1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC
All weekly services are on hiatus for spring break, except GLC Café, which never stops
– GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursdays, Reading Room

2. SPRING BREAK PITY PARTY: LUNCH! – register by Monday, 3/11
Tuesday, Mar 12, 11:30am-1:00pm (or until the food lasts), GLC Multipurpose Room
You are not alone on campus during spring break! Join others who are working through spring break and enjoy a home-cooked lunch with vegetarian and meat soup options, brought to you by Graduate School staff who play cooks for a day.   Please register by 3pm on Monday, 3/11 to give us an idea of how much food to prepare.

3. GLC CAFÉ – PIE DAY
Thursday, Mar 14, 3:30-5:00pm, Graduate School Lobby
The GLC Café is offered throughout the year with free coffee, tea, maybe hot chocolate, and definitely cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. This week’s special: PIE! You don’t have to love numbers to love pi.

4. SIGN UP FOR GRAD ED WEEK DESIGN CONTEST!
Graduate student teams are invited to sign up for this light-hearted Graduate Education Week (GEW) activity to put their creativity and experience to test by designing a graduate life  center using fun and random materials provided by the Graduate School. No prior design experience is necessary. Form your team of 3-4 people; at least one of whom must be a graduate student. Grand prize: $50 gift certificate to local restaurant.  Teams must pre-register. Accepted registrations will be confirmed by email. Questions?  Contact Tara at tara@vt.edu.

5. REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR STUDENT ENGAGEMENT GRANT – 1st posting
VT Engage is accepting proposals for the John E. Dooley Student Engagement Grant (JEDSEG). This grant is looking to fund highly motivated students who plan to invest in their community by creating an opportunity for active civic engagement. Two awards of $750 each are available. For more information and to access the application materials, please visit www.engage.vt.edu or email Lauren Kennedy at kennedy0@vt.edu. Submit application by Mar 29, 5pm.

6. GSA TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM CYCLE II OPENS 3/25 – 1st posting
The Graduate Student Assembly strives to address the needs of VT graduate students. The GSA Travel Fund Program (TFP) is designed to meet some of these needs by providing graduate students financial assistance for presenting at conferences and scientific meetings, travel expenses, registration fees, lodging, meals, and other various expenses. The program also can be used to support international travel. The program is sponsored by the Graduate School and the Research Foundation of Virginia Tech. Master’s students are eligible for awards from $150-$350; doctoral students are eligible for awards from $200-500. Find out more>> .

7. 2013 GOVERNOR’S FELLOWS PROGRAM APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED NOW – 2nd posting
Governor McDonnell is encouraging top notch students from across Virginia to apply for the 2013 Governor’s Fellows summer program. The historic Virginia Governor’s Fellows Program offers a select group of outstanding and highly motivated individuals the opportunity to experience firsthand the administration of state government in the Commonwealth. Fellows will apply their creative ideas to find practical solutions to major public policy issues. Qualified applicants must be rising or graduating college seniors, or enrolled as degree candidates in a graduate or professional school. They must also demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skill, and a strong commitment to public service. Apply by: Mar 15, 2013 at http://1.usa.gov/ZeeDhm.

8. NSF INNOVATION CHALLENGE FOR STEM GRAD STUDENTS – 2nd posting
Have you ever thought of ways to improve STEM graduate education? Do you have a creative idea regarding graduate training? If so, NSF wants to hear from you! The National Science Foundation Innovation in Graduate Education Challenge is calling for entries from currently enrolled STEM graduate students and teams about ideas with the potential to improve graduate education and professional development. Ideas can be directed toward students, faculty, departments, institutions, professional societies, and/or federal agencies. Winning ideas will be shared widely and winners will receive prizes between $1000-3000. More information>>. Deadline: Apr 15.

9. GSA RELAY FOR LIFE TEAM SEEKING YOUR SUPPORT – 2nd posting
The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) for the Cure Team needs your contribution and help! The GSA is hoping this year to achieve more than its set goal of $1500. Last year with your help they raised a little over $2000. The Relay For Life of Virginia Tech event will be held on Apr 19, 2013. View and/or donate for the team>>. For more information/questions contact Shaimaa Abdallah, shaimaa@vt.edu GSA Team Captain 2012-2013.

10. GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM CALL FOR ABSTRACTS –  3rd posting
The 29th Annual GSA Research Symposium will be held on Mar 27 as part of Graduate Education Week. All graduate students are invited to submit an abstract of their research for either an oral or poster presentation to compete in one of several categories matching the various areas of research within the university. Submission period: Mar 8-15 at 5:00pm. Abstracts will be reviewed by a panel of reviewers, and applicants with accepted abstracts will then be notified and will make their poster or oral presentation to faculty judges on Mar 27. Following the event, winners will be selected for each category and will be invited to the awards ceremony where prizes will be announced. Graduate students serving as abstract reviewers may not submit abstracts for competition in the symposium. Submit applications between Mar 8-15. For more information, please visit the symposium website or contact George Batten, Research Symposium Chair at gsaRSchair@gmail.com.

11. GA POSTION OPEN IN WOMEN AND GENDER IN INTL DEVELOPMENT PROG 2013-14 – 3rd posting
The Women and Gender in International Development (WGD) program is seeking a master’s student GAto support the WGD program, which ensures a gender-sensitive approach to all (OIRED) projects and raises awareness about gender and development issues at VT. The GA will also conduct field research. Applicants should have a background in geography, anthropology, sociology, agricultural economics, gender studies, or a related field. Experience in the developing world and proficiency in Spanish or French preferred. The GA begins fall 2013 for one academic year. Summer research and stipend may be covered. The position may be extended for a second year. Send cover letter, resume, example of disciplinary writing, and a copy of academic transcript (photocopy/PDF is acceptable) to Laura Zseleczky (lauraz@vt.edu). Use “WGD Graduate Assistant” in the subject heading of your email. We will contact only the most qualified applicants. Application deadline: March 31, 2013. More information about this position>>.

12. FACILITATORS SOUGHT FOR LEADERSHIP TECH – 1st posting
Leadership Tech is a multi-year, co-curricular development program designed to cultivate strong leadership skills in VT students. Participants are members of small groups facilitated by two students who demonstrate and are passionate about effective leadership. Graduate students are sought to serve as facilitators for the 2013-14 school year, to lead junior-level students in creating community engagement projects based on the theme areas of society & environmental sustainability, global social change, multicultural communities, and health and wellness. More information>>; for applications visit https://gobblerconnect.vt.edu/form/start/19504. Contact Mitchell Holston at mah0020@vt.edu if you have any questions.

13. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR MATE SELECTION STUDY – 1st posting
Researchers are conducting an IRB-approved cross-cultural survey on how never-married heterosexual adults choose their future spouses. If you are a never-married heterosexual (self-identified) adult 18-39, a citizen and resident of either America or China, you are invited to complete this short survey. Your responses will be anonymous and you may participate in a lottery for two $50 and four $25 Amazon gift cards. If you wish to receive the survey summary and/or participate in the lottery, leave your email at the end of the survey. No response will be linked to an individual respondent. You may skip any item, not complete or withdraw from the survey at any time. The completion of the survey signifies your voluntary willingness to participate. Participate in this study. If you have any questions, contact Ruoxi Chen: ruoxic@vt.edu.

14. GTA’s AND GA’s WITH DISABILITY SOUGHT FOR STUDY – 2nd posting
A doctoral student in special education and disability studies at Syracuse University is seeking participants for an IRB-approved research study to better understand the experiences of teaching assistants and graduate assistants with disabilities in higher education. If you are a teaching assistant or graduate assistant with a disability and are willing to talk about your experiences, please contact the researcher. Your personal information will be kept confidential. The interview will take about one hour and disability accommodations or alternatives to speaking over the phone can be made. If you would like more information about this study, please contact Michelle Damiani at mldamian@syr.edu.

