Upcoming Conferences, Workshops, Seminars, Short Courses, and Institutes

January 2007

Introductory Income Tax Seminar
January 4, 2007
Hampton Roads Center
Virginia Beach, Virginia

The Introductory Tax Preparation Seminar is designed for those who are new or returning to tax preparation and want a course in basic preparation for a professional. The course is based on the 1040 form. Other forms are discussed in terms of income and the 1040 form. The $107 ($122 after September 12) registration fee includes a continental breakfast, lunch, refreshment breaks, and conference materials.

More information contact:
Leon Geyer
Agricultural Economics - Virginia Tech
AAEC, MC 0401
Blacksburg, VA 24061
geyer@vt.edu

Tax Technology Seminar
January 4, 2007
Virginia Tech Richmond Center
Richmond, Virginia

The Tax Tech Seminar is for tax professionals who want to better understand the role of technology in their practice. We cover the laws, rules and the risks associated with technology in the workplace. Then we cover the solutions, procedures, and the help that is available to comply and reduce risks. Lunch not included.

More information contact:
Leon Geyer
Agricultural Economics - Virginia Tech
AAEC, MC 0401
Blacksburg, VA 24061
geyer@vt.edu

Using GPS Technology Effectively in Field Research
January 11-12, 2007
Conservation Management Institute
Blacksburg, Virginia

Two day workshop using GPS technology in field research.

More information contact:
Andrew Rosenberger
College of Natural Resources
1950 Kraft Drive, Suite 250
Blacksburg, VA 24061
anrosenb@vt.edu

Urinalysis & Hematology for Small Animal Practice
January 13, 2007
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Blacksburg, Virginia

This course is a "bench level" review of routinely performed laboratory procedures for urinalysis and hematology of dogs and cats. Detailed review of urine testing and microscopic analysis of urine sediment including crystals and casts will be covered.

Basic review of methodogies used to perform complete blood counts (CBC. Review of manual tests, including peripheral blood smear, hematocrit, plasma protein and fibrinogen testing. Detailed review of peripheral blood smears of the dog and cat, including red blood cell morphology, white blood cells and platelets.

This course will provide an excellent in-service training of laboratory personnel at any level of experience.

The registration fee for this course is $475 ($400 for Students) and includes the textbook, CD, breaks, lunch and a certificate for .6 continuing education units.

More information contact:
Anne Cinsavich
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine Virginia Tech
(540) 231-5261
aclapsad@vt.edu

Urinalysis & Hematology for Small Animal Practice
January 13, 2007
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Blacksburg, Virginia

This course is a "bench level" review of routinely performed laboratory procedures for urinalysis and hematology of dogs and cats. Detailed review of urine testing and microscopic analysis of urine sediment including crystals and casts will be covered.

Basic review of methodogies used to perform complete blood counts (CBC. Review of manual tests, including peripheral blood smear, hematocrit, plasma protein and fibrinogen testing. Detailed review of peripheral blood smears of the dog and cat, including red blood cell morphology, white blood cells and platelets.

This course will provide an excellent in-service training of laboratory personnel at any level of experience.

The registration fee for this course is $475 ($400 for Students) and includes the textbook, CD, breaks, lunch and a certificate for .6 continuing education units.

More information contact:
Anne Cinsavich
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine Virginia Tech
(540) 231-5261
aclapsad@vt.edu

Project Management Certification Course
January 27-March 17, 2007
Virginia Tech Northern Virginia Center
Falls Church, Virginia

Course topics covered include:

• Evaluating the financial merits of a proposed project
• Creating a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
• Establishing budget and schedule baselines
• Identifying risks and developing a response plan
• Planning and conducting communications to project stakeholders
• Creating and executing quality planning
• Turning assigned staff members into a cohesive project team
• Performance measurement against project baselines
• Managing changes to the project
• Planning and managing procurements
• Ethics and professional responsibilities

More information contact:
Emily Cuykendall
Virginia Tech
703.518.2710
cuykendall@vt.edu

Afterschool Language Program Spring 2007
January 29-April 6, 2007
English Language Institute
Blacksburg, Virginia

Afterschool Language Program for Children January 29-April 6, 2007. English Language Institute of Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA. $100 for ten weeks (including materials except for continuing students).

