in participating, please open the survey at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1346374534747. Contact Yushi by email at yushi@vt.edu with any questions.

25. UPCOMING EVENTS:

CXWORX FITNESS CLASSES FOR GRADS
Monday, Oct 1, 9:00-10:00am, GLC Multipurpose Room
If you are looking for a short, sharp workout that will inspire you to get to the next level of fitness, CXWORX might be for you! Based on cutting-edge scientific research, this brand new 30-minute format combines the best of personal training with the energy of a group fitness class. Choreographed routines and chart-topping music will bring you back for more: CXWORX hones in on the torso and sling muscles that connect your upper body to your lower body. It’s ideal for tightening your tummy and butt, while also improving functional strength and assisting in injury prevention. Bring a towel and some water and join personal trainer, Emily, for the following dates in the GLC Multipurpose room to test out CXWORX: Monday, Oct 1, 9:00-10:00am; Thursday, Nov 1, 9:00-10:00am; Thursday, Dec 13, 6:00-7:00pm, all in the GLC Multipurpose Room. Sponsored by the GLC Fellows; contact Emily Eskew at eceskew@vt.edu for more details.

CREATING A CULTURE OF ASSESSMENT IN THE DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Monday, Oct 1, 12-1:30pm, GLC Room C
This fall, the Office of Assessment & Evaluation will host a series of brown bag interactive chats on topics and issues related to the design, promotion, and facilitation of a culture of continuous improvement at the university. These chats are intended to provide the broader education community with ideas and practices that encourage innovation in all areas that affect student learning at Virginia Tech.  This session will focus on assessment in student affairs and is presented by Martha Glass, Associate Director of Administration for Assessment, Division of Student Affairs.  Please register at http://www.cideronline.org/events/events2.cfm

GET INVOLVED WITH THE GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM!
The Graduate Honor System is currently recruiting student and faculty volunteers to serve as panelists who hear and decide on cases. Interested individuals need to attend any one of the one-hour training sessions, and then will be able to serve on cases as their schedules allow. Training schedule:

• Monday, Oct 1, 4:00pm, GLC videoconference room
• Wednesday, Oct 3, 2:00pm. GLC Room D
• Friday, Oct 5, 11:00am, GLC videoconference room

If you are interested, please email ghs@vt.edu.

VT HOSTS ‘DEMOCRACY NOW!’
Monday, Oct 1, 7:00pm, McBryde Hall 100
Democracy Now! is an independent, non-profit news program broadcast on TV, radio, and the internet. As part of their 100-city tour between the Democratic and Republican National Conventions and election day, Democracy Now! will be hosted at Virginia Tech. Award-winning journalist and Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman will be hosting the event with a focus on the issues of violence. Come and enjoy this rare opportunity presented for the Virginia Tech community. This message is posted on behalf of graduate student George Batten. 

GSA CUPCAKES WITH THE DEAN
Tuesday, Oct 2, 12:00–1:30pm, Graduate School Lobby
Please join the Grad School Dean Dr. Karen DePauw, GSA representatives and fellow graduate students for cupcakes and discussion. This is an exciting opportunity to meet Dean DePauw and bring up any questions or concerns you might have and mingle with fellow graduate students while enjoying delicious cupcakes.  Discussion will take place in the.  We hope to see you there!  Please direct any questions to Elaine Mathis, VP of Programs (efm28@vt.edu).

PAYCHECK TAXES: WHAT IS FIT/SIT & WHY DO YOU HAVE TO PAY THEM?
Wednesday, Oct 3, 3:00pm, GLC Room G
This workshop will provide an in-depth explanation of the taxes that are required to be withheld from your VT paycheck and how the taxes are calculated. If you have questions, please contact international tax specialist, Janet Kunz, at jakunz@vt.edu.

THE DEBATES: YOU DECIDE
October 3, 16 and 22, 9:00-10:30pm, GLC TV Lounge
Watch the nationally televised presidential debates with your fellow graduate students in the GLC TV lounge and engage in dialogue about foreign & domestic policies, campaigns and issues that matter to you and your vote for 2012 presidential elections. Sponsored by GLC Fellows. Contact Emily Eskew at eceskew@vt.edu if you have any questions.