15. COUPLES SOUGHT FOR STUDY – 2nd posting
Couples, Talk and Technology: You are invited to participate in a study to investigate and explore how people talk about things that matter to them with their partners. Researchers ask you and your partner to talk about something you disagree about, in one of several technological conditions. Available 2-hour time slots are listed here: http://poet.cs.vt.edu/couple_study/   Simply email Samantha Yglesias at ygles07@vt.edu for more information, to request any of the available slots, or to request a different time slot. The study takes place in McBryde 106A. Participating couples will be compensated $20.00 per person (that’s $40.00 per couple).

16. UPCOMING EVENTS:

BLUE RIDGE FULBRIGHT CHAPTER SPRING MEETING – register by 3/18!
Friday, Mar 22, 6:30pm, Holiday Inn
The Blue Ridge Chapter of the Fulbright Association invites Fulbright Grantees and Alumni to its spring chapter meeting, Friday March 22, 2013, 6:30 pm  at the Holiday Inn. The dinner event with speaker VT Professor Dr. Wokutsch is free for current Fulbright grantees. For registration or questions please email Dr. George Santopietro, gsantopi@radford.edu and Dr. Myrl Jones mjones@radford.edu.

CELEBRATE THE PERSIAN NEW YEAR: NOWRUZ – register now!
Saturday, Mar 23, 7:00-11:00pm, Owens Banquet Hall
The VT Iranian Society invites the VT community for its celebration of the Persian New Year, Nowruz, commemorating the arrival of spring and new beginnings. There will be entertainment including stand-up comedy, Persian and Middle Eastern dancing, and live classical and pop music. Plated dinner and dessert will also be served (Halal and Vegetarian options available). Learn more about Persian culture and enjoy a night with your Iranian neighbors. Semi-formal attire is suggested. Please visit http://www.iranian.org.vt.edu/ for updates and information on ticket sales.

IDR PRESENTS: ROLE OF INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AS SEEN BY AEP RESEARCHER
Friday, Mar 29, 10:00-11:00am, GLC Room F
Iota Delta Rho, the Interdisciplinary Research Honor Society presents a March speaker spotlight on Dr. Laura E. Jackson, a biology researcher at the US Environmental Protection Agency who studies healthy communities. Dr. Jackson will be discussing the role of interdisciplinary research in the context of her study of the effect that land cover development has on the risk of Lyme disease incidence. Enjoy a lively talk and complimentary snacks. If you have any questions, contact Elizabeth Elvington, the IDR Social Spotlight Series Chair, esavage@vt.edu.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

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

2. IT’S MY TEACHING & RESEARCH, ISN’T IT? – WHAT FACULTY NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND THE LAW
Wednesday, Mar 6, 12:00pm, GLC Room B
Academic freedom in higher education is often touted but little understood as a legal concept.  This presentation reviews the recent judicial and academic literature on academic freedom and offers recommendations for clarifying it as a legal concept.  Special emphasis will be given to what new faculty need to know concerning academic freedom and their rights and responsibilities in teaching and research.  Sign up online.  Questions?  Contact Tara at tara@vt.edu.

3. BROWN BAG ON CULTURE AND HEALTH
Wednesday, Mar 6, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room G
This brown bag discussion will feature a panel of professors who deal with issues pertaining to culture and health in their research. Included in the panel are: Drs. Bernice Hausman, professor in English, Christine Labuski, professor in sociology and women and gender studies, and Wornie Reed, professor of sociology and Africana studies and director of the Center for Race and Social Policy Research. This brown bag is part of CLAHS South Atlantic Humanities Project. For more information, contact doctoral student Andrea Swenson.

4. TORNADO AWARENESS: TWISTER, THE MOVIE
Wednesday, Mar 6, fair at 6:30pm, movie at 7:00pm, GLC Auditorium
The VT Office of Emergency Management and the student-run Meteorology Club are hosting an evening of tornado awareness and preparedness with the feature film, Twister, starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton. Admission is free and participants will automatically be entered into a raffle to win a number of prizes, including a football signed by Coach Frank Beamer, an emergency preparedness kit, MAG flashlights, among other items. “Twister Trivia” will also provide the opportunity to win additional raffle tickets. Contact Kendall Woodard if you have questions.

5. VIRTUAL CAFE: SPRING WRAP-UPS
Thursday, Mar 7, 12:30-2:00pm, Lobby of vGLC
Join the Graduate School Staff weekly for online chats in the Virtual Graduate Life Center (vGLC) https://virtual.glc.vt.edu. This week’s topic: Spring Wrap-ups…. Don’t leave the Graduate School out in the cold while you take off for warmer weather. The vGLC extends VT’s graduate community from campus to computer. Download the software http://openlife01.cc.vt.edu:9500/wifi.  If you have questions or suggestions, please email Jodi Cromer or Marija Telbis-Forster.

6. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Mar 7, 3:30-5:00pm, Graduate School Lobby
The GLC Café is offered throughout the year with free coffee, tea, maybe hot chocolate, and definitely cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues.

7. GSA HAPPY HOUR
Thursday, Mar 7, 6:00-8:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Attend this happy hour hosted by the Graduate Student Assembly:  cost is $5.00 per person (cash) at the door for 4 tastings (beer), 1 beer, and snacks ($2 for snacks only).  All graduate students, post-docs, and faculty members are welcome. Please direct any questions to Elaine Mathis, VP of Programs (efm28@vt.edu).

8. SIGN UP FOR GRAD ED WEEK DESIGN CONTEST!
Graduate student teams are invited to sign up for this light-hearted Graduate Education Week (GEW) activity to put their creativity and experience to test by designing a graduate life  center using fun and random materials provided by the Graduate School. No prior design experience is necessary. Form your team of 3-4 people; at least one of whom must be a graduate student. Grand prize: $50 gift certificate to local restaurant.  Teams must pre-register. Accepted registrations will be confirmed by email. Questions?  Contact Tara at tara@vt.edu.

9. 2013 GOVERNOR’S FELLOWS PROGRAM APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED NOW – 1st posting
Governor McDonnell is encouraging top notch students from across Virginia to apply for the 2013 Governor’s Fellows summer program. The historic Virginia Governor’s Fellows Program offers a select group of outstanding and highly motivated individuals the opportunity to experience firsthand the administration of state government in the Commonwealth. Fellows will apply their creative ideas to find practical solutions to major public policy issues. Qualified applicants must be rising or graduating college seniors, or enrolled as degree candidates in a graduate or professional school. They must also demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skill, and a strong commitment to public service. Apply by: Mar 15, 2013.

10. NSF INNOVATION CHALLENGE FOR STEM GRAD STUDENTS – 1st posting
Have you ever thought of ways to improve STEM graduate education? Do you have a creative idea regarding graduate training? If so, NSF wants to hear from you! The National Science Foundation Innovation in Graduate Education Challenge is calling for entries from currently enrolled STEM graduate students and teams about ideas with the potential to improve graduate education and professional development. Ideas can be directed toward students, faculty, departments, institutions, professional societies, and/or federal agencies. Winning ideas will be shared widely and winners will receive prizes between $1000-3000. More information >>. Deadline: Apr 15.

11. GSA RELAY FOR LIFE TEAM SEEKING YOUR SUPPORT
The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) for the Cure Team needs your contribution and help! The GSA is hoping this year to achieve more than its set goal of $1500. Last year with your help they raised a little over $2000. The Relay For Life of Virginia Tech event will be held on Apr 19, 2013. View and/or donate for the team>>. For more information/questions contact Shaimaa Abdallah, shaimaa@vt.edu GSA Team Captain 2012-2013.

12. FREE OCD SUPPORT GROUP AVAILABLE ON CAMPUS
Tuesday, Mar 5, 7:00pm, VT Psychological Services Center, 3110 Prices Fork Rd
A free support group for individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm at Virginia Tech. If you have questions or would like more information, contact the Psychological Services Center at 231-6914, visit www.psyc.vt.edu/outreach/psc, or email doctoral student Nathaniel Van Kirk at nvankirk@vt.edu.