More information contact:
Denise Walker
English Language Institute of Virginia Tech
540-231-7078
dewalke1@vt.edu

February 2007

2007 Virginia Festivals and Events Association Annual Seminar
February 9, 2007
Fairfax County Government Center
Fairfax, Virginia

The 2007 Virginia Festivals and Events Association Annual Seminar will be focusing on "The Art of Communication". This year we will discuss working with the media and the most effect way to communicate your needs. The seminar will elaborate on the following: interview preparation, on-camera effectiveness, radio and print partnerships, and PR techniques of the 21st Century.

More information contact:
Charlotte Anders
Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Center 757-363-3930 ext. 303
charlotte.anders@vt.edu

Urinalysis & Hematology for Small Animal Practice
February 10, 2007
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Blacksburg, Virginia

This course is a "bench level" review of routinely performed laboratory procedures for urinalysis and hematology of dogs and cats. Detailed review of urine testing and microscopic analysis of urine sediment including crystals and casts will be covered.

Basic review of methodogies used to perform complete blood counts (CBC. Review of manual tests, including peripheral blood smear, hematocrit, plasma protein and fibrinogen testing. Detailed review of peripheral blood smears of the dog and cat, including red blood cell morphology, white blood cells and platelets.

This course will provide an excellent in-service training of laboratory personnel at any level of experience.

The registration fee for this course is $475 ($400 for Students) and includes the textbook, CD, breaks, lunch and a certificate for .6 continuing education units.

More information contact:
Anne Cinsavich
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine Virginia Tech
(540) 231-5261
aclapsad@vt.edu

Transportation Construction Management Institute
February 14 - 23, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

The upcoming Transportation Construction Management Institute will be held on February 14 - 23, 2007 at The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center.

This institute was developed through a joint partnership between representatives of Virginia Tech, the Virginia Department of Transportation, and the Virginia Road and Transportation Builders' Association. The vision for this institute is to:

• Provide a management development program tailored to the needs of transportation construction professionals to help them meet the demands of the Commonwealth's new initiatives in transportation construction.
• Develop and present such a program as a joint venture between the Department of Transportation and the Road and Transportation Builders' Association in order to improve communication and develop a sense of joint commitment within the industry as a whole.

More information contact:
Dr. Dick Harshberger
Associate Professor & Director of OPD
148 Southgate Center, VTMC 0538
Blacksburg, VA 24061
rharsh@vt.edu

Second Annual Educational Leadership Research Forum
February 15-16, 2007
Sheraton Oceanfront Hotel
Virginia Beach, Virginia

At the Forum, students who successfully completed their doctoral degrees during the 2005-06 academic year have been invited to share the findings of their studies with school leaders from across the state. Twelve individuals will be featured presenters at the forum. Where could you go to one location and learn about current studies on topics such as: the impact of the condition of facilities on student achievement; the predictable impact of attendance on student achievement; the impact of Pre-School education; drop-out prevention programs; school finance and year round education.

More information contact:
Charlotte Anders
Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Center
757-363-3930
charlotte.anders@vt.edu

Agricultural Outlook Seminars
February 21, 2007
Paul D. Camp Workforce Center
Franklin, Virginia

The numbers of specialists in the field of agricultural economics have diminished in many land grant institutions throughout the U.S.

Four outlook seminars have been planned for agriculturally diverse locations around Virginia.

The seminars are designed to present timely, expert agricultural economic-outlook information so participants may make more informed decisions affecting the sustainability of the farming business.

The meetings are designed for producers, extension educators, and other agricultural influencers such as lenders, input dealers, and processors from Virginia and bordering states.

These meetings will utilize both on-site presenters and interactive, web-based video conferencing technology allowing experts from around the United States to make presentations.

The remote sessions will be totally interactive so that participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and/or make comments to the presenters for their consideration and response.

More information contact:
Mike Roberts
Commodity Marketing and Farm Business Management Extension Agent
Prince George Extension Office
804-733-2686 (phone)
804-720-1993 (cell)
mrob@vt.edu

Innovative Environmental Technologies Symposium
February 22, 2007
Rockingham County Fairgrounds
Harrisonburg, Virginia

The Symposium will cover cost effective nutrient solutions for economic viability, optimum agronomic use, and the future of agriculture. The Symposium will also include a trade show, poster session, and demonstrations.

More information contact:
Eric Bendfeldt
Virginia Cooperative Extension
540-432-6029
ebendfel@vt.edu

Agricultural Outlook Seminars
February 23, 2007
Germanna Community College Workforce Development Center
Fredericksburg, Virginia

The numbers of specialists in the field of agricultural economics have diminished in many land grant institutions throughout the U.S.

