Announcements for UNC CS Grad Students

Congratulations to Liangjun Zhang

2010-01-26T10:41:00.000-08:00

Please congratulate Liangjun, who won the university's Linda Dysktra Distinguished Dissertation Award.

WWW2010 Developers Track CfP

2010-01-26T05:08:00.001-08:00

WWW2010 - April 26 - 30 in Raleigh, NC

WWW2010 Developers Track - Call For Proposals http://www2010.org
Submission Details

Submission deadline: February 26, 2010 (9pm Eastern (US) Time)

Notification date: March 14th, 2010

The Developers Track focuses on the general WWW development community. Participants are invited to present new trends and interesting ideas, code and APIs of applications, platforms and emerging standards. Demonstrations of technical "nitty-gritty" are strongly encouraged. Focus areas include, but are not limited to, Browsers and Plugins, Web Metrics, Health, Science and Education, Web Social Impact, Information Integration and Mash-ups, Web Software and Tools, Information Mining and Reporting, Mobile Web, Monetization, Multimedia, Scalable System and Cloud Computing, Search, Security, Semantic Web, Social Network, Standards and Protocols, User Interface, Open Source (FLOSS) Development for the Web.

This track is an ideal venue for short reports of both industry and academic technical works.

This year, the proceedings of the Developers Track will be published online; the authors of the accepted works will have the option to publish a 3-page report.

Please submit abstracts and papers via the WWW2010 Conference Management site: https://cmt.research.microsoft.com/WWW2010/Default.aspx

New York City based SeedStart 2010 Summer Program-$20k for up to 10 startups for the summer

2010-01-19T12:07:00.000-08:00

**** I have no idea how legit this might be *****

SeedStart will offer promising teams the chance to build a technology product and launch a company with the assistance of seed investment capital, mentorship and other resources. Companies will be selected through a competitive application process and each company will receive a $20,000 investment. Throughout the summer, companies will also receive mentorship from experienced New York City based venture capitalists and entrepreneurs, legal and business guidance, administrative help and technical assistance. At the end of the summer venture capitalists and angel investors will be invited to an Investor Day where each team will present their product and launch their company. SeedStart will run for 8 weeks beginning in June of 2010.

SeedStart is a joint effort among Contour Venture Partners, IA Ventures, NYC Seed, RRE Ventures and Polaris Venture Partners, and also includes Fish & Richardson, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips and Silicon Valley Bank. The program has begun accepting applications and teams of at least two founders can apply at http://www.nycseed.com/seedstart.html by February 28, 2010 to be considered. For information, contact Owen Davis at owen@nycseed.com. http://bit.ly/5FU4Mb

Grad-Level Entrepreneurship Classes Available

2010-01-04T07:20:00.000-08:00

Grad Students, Faculty and Staff:

Graduate-level Intro to Entrepreneurship Courses in the Arts, Sciences and Social Venturing

Explore entrepreneurial opportunities or get help launching a new venture or non-profit by enrolling in an entrepreneurship course this spring semester:

· Artistic Entrepreneurship (BUSI 701, M/W 4:00-5:15pm) more info

· Scientific Entrepreneurship (PLCY 575, T/TH 5:00-6:15pm) more info

· Social Entrepreneurship (MBA 866, M 6:00-9:00pm) more info

These courses are offered as a part of UNC’s Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship and are available to UNC graduate students, doctoral candidates, post-docs, faculty and staff.

This program is sponsored by the Carolina Entrepreneurial Initiative.

Writing Center ESL services, Spring 2010

2009-12-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

In keeping with the Writing Center's mission, we have renewed our focus on writing and language support for students (and especially graduate students, since they represent the largest ESL population at UNC). We also welcome exchange students and postdoctoral scholars to take advantage of our services, when appropriate.

Starting in January, I will be teaching a series of free, non-credit ESL mini-courses in grammar, writing, vocabulary, presentation skills, and pronunciation. Information is on the attached flyer.

We are also expanding our facilitated ESL writing groups, which have been very very effective for students and postdocs with substantial writing projects (papers, proposals, dissertations, and publications). Sign up will begin on the first day of classes.

