June 16-22, 2014

1.  WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC  – SUMMER SCHEDULE
Weekly services are on hiatus in the summer, except for the café. However, career advising, counseling, and writing support are available at each service’s home location in the Career Services Center, Cook Counseling and Newman Library respectively.

  • GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursday, Reading Room or GLC side patio – year round!
  • Graduate School summer hours: M-F: 9:00am-4:00pm

2. YOU SCREAMED ICE CREAM AND WE HEARD YOU
Tuesday, Jun 17, 2:00-3:00pm, Graduate School lobby
Ice cream will be served in the Grad School lobby for any and every graduate student who comes by. Take a quick break from whatever you are doing to enjoy some ice cream and meet other grad students who are around this summer. If you plan to stop by, please complete this quick survey to help us plan for the right amount of ice cream: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1402946201139. Brought to you by the Graduate School.

3. GET LAMP: THE TEXT ADVENTURE DOCUMENTARY
Wednesday, Jun 18, 4:00-6:00pm, GLC TV Lounge
"Before the first-person shooter there was the second-person thinker." Have you ever thought about writing a story in which the audience is an active participant? Join others interested in the art and skill of interactive digital narrative for a viewing and discussion of "Get Lamp: The Text Adventure Documentary" (http://www.getlamp.com/) by Jason Scott.  Contact grad student Darren <dmaczka@vt.edu> with any questions.

4. SHORT STAT COURSES SCHEDULE FOR SUMMER 2014: BASICS OF R
Wednesday, Jun 18, 4:30-6:30pm. 1080 Torgersen Hall
Taught by Olawale Awe, this introductory course covers programming basics in R (a powerful, versatile, and free statistical programming language), including the definition and manipulation of data objects, loops, importing/exporting data, and simple data summaries. These concepts will be illustrated using both the Home Prices Data and also the National Longitudinal Mortality Survey. The course format includes lecture and computer laboratory components and attendees will have the opportunity to write, modify, and execute R codes for these data. This intro session is part of a three-course series which assumes no previous coding experience in R or any other language. The intended audience includes researchers who want to gain basic exposure to R with the ultimate goal of incorporating R into their research programs. More experienced users may wish to skip this course and attend subsequent courses on statistical and graphical techniques using R. See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses to register and learn more.

5. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Jun 19, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room or side patio
The GLC Café is offered throughout the year with free coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. Bring your own mug if you can. Either inside or outside, pending on the weather!

6. P.E.O. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DOCTORAL STUDENTS AVAILABLE – 1st posting
The local Radford P.E.O. Chapter AB–  a philanthropic educational organization for women, is soliciting applications from eligible VT female doctoral students for significant competitive merit-based P.E.O. Scholar Awards. Learn more at http://www.peointernational.org/sites/www.peointernational.org/files/content/psa-info-card_updates_2013-02-11_low-res.pdf.

7. ASSISTANTSHIP POSITION IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION – 1st posting
The Department of Engineering Education, home to “General Engineering” students, is seeking to hire an Academic Advising Graduate Assistant to work with this population of undergraduates.  Learn about details at:  http://www.enge.vt.edu/_files/undergraduate/pdf_2014_Academic%20Advising%20Graduate%20Assistant.

8. REFERENCE LIBRARY ASSISTANT POSITIONS (4) OPEN – 2nd posting
The University Libraries are accepting applications for four Reference Library Assistant (RLA) positions for the 2014-2015 academic term. The RLA positions (see http://www.lib.vt.edu/libnews/2014/2014-07-09.html ) will be scheduled to work at the second floor Reference Assistance desk. RLAs work an average of 8-12 hrs/wk at $15.00/hour; this is a wage position with no tuition waiver. Hours determined upon hire. Successful applicants are expected to be able to work weekends and weeknights (until 12:00 midnight). All applications must include a current resume, cover letter, and completed application (download at www.lib.vt.edu/libnews/2014/rla-application.doc), sent by email or mail to: Lori Lee, Newman Library (0434) P.O. Box 90001 Blacksburg, VA 24061-9001. Apply by 5:00pm, July 9, 2014. Interviews will be scheduled the week of July 28, and successful candidates will be notified by August 6. Training will take place August 18-22. Fall schedule begins Aug 25.

9. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR MANUAL MATERIAL-HANDLING STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants are needed for a studyon manual material handling tasks.  The study consists of two sessions for about 1-2 and 3-4 hours, respectively.  Requirements: male or female with no recent history of musculoskeletal disorders within the age range of 18-40.  Participants will be compensated $10/hr.  If interested, please contact Alireza Sedighi at sedighia@vt.edu for further details.

10. VT SPORT CLUB TEAMS LOOKING FOR COACHES – 3rd posting
The following VT sport club teams are looking for coaches for the upcoming school year:  VT Crew (rowing), Women’s Soccer, Women’s Lacrosse and Women’s Water Polo.  All 31 sport clubs are extremely competitive, and compete at the intercollegiate level against sport club teams from other colleges and universities around the region and throughout the country.  Sport clubs practice during the week and travel to tournaments or host home games/tournaments on weekends.  If you would like additional information about these coaching opportunities, please contact Alan Glick, Assistant Director of Recreational Sports, at aglick@vt.edu, 231-4058.

Upcoming events:

SHORT STAT COURSES SCHEDULE FOR SUMMER 2014
LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) is providing a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research. The focus of these two-hour courses is on teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data. See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and to learn more. Summer 2014 Schedule:

  • Wednesday, June 25: Statistical Analysis in R;
  • Wednesday, July 2: Graphics in R;
  • Wednesday, July 9: T-tests, ANOVA, and Rank Based Tests;
  • Wednesday, July 16: SQL in R;
  • Wednesday, July 23: Parametric versus Semi/nonparametric Regression Models;
  • Wednesday, July 30: Factorial Experiments: Blocking, Confounding, and Fractional Factorial Designs;

FERPA TRAINING FOR GA’s and GTA’S
Wednesday, Jun 25, 9:00am-10:30am, GLC multipurpose room
The Graduate School has arranged for Wanda Hankins Dean, Vice Provost for Enrollment and Degree Management, to present a FERPA workshop for all Graduate School staff, colleagues across campus, and GA’s and GTA’s who work with sensitive student data. Light refreshments will be served.

September 2-8, 2013

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

  • Career Services walk-in advising: Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
  • Cook Counseling walk-in services: Thursdays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
  • GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursdays, Reading Room – year round!
  • Writing Center walk-in assistance:  Thursdays 2-5pm, GLC Room D (additional hours available in the library)

 2. HOW TO MAKE ENDS MEET
Tuesday, Sep 3, 5:00-6:00pm, GLC Room D
Learn creative ways to live within a meager budget using money-saving strategies specific to the NRV.

3. JESUS & SCIENCE: A SCIENTIST’S JOURNEY OF FAITH
Tuesday, Sep 3, 7:00-8:00pm, Fralin Hall Auditorium
This lecture and dialogue will explore common ground between contemporary scientific inquiry and the story of Jesus of Nazareth. The presentation by Dr. Matthew Fleenor, associate professor of physics and astronomy at Roanoke College, will be followed by a dessert reception. Sponsored by InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship.

4. FREETHINKERS AT VT MEETINGS
Tuesdays, starting Sep 3, 7:00pm, Squires Brush Mountain Room B
Freethinkers at VT is a student organization comprised of individuals interested in promoting and applying free thought. In addition to social outings to interesting movies, speakers, and debates, club members meet every Tuesday to hold lively discussions on religious, scientific, and philosophical topics. The club is open to grads, undergrads, faculty and staff. Current active members include approx. 30% graduate students. Freethinkers meetings are held every Tuesday at 7pm. At this meeting physics instructor Dr. Zack Lewis will be giving a presentation entitled "Secrets that Scientists Don’t Want You to Know About" discussing the ways that science is misappropriated in the public sphere. If interested, follow the group on Facebook or sign up for the Freethinkers listserv, "FREETHINKERS@listserv.vt.edu" or visit http://www.freeatvt.org/.