13. GRADUATE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – 3rd  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 awards 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.  Applications are due by Mar 15, 2013. Email Amanda Shea (ashea04@vt.edu) with any questions.

14. GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM CALL FOR ABSTRACTS – 2nd posting
The 29th Annual GSA Research Symposium will be held on Mar 27 as part of Graduate Education Week. All graduate students are invited to submit an abstract of their research for either an oral or poster presentation to compete in one of several categories matching the various areas of research within the university. Submission period: Mar 8-15 at 5:00pm. Abstracts will be reviewed by a panel of reviewers, and applicants with accepted abstracts will then be notified and will make their poster or oral presentation to faculty judges on Mar 27. Following the event, winners will be selected for each category and will be invited to the awards ceremony where prizes will be announced. Graduate students serving as abstract reviewers may not submit abstracts for competition in the symposium. Submit applications at http://www.gsasymposium.graduateschool.vt.edu/?q=application between Mar 8-15. For more information, please visit the symposium website http://www.gsasymposium.graduateschool.vt.edu/ or contact George Batten, Research Symposium Chair.

15. CITIZEN SCHOLAR APPLICATIONS INVITED – 3rd posting
Have you used your knowledge and research skills to benefit society in any way? Has this effort involved about 16 hrs of community service? If so, you are eligible for the Citizen Scholar award! Recipients will be recognized during Graduate Education Week at the GLC on Monday, Mar 25 from 4-5:30.  Each person will have a chance to explain their project briefly using one power point slide. Please send your name and project title/brief description to Associate Dean Rosemary Blieszner, rmb@vt.edu by March 8 – and mark your calendar for March 25.

16. GA POSTION OPEN IN WOMEN AND GENDER IN INTL DEVELOPMENT PROG 2013-14 – 2nd posting
The Women and Gender in International Development (WGD) program is seeking a master’s student GAto support the WGD program, which ensures a gender-sensitive approach to all (OIRED) (www.oired.vt.edu) projects and raises awareness about gender and development issues at VT. The GA will also conduct field research. Applicants should have a background in geography, anthropology, sociology, agricultural economics, gender studies, or a related field. Experience in the developing world and proficiency in Spanish or French preferred. The GA begins fall 2013 for one academic year. Summer research and stipend may be covered. The position may be extended for a second year. Send cover letter, resume, example of disciplinary writing, and a copy of academic transcript (photocopy/PDF is acceptable) to Laura Zseleczky (lauraz@vt.edu). Use “WGD Graduate Assistant” in the subject heading of your email. We will contact only the most qualified applicants. Application deadline: March 31, 2013. More information about this position>>.

17. GLC FELLOWS APPLICATION PROCESS OPEN FOR 2013-14 – 3rd posting
Residence Life and the Graduate School are seeking motivated graduate students who are committed to building graduate community, for three GLC Fellow positions for the 2013-14 academic year. An ideal candidate would have previous residence life and/or event planning experience though it is not a requirement. Applicants must submit a formal cover letter, resume and letter of recommendation, as well as complete the following survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1360600893862. Information about the cover letter requirements can be found on the survey link and the job description can be found at www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu. Apply by Mar 20, 2013. Contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu or Mark Smiley at esmark86@vt.edu if you have questions.

18. GTA’s AND GA’s WITH DISABILITY SOUGHT FOR STUDY – 1st posting
A doctoral student in special education and disability studies at Syracuse University is seeking participants for an IRB-approved research study to better understand the experiences of teaching assistants and graduate assistants with disabilities in higher education. If you are a teaching assistant or graduate assistant with a disability and are willing to talk about your experiences, please contact the researcher. Your personal information will be kept confidential. The interview will take about one hour and disability accommodations or alternatives to speaking over the phone can be made. If you would like more information about this study, please contact Michelle Damiani at mldamian@syr.edu.

19. COUPLES SOUGHT FOR STUDY – 1st posting
Couples, Talk and Technology: You are invited to participate in a study to investigate and explore how people talk about things that matter to them with their partners. Researchers ask you and your partner to talk about something you disagree about, in one of several technological conditions. Available 2-hour time slots are listed here: http://poet.cs.vt.edu/couple_study/   Simply email Samantha Yglesias at ygles07@vt.edu for more information, to request any of the available slots, or to request a different time slot. The study takes place in McBryde 106A. Participating couples will be compensated $20.00 per person (that’s $40.00 per couple).

20. GSA SEEKING REVIEWERS FOR RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM – 3rd posting
The GSA needs your assistance with reviewing abstracts for the GSA Research Symposium, to be held on Mar 27, 2013. Graduate students who will not be submitting entries to the symposium can be reviewers in this online, blind peer-review process, critiquing abstracts of 3000 characters or less with no figures or tables. Each reviewer will receive an email of abstracts to review and return, before Mar 21, by 5:00pm. Please fill out this registration form to serve as a reviewer. After signing up you will receive an automated confirmation email that your registration went through. Reviewers will receive a formal signed certificate (electronic copy) for their participation in this process that they can add to their resume. If you have questions, contact George Batten at gsaRSchair@gmail.com, GSA RS 2013 Chair.

21. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR UPCOMING GSA HAPPY HOUR – 3rd posting
The GSA is looking for volunteers to help with its upcoming Happy Hour on Thursday, Mar 7, 6-8pm in the GLC Multipurpose Room. Tasks will include setting-up, serving beer and food, and cleaning up.  Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older.  Please contact Elaine Mathis, VP of Programs (efm28@vt.edu) if you are interested. 

22. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR VIRTUAL REALITY STUDY – 3rd posting
Researchers are seeking volunteers for gathering quantitative and qualitative insights into the effects of different properties of virtual reality (VR) display systems on the analysis of complex scientific datasets, like tracheal systems of beetles from biomechanics domain. The study consists of carrying out few tasks (answering few questions), by analyzing the tracheal systems of a beetle, scanned, segmented in isosurface format, and visualized on a state-of-the-art spatially immersive display system – the four-sided CAVE – in the Visionarium at 3050 Torgersen. More details will be provided on site. The experiment will last about 75 mins. Must be more than 18 years old with no or minimal background in biomechanics to participate. Find available time slots for participation>>. Please email  to blaha@vt.edu, with your preferred time slot from the above page to sign up for your participation.

23. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH PROJECT – 3rd posting
Amie Schry, MS, and Susan White, PhD, of the Department of Psychology are recruiting participants for the “Campus Reporting Survey,” an IRB-approved study. All VT faculty and staff members, including graduate teaching assistants (GTAs), are invited to complete an on-line survey about thoughts on reporting of campus incidents. Graduate students who are not currently teaching classes are not eligible for participation in the study. The survey will take 10-15 minutes to complete, and will be open until May 8, the last day of classes. All data will be kept anonymous. Complete the survey>>. If you have any questions, contact Amie Schry at aschry@vt.edu.

24. PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL SEEKING REVIEWERS – 3rd posting
The Public Knowledge Journal is seeking reviewers for the Spring 2013 semester.  Being a peer reviewer is a great way to learn about the ins and outs of the academic publication world.  The Public Knowledge Journal is an interdisciplinary graduate student journal committed to the exchange of ideas and information about issues and research relevant to the public sphere.  More information about the journal can be found at http://pkjournal.org/. Please contact Stefanie Georgakis at sgeorgakis@vt.edu if interested in being a peer reviewer for this semester.

25. UPCOMING EVENTS:

SPRING BREAK PITY PARTY: LUNCH! – register by Monday, 3/11
Tuesday, Mar 12, 11:30am-1:00pm (or until the food lasts), GLC Multipurpose Room
You are not alone on campus during spring break! Join others who are working through spring break and enjoy a home-cooked lunch with vegetarian and meat soup options, brought to you by Graduate School staff who play cooks for a day.   Please register by noon on Monday, 3/11 to give us an idea of how much food to prepare.