SAFE ZONE 101 TRANING FOR GRADS – REGISTER NOW!
Friday, Oct 5, 1:00pm-3:00pm, GLC Room B
Interested in becoming Safe-Zone certified? This session is for individuals interested in learning more about the LGBTQ community. Topics addressed in the first training session include: common LGBTQ terms, sexual orientation vs. sexual identity, the coming out process, experiences of LGBTQ individuals, and how you can be a Safe-Zone ally. Please register here.  Questions?  Contact Tara Frank at tara@vt.edu.  Sponsored by Multicultural Programs and Services and the Graduate Student Services Office.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC  – UPDATED!
All weekly services are back!

• Career advising (walk in, no appointment needed): Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
• Cook Counseling (walk in, no appointment needed): Thursdays 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
• Writing Center support for grads: Thursdays 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room (additional hours are available in the Library)

2. USING JMP TO DESIGN EXPERIMENTS AND ANALYZE THE RESULTS
Monday and Tuesday, Sep 17 & 18, 5:00-7:00pm
The classical design (factorial design, response surface design, etc.) may fail to meet requirements due to an irregular design space, involving categorical variables, a nonstandard model and unusual requirements of sample size. This class will introduce how to use JMP to tackle these design challenges within a unified framework and make best use of your design budget. The topics covered tentatively in this course include: computer generated design, augmenting an existing design and design from a candidate set. Follow LISA on Facebook or Twitter  to be the first to know about LISA events! For more information, please visit the LISA website: www.lisa.stat.vt.edu.

3. GRAD SCHOOL SERVICE/ADVISING AREA CLOSED FOR WALK-INS
Tuesday, Sep 18, 8:00am-5:00pm, effecting GLC offices 110-120
The Graduate School student services and advising area (120 GLC) will undergo some changes on Tuesday, Sep 18, requiring that we close the service area to walk-in traffic. We ask that you try to avoid visiting the Graduate School on this day unless you need urgent in-person assistance. Email and phone assistance will be uninterrupted and accommodations will be made to see students in the Graduate School lobby as needed. Please stop by to see us after Tuesday to see our new, more student-friendly layout!

4. BLACK GRADUATE STUDENT ORGANIZATION (BGSO) FIRST GENERAL MEETING
Wednesday, Sep 19, 6-7:30pm
This meeting will be used to determine the events and programming done by BGSO for the academic year.  If there is something that you would like to see planned, please come out and let BGSO know at this meeting.  For those that can’t attend the meeting due to prior engagements, you can email your ideas before the meeting to lacox@vt.edu with the subject “BGSO PROGRAM IDEAS.” Follow BGSO on Facebook.

5. LECTURE: WHY UNIVERSITIES CAN’T DO WITHOUT GOD
Wednesday, Sep 19, 7:30pm, 3100 Torgersen Hall
Reformed Presbyterian Missions is sponsoring this lecture for graduate students and faculty entitled "Why Universities Can’t Do Without God:  The theistic foundations of modern education and research."  Dr. James Anderson will be discussing why education and scholarship must be built on the prior knowledge of God, showing the necessity of a theistic worldview to science, research, education, and ethics.  Before earning his PhD in Philosophical Theology, Dr. Anderson earned a PhD in Computer Simulation from the University of Edinburgh and worked in research in that field for 10 years.  He is currently a professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC.  The lecture is free and open to the public.

6. WRITING CENTER SUPPORT IN THE GLC AND BEYOND
Thursdays, 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room
Walk-in without an appointment to receive assistance with your academic writing, or contact grad student Josh Thompson for an appointment: jdt225@vt.edu. Additional writing support is available through the VT Writing Center, located in the Learning Commons on the 2nd floor of Newman Library. Hours of Operation: Sun (Drop-In Service) 8pm-10pm; Mon-Wed 9am-10pm; Thu-Fri 9am-5pm; call 231-5436 for an appointment.

7. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Sep 20, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
The GLC Café is offered throughout the semester with free coffee and tea in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. Bring your own mug if you can. 