In addition, we will be leading workshops, organizing speaking groups, recording more online video presentations, and participating in the International Coffee Hour.

Details and registration are on the Writing Center's new ESL resources webpages at:
http://www.unc.edu/writingcenter/esl

If you have any questions or suggestions, or would like to discuss ways that we can support your ESL students and postdocs, please do not hesitate to contact me or my colleague, Gigi Taylor (vgtaylor@unc.edu).

Happy holidays from the ESL specialists at the Writing Center!

Nigel Caplan

ESL Specialist, The Writing Center
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Tel: (919) 843-9604; email: nacaplan@unc.edu

http://www.unc.edu/writingcenter/esl
(Writing Center ESL Resources Homepage)
http://eslonthehill.wordpress.com
(ESL On the Hill Language-Learning Blog)

NVIDIA CUDA Superhero Challenge

2009-11-25T10:23:00.000-08:00

The 2nd NVIDIA CUDA Superhero Challenge has started in partnership with TopCoder!

Following on the heels of last week's hugely successful SuperComputing'09 - where anyone who's anyone was talking about CUDA and GPU Computing - we are pleased to launch the new NVIDIA Superhero Challenge for developers around the world.

The Challenge

Challenge #2 builds on one of the most well-known computing problems - the "travelling salesman", but with an added twist - chasing airplanes! (The Travelling salesman problem is one known to be computationally exceptionally difficult and is used as a benchmark for many optimization methods. It has several applications such as planning, logistics, the manufacture of microchips and DNA sequencing.)
In Challenge #2, contestants are asked to determine the best possible route that a mobile aircraft servicing crew should take to service a fleet of planes continually flying around the globe.

What You Can Do
Please let your programmer friends know that they can participate in the CUDA Superhero Challenge and win some serious cash - plus it's a great excuse to learn about CUDA C. There's no entry fee, and they can use TopCoder's Tesla-powered servers to run and debug their code.

Here is the link:

http://www.topcoder.com/news/2009/11/23/5000-nvidia-cuda-superhero-challenge-2-has-now-begun/

Within the first 48 hours of the contest, there are already over 260 registrants and 100 test submissions; the leader score table is changing rapidly. The competition is expected to be hot and heavy until the final day, December 7th.

Computer programming opportunity from the Chart Project for the UNC community

2009-10-01T13:12:00.000-07:00

Computer students & others:
Get experience working on a humanitarian Internet service!
Join the Chart Project

We are creating a large database for on-line discussions which use a modified flow-chart. This could give you experience, satisfaction, and lead to paid work with us.

We hope to go on-line soon by finishing the work started by a college class in Canada. They say the programming needed is not too advanced. Can we become a world-wide sensation and make money at this? Yes, because it is a very innovative plan and fills a huge gap.

On-line discussions now, you might have noticed, can be very frustrating. They get illogical, over-long, petty, repetitious, circular, distracted, irrelevant, and hard-to-follow. Our plan will ameliorate all those problems to allow the public to try to settle all disagreements and conflicts on all topics.

Ask us for more to see if you'd like to work on this.

Korky Day
korkyday@yahoo.com
Telephone in Chapel Hill
919-929-0923

2010 NSF EAPSI Fellowship Program Now Open

2009-09-19T07:46:00.000-07:00

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC SUMMER INSTITUTES FOR U.S. GRADUATE STUDENTS - 2010 APPLICATION NOW OPEN

(Link: www.nsfsi.org )

The National Science Foundation (NSF) East Asia and Pacific Summer Institutes for U.S. Graduate Students (EAPSI) is a flagship international fellowship program for developing the next generation of globally-engaged U.S. scientists and engineers knowledgeable about the Asian and Pacific regions. The Summer Institutes are hosted by foreign counterparts committed to increasing opportunities for young U.S. researchers to work in research facilities and with host mentors abroad. Fellows are supported to participate in eight-week research experiences at host laboratories in Australia, China, Japan (10 weeks), Korea, New Zealand, Singapore and Taiwan from June to August. The program provides a $5,000 summer stipend, round-trip airfare to the host location, living expenses abroad, and an introduction to the society, culture, language, and research environment of the host location.