BLUE RIDGE FULBRIGHT CHAPTER SPRING MEETING – register by 3/18!
Friday, Mar 22, 6:30pm, Holiday Inn
The Blue Ridge Chapter of the Fulbright Association invites Fulbright Grantees and Alumni to its spring chapter meeting, Friday March 22, 2013, 6:30 pm  at the Holiday Inn. The dinner event with speaker VT Professor Dr. Wokutsch is free for current Fulbright grantees. For registration or questions please email Dr. George Santopietro, gsantopi@radford.edu and Dr. Myrl Jones mjones@radford.edu.

CELEBRATE THE PERSIAN NEW YEAR – NOWRUZ
Saturday, Mar 23, 7:00-11:00pm, Owens Banquet Hall
The VT Iranian Society invites the VT community for its celebration of the Persian New Year, Nowruz, commemorating the arrival of spring and new beginnings. There will be entertainment including stand-up comedy, Persian and Middle Eastern dancing, and live classical and pop music. Plated dinner and dessert will also be served (Halal and Vegetarian options available). Learn more about Persian culture and enjoy a night with your Iranian neighbors. Semi-formal attire is suggested. Please visit http://www.iranian.org.vt.edu/ for updates and information on ticket sales.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

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

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

3. GSA CUPCAKES WITH THE DEAN
Tuesday, Feb 26, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Lounge
Join Dean DePauw, the GSA, and fellow graduate students for cupcakes and discussion.  This is an exciting opportunity to meet grad dean DePauw and bring up any questions or concerns you might have. You will also have the opportunity to mingle with fellow graduate students while enjoying cupcakes from Our Daily Bread.  Direct any questions to Elaine Mathis, GSA VP of Programs (efm28@vt.edu).

4. HOW DO YOU ASSESS ORAL PRESENTATIONS?
Tuesday, Feb 26, 12:00pm, GLC Room C
Evaluating communication skills is a concern of every degree program on campus. This discussion will focus on how to evaluate oral presentations using multiple criteria. Register online at http://www.cideronline.org/events/events2.cfm.

5. OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING FAIR
Wednesday, Feb 27, 10:00-4:00pm, Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires
If you haven’t secured housing for next year, you might want to go to this event. Free giveaways and lots of information about housing. Visit the event page on Facebook.

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

7. JESUS & RACE: A CONVERSATION ON RACE, ETHNICITY AND FAITH
Wednesday, Feb 27, 6:30-8:00pm, GLC Room B
Do our racial and ethnic identities matter to God? Explore what the life and teachings of Jesus mean for our lives today in a diverse world. Join for a free dinner at 6:30, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A 7:00-8:00pm. Sponsored by InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship http://www.gcfvt.wordpress.com.

8. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Feb 28, 3:30-5:00pm, Graduate School Lobby
The GLC Café is offered throughout the year with free coffee, tea and by popular demand hot chocolate, with cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues.

9. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY INITIATIVE’S FIRST MEETING
Thursday, Feb 28, 5:30pm, GLC Room C
Interested in learning more about how science and engineering can influence and be influenced by policy decisions? Want to get involved in more activities at the intersection of science/technology and policy? Come to the Science and Technology Policy Initiative’s (STPI) first meeting: pizza; guest speaker; discussion of upcoming events; appointment of new exec board members from various departments – come if you are interested in a leadership position!.  Please fill out the following survey if you will be able to attend: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1360951781116.  Email Amanda Shea (ashea04@vt.edu) with any questions. 

10. RESUME WRITING: HOW TO HIGHLIGHT FOREIGN LANGUAGE SKILLS & INTL EXPERIENCE
Thursday, Feb 28, 4:00-4:30pm, Major Williams Room 327
Learn how to write a winning resume that best highlights your language skills, international experience, and/or study abroad. If you are on the job or internship market, this is a great opportunity to receive professional feedback on how to set your application apart.  Bring a copy of your resume if you’d like specific feedback. Please register by completing this survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1361249790632. Please contact grad student Rachel Fitzgerald at raegait@vt.edu with any quesitons.

11. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE CHILDCARE ON THU NIGHTS
Thursdays, 6:00-8:30pm, VT Women’s Center 206 Washington Street    
A free weekly drop-in evening child care program for kids. Need a break? Have to study or attend a lecture? Want to catch up on work? If you are a VT student with children, bring your kids aged 2-12. No need to pre-register. Childcare provided by the women of Chi Delta Alpha sorority. KNO will be held every Thursday throughout the semester except when classes are not in session. Please note that if no children have shown, volunteers will sometimes leave by 6:30.) For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu.

12. COMMUNITY VOICES: THENMOZHI SOUNDARARAJAN
Thursday, Feb 28, 7:00pm, Lyric Theatre
Transmedia Artist Thenmozhi Soundararajan will share an evening of digital stories from her work with communities and digital storytelling around the world with interactive dialogue with song, digital stories, and audience participation about the purpose of story in community building and explore the links between identity, narrative, and community change. Contact Graduate Student Kate Preston, kapresto@vt.edu for more information.

13. 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 Graduate Education Week 2013 (March 25-29) and beyond. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art, photography, or written work) per graduate student. Submission deadline: Wednesday, March 20 5:00pm. Learn more at http://www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/contest.html. Contact Monika Gibson at gibsonm@vt.edu with any questions.

14. SIGN UP NOW FOR GEW DESIGN CONTEST: DREAM & DESIGN YOUR IDEAL GLC!
Graduate student teams are invited to sign up for this Graduate Education Week (GEW) activity to create and design your ideal Graduate Life Center using materials provided by the Graduate School. Teams should be comprised of 3-4 people, at least one of whom must be a graduate student. Prizes will be given for the best design!  Teams must pre-register at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1361198098786. Accepted registrations will be confirmed by email. Questions?  Contact Tara at tara@vt.edu.

15. INTERNATIONAL STREET FAIR REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
The Council of Intl Student Organizations (CISO) invites student organizations to register to participate in 54th annual International Street Fair on Saturday, Apr 6.Registration is free and online for the first time. CISO will hold two info sessions that must be attended by at least one organization representative. Session I: Wednesday,  Feb 27, Cranwell International Center, 7:00-8:30 pm for all who register for the street fair.  Session II: Required Food Safety Training for International Street Fair Cooks” held in late March. Register for free by Monday, 8:00am on  Mar 11. Please send a representative to attend Session One; http://tinyurl.com/bkeez8m. Kitchen reservation and menu proposals due by Monday 8:00 am, Mar 11. Please send a representative to attend Session Two
http://tinyurl.com/bghddba. For more information about the street fair visit http://www.ciso.org.vt.edu/wp/.

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 awards 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.  Applications are due by Mar 15, 2013. Email Amanda Shea (ashea04@vt.edu) with any questions.

17. ADULT SWIM LESSONS FROM BEGINNER TO MASTERS THROUGH REC SPORTS
Learn about the various lessons and schedules at resports.vt.edu/aquatics, or send your questions to Nigel at nigelh@vt.edu.

18. GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM CALL FOR ABSTRACTS – 1st posting
The 29th Annual GSA Research Symposium will be held on Mar 27 as part of Graduate Education Week. All graduate students are invited to submit an abstract of their research for either an oral or poster presentation to compete in one of several categories matching the various areas of research within the university. Submission period: Mar 8-15 at 5:00pm. Abstracts will be reviewed by a panel of reviewers, and applicants with accepted abstracts will then be notified and will make their poster or oral presentation to faculty judges on Mar 27. Following the event, winners will be selected for each category and will be invited to the awards ceremony where prizes will be announced. Graduate students serving as abstract reviewers may not submit abstracts for competition in the symposium. Submit applications at http://www.gsasymposium.graduateschool.vt.edu/?q=application between Mar 8-15. For more information, please visit the symposium website http://www.gsasymposium.graduateschool.vt.edu/ or contact George Batten, Research Symposium Chair at gsaRSchair@gmail.com.