8. UNDERSTANDING PAYMENTS AND TAXES IN THE U.S.
Thursday, Sep 20, 4:00pm, GLC Room C
An international tax specialist will cover the types of income, work restrictions, federal and state taxes, payroll forms, and more at this orientation event for international students. If you have questions, please contact Janet Kunz at jakunz@vt.edu.

9. GRADUATE SCHOLARS SOCIETY
Thursday, Sep 20, 4pm, GLC Room G
The Graduate Scholars Society invites you to attend the Fall 2012 information meeting.  The GSS believes being a graduate student should also be about scholarship, and scholars can apply their reason, training, and perspective to all issues. GSS is essentially a forum for graduate students from any department and any origin to examine the broader issues effecting our lives and times. At this session, you will hear more about the topics proposed for discussion this semester, and have an opportunity to join a group. Each group is limited in size and meets based on its own needs (most in the evenings, some off campus, some on).   Topics include: 1. The Financial Future of America – election platforms, domestic policy—making sense of the proposed financial strategies; 2. Current Events in Global Economics – should Greece stay in the Euro? What are the implications of China’s currency strategies?; 3. Future of Robotics – in 50 years, what should the world look like? Will the top 5 teachers of our generation be immortalized in robots for schools? Will the elderly have live-in care? Research robotics happens at Tech, learn what’s possible, and decide what direction you think research should take. For more information, email Gold Darr at grd0001@gmail.com.

10. GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY FIRST FALL DELEGATE MEETING
Thursday, Sep 20, 5:30-7pm, GLC Multipurpose Room.
The GSA Executive board invites you to attend the first delegate meeting for the semester. This will give you a chance to meet with the graduate students who serve as representatives for their respective academic departments, who are also liaisons to graduate students regarding graduate student issues/concerns, activities, etc. offered by the GSA. If you are interested in learning more about the delegate body and how GSA functions, please join other grads at this meeting and fill out this survey so we can have a better estimate for food and drinks. For more information please contact Shaimaa Abdallah, GSA President, at shaimaa@vt.edu.

11. VT STUDENTS FOR OBAMA MEETING
Thursday, Sep 20, 6:30-7:30pm, Squires Student Center Room 341
Want to help re-elect President Obama? Learn how you can help volunteer in order to ensure President Obama’s re-election at this meeting.

12. SAUDI NATIONAL DAY
Friday, Sep 21, 10am-4pm, Squires Student Center Williamsburg Room
Celebrate Saudi National Day with the Saudi Club at Virginia Tech! Take a tour of Saudi Arabia – start with the offering of Arabic coffee and dates and continue to know more about the country and its customs, traditions and people. Explore all parts of the country, tradition, education, tourism, and take photos in traditional clothes and meet students from Saudi Arabia. Gifts, brochures, magazines, your name written in Arabic, T-Shirts, wristbands and souvenirs will be giving to visitors as they come to explore and share with us this special day. It is very special for the Saudi Club at VT to share this day with friends, colleagues, faculty, staff and the people of Blacksburg.

13. TEAMS INVITED FOR LIBRARY’S HOKIE HIJINX SCAVENGER HUNT – 2nd posting
University Libraries is seeking teams to participate in the library’s Hokie Hijinx scavenger hunt, which will be held September 26-29. The top three teams will win prize bags to distribute among their members. Team leaders can sign up and check the rules.

14. APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH HONOR SOCIETY – 1st posting
Iota Delta Rho, the Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society is now accepting applications for membership. Applications and FAQs can be found on IDR’s website at:  http://www.idrsociety.org/membership/application/. Applications are accepted through Oct 3, 2012. If you have any questions, please contact Tammy Parece, the Vice-President of Membership, tammyep@vt.edu.
 
15. SUBMIT YOUR EVENT REQUESTS AND IDEAS NOW! – 2nd posting
The GLC Fellows can help you get you what you want, but they need to know what it is first! The Fellows want to plan events and activities that will reach a wide variety of graduate students.  Please fill out the survey below so that they can learn more about you and what you would like to see in the Graduate Life Center at Donaldson-Brown: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1347293454435. The survey should only take a few minutes of your time.