The 2010 application is now open and will close December 8, 2009. Application instructions are available online at www.nsfsi.org. For further information concerning benefits, eligibility, and tips on applying, applicants are encouraged to visit www.nsf.gov/eapsi or www.nsfsi.org.

NSF recognizes the importance of enabling U.S. researchers and educators to advance their work through international collaborations and the value of ensuring that future generations of U.S. scientists and engineers gain professional experience beyond this nation's borders early in their careers. The program is intended for U.S. graduate students pursuing studies in fields supported by the National Science Foundation. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply for the EAPSI. Applicants must be enrolled in a research-oriented master's or PhD program and be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents by the application deadline date. Students in combined bachelor/master degree programs must have matriculated from the undergraduate degree program at time of application.

The first Summer Institutes began in Japan in 1990, and to date approximately 1,800 U.S. graduate students have participated in the program. For the 2009 competition, NSF received 317 applications and issued 187 awards. EAPSI applicants are representative of most U.S. states and territories. The 2009 awardees pool included representation from 95 universities and 40 states.

The NSF-EAPSI Operations Center is administered by the American Society for Engineering Education (www.asee.org/fellowships).[

Should you inquire additional information, please contact Mr. Ergys Ramaj by email at eapsi@asee.org or by phone at 1-866-501-2922.

DTH Online

2009-08-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

I'm the online managing editor at The Daily Tar Heel, and I'm writing you because we're looking for students with computer programming skills to work with us next year. On August 21, we'll launch our new site using Drupal. We hope to improve upon that throughout the year, but we're very short of students with the skills to do so. If you know of any students in your classes who might be interested in working with us, I'd love if you could pass this opportunity along to them. Journalism experience isn't a requirement in the slightest, and we're mostly looking for students who are interested in experimentation, web design and using technology to help readers better understand the news. At this point, there's a lot of opportunity for students to make applications or create projects that can give them experience and a place to showcase their work.

Feel free to contact me further with questions. I appreciate your time!

Sara

--
Sara Gregory
The Daily Tar Heel
Managing Editor/online
704/591.0365 (c)

Future Faculty Fellowship Program Call for Applications

2009-06-22T12:09:00.001-07:00

The Future Faculty Fellowship Program (FFFP) is a 5-day intensive interdisciplinary program for senior-level graduate students. It is facilitated by the Center for Faculty Excellence (CFE) and was developed through collaboration with Student Government, the Graduate and Professional Student Federation, the Office of the Provost, and the Graduate School. The Program serves to meet professional development goals by improving the instructional planning and teaching skills of new Teaching Fellows who are assigned to teach undergraduate courses at UNC-Chapel Hill independently as well as prepare them to meet their future faculty responsibilities in research, service, and leadership prior to completion of their degrees.

The dates for the Fall 2009 FFFP are August 12-14 and 17-18, and it will be held in the Frank Porter Graham Student Union Building Room 3203. To apply for the program, graduate students should be directed to the application on the CFE website: http://cfe.unc.edu/teaching/fffp/index.html.

The program is limited to 25 participants who are selected from the group of graduate students completing the application process that includes an essay on why they want to participate in the program, a letter of recommendation from a faculty member, and some additional information about their experiences with teaching and learning. The deadline for application is July 17, 2009. The deadline for the faculty letter of recommendation is July 21. Students will be notified of acceptance by end-of-day, July 24.

Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this program or the application process.

Todd Zakrajsek, Executive Director
Center for Faculty Excellence
966-4838
toddz@unc.edu

Research Ethics Course - GRAD 721

2009-06-09T12:58:00.000-07:00

*Two sections now open for Fall 2009 registration*

The purpose of this mini-course is to discuss in serious and systematic ways some of the important issues in research ethics. This is not a course in moral theory, nor is it a course that aims only to review rules and codes of conduct. Rather, the aim is to increase our awareness of the nature of ethical issues in research and some methods for reasoning constructively about them. The topics to be addressed include (but are not restricted to): falsification of data, plagiarism, professional codes of ethics, issues in mentoring, peer review and authorship, the use of statistics, intellectual property, conflicts of interest, the use of human and animal subjects in research, environmental ethics, issues involving women and under-represented minorities in the professions, and the social responsibilities of researchers.