19. FREE ONE-ON-ONE NUTRITION GUIDANCE OFFERED BY NUTRITION STUDENTS  – 2nd posting
Do you need nutrition guidance? Are you interested in improving your food choices or learning how to make healthy choices in the dining halls? Perhaps you would like to understand how to combine nutrition and exercise to lose weight. If you have any of these concerns, senior nutrition students can help you take the next steps toward building a healthier life. The Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise department at Virginia Tech provides free one-on-one nutrition counseling services to any interested students, faculty, or staff. Sign up at http://www.hnfe.vt.edu and click on the Nutrition Counseling link to fill out the registration form today.

20. CITIZEN SCHOLAR APPLICATIONS INVITED – 2nd posting
Have you used your knowledge and research skills to benefit society in any way? Has this effort involved about 16 hrs of community service? If so, you are eligible for the Citizen Scholar award! Recipients will be recognized during Graduate Education Week at the GLC on Monday, Mar 25 from 4-5:30.  Each person will have a chance to explain their project briefly using one power point slide. Please send your name and project title/brief description to Associate Dean Rosemary Blieszner, rmb@vt.edu by March 8 – and mark your calendar for March 25.

21. WANT TO BE A MENTOR, BUT DON’T HAVE TIME? – 3rd posting
Any day, any time, any location—as convenient for you! Join the GUMP Grads-on-Demand program, and mentor undergrads only when you have time. Email gump@vt.edu  with your name, degree program (MA, MSc, PhD, etc.), department, expected graduation date (roughly), and preferred email address. Your info will be added to a list of graduate student volunteers at the GUMP website (see http://www.gsa.graduateschool.vt.edu/governance/cabinet/committees/gsa-gump-committee). Whenever an undergraduate student wants to ask some questions about graduate school in your discipline, we’ll refer him/her to the list online, and s/he’ll contact you directly. Schedule one meeting that fits your schedule, or multiple meetings if you’d like. (Or just tell the undergrad, “Sorry, I’m really swamped right now,” and hope you have more time for the next one!) Help by email, phone, Skype, over coffee, in your lab… It’s up to you. It’s a huge help to undergrads considering grad school and it makes for great university service on a CV.

22. TEACHING AND RESEARCH ACTION PHOTOS WANTED! – 3rd posting
The Graduate School wants your teaching and research in action photos. One of the highlights of the fall and spring graduate commencement  ceremony includes a presentation by Dean Karen DePauw called "Images and Reflections," which is projected on the Coliseum video board. The Graduate School wants to update its photo library and hope that you can share your digital photos in which you are engaged in some type of academic endeavor – teaching, tutoring, performing research, giving a workshop, attending a conference or professional society meeting, or any aspect that relates to your life as a graduate student. Please send digital photos to grads@vt.edu.

23. CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL – 3rd posting
For its fifth anniversary issue, PKJ welcomes contributions from graduate student scholars that address the topic of resilience in its myriad forms. Submissions that critically engage with and creatively examine this topic are encouraged. Go to http://pkjournal.org/?page_id=1826 for details. Suggested themes include, but are not limited to: Resilience of the body, mind, and/or spirit; resilience of a culture, religion, or society; Resilience of a nation or people; Resilience of materials and/or resources; Resilience of systems or structures (e.g., ecosystems, economic systems).

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

25. GA POSTION OPEN IN WOMEN AND GENDER IN INTL DEVELOPMENT PROG 2013-14
The Women and Gender in International Development (WGD) program is seeking a master’s student GAto support the WGD program, which ensures a gender-sensitive approach to all (OIRED) (www.oired.vt.edu) projects and raises awareness about gender and development issues at VT. The GA will also conduct field research. Applicants should have a background in geography, anthropology, sociology, agricultural economics, gender studies, or a related field. Experience in the developing world and proficiency in Spanish or French preferred. The GA begins fall 2013 for one academic year. Summer research and stipend may be covered. The position may be extended for a second year. Send cover letter, resume, example of disciplinary writing, and a copy of academic transcript (photocopy/PDF is acceptable) to Laura Zseleczky (lauraz@vt.edu). Use “WGD Graduate Assistant” in the subject heading of your email. We will contact only the most qualified applicants. Application deadline: March 31, 2013. For more information about this position, go to: http://www.oired.vt.edu/GraduateAsst-WGD-JobListing.html.

26. GLC FELLOWS APPLICATION PROCESS OPEN FOR 2013-14 – 2nd posting
Residence Life and the Graduate School are seeking motivated graduate students who are committed to building graduate community, for three GLC Fellow positions for the 2013-14 academic year. An ideal candidate would have previous residence life and/or event planning experience though it is not a requirement. Applicants must submit a formal cover letter, resume and letter of recommendation, as well as complete the following survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1360600893862. Information about the cover letter requirements can be found on the survey link and the job description can be found at www.graduatelifecenter.vt.edu. Apply by Mar 20, 2013. Contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu or Mark Smiley at esmark86@vt.edu if you have questions.

27. GRADUATE RESIDENTIAL FELLOW SOUGHT FOR RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE – 3rd posting
The Graduate Residential Fellow is a live-in position with primary responsibility for offering mentorship to students and facilitating the creation of a strong sense of community. The four live-in Graduate Residential Fellows will make an important contribution to the leadership of The Residential College at West Ambler Johnson (RC@WAJ). Read more about the position and the application process at: http://graduateschool.vt.edu/financial/funding_opp/resfellow.html. Apply by Mar 1.

26. SEEKING REVIEWERS FOR GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM – 2nd posting
The GSA needs your assistance with reviewing abstracts for the GSA Research Symposium, to be held on Mar 27, 2013. Graduate students who will not be submitting entries to the symposium can be reviewers in this online, blind peer-review process, critiquing abstracts of 3000 characters or less with no figures or tables. Each reviewer will receive an email of abstracts to review and return, before Mar 21, by 5:00pm. Please fill out the following registration form to serve as a reviewer: https://secure.hosting.vt.edu/www.gsasymposium.graduateschool.vt.edu/review/signup.php. After signing up you will receive an automated confirmation email that your registration went through. Reviewers will receive a formal signed certificate (electronic copy) for their participation in this process that they can add to their resume. If you have questions, contact George Batten at gsaRSchair@gmail.com, GSA RS 2013 Chair.

27. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR UPCOMING GSA HAPPY HOUR – 2nd posting
The GSA is looking for volunteers to help with its upcoming Happy Hour on Thursday, Mar 7, 6-8pm in the GLC Multipurpose Room. Tasks will include setting-up, serving beer and food, and cleaning up.  Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older.  Please contact Elaine Mathis, VP of Programs (efm28@vt.edu) if you are interested. 

28. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR VIRTUAL REALITY STUDY – 2nd posting
Researchers are seeking volunteers for gathering quantitative and qualitative insights into the effects of different properties of virtual reality (VR) display systems on the analysis of complex scientific datasets, like tracheal systems of beetles from biomechanics domain. The study consists of carrying out few tasks (answering few questions), by analyzing the tracheal systems of a beetle, scanned, segmented in isosurface format, and visualized on a state-of-the-art spatially immersive display system – the four-sided CAVE – in the Visionarium at 3050 Torgersen. More details will be provided on site. The experiment will last about 75 mins. Must be more than 18 years old with no or minimal background in biomechanics to participate. Find available time slots for participation at http://people.cs.vt.edu/blaha/schedule.html. Please email  to blaha@vt.edu, with your preferred time slot from the above page to sign up for your participation.

29. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH PROJECT – 2nd posting
Amie Schry, MS, and Susan White, PhD, of the Department of Psychology are recruiting participants for the “Campus Reporting Survey,” an IRB-approved study. All VT faculty and staff members, including graduate teaching assistants (GTAs), are invited to complete an on-line survey about thoughts on reporting of campus incidents. Graduate students who are not currently teaching classes are not eligible for participation in the study. The survey will take 10-15 minutes to complete, and will be open until May 8, the last day of classes. All data will be kept anonymous. To complete the survey, please go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FacultyCampusReportingSurvey. If you have any questions, contact Amie Schry at aschry@vt.edu.

30. PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL SEEKING REVIEWERS – 2nd posting
The Public Knowledge Journal is seeking reviewers for the Spring 2013 semester.  Being a peer reviewer is a great way to learn about the ins and outs of the academic publication world.  The Public Knowledge Journal is an interdisciplinary graduate student journal committed to the exchange of ideas and information about issues and research relevant to the public sphere.  More information about the journal can be found at http://pkjournal.org/. Please contact Stefanie Georgakis at sgeorgakis@vt.edu if interested in being a peer reviewer for this semester.

31. GTA PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH PROJECT – 3rd posting
Are you currently a graduate teaching assistant? If so, researchers want to hear from you through a survey they developed to better understand the experiences of Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) with regard to motivation and identity.  The survey should not take more than 20 minutes to complete, and participants will have the opportunity to be entered into a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card. If you are interested in participating, please click: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_5t1Phk57FAtXOS1.  Questions about this work should be directed to Rachel Louis Kajfez at rlouis@vt.edu.

32. UPCOMING EVENTS:

VET SCHOOL CHILI COOK OFF
Friday, Mar 1, 7:00-8:30pm, Vet School Dining Commons
Attention all budding chefs and graduate students looking for a new (potentially rewarding) way to procrastinate: SCAVMA, the veterinary school student government, is hosting its annual chili cook off  (1410 Prices Fork Rd). This is your chance  to strut your culinary skills! The competition is open to both VT students and faculty. Price: $ 5 at the door to come and enjoy; free for competitors. A winner for every category receives a $25.00 VISA gift card; the overall winner receives a $30.00 VISA gift card. Sign up at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1361219066838. Please email John Gil with any questions at johng87@vt.edu.

BOV GRAD LUNCH WITH PRESIDENT STEGER, PROVOST MCNAMEE, GRADUATE DEAN DEPAUW, & STUDENT AFFAIRS VP PERILLO – sign up now!
Monday, Mar 4, 12:00-1:30pm, The Inn at Virginia Tech
Attend the first graduate student luncheon of the semester with President Steger, Provost McNamee, Vice President and Dean for Graduate Education Karen DePauw, and Vice President for Student Affairs Patricia Perillo at the Inn. Spaces are limited. If you are interested in attending, please register at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1360961345510. Graduate students selected to attend will be contacted by Feb 25.  Contact Robyn Jones, Graduate Representative to the BOV at bovgradrep@vt.edu with any questions.

IT’S MY TEACHING & RESEARCH, ISN’T IT? – WHAT FACULTY NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND THE LAW
Wednesday, Mar 6, 12:00pm, GLC Room B
Academic freedom in higher education is often touted but little understood as a legal concept.  This presentation reviews the recent judicial and academic literature on academic freedom and offers recommendations for clarifying it as a legal concept.  Special emphasis will be given to what new faculty need to know concerning academic freedom and their rights and responsibilities in teaching and research.  Sign up online at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1361296630141  Questions?  Contact Tara at tara@vt.edu.

GSA HAPPY HOUR
Thursday, Mar 7, 6:00-8:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Attend this happy hour hosted by the Graduate Student Assembly:  cost is $5.00 per person (cash) at the door for 4 tastings (beer), 1 beer, and snacks ($2 for snacks only).  All graduate students, post-docs, and faculty members are welcome. Please direct any questions to Elaine Mathis, VP of Programs (efm28@vt.edu).

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC – updated 2/18/13!

• No career advising on Feb 20. Service will resume on Feb 27; Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby
• Cook Counseling (walk in, no appointment needed): Thursdays and Fridays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
• GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursdays, Reading Room
• Statistical consulting by LISA: Weekdays, 1:00-3:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room; find out each consultant’s software expertise>>
• Writing Center support for grads: Thursdays 4:00-6:00pm, GLC Videoconference Room (additional hours are available in the Library)

2. EMPLOYER/STUDENT PANEL
Monday, Feb 18, 7:00-9:00pm, Old Dominion Ballroom, Squires
This event provides an opportunity for students to ask employers questions, with a networking session to follow. Employers on the panel include: FedBid, WaltDisneyWorld, CapitalOne, Bosch, Apex, CDW and more.
This event is hosted by VT Career Services.

3. CONNECTION CO-OP/INTERNSHIP JOB FAIR
Tuesday, Feb 19, 10:00am-4:00pm, Squires Student Center
This event is hosted by VT Career Services. Complete listing of employers attending>>.

4. RELAY FOR LIFE KICK OFF
Wednesday, Feb 20, 4:00-7:00pm, McComas Gym
Grad Liaison for VT Relay for Life Erin Littleton invites you to this kickoff event with free food, raffles, fundraisers, and prizes.  Enjoy music by DJ Rhetorik, Juxtaposition, and Soulstice.  Attend this free event and have some fun as you learn more about Relay For Life.

5. FEEDING AMERICA HUNGER-STUDY INTEREST MEETING
Wednesday, Feb 20, 5:00-7:00pm, 116 Burruss
Feeding America is recruiting volunteers for its sixth extensive study of hunger in America and the charitable food distribution network.  The study combines a census of food assistance partners and a client survey. Volunteers are needed to administer the survey between March and August 2013.  This interest meeting covers the details of the Hunger in America 2014 study, and provides an opportunity for volunteers to sign up for participation. The event is hosted by VT Engage. For more information contact Michele James-Deramo, 231-6947.

6. THE DANGER OF A SINGLE STORY
Wednesday, Feb 20, 7:00pm, Squires Old Dominion Ballroom
This video demonstrates through story-telling how biases can influence individuals’ perspective of a person, country or culture.  The stories provide an opportunity to learn and share experiences about diversity with others for the goal of helping promote a positive campus climate and meaningful interactions related to diversity.  There will be a panel discussion following the video; the audience is encouraged to participate. This event is co-sponsored by GLC-Partner Cook Counseling Center.

7. GLC FELLOWS INFO SESSION
Thursday, Feb 21, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC Room B
Learn more about what GLC Fellows do for residents and visitors of the Graduate Life Center and find out if you are qualified for the position. Current fellows and their supervisors will be on hand to answer questions about the application process and the position. Contact Lauren Surface for more information.

8. VIRTUAL GLC CAFÉ SERIES: GRADUATING THIS SEMESTER?
Thursday, Feb 21, 12:30-2:00pm, Lobby of vGLC
Join the Graduate School Staff weekly for online chats in the Virtual Graduate Life Center (vGLC). This week’s topic: Spring Graduation. Get into the vGLC lobby. The vGLC extends VT’s graduate-education community from campus to computer.  Using avatars they have created, visitors to the vGLC can currently visit with Graduate-School staff about general academic questions; find Grad-School forms and policy information; consult with the Graduate Student Ombudsperson; attend virtual seminars and workshops; 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 Marija Telbis-Forster.

9. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Feb 21, 3:30-5:00pm, Graduate School Lobby
The GLC Café is offered throughout the year with free coffee, tea and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues.

10. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE CHILDCARE ON THU NIGHTS
Thursdays, 6:00-8:30pm, VT Women’s Center 206 Washington Street    
A free weekly drop-in evening child care program for kids. Need a break? Have to study or attend a lecture? Want to catch up on work? If you are a VT student with children, bring your kids aged 2-12. No need to pre-register. Childcare provided by the women of Chi Delta Alpha sorority. KNO will be held every Thursday throughout the semester except when classes are not in session. Please note that if no children have shown, volunteers will sometimes leave by 6:30.) For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner.

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

12. CXWORX WORK-OUT CLASS IN THE GLC
Saturday, Feb 23, 3:15pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Join GLC Fellow Emily as she leads the Les Mills 30-minute core class, CXWORX, in the GLC Multipurpose room. Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers and bring water and a towel. Contact Emily with any questions. Additional sessions are scheduled for Apr 4 8:15pm; Apr 9 8:15pm; and Apr 23 8:15pm.