5. WORKING MOMS’ SUPPORT GROUP
Wednesday, Sep 4, 12:00pm, GLC Room C
This is an opportunity for working mothers to come together to share, vent, network, and support one another. September’s topic is: “Back to School”. To sign up for the listserv or for more information, contact Christine Dennis Smith at cdennis@vt.edu.

6. RESUME WRITING WORKSHOP
Wednesday, Sep 4, 5:30pm, GLC Room G
Having a well-polished resume is one of the most critical steps toward getting a job interview. Start early to ready for fall career fairs and on-campus interviews. Brought to you by the Smith Career Center, amcphers@vt.edu.

7. INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Wednesdays, starting Aug 28, 6:30pm, GLC Room B
InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship meets weekly for a free dinner and interactive Bible discussion. All are welcome! Learn more at http://gcfvt.wordpress.com/.

8. DISSERTATION WRITING WORK GROUP (DWG)
Thursdays bi-weekly, starting Sep 5, 9:30am, Women’s Center
Organized by the Women’s Center, this work group is designed for women graduate students and post-docs who are working dissertation/thesis, preparing for prelim, or writing an article, and need some support, motivation, goal-setting, accountability, and a place to simply unwind during the research and writing phase. All are welcome! The Center has limited parking available. The fall DWG will meet on Thursday mornings @ 9:30AM at the Women’s Center on the following dates: 9/5, 9/19, 10/3, 10/17, 10/31, 11/14, 12/5.  If you have questions about the group, please contact Anna LoMascolo at 231-7806.

9. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Sep 5, 3:30-5:00pm GLC Reading Room or side patio if it’s not threatening rain
The GLC Café is offered throughout the year with free coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues.

10. CAREER FAIR PREPARATION WORKSHOP
Thursday, Sep 5, 5:30pm, GLC Room G
Learn how to present yourself to an employer and what to ask at a job fair. Contact Amy McPherson with any questions at amcphers@vt.edu.

11. HOW TO GET EXTERNAL FELLOWSHIPS IN HUMANITIES, SOCIAL & HUMAN SCIENCES & EDUCATION
Friday, Sep 6, 11:00am-1:00pm, GLC Room G
This information session is led by VT faculty from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences: Tom Ewing, Erika Grafsky, Melanie Kiechle, and Petra Rivera-Rideau, and will include presentations by past holders of graduate fellowships from the Ford Foundation, Social Science Research Council, NIH, the American Council of Learned Societies, and the National Academy of Education / Spencer Foundation. Following the faculty presentations (11-12), the second part of the session (12-1) will provide additional information about locating fellowships, determining eligibility, and preparing proposals. Open to all graduate students. Registration is requested>>.  Direct questions to CLAHS Associate Dean Tom Ewing.

12. LUNCH WITH THE DEAN – REGISTER BY SEP 3
Friday, Sep 6, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room C
Meet Graduate School Dean Kr. Karen DePauw as well as several graduate student leaders at this free lunch and learn about the Dean’s latest plans for graduate education. Share your perspectives in a casual, intimate setting. Register by Tuesday, Sep 3.

13. GOBBLERFEST 2013
Friday, Sep 6, 4:00-8:00pm, Drillfield
Learn about VT organizations, the community of Blacksburg and local resources, and enjoy food, games and live music at this university-wide event that kicks off the new academic year.

14. FREE 2013-14 GRAD SCHOOL HANDBOOK AND PLANNERS IN GLC READING ROOM
Graduate students may pick up their free copy of the 2013-14 Graduate Student Handbook and Planner in the GLC Reading Room while supplies last. The planner includes 30 pages of customized information about graduate student life and resources, as well as monthly and weekly calendars for the year.

15. APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED TO INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH HONOR SOCIETY -1st posting
Iota Delta Rho, the Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society at VT is accepting applications for membership from Monday, Sep 2 through midnight on Sunday, Sep 22.  IDR was founded at Virginia Tech in 2011 by graduate students promoting interdisciplinary cooperation and research at VT and all other colleges and universities. There are two levels of membership: full and associate.  Find membership application and information about the society online. Any questions about our memberships, the application package, or assistance with your application can be directed to Tammy Parece.