This graduate level course will be conducted as a seminar and will meet one time per week for seven weeks. All readings, case studies, and instructional material are available online. Participants will do the readings for each topic and take a self-paced quiz to test their comprehension of the material before each seminar session. The seminar sessions will be devoted to review of the principles relevant to specific reading topics and a discussion of the complexities and difficulties of the specific cases. The requirements of the course are to complete the online material before each seminar and to attend the seminars. There will be no additional exams or papers.

The Research Ethics course will be taught by members of the Philosophy Department under the guidance of Douglas MacLean, professor of philosophy. Section 001 will meet on Thursdays, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.; section 002 will meet on Mondays, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Both sections will meet at the Graduate Student Center, 211W Cameron Avenue. Classes will begin the week of August 17; class size is limited to 45. To register please go to University Registrar website.

For more information about this course, please visit: http://openseminar.org/ethics/ and go to the student entrance. Then click on "University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill" and select "Douglas MacLean" as your instructor. This will let you enter the course and explore the readings, case studies, and the tests for each unit.

Teaching & Research Assistants Appreciation Picnic

2009-04-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

Teaching & Research Assistants Appreciation Picnic

We cordially invite you to join faculty, administrators, graduate and undergraduate students as we celebrate the contributions of Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Research Assistants (RAs) and thank them for their impact on the university and university life.

Wednesday, April 15th at 5:00pm-6:30pm in McCorkle Place In Front of South Building

Please Print this Invitation and Bring it with you!

Rain Location Student Union 3102

Sandwiches, Salads and Dessert will be provided until we Run out, so Come Early!

All  TAs  &  RAs  in  attendance  will  be  entered  into  a  drawing  for  free  T‐Shirts,  gift  certificates  to  Top  of  the  Hill,  Spanky’s,  Tar  Heel  Bookstore,  UNC  Student  Stores,  and  other  giveaway  prizes! 
 
Picnic_Invites-2.pdf

Upcoming Graduate Student Professional Development Workshops

2009-03-23T14:26:00.000-07:00

3/25: Non-Academic Careers in the Humanities & Social Sciences

This panel discussion will include representatives from various non-academic careers related to humanities and social science disciplines. They will speak about their experiences, advice for job hunting, how to use your graduate degree for advancement, and other professional skills to develop for a successful career. Co-sponsored by the Graduate School and University Career Services.

1:00-2:00pm, Graduate Student Center, 211A W. Cameron Ave.

REGISTER: http://cfx.research.unc.edu/res_classreg/browse_single.cfm?New=1&event_id=21857

4/1: Workshop: Conflict Resolution

No one likes conflict, but it is an inevitable part of life. Come and learn how to defuse tense situations effectively at this interactive workshop led by NCSU’s Dr. Rhonda Sutton. A special emphasis will be given to situations faced by graduate students.

1:00–3:00pm, Graduate Student Center, 211 A W. Cameron Ave.

REGISTER: http://cfx.research.unc.edu/res_classreg/browse_single.cfm?New=1&event_id=21895

4/1: Graduate Funding 101–Humanities & Social Sciences

Get a jump start on proposal writing for graduate funding! This half-day workshop will provide an introduction to the library's resources, strategies for conducting funding searches, effective writing strategies and insight into literature reviews. The workshop includes a panel discussion with students and faculty who have experience writing for funding at the graduate level as well as tips from funding review committees.

9:00am–Noon, Graduate Student Center, 211A West Cameron Ave.

REGISTER http://cfx.research.unc.edu/res_classreg/browse_single.cfm?New=1&event_id=21928

4/8: Graduate Funding 101–Sciences & Health Sciences

Get a jump start on proposal writing for graduate funding! This half-day workshop will provide an introduction to the library's resources, strategies for conducting funding searches, effective writing strategies and insight into literature reviews. The workshop includes a panel discussion with students and faculty who have experience writing for funding at the graduate level as well as tips from funding review committees.