Four outlook seminars have been planned for agriculturally diverse locations around Virginia.

The seminars are designed to present timely, expert agricultural economic-outlook information so participants may make more informed decisions affecting the sustainability of the farming business.

The meetings are designed for producers, extension educators, and other agricultural influencers such as lenders, input dealers, and processors from Virginia and bordering states.

These meetings will utilize both on-site presenters and interactive, web-based video conferencing technology allowing experts from around the United States to make presentations.

The remote sessions will be totally interactive so that participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and/or make comments to the presenters for their consideration and response.

More information contact:
Mike Roberts
Commodity Marketing and Farm Business Management Extension Agent
Prince George Extension Office
804-733-2686 (phone)
804-720-1993 (cell)
mrob@vt.edu

Virginia Educational Facility Planners Annual Conference
February 26-27, 2007
The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center
Roanoke, Virginia

A workshop to benefit school facility planners and operations staff, school administrators, architects and engineers, school board members, boards of supervisors, or anyone who is involved in the design, construction, renovation, or management of educational facilities.

More information contact:
Liz Wade Fillman
Continuing and Professional Education
(540)231-9087
elwade1@vt.edu

Agricultural Outlook Seminars
February 28, 2007
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
Abingdon, Virginia

The numbers of specialists in the field of agricultural economics have diminished in many land grant institutions throughout the U.S.

Four outlook seminars have been planned for agriculturally diverse locations around Virginia.

The seminars are designed to present timely, expert agricultural economic-outlook information so participants may make more informed decisions affecting the sustainability of the farming business.

The meetings are designed for producers, extension educators, and other agricultural influencers such as lenders, input dealers, and processors from Virginia and bordering states.

These meetings will utilize both on-site presenters and interactive, web-based video conferencing technology allowing experts from around the United States to make presentations.

The remote sessions will be totally interactive so that participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and/or make comments to the presenters for their consideration and response.

More information contact:
Mike Roberts
Commodity Marketing and Farm Business Management Extension Agent
Prince George Extension Office
804-733-2686 (phone)
804-720-1993 (cell)
mrob@vt.edu

Project Management Certification Online
February 28,-August 31, 2007
Online

The emphasis of the course is to thoroughly prepare students for the PMI certification exam, including both material in PMI's Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®) and to review essential general management topics. The course is complete with explanations, examples and references to provide insight into numerous tangential topics.

More information contact:
Emily Cuykendall
Senior Program Administrator
Prince George Extension Office
703.518.2710
cuykendall@vt.edu

March 2007

Certified Professional Secretary/Certified Administrative Professional Review Course
March 1, 2007 - October 11, 2007
The Virginia Tech Richmond Center
Richmond, Virginia

The Virginia Tech Richmond Center, in collaboration with Richmond's Old Dominion Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) is offering a review course to prepare participants for the CPS/CAP exam administered through IAAP. The entire program will be offered in four modules, consistent with the exam topics, over a six week period, one night a week at the Virginia Tech Richmond Center. Classes will not be held on holiday weeks and there will be at least one week break between modules.

More information contact:
Kathy Ely
Richmond Center
2810 Parham Rd Ste 300
Richmond, VA 23294
804-662-7288
kbely@vt.edu

Agricultural Outlook Seminars
March 1, 2007
Blue Ridge Community College
Weyers Cave, Virginia

The numbers of specialists in the field of agricultural economics have diminished in many land grant institutions throughout the U.S.

Four outlook seminars have been planned for agriculturally diverse locations around Virginia.

The seminars are designed to present timely, expert agricultural economic-outlook information so participants may make more informed decisions affecting the sustainability of the farming business.

The meetings are designed for producers, extension educators, and other agricultural influencers such as lenders, input dealers, and processors from Virginia and bordering states.

These meetings will utilize both on-site presenters and interactive, web-based video conferencing technology allowing experts from around the United States to make presentations.

The remote sessions will be totally interactive so that participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and/or make comments to the presenters for their consideration and response.