13. CHINESE NEW YEAR AND LANTERN FESTIVAL
Saturday, Feb 23, 6:30pm, Burruss Hall Auditorium
Chinese graduate students invite you to Chinese New Year, the most important of traditional Chinese holidays. Chinese New Year is an occasion for families to gather for the annual reunion dinner; thoroughly cleanse the house in order to sweep away any ill-fortune and to make way for good incoming luck. In China, celebrations last 15 days. Feb 24 is the Lantern Festival, which is the end of the Chinese New Year celebration. In this festival, people will solve riddles on the lanterns and eat glutinous rice balls.  In order to preserve and promote Chinese culture and share Chinese tradition with other communities, the VT Association of Chinese Students and Scholars  will host this festival, which includes singing, instruments, dance and more. Free snacks, free admission, lottery gifts! For more information contact Yanqing Fu.

14. 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 Graduate Education Week 2013 (March 25-29) and beyond. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art, photography, or written work) per graduate student. Submission deadline: Wednesday, March 20 5:00pm. Learn more>>. Contact Monika Gibson at gibsonm@vt.edu with any questions.

15. SIGN UP NOW FOR GEW DESIGN CONTEST: DREAM & DESIGN YOUR IDEAL GLC!
Graduate student teams are invited to sign up for this Graduate Education Week (GEW) activity to create and design your ideal Graduate Life Center using materials provided by the Graduate School. Teams should be comprised of 3-4 people, at least one of whom must be a graduate student. Prizes will be given for the best design!  Teams must pre-register here. Accepted registrations will be confirmed by email. Questions?  Contact Tara at tara@vt.edu.

16. 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 awards 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.  Applications are due by Mar 15, 2013. Email Amanda Shea (ashea04@vt.edu) with any questions.

17. FREE ONE-ON-ONE NUTRITION GUIDANCE OFFERED BY NUTRITION STUDENTS  – 1st posting
Do you need nutrition guidance? Are you interested in improving your food choices or learning how to make healthy choices in the dining halls? Perhaps you would like to understand how to combine nutrition and exercise to lose weight. If you have any of these concerns, senior nutrition students can help you take the next steps toward building a healthier life. The Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise department at Virginia Tech provides free one-on-one nutrition counseling services to any interested students, faculty, or staff. Sign up at http://www.hnfe.vt.edu and click on the Nutrition Counseling link to fill out the registration form today.

18. CITIZEN SCHOLAR APPLICATIONS INVITED – 1st posting
Have you used your knowledge and research skills to benefit society in any way? Has this effort involved about 16 hrs of community service? If so, you are eligible for the Citizen Scholar award! Recipients will be recognized during Graduate Education Week at the GLC on Monday, Mar 25 from 4-5:30.  Each person will have a chance to explain their project briefly using one power point slide. Please send your name and project title/brief description to Associate Dean Rosemary Blieszner, by March 8 – and mark your calendar for March 25.

19. WANT TO BE A MENTOR, BUT DON’T HAVE TIME? – 2nd posting
Any day, any time, any location—as convenient for you! Join the GUMP Grads-on-Demand program, and mentor undergrads only when you have time. Email gump@vt.edu  with your name, degree program (MA, MSc, PhD, etc.), department, expected graduation date (roughly), and preferred email address. Your info will be added to a list of graduate student volunteers at the GUMP website. Whenever an undergraduate student wants to ask some questions about graduate school in your discipline, we’ll refer him/her to the list online, and s/he’ll contact you directly. Schedule one meeting that fits your schedule, or multiple meetings if you’d like. (Or just tell the undergrad, “Sorry, I’m really swamped right now,” and hope you have more time for the next one!) Help by email, phone, Skype, over coffee, in your lab… It’s up to you. It’s a huge help to undergrads considering grad school and it makes for great university service on a CV.

20. PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL LATEST ISSUE IS AVAILABLE NOW – 2nd posting
Public Knowledge Journal is pleased to announce the publication of Issue 4.2 on Intervention. View the newest issue at http://pkjournal.org/, featuring a number of contributions from members of the Virginia Tech community, including VT graduate students Brendan Halloran, Stefanie Georgakis, Quentin Stoeffler, and Sabrina Provencher, as well as an introductory essay by Dr. Max Stephenson.

21. TEACHING AND RESEARCH ACTION PHOTOS WANTED! – 2nd posting
The Graduate School wants your teaching and research in action photos. One of the highlights of the fall and spring graduate commencement  ceremony includes a presentation by Dean Karen DePauw called "Images and Reflections," which is projected on the Coliseum video board. The Graduate School wants to update its photo library and hope that you can share your digital photos in which you are engaged in some type of academic endeavor – teaching, tutoring, performing research, giving a workshop, attending a conference or professional society meeting, or any aspect that relates to your life as a graduate student. Please send digital photos to grads@vt.edu.

22. CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL – 2nd posting
For its fifth anniversary issue, PKJ welcomes contributions from graduate student scholars that address the topic of resilience in its myriad forms. Submissions that critically engage with and creatively examine this topic are encouraged. Details>>. Suggested themes include, but are not limited to: Resilience of the body, mind, and/or spirit; resilience of a culture, religion, or society; Resilience of a nation or people; Resilience of materials and/or resources; Resilience of systems or structures (e.g., ecosystems, economic systems).

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

24. AEL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED – 3rd posting
Alpha Epsilon Lambda (AEL) Graduate Honor Society, the only academic excellence and leadership honor society of graduate and professional school students, is now accepting applications for new members. Graduate students may become members based on their academic  achievements and leadership experiences.  Apply by no later than Feb 26 by 5 p.m. For more information visit the AEL website or contact Shernita Lee, president of AEL, with any questions. 

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

26. GLC FELLOWS APPLICATION PROCESS OPEN FOR 2013-14 – 1st posting
Residence Life and the Graduate School are seeking motivated graduate students who are committed to building graduate community, for three GLC Fellow positions for the 2013-14 academic year. An ideal candidate would have previous residence life and/or event planning experience though it is not a requirement. Applicants must submit a formal cover letter, resume and letter of recommendation, as well as complete this survey. Information about the cover letter requirements can be found on the survey link and the job description can be found here. Apply by Mar 20, 2013. Contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu or Mark Smiley at esmark86@vt.edu if you have questions, and/or attend the GLC Fellows Information Session on Feb 21 in GLC Room B from 12-1pm.

27. GRADUATE RESIDENTIAL FELLOW SOUGHT FOR RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE – 2nd posting
The Graduate Residential Fellow is a live-in position with primary responsibility for offering mentorship to students and facilitating the creation of a strong sense of community. The four live-in Graduate Residential Fellows will make an important contribution to the leadership of The Residential College at West Ambler Johnson (RC@WAJ). Read more about the position and the application process>>. Apply by Mar 1.

28. SELECTION COMMITTEE MEMBERS NEEDED FOR 2013-14 BOV GRAD REP
Apply by Friday, Feb 22
Help serve the graduate student community by participating as a member of the BOV Graduate Student Representative Selection Committee.  Committee members will need to be available between March 4-6, 2013. One representative per college needed. If you are interested in serving, please apply here.  Email Robyn Jones, current Graduate Representative to the BOV at bovgradrep@vt.edu with any questions.

29. SEEKING REVIEWERS FOR GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM – 1st posting
The GSA needs your assistance with reviewing abstracts for the GSA Research Symposium, to be held on Mar 27, 2013. Graduate students who will not be submitting entries to the symposium can be reviewers in this online, blind peer-review process, critiquing abstracts of 3000 characters or less with no figures or tables. Each reviewer will receive an email of abstracts to review and return, before Mar 21, by 5:00pm. Please fill out this registration form to serve as a reviewer. After signing up you will receive an automated confirmation email that your registration went through. Reviewers will receive a formal signed certificate (electronic copy) for their participation in this process that they can add to their resume. If you have questions, contact George Batten at gsaRSchair@gmail.com, GSA RS 2013 Chair.

30. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR UPCOMING GSA HAPPY HOUR
The GSA is looking for volunteers to help with its upcoming Happy Hour on Thursday, Mar 7, 6-8pm in the GLC Multipurpose Room. Tasks will include setting-up, serving beer and food, and cleaning up.  Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older.  Please contact Elaine Mathis, VP of Programs (efm28@vt.edu) if you are interested. 

31. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR VIRTUAL REALITY STUDY – 1st posting
Researchers are seeking volunteers for gathering quantitative and qualitative insights into the effects of different properties of virtual reality (VR) display systems on the analysis of complex scientific datasets, like tracheal systems of beetles from biomechanics domain. The study consists of carrying out few tasks (answering few questions), by analyzing the tracheal systems of a beetle, scanned, segmented in isosurface format, and visualized on a state-of-the-art spatially immersive display system – the four-sided CAVE – in the Visionarium at 3050 Torgersen. More details will be provided on site. The experiment will last about 75 mins. Must be more than 18 years old with no or minimal background in biomechanics to participate. Find available time slots for participation>>. Please email  to blaha@vt.edu, with your preferred time slot from the above page to sign up for your participation.

32. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH PROJECT – 1st posting
Amie Schry, MS, and Susan White, PhD, of the Department of Psychology are recruiting participants for the “Campus Reporting Survey,” an IRB-approved study. All VT faculty and staff members, including graduate teaching assistants (GTAs), are invited to complete an on-line survey about thoughts on reporting of campus incidents. Graduate students who are not currently teaching classes are not eligible for participation in the study. The survey will take 10-15 minutes to complete, and will be open until May 8, the last day of classes. All data will be kept anonymous. Complete the survey>>. If you have any questions, contact Amie Schry at aschry@vt.edu.

33. PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL SEEKING REVIEWERS – 1st posting
The Public Knowledge Journal is seeking reviewers for the Spring 2013 semester.  Being a peer reviewer is a great way to learn about the ins and outs of the academic publication world.  The Public Knowledge Journal is an interdisciplinary graduate student journal committed to the exchange of ideas and information about issues and research relevant to the public sphere.  More information about the journal can be found at http://pkjournal.org/. Please contact Stefanie Georgakis at sgeorgakis@vt.edu if interested in being a peer reviewer for this semester.

34. GTA PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH PROJECT – 2nd posting
Are you currently a graduate teaching assistant? If so, researchers want to hear from you through a survey they developed to better understand the experiences of Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) with regard to motivation and identity.  The survey should not take more than 20 minutes to complete, and participants will have the opportunity to be entered into a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card. Participate here>>.  Questions about this work should be directed to Rachel Louis Kajfez at rlouis@vt.edu.

35. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR METABOLISM STUDY -3rd posting
Volunteers are needed for a study examining how diet influences muscle metabolism. Participants must be: Between the ages of 18-40; not currently taking any medications; non-smokers; without any major medical problems; willing to eat a high fat diet for 4 weeks. You will receive extensive health information.  You may receive up to $500 to compensate you for your time.  If you meet the above requirements and are interested in participating in this research study, please contact John Pownall at the Human Integrative Physiology Laboratory at Virginia Tech at (540) 231-8299, heartlab@vt.edu.

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

37. UPCOMING EVENTS:

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

GSA CUPCAKES WITH THE DEAN
Tuesday, Feb 26, 12:00-1:30pm, GLC Lounge
Join Dean DePauw, the GSA, and fellow graduate students for cupcakes and discussion.  This is an exciting opportunity to meet grad dean DePauw and bring up any questions or concerns you might have. You will also have the opportunity to mingle with fellow graduate students while enjoying cupcakes from Our Daily Bread.  Direct any questions to Elaine Mathis, GSA VP of Programs.

HOW DO YOU ASSESS ORAL PRESENTATIONS?
Tuesday, Feb 26, 12:00pm, GLC Room C
Evaluating communication skills is a concern of every degree program on campus. This discussion will focus on how to evaluate oral presentations using multiple criteria. Register online>>.

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

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY INITIATIVE’S FIRST MEETING
Thursday, Feb 28, 5:30pm, GLC Room C
Interested in learning more about how science and engineering can influence and be influenced by policy decisions? Want to get involved in more activities at the intersection of science/technology and policy? Come to the Science and Technology Policy Initiative’s (STPI) first meeting: pizza; guest speaker; discussion of upcoming events; appointment of new exec board members from various departments – come if you are interested in a leadership position!.  Please fill out this survey if you will be able to attend.  Email Amanda Shea (ashea04@vt.edu) with any questions. 

BOV GRAD LUNCH WITH PRESIDENT STEGER, PROVOST MCNAMEE, GRADUATE DEAN DEPAUW, & STUDENT AFFAIRS VP PERILLO – sign up now!
Monday, Mar 4, 12:00-1:30pm, The Inn at Virginia Tech
Attend the first graduate student luncheon of the semester with President Steger, Provost McNamee, Vice President and Dean for Graduate Education Karen DePauw, and Vice President for Student Affairs Patricia Perillo at the Inn. Spaces are limited. If you are interested in attending, please register here. Graduate students selected to attend will be contacted by Feb 25.  Contact Robyn Jones, Graduate Representative to the BOV with any questions.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

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

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

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

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

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

6. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Feb 14, 3:30-5:00pm, Graduate School Lobby
The GLC Café is offered throughout the year with free coffee, tea and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. Forget Valentine’s Day! Have some coffee or tea!

7. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE CHILDCARE ON THU NIGHTS
Thursdays, 6:00-8:30pm, VT Women’s Center 206 Washington Street    
A free weekly drop-in evening child care program for kids. Need a break? Have to study or attend a lecture? Want to catch up on work? If you are a VT student with children, bring your kids aged 2-12. No need to pre-register. Childcare provided by the women of Chi Delta Alpha sorority. KNO will be held every Thursday throughout the semester except when classes are not in session. Please note that if no children have shown, volunteers will sometimes leave by 6:30.) For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

28. UPCOMING EVENTS:

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

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

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

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Feb 7, 3:30-5:00pm, Graduate School Lobby
The GLC Café is offered throughout the year with free coffee, tea and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues.

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

10. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – FREE CHILDCARE ON THU NIGHTS
Thursdays, 6:00-8:30pm, VT Women’s Center 206 Washington Street    
A free weekly drop-in evening child care program for kids. Need a break? Have to study or attend a lecture? Want to catch up on work? If you are a VT student with children, bring your kids aged 2-12. No need to pre-register. Childcare provided by the women of Chi Delta Alpha sorority. KNO will be held every Thursday throughout the semester except when classes are not in session. Please note that if no children have shown, volunteers will sometimes leave by 6:30.) For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

26. UPCOMING EVENTS:

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

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

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, Jan 31, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
The GLC Café is offered throughout the year with free coffee, tea and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

23. UPCOMING EVENTS:

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

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

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

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

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

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

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

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

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

4. GLC CAFÉ: MUG RAFFLE 2013 ONCE MORE
Thursday, Jan 24, 3:30-5:00pm, Graduate School Lobby
The GLC Café is offered throughout the year with free coffee, tea and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. This week’s special: mug raffle back by popular demand. Raffle at 4:30 – stop by between 3:30 and 4:30 to get your name into the pool. Do not have to be present to win. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14. UPCOMING EVENTS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. GLC CAFÉ: MUG RAFFLE 2013 ONCE MORE
Thursday, Jan 17, 3:30-5:00pm, Graduate School Lobby
The GLC Café is offered throughout the year with free coffee, tea and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. This week’s special: mug raffle back by popular demand. Raffle at 4:30 – stop by between 3:30 and 4:30 to get your name into the pool. Do not have to be present to win. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12. UPCOMING EVENTS:

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

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

• for 1/14
• for 2/6

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

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

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

2. GLC CAFÉ: MUG RAFFLE 2013 – Note the special location!
Thursday, Jan 10, 3:30-5:00pm, Graduate School Lobby
The GLC Café is offered throughout the year with free coffee, tea and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. This week’s special: hot chocolate, with three orange mugs raffled off among participants (see why>>). 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. UPCOMING EVENTS:

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