9:00am–Noon, Graduate Student Center, 211A West Cameron Ave.

REGISTER http://cfx.research.unc.edu/res_classreg/browse_single.cfm?New=1&event_id=21929

4/15: Establishing North Carolina Residency for Tuition Purposes

10:00am – 11:00am, Graduate Student Center, 211A West Cameron Ave.

REGISTER http://cfx.research.unc.edu/res_classreg/browse_single.cfm?New=1&event_id=21953

Student Marshals for 2009 Hooding Ceremony

2009-03-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

Call for Graduate Student Marshals

Help celebrate the PhD completion process!

One highlight of an academic career is the culmination of academic and research pursuits with the receipt of the diploma that says Doctor of Philosophy. Each year the Graduate School at UNC Chapel Hill conducts a Hooding Ceremony to formally recognize and congratulate the attainment of this degree. This year the Hooding Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2009, prior the general University Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 10.

We are looking for 18 graduate student volunteers to serve as the 2009 Graduate Student Marshals. As Graduate Student Marshals you will 1) lead the processional (academic deans, candidates for graduation, faculty advisors) onto the Dean E. Smith Center main floor, 2) guide the movement of candidates and advisors as each degree and hood is awarded, and 3) offer general assistance, as needed, before, during, and after the course of the ceremony.

Your time commitment will include (approximately):

Friday May 8, 2009, 1 hour training (time to be determined)

Saturday May 9, 2009, 3 hours for the Hooding Ceremony (at Dean E. Smith Center)

Saturday 9, 2009, 1-2 hours (optional) barbeque dinner (spouse/partner/guest included) with Junior Marshals who will assist with Sunday general Commencement Ceremony

If you are interested, please contact Leslie Lerea, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Graduate School; Lerea@unc.edu. Please include your departmental email; deadline March 31, 2009.

Future Faculty Fellowship Program Call for Applications

2009-03-04T12:26:00.000-08:00

The Future Faculty Fellowship Program is an annual 6-day intensive interdisciplinary program for senior-level graduate students. It is facilitated by the Center for Faculty Excellence and was developed through collaboration with Student Government, the Graduate and Professional Student Federation, the Office of the Provost and the Graduate School. The Program serves to meet professional development goals by improving the instructional planning and teaching skills of new Teaching Fellows who are assigned to teach undergraduate courses at UNC-Chapel Hill independently and to prepare them to meet their future faculty responsibilities in research, service and leadership prior to completion of their degrees.

The dates for the May 2009 Preparing Future Faculty Program are May 13, 14, 15, and May 18, 19, 20, 2009 in Toy Lounge at Dey Hall. To apply for the program, go to the application on the Center for Faculty Excellence website http://cfe.unc.edu/teaching/fffp/index.html.

The program is limited to 25 participants who are selected from the group of graduate students completing the application process that includes an essay on why you want to participate in the program, a letter of recommendation from a faculty member and some additional information about your experiences with teaching and learning. The deadline for application is March 25, 2009. The deadline for the faculty letter of recommendation is March 31, 2009.

Please do let me know if you have any questions regarding this program or the application process.

Sincerely,

Todd Zakrajsek, Executive Director
Center for Faculty Excellence
919-966-1289
toddz@unc.edu

Faculty Award for Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring

2009-03-04T12:24:00.000-08:00

The Graduate School is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the Faculty Award for Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring. This award was established to recognize extraordinary performance and achievement in the mentoring of doctoral students. We will present the award at the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony on May, 9, 2009 in the Dean E. Smith Center.

All graduate students who receive their doctoral degree in 2008/2009 are invited to nominate faculty for this special honor. This includes students who received their degrees in August and December 2008, and those who will receive their degrees in May 2009. Regular members of the Graduate Faculty at UNC Chapel Hill who have successfully guided at least one student through the completion of their doctoral training are eligible. *The deadline for nominations is April 6, 2009. *A call for nominations, outlining the criteria and eligibility for the award, and the nomination form can be found on the Graduate School web site at http://gradschool.unc.edu/awards.html.

We ask that you circulate this information broadly within your departments and with your graduate students in order that outstanding mentors can be nominated. If you have any questions about the award, please do not hesitate to contact me at Lerea@unc.edu.