More information contact:
Mike Roberts
Commodity Marketing and Farm Business Management Extension Agent
Prince George Extension Office
804-733-2686 (phone)
804-720-1993 (cell)
mrob@vt.edu

Impact Fees and Proffers
March 1-2, 2007
Northern Virginia Center
Falls Church, Virginia

This course is designed for the broad audience of professionals in planning, engineering, and administration, as well as for local officials and members of the development industry. The course will cover the following topics:

• The Local Government Fiscal Predicament
• Review of Legal Principles
• The Planning-CIP-Financing-Implementation Link
• Case Studies of Real Impact Fees and Proffers
• Refining Impact Fees and Proffers to be More Equitable
• Emerging Issues
• The Impact Fee Ordinance
• Administering Impact Fees and Proffers

More information contact:
Emily Cuykendall
703.518.2710
cuykendall@vt.edu

Internet Security Training Workshop
Security 508: System Forensics, Investigation & Response
March 5-10, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech Skelton Conference Center and Torgersen Hall
Blacksburg, Virginia

This advanced course is perfect for the diligent student conversant with Linux System Administration, Windows System Administration, TCP/IP, and Intrusion Detection Methodologies. If you are just beginning in information security, this course is not appropriate for you as the basics of the Linux and Windows operating systems are not covered in this program.

Unpatched, unprotected computers connected to the Internet are being compromised in 3 days or less. The Blaster Worm proves systems behind a firewall can become the victim of a successful attack. Security professionals must master a variety of operating systems, investigation techniques, incident response tactics, and even legal issues. Learn forensic techniques and tools in a lab-style, hands-on setting for both Windows and Linux investigations. This course emphasizes a "try-it-by-hand" approach so that any student attending will take with them a solid grasp of how open source and commercial forensic tools complete their tasks, without having to merely have faith in the tool. This is accomplished by teaching the fundamental concepts of computer forensics in a tool- independent manner. A sample of topics includes:

• Core Forensic Filesystems Knowledge
• Incident Response
• Forensic Preparation
• Windows Forensics
• Unix and Linux Forensics
• Data Recovery and Analysis
• Malicious Code Analysis
• Law Enforcement Interaction and Case Law
• Corporate and Managerial Legal Concerns and Direction
• The Honeynet Project's Forensic Challenge

Who Should Attend:

• System administrators and incident handling personnel who are looking for an integration of forensics and investigative methodologies and legal issues
• Anyone who wants to understand the technical side of incident response
• Anyone who wants to learn how to image and analyze Windows and Linux systems involved in an investigation
• Anyone who wants to learn how to forensically recover and analyze data without relying on a tool to automatically accomplish the task
• Anyone who wants to learn how filesystems are structured and store their data so that they can understand where evidence exists on any type of hard drive

More information contact:
Randy Marchany
Virginia Tech
IT Security Lab
marchany@vt.edu

NCSSSMST
March 7-10, 2007
Philadelphia Marriott
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

NCSSSMST is the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science, and Technology.

More information contact:
John Wenrich, Ph.D.
Institute Connecting Science Research to the Classroom
323 Femoyer Hall
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-3668
wenrich@vt.edu

Intermediate GIS for Planners
March 8-9, 2007
Northern Virginia Center
Falls Church, Virginia

The Planning Academy at Virginia Tech will be offering a two day intermediate course on geographic information systems (GIS) for planners at Virginia Tech's Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church. This course will provide instruction on several GIS techniques for planning related issues. This course is geared toward professionals with some GIS experience. We recommend the Introductory GIS course, offered May 3-4, 2007, for those without any GIS background.

More information contact:
Emily Cuykendall
703.518.2710
cuykendall@vt.edu

Grief and Loss Workshop
March 9, 2007
The Virginia Tech Southwest Center
Abingdon, Virginia

The purpose of this workshop will be to offer humane and realistic suggestions for adults, children, and adolescents coping with grief and loss.

This workshop is intended to provide counselors, social workers, psychologists, human service workers, nurses, clergy, teachers and other helping professionals an overview and understanding of death, grief and loss responses.

Participants will learn techniques to assist those who are grieving or struggling through loss, grief and mourning.

More information contact:
Penny McCallum
Virginia Tech Southwest Center
(540) 231-4311
pmccal5@vt.edu

ROACA Symposium
March 9, 2007 Roanoke Higher Education Center Roanoke, Virginia

This is a one-day workshop for teachers and counselors to learn effective interventions for students who are self-injuring.