16. NOMINATE A FACULTY MEMBER! – 3rd posting
The Graduate School is seeking faculty members for a series of lunch time discussions on various topics that may be of interest to graduate students.  Do you know a faculty member who might want to share their research with graduate students?  Or is there a topic area you would like to learn more about?  Let us know by completing the survey. Questions or comments?  Contact Tara Frank at tara@vt.edu.

17. VOLUNTEERS FOR GSA GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL FAIR NEEDED
GSA hosts the Graduate and Professional School Fair for undergraduates on Monday, September 24 from 10:30am to 2:00pm in Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires Student Center. There will be over 100 graduate representatives from universities across the nation available to provide information about an advance degree. WE NEED YOUR HELP and many volunteers to make this event a success! Please consider volunteering your time, 1-2 hours, for GSA’s BIGGEST FUNDRAISER! Please fill out this volunteer form. For any questions please contact Kelsey Brunton, GPSF Program Chair and Coordinator at vtgpsf@gmail.com.

18. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR READING PRACTICES STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are needed for a study investigating reading practices on different media (i.e., paper, computer, iPad). This study will take around 3 hours to complete and participants will be compensated $10/hour (total $30). Requirements: Native English speaker, age 35-80. If interested, please contact Kyunghui Oh at khoh@vt.edu for further details.

19. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR LOAD-HOLDING STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are needed for a study about the ergonomic research on manufacturing tasks.  The study consists of two sessions of about 1-2 and 3-4 hours respectively.  Requirements: male or female with no recent history of musculoskeletal disorders within the age range of 18-30 years.  Participants will be compensated $10/hr.  If interested, please contact Chelsea Susbilla at csus218@vt.edu for further details.

20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON HISTORIC BATTLEFIELDS – 2nd posting
Participants are needed for a survey on the public education and perception of historic battlefields among the VT community. As a potential participant, your opinions may be important. Your involvement is entirely voluntary and there are no known or anticipated risks by participating in this study. The survey should take less than 20 minutes and you will receive $5.00 as compensation. If you have any questions about this study or would like additional information, please contact Shamsul Abu Bakar (shunown1@vt.edu/540-449-9174). This study has been approved by the VT-IRB.

21. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR SURVEY EXPLORING PURCHASING BEHAVIORS – 2nd posting
A VT graduate student in industrial design is conducting a survey to gather feedback on sustainable purchasing behaviors. The survey takes no more than 10 minutes. All responses will be kept anonymous. If you are interested in participating, please open the survey at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1346374534747. Contact Yushi by email at yushi@vt.edu with any questions.

22. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BALANCE/GAIT STUDY – 3rd posting
Subjects are needed for a study investigating balance and gait in overweight individuals. The study will take place in the Kevin P Granata Biomechanics Lab in 208 Norris Hall. The study will take 1-1.5 hours to complete, and subjects will be paid $20 for their participation. If you are interested, please email your name, age, height, weight and days/times during the week you are available to participate to: biomechanics.esm@gmail.com Overweight individuals are especially needed.

23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR ANKLE INSTABILITY STUDY – 3rd posting
Healthy, young adults WITH a history of ankle sprains are sought for participation in a research project on ankle sprain risk factors.  The study will require participants to complete ankle stiffness and joint position sense evaluations under fatigued and braced conditions.  All procedures have been approved by the VT IRB. Participants must be 18-35 years old, active (2-3 times/week), have no existing joint problems or chronic joint pain, and must not be participating in physical rehab or regularly using ankle tape or bracing. Testing requires 3 sessions (about 2–2.5 hrs/session). Participants will be compensated for their time at a rate of $10/hr.  Contact Courtney Haynes by email at chaynes7@vt.edu or call at 724-272-8574.

24. THE VT LIBRARY SEEKS YOUR FEEDBACK ON GRAD COURSE – 3rd posting
The VT library seeks your feedback on the Library research skills graduate course (Grad 5124) it offers. Your feedback will be useful in aligning the course to better meet the needs of graduate students. Provide feedback >>(takes less than 5 minutes): . If you have any questions, contact Tracy Hall, Instructional Services Librarian (tracy72@vt.edu, 540-231-3067). To learn more about the Grad 5124 course, visit: http://www.lib.vt.edu/instruct/grad5124.html.