16. REGISTER NOW FOR TEAM DESIGN CONTEST FOR GRAD HOUSING COMPLEX – 2nd posting
Exercise your imagination and creativity in a short design contest (charrette) based on a real-world project that’s coming to Blacksburg. The challenge includes generating conceptual design and naming ideas for a new grad housing complex. Teams of up to three may compete for $100 gift certificates to local restaurants. Background in architecture, landscape architecture or construction is helpful but not required; interdisciplinary teams are encouraged. Paper, sketching tools and some modeling materials will be provided; teams may also use any tools and supplies they bring. The contest will take place on Friday, Sep 20, 1-5pm. Register online>> . Contact Monika Gibson with questions.

17. P.E.O. SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FOR 2014-15 – 2nd posting
Local application deadline is Sep 16, 2013 for this merit-based $15K award for women in doctoral programs. Eligibility requirements: (1) must be nominated by a local P.E.O. chapter and must be a citizen of the US or Canada; (2) must be within two years of completing doctoral degree and have one full academic year of work left at the time of award payment (Aug 1, 2014); (3) must be enrolled full time in degree program at accredited college or university; (4) must demonstrate academic excellence, with a strong research path, publications, awards and service activities, have clearly defined career objectives, unique academic and global experiences, maturity,  and show promise of making a significant contribution to her field. Local application components: (1) 1-2 pg letter of application highlighting current work and career goals. (2) Resume. Send application to: Elva Miller, 205 Woods Edge Court, Blacksburg, VA 24060.  Questions: elva.miller@comcast.net or 951-8407.

18. REGISTER BY SEP 6 FOR PAYROLL DEDUCTION OF COMP FEES FOR GRAD ASSISTANTS
The registration system for paying comprehensive fees through payroll deduction now open.  Graduate students on an assistantship must either pay their comprehensive fees or enroll for payroll deductions no later than Sep 6, 2013.  To enroll in payroll deductions, login to Hokie SPA, choose University Account Information menu, and click on Graduate Students on Assistantship, enroll in Payroll Deduction. You must enroll in payroll deduction each semester in which you wish to take advantage of this opportunity. 

19. OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR STUDENT MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR 2013-14
Enroll now in the VT-sponsored student medical insurance plan through Aetna: the open enrollment period is from Jul 26-Sep 30. Read more at http://www.co.vt.edu/Risk/studenthealthinsr/.

20. REGISTER NOW FOR "COMMUNICATING SCIENCE" WORKSHOP
Learn more about effectively communicating your work to propel your research and career forward at this free event led by experts in scientific communication. This workshop will be on Oct. 18 (fall break), from 9:00am-2:00pm in the GLC Multipurpose Room. It is sponsored by the Science and Technology Policy Initiative and the Graduate Student Assembly and is open to all graduate students. Sessions will examine the topics of science communication techniques, science writing, science and the media, and communicating with policymakers.  Lunch will be provided.  Reserve your space by completing this short survey. Contact Anne Hyman at vtmaroon@vt.edu with any questions.

21. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY INITIATIVE (STPI) FALL DISCUSSION SERIES
Join the STPI for lunch and learn how your work can have a broader impact on society at this brown bag science policy discussion series. Bring your lunch and join in on lively discussions led by experts on topics such as science graduate education policy; water quality and the CDC/EPA; science, intellectual property and innovation policy; and cognitive enhancements, ethics, and policy implications. These lunches will be on the second Tuesday of each month during the fall semester (Sep 10, Oct 8, Nov 12, and Dec 10), 12:00-1:00pm in GLC Room C.  Contact Anne Hyman at  vtmaroon@vt.edu with any questions.

22. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR DRIVING SIMULATOR STUDY – 1st posting
VT-SCORE (VT Signal Control & Operation Research and Education Systems lab) is conducting a driving simulator study to investigate driver behavior, performance, and attention when encountering the yellow light at signalized intersections. This is a multi-state study that looks at the effect of driver experience on driver behavior near traffic signals. The study will take no more than an hour, and your participation can contribute to the development of more intelligent control systems that could reduce crashes at signalized intersections and ultimately save lives. Participation is completely voluntary, and you will get a first-hand experience dealing with interesting driving simulation equipment. You can opt out of the experiment at any time. Must be licensed drivers and at least 18. Researchers are particularly interested in recruiting participants who are originally from VA, MD, and PA. Data obtained from the simulator will be confidential. If interested or have questions, contact grad student Sahar at 540-200-7560 or via email at sahargh@vt.edu.