We look forward to announcing of the recipient of the 2009 Faculty Award for Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring!

--

Leslie S. Lerea, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Student Affairs
The Graduate School
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
203 Bynum Hall
Campus Box 4010
Chapel Hill, NC, 27599

Office: 919.962.6329
Fax: 919.966.4010

Identifying Funding Sources for Graduate Research and Study

2009-02-25T15:53:00.001-08:00

Identifying Funding Sources for Graduate Research and Study in the Arts and Sciences and Professional Schools

When: Thursday, March 5, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 246 Davis Library

Identifying Funding Sources for Graduate Research and Study in the Health Sciences

When: Monday, March 2, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: 307 Health Sciences Library

The GrantSource Library invites interested graduate and professional students from all disciplines to a workshop on finding funding for graduate research and study. The instructor will provide time-saving tips for conducting a funding search and an overview of resources available through the library

You will learn how to:

* Make the most effective use of the COS and Sponsored Programs Information Network (SPIN) multidisciplinary funding opportunity databases (how to search, important features, pros and cons)
* Set up a customized funding alert in COS and other mailing lists about funding
* Search for funding using special resources for graduate students
* Identify UNC internal funding opportunities
* Find online and print proposal writing guides

Advance registration is not required. For more information, see http://research.unc.edu/grantsource/workshops_help.php#workshops, or email gs@unc.edu or phone 962-3463.

English Language & American Culture at the Writing Center

2009-02-07T08:28:00.000-08:00

Is English your Second Language?

English Language & American Culture at the Writing Center offers free support for all non-native speakers of English at UNC (students, scholars, faculty, and staff).

This semester, ELAC is running writing groups, workshops, an International Coffee Hour, and a language blog. You can find information at www.unc.edu/writingcenter/elac

For more information about English Language & American Culture, please contact:

Nigel Caplan (nacaplan@unc.edu)
ESL Specialist, The Writing Center
Tel: (919) 843-9604

http://www.unc.edu/writingcenter/elac
(English Language & American Culture Homepage)

http://www.unc.edu/~nacaplan/eslonthehill/
(ESL On the Hill Grammar Blog)

graduate student professional development workshops

2009-02-02T08:35:00.000-08:00

The Graduate School is hosting these upcoming events specifically targeted to topics based on feedback from graduate students. These are also excellent opportunities for students to network with others outside of their programs.

2/4: Workshop: Dual-Career Couples–The “Two Body” Problem

In today’s busy world, the dual-career couple is commonplace. In this workshop, the presenters will discuss issues faced by academics whose spouses have careers inside or outside academia.

3:00–4:30pm, Graduate Student Center, 221A W. Cameron Ave.

REGISTER:

http://cfx.research.unc.edu/res_classreg/browse_single.cfm?New=1&event_id=21891

2/5: RESCHEDULED Workshop: Interviewing Skills

Ever wonder how to market yourself face-to-face with effectiveness and grace?

Come learn the secrets of a successful job interview.

Co-sponsored by the UNC Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and University Career Services.

1:00–2:30pm, Graduate Student Center, 211A W. Cameron Ave.

REGISTER:

http://cfx.research.unc.edu/res_classreg/browse_single.cfm?New=1&event_id=21805

2/6: Understanding Americans: Analyzing Culture, Customs, and Communication

A workshop for International students led by ESL Specialist Nigel Caplan.

Co-sponsored by the UNC Writing Center.

2:00–3:30pm, Graduate Student Center, 211A W. Cameron Ave.

REGISTER:

http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/event.html

2/6: First Fridays for Graduate Students of Color

All are welcome to attend for dinner, socializing, and fun!

Please contact Dr. Alan Kendrick for more information: jalank@email.unc.edu

5:00–7:00pm, Graduate Student Center, 211A W. Cameron Ave

2/10: Teaching Workshop: Enhancing Critical Thinking in Students

This workshop will provide attendees skills and techniques to improve students' critical thinking skills in the classroom. A major step in promoting deeper learning is to expose students to their dualistic thinking and to help them raise their own awareness of how they think and know. This workshop is ideal for current or future teaching assistants.