More information contact:
Gerard Lawson
Roanoke Area Counselors' Association
108 N. Jefferson Street
Roanoke, VA 24016
(540) 767-6100
glawson@vt.edu

16th Civil War Weekend
March 9 - 11, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech & Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

16th Annual Civil War Weekend at Virginia Tech March 9-11, 2007. Featuring Dr. James I. Robertson, Jr. Alumni Distinguished Professor of History, Executive Director for the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies & William C. Davis Director of Programs for the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies.

More information contact:
Gilda Machin-Scarpaci
Virginia Tech Continuing and Professional Education
(540) 231-5242
gmachins@vt.edu

4th Annual Scholarship of Diversity Conference
March 15-16, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

This conference showcases diversity as a critical and valued area of scholarship and research. It is for those studying and/or committed to issues related to race, gender, culture, class, sexual orientation, and disability. We will feature engaging plenary speakers, breakout sessions, roundtables, posters, panels, and (of course) fellowship, support, and celebration. Please consider applying to present at this conference. Presenters will have their papers and presentations published in proceedings following the conference.

More information contact:
Ann Brown
Continuing and Professional Education
540-231-7966
browna@vt.edu

The 2007 Great Virginia Teach-In
March 17, 2007
Greater Richmond Convention Center
Richmond, Virginia

The Great Virginia Teach-In is a recruiting and information fair designed for teachers considering a career move to Virginia, students enrolled in teacher preparation programs, liberal arts students considering teaching as a career, and professionals in other fields who dream of shaping the future as a classroom teacher.

The Great Virginia Teach-In connects prospective teachers with representatives of Virginia school districts, teacher preparation programs, innovative career switcher programs, and specialists from the Virginia Department of Education.

Teach-In participants also learn of the many benefits of teaching in Virginia and have opportunities to interview with representatives from school districts in Virginia's scenic rural areas, historic cities, and vibrant suburban communities.

More information contact:
Alisa Hewitt
Continuing and Professional Education
540-231-6120
alisahewitt@vt.edu

CPE Water - Establishing User Rates and Fees that are Adequate to Cover Utility Costs
March 21, 2007

These workshops will be broadcast simultaneously to fourteen locations throughout the Commonwealth. Through the use of interactive technology you will have the opportunity to engage in discussions and to ask specific questions of the presenters and participants around the Commonwealth. The workshops will begin promptly at 12:00 p.m. and conclude at approximately 3:00 p.m.

More information contact:
Holly Williams
Continuing and Professional Education
540-231-2188
hmccall@vt.edu

Class VI Operators Short Course
March 21-23, 2007
Richmond, Virginia

One of the Virginia Center for Very Small Waterworks' highest priorities is ensuring that operators are properly trained before they take the Class VI licensure examination. The Center, in cooperation with Virginia Tech, is offering a short course designed specifically for Class VI operators to assist them in passing the Class VI Waterworks examination. Waterworks operators serving 3300 people or less may attend at the Virginia Department of Health's sponsored discount rate of $79. Other persons may register for the short course at the full fee of $1265.

More information contact:
Dr. Gregory Boardman
Civil and Environmental Engineering
540-231-1376
gboard@vt.edu

Organization of Wildlife Planners
March 21-25, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

The 29th OWP annual meeting & conference is being co-hosted by the Virginia Tech, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The conference will be held on the Virginia Tech campus at The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center. Registration includes 2 lunches and receptions, continental breakfast and refreshments each day, and conference materials.

More information contact:
Steve McMullin
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences
540-231-8847
smcmulli@vt.edu

Remaining Competitive in Hardwood Lumber Production
March 21-23, 2007
Wood Education and Resource Center
Princeton, West Virginia

New information and techniques are available to assist managers and production personnel of hardwood sawmills in increasing their overall competitiveness. This workshop will introduce new technologies and decision-making tools to assist managers in planning operations and/or new equipment/technology adoption. The information presented at the workshop will focus on currently available tools, technologies, and systems rather than ones those under development.

More information contact:
Brian Bond
Department of Wood Science and Forest Products
540-231-8752
bbond@vt.edu

4th Annual Autism Spectrum Disorders: Information Today, Strategies Tomorrow
March 22-23, 2007
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
Abingdon, Virginia

This program is sponsored by Virginia Department of Education's T/TAC at Virginia Tech. If you are supporting an individual with autism, Asperger Syndrome, or PDD-NOS this school year, or if you will be during the next school year, you should plan to attend! The $65 registration fee covers the cost of materials, continental breakfast, and lunch for both days. Each participant will receive a certificate for the purpose of recertification.