23. FOUR- TO FOUR-AND-A-HALF-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN SOUGHT FOR STUDY – 1st posting
The VT C.A.P. Lab in the Psychology Department is conducting a new study focusing on children’s developing ability to control their actions during games like Simon Says. Researchers are looking for 4- to 4.5-year-old children to visit the lab for one to two hours. During this visit, researchers will play some fun word and movement games with participants. In addition to the games, they are interested in collecting information about the physiological components of the children’s abilities to control their actions.  If you are interested in this study, please contact Amanda Watson by phone (research lab-231-2320) or by e-mail (watsonaj@vt.edu).

24. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON PSYCHOLOGY OF MUSIC PREFERENCES – 2nd posting
This study aims to develop the fullest picture to date of people’s likes and dislikes in the field of music, examining music genre; the emotions that music arouse and personality, and how all these variables inter-relate. This study is the first to bring all of the variables together, allowing researchers to understand the relationships among variables and their impact. This study is organized by Queen’s University, an Irish University partnered with VT. Participation involves completing a number of questionnaires that are designed to measure a number of personal characteristics. Participation is voluntary and anonymous, and you can withdraw at any stage. It takes about 20 minutes to complete. If interested, please contact Gerard Breaden-Madden, postgraduate research student,  to participate or to request more information. This study is closing soon and participants are needed urgently.

25. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR “iGENERATION: THINKING ABOUT OURSELVES” STUDY – 2nd posting
Graduate students are needed for an anonymous online survey about their self-care and self-harm behaviors. The survey will be open through the end of the fall semester and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. All participants must be 18 or older. Students not eligible for Sona extra credit will receive entry into a raffle for a chance to win one of four $20 cash prizes. To access the survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8MNR3PH. Please contact vtpilab@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.

26. PARTICIPATE IN GRAD HOUSING PREFERENCES SURVEY – 2nd posting
Dedicated graduate student and graduate family housing has been a concern of graduate students, the GSA and the Graduate School for several years now. The Graduate School was contacted by local developers for thoughts and suggestions about ways to improve the variety and availability of graduate housing within the Town of Blacksburg. We have developed this survey to inquire about your interest and needs for graduate housing. A site has already been identified and the local developers intend to begin construction of new housing in the South Main Kroger vicinity within the next 18-24 months. The survey will take approximately 10-12 minutes to complete. The information you provide will help us better understand the housing needs of our current and future graduate student community. Access the survey>>  

27. VT CREW TEAM SEEKS COACHES – 2nd posting
The VT Crew team is a club sport organization, run by students through the VT Recreational Sports Department.  Currently they are looking for coaches for the upcoming seasons. Must have coxing/rowing experience; coaching experience not required. If interested, please contact snolta92@vt.edu for more information.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

LIBRARY POWER HOUR
Tuesday, Sep 10, sessions at 10:00am and 2:00pm, Library Grad Lounge (416)
Regardless of your area of study, this session is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the variety of library resources and services available to grad students. Meet subject librarians, ask questions and gain key library orientation info. Sing up online https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1373565189378.

VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT FAIR
Wednesday, Sep 11, 10:00am-1:00pm, Eggleston Quad outside Owens
                                       2:00pm, Squires Brush Mountain A, Speaker Dwight Vick
VT Engage invites all graduate students to pledge 20 hours of service between the National Day of Service (9/11) and the VT Day of Remembrance (4/16). Remembering, serving and learning is a way for the VT community to honor individuals affected by tragedies and to make a positive impact. For more information visit www.engage.vt.edu.

WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO?
Friday, Sep 13, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room D
If you’re a new graduate student who has asked yourself this question, the Graduate School wants you to know that you are not alone!  Come meet fellow graduate students, new and returning, to talk about graduate school as an exciting—but possibly overwhelming—life adventure. There will be pizza! If you plan to attend, please complete this survey.