Co-sponsored by the UNC Center for Faculty Excellence.

12:00 noon–1:30pm, Graduate Student Center, 211A W. Cameron Ave.

REGISTER:

http://cfx.research.unc.edu/res_classreg/browse_single.cfm?New=1&event_id=21892

2/11: Managing Classroom Conflict
This workshop will explore issues and experiences that arise between students and instructors or between students and other students and how best to address these conflicts. Participants will learn strategies for resolving conflicts satisfactorily. This workshop is co-sponsored with the Center for Faculty Excellence. Lunch will be provided. Seating is limited.

Noon – 1:30pm Graduate Student Center, 211A W. Cameron Ave.

REGISTER:

http://cfx.research.unc.edu/res_classreg/browse_single.cfm?New=1&event_id=21902

2/18: Workshop: Tax Responsibilities of Graduate Students (2 available sessions)

Led by the Graduate School’s Beverly Wyrick and a representative from the IRS, this workshop will alert you to the special and unique federal income tax situations faced by graduate students. Individual tax advice will not be provided.

1:00–2:30pm OR 3:00–4:30pm, Graduate Student Center, 211A W. Cameron Ave.

REGISTER:

http://cfx.research.unc.edu/res_classreg/browse_single.cfm?New=1&event_id=21893 OR

http://cfx.research.unc.edu/res_classreg/browse_single.cfm?New=1&event_id=21894

3/3: Workshop: Conflict Resolution

No one likes conflict, but it is an inevitable part of life. Come and learn how to defuse tense situations effectively at this interactive workshop led by NCSU’s Dr. Rhonda Sutton. A special emphasis will be given to situations faced by graduate students.

1:00–3:00 pm, Graduate Student Center, 211 A W. Cameron Ave.

REGISTER:

http://cfx.research.unc.edu/res_classreg/browse_single.cfm?New=1&event_id=21895

Check out http://gradschool.unc.edu/student/profdev/events.html for updates on these and other Spring 2009 Professional Development workshops and events.

__________________________________

Brian Rybarczyk, Ph.D.
Director, Graduate Student Academic & Professional Development
Director, Preparing International TA Program
Coordinator, SPIRE Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The Graduate Student Center
211A West Cameron Avenue
CB# 5492
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-5492

Office: (919) 962-2505
Fax: (919) 962-5134
Email: brybar@unc.edu

University Research Day

2009-01-26T08:51:00.000-08:00

Dear students, faculty, and staff,

We invite you to participate in the Fifth Annual University Research Day symposium and luncheon on Tuesday, March 3, 2009. University Research Day is an opportunity for graduate students (undergraduates are also welcome), postdoctural fellows, faculty and staff from all disciplines to share their research with the campus community. Cash prizes are awarded for the best student and faculty/staff/postdoc poster and paper presentations in the humanities, social sciences, life sciences, and physical sciences. All participants are invited to a luncheon celebrating their contributions to the University’s academic climate and an awards reception at the conclusion of the event.

Presentations that have already been delivered at professional conferences are welcome, and presenters need not be the first author. The abstract submission period runs from January 15 through February 15, 2009. For additional details, please see University Research Day .

We look forward to your participation in University Research Day!
Sincerely,

Theresa McReynolds and Chetna Khosla
Co-chairs, University Research Day Planning Committee
urd@unc.edu

Dr. Steven W. Matson
Dean of the Graduate School

Writing Center Update

2009-01-20T12:46:00.000-08:00

From the Writing Center:

I have good news to share today: changes to our appointment calendar system have made it possible for us to offer individual tutorials, scheduled on a same-day basis, to graduate students in the professional schools. These appointments will replace walk-in hours and should better serve busy students for whom our designated walk-in times last fall didn't work. Other services, including support for writing groups, online handouts, and the English Language and Culture workshop series, remain available. In addition, services for graduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences remain as they were.