More information contact:
Diann Eaton
T/TAC
(540) 231-5167
dweaton@vt.edu

Injury Biomechanics: Advanced Technologies and New Frontiers
March 23, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

This is an interactive course with lectures, demonstrations, and opportunities for "hands on" learning. The course presents both introductory and advanced topics with background information provided on all concepts. The information will be particularly useful for engineers, medical professionals, attorneys, and students in medical, engineering, or legal fields.

More information contact:
Stefan Duma, PhD
Professor, and Assistant Department Head, Mechanical Engineering
Director, Virginia Tech - Wake Forest Center for Injury Biomechanics
100F Randolph Hall, MC 0238
Blacksburg, VA 24061
sduma@vt.edu

Understanding and Controlling Your Arts Organization's Finances
March 23, 2007
Virginia Tech Southwest Virginia Center
Abingdon, Virginia

The objective of the workshop is to familiarize arts organization managers with practical solutions to managing the finances of their organizations. Special emphasis will be placed on budgeting, financial reports, and management tools such as cash flow statements, to help arts managers better understand, control, and accurately report on their organization's fiscal condition.

The workshop will combine a seminar format with practical exercises. Through the exercises each participant will become familiar with key financial management tools that can be used by arts organizations to manage their finances.

More information contact:
Charlotte Anders
Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Center
757-363-3930 ext. 303
charlotte.anders@vt.edu

Introductory Echocardiography
March 23-24, 2007
Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Blacksburg, Virginia

This course is designed to give the veterinary practitioner a basic understanding of small animal echocardiography. Major topics include ultrasound principles, normal cardiac anatomy and physiology, techniques for achieving quality results, videotape presentations of important diseases and hands-on scanning of normal dogs. Six hours of interactive sessions and flour hours of scanning lab are included. Seating is limited.

The fees for this course include registration for lectures and laboratories, course, reception and dinner, breakfast and lunch as noted, handouts and CE certificates.

More information contact:
Anne Cinsavich
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
540-231-5261
aclapsad@vt.edu

Understanding and Controlling Your Arts Organization's Finances
March 27, 2007
Virginia Tech Northern Virginia Center
Falls Church, Virginia

The objective of the workshop is to familiarize arts organization managers with practical solutions to managing the finances of their organizations. Special emphasis will be placed on budgeting, financial reports, and management tools such as cash flow statements, to help arts managers better understand, control, and accurately report on their organization's fiscal condition.

The workshop will combine a seminar format with practical exercises. Through the exercises each participant will become familiar with key financial management tools that can be used by arts organizations to manage their finances.

More information contact:
Charlotte Anders
Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Center
757-363-3930 ext. 303
charlotte.anders@vt.edu

Leadership and Communications for Natural Resource Professionals
March 27 - April 5, 2007
Hallmark Inn
Davis, California

This workshop will explain and discuss value systems of colleagues, the agency and publics; demonstrate essential communication skills; practice negotiation techniques and plan for personal and professional growth.The workshop is highly interactive. Everyone can be a leader even if they are not in a supervisory or decision making position. Designed for individuals who are beyond "new employee orientation" but not quite ready to retire.

More information contact:
Dr. Steve McMullin
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Science
540-231-8847
smcmulli@vt.edu

Advanced Sales Training in the Forest Products Industry
March 28-29, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

Personal selling is the major form of promotion used in the forest products industry. Individuals are often expected to learn on the job the most important aspects of selling forest products. This course is designed for those individuals who are familiar with the forest products industry, but would like to improve their self management and interpersonal skills. This course will focus on the attributes of a good salesperson, how to effectively communicate, relationship building, sales negotiation strategies, effective time management and how to stay positive during difficult times. The course is intended for all salespeople who want to improve their skills to make them better sales people.

More information contact:
Bob Smith
Center for Forest Products Marketing and Management
540-231-9759
rsmith4@vt.edu

April 2007

Structural Design With Wood
April 3-5, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

This course is designed for individuals who never had the opportunity to learn wood design basics in a university-level course, but are involved in the design, construction, and inspection of wood buildings.

This course will focus on practical code-conforming design of wood structures. At the beginning of the course, we will review the mechanical properties of lumber and safety factors that are involved in the design process. The role of moisture content on shrinkage and swelling that can impact the performance of wood structural elements or component in-service will be demonstrated by examples. We will design simple elements showing what factors apply to the allowable design properties of lumber and timbers and explain why the various factors apply to a design situation.