Degree-seeking professional school graduate students in on-campus programs can schedule same-day, face-to-face appointments. To schedule an appointment, a student should visit our website (www.unc.edu/writingcenter), click "make an appointment," sign in with his/her ONYEN and password, choose "writing for a class" or "non-course writing," complete the dropdown menus that appear, and click "reserve" next to the appointment time and location that works best for him/her. To cancel an appointment, the student should return to our homepage, click "make an appointment," sign in, and choose "cancel an appointment." It is important that students cancel any appointments they cannot keep in advance so that others can take advantage of those openings. Appointments are available in 221 Greenlaw Hall and in our main office on the lower level of the Student and Academic Services Building. Appointments last 50 minutes, and graduate students can visit as much as once a week this spring. If a student cannot find a time that works for him/her, he/she should check the website regularly throughout the day; our online calendar is continuously updated as writers make and cancel appointments.

We are delighted to be able to offer individualized writing support for professional school graduate students, and I hope many students will benefit from this opportunity. Please contact me by email at vicki@unc.edu or by phone at 962-4799 if you have any questions or concerns (I will be out of the office on Thursday but will be checking email). More information is also available at http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/campusservices.html.

Thanks and best wishes--

Vicki Behrens
Interim Director
The Writing Center

Center for Faculty Excellence

2008-12-28T13:15:00.001-08:00

The Center for Faculty Excellence invites you to join us for a Spring 2009 workshop or symposium. The Center offers open-enrollment workshops for faculty and graduate students on a wide variety of topics related to teaching and learning. For the Spring Semester, topics include teaching large classes, critical thinking, group work, assessing student learning, and voicethread. For selected sessions, teachers from across Carolina participate as facilitators.

Please visit our website for descriptions of the open-enrollment workshops, and to register for events. Seating is limited, so be sure to enroll early.

If there is a topic of interest to you that is not among our offerings for the Spring, please let us know.

Todd Zakrajsek, Executive Director
Center for Faculty Excellence
toddz@unc.edu
919-966-1289

Interactive Brokers Collegiate Trading Olympiad

2008-12-04T13:41:00.000-08:00

I got this from our Career Services representative.

----

http://www.interactivebrokers.com/en/general/education/IBTradingOlympiad.php

Here is a trading competition with cash prizes. Please pass along to students who may be interested.

Sharon Jones

Campus Safety Survey

2008-11-11T07:02:00.000-08:00

Last chance to provide feedback regarding campus safety issues from the perspective of graduate and professional students here at UNC Chapel Hill. Feedback and recommendations will be presented to the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees.

Please take a few minutes to complete the following survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=4VnhvOG3K3qp9VymzzHxRA_3d_3d

Survey closes Thursday November 13, 2008.

Thank you,

Leslie Lerea, Associate Dean, Student Affairs, Graduate School

upcoming professional development opps for grad students

2008-11-03T08:27:00.000-08:00

WORKSHOPS

11/4: CV and Cover Letter Writing workshop
4-5:30pm, Graduate Student Center, 211A W. Cameron Ave.

REGISTER:
http://cfx.research.unc.edu/res_classreg/browse_single.cfm?New=1&event_id=21726

12/3: Establishing North Carolina Residency for Tuition Purposes
10:00-11:00am, Graduate Student Center, 211A W. Cameron Ave.

REGISTER:
http://cfx.research.unc.edu/res_classregbrowse_single.cfm?New=1&event_id=21745

SPRING 2009 COURSES

GRAD 704: Effective Presentation Skills
Tuesdays 5:00-6:30pm

GRAD 810: Communication for International Teaching Assistants
M, W 3:00-3:50pm (section 1)
T, R 11:00-11:50am (section 2)

GRAD 811: Advanced Communication for International Teaching Assistants
T, R 5:00 – 5:50pm

Please see http://gradschool.unc.edu/student/pitap/ for more information about the PITAP program.

Also, feel free to contact me directly with questions.

Brian

__________________________________

Brian Rybarczyk, Ph.D.
Director, Graduate Student Academic & Professional Development
Director, Preparing International TA Program
Coordinator, SPIRE Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The Graduate Student Center
211A West Cameron Avenue
CB# 5492
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-5492
Office: (919) 962-2505
Fax: (919) 962-5134
Email: brybar@unc.edu