More information contact:
Dr. Frank Woeste
Professional Engineer
(941) 488-5972
fwoeste@vt.edu

Immigration and the Roanoke Valley Region
April 4, 2007
Dumas Center for the Arts Auditorium
Roanoke, Virginia

This event is part of a week-long series of events featuring Jorge Mejia Montoya "Women and Minority Artists and Scholars Lecture Series" April 2-4, 2007. This particular program is hosted by the Consortium of ESL Service Providers in the Roanoke Region and the Virginia Tech Roanoke Center.

More information contact:
School of Education
304 War Memorial Hall
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-4658
glubbs@vt.edu

Applied Ultrasonography
April 6-7, 2007
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Blacksburg, Virginia

This is a 100% scanning laboratory course designed to improve the technical and diagnostic skills of veterinary practitioners presently doing cardiac and abdominal ultrasound in small animals. Instructors perform appropriate live animal demonstrations and guide the registrants so that they can achieve comparable results. Dogs and cats will be scanned. Each registrant spends 5 hours doing echocardiography and 5 hours in abdominal ultrasonography. The course is limited to 8 registrants.

The fees for this course include registration for lectures and laboratories, course, reception and dinner, breakfast and lunch as noted, handouts and CE certificates.

More information contact:
Anne Cinsavich
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
540-231-5261
aclapsad@vt.edu

A Practical Approach to Understanding Wood
April 11-12, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

Wood is the greatest material cost in the manufacture of wood-based composites. Understanding wood, therefore, is a critical skill; but finding a practical, easy-to- understand way to learn about wood is difficult. This course will give you just that - a common-sense approach to understanding the structure and properties of wood, through lecture and hands-on activities. The course will focus on wood species commonly used in the manufacture of wood-based composites.

During the course, you will learn:

• Basic wood anatomy
• A systematic approach to identifying various wood species using simple tools and techniques
• How to use both a hand lens and microscope to identify wood
• How basic material properties of wood are measured and why they are important
• Why specific gravity and moisture content are two of the most important attributes of wood
• The influence of anatomy on wood-based composites furnish
• How to understand moisture-related problems and solutions
• About juvenile wood and reaction wood and how they affect properties
• About wood as a substrate, and wood-related factors that affect bonding

More information contact:
Tracey Allen
Continuing and Professional Education
540-231-9617
tballen@vt.edu

CPS/CAP Review Course
Virginia Tech Richmond Center
Richmond, Virginia

• Module 1: Office Systems and Technology: April 12 - May 17, 2007
• Module 2: Office Administration: May 31 - July 5, 2007
• Module 3: Management: July 19 - August 23, 2007
• Module 4: Advanced Organizational Management: September 6 - October 11, 2007

The Virginia Tech Richmond Center is offering review courses to prepare participants for the CPS/CAP exam. The entire program is offered in four modules that may be taken independently or together. The courses are consistent with the exam topics, are six weeks per module, and are held on Thursday evenings (6:00-9:00PM) at the Virginia Tech Richmond Center, 2810 Parham Rd., Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23294.

Participants taking the review courses receive personal, face-to-face training for the topics in the CPS/CAP certification exam. The rewards for achieving certification are numerous, as attested by more than 65,000 Certified Professional Secretaries and Certified Administrative Professionals.

More information contact:
Kathy Ely
Virginia Tech Richmond Center
2810 Parham Rd
Richmond, VA 23294
804-662-7288
kbely@vt.edu

Small Animal Radiography for Veterinary Technicians
April 14, 2007
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Blacksburg, Virginia

Learning objectives for this short course are to 1) refine skills in recognizing and correcting radiographic quality problems and 2) refine skills in small animal radiographic positioning. Participants will receive a copy of the textbook “Radiography in Veterinary Technology” by Lisa Lavin and a CD of digital radiographs they create during the laboratory.

Location and Lodging Information ;
This course will be held at the Vet School on Duck Pond Drive on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. A limited number of lodging rooms are available at the nearby Hawthorn Suites (formerly AmeriSuites). To receive the special rate of $71 (plus tax), please call 540-552-5636 by March 16, 2007 and ask for the Small Animal Radiography for Veterinary Technicians lodging block.

More information contact:
Anne Cinsavich
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
aclapsad@vt.edu

CPES Annual Conference
April 15-17, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

As a five-institution National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center (NSF ERC), the Center for Power Electronics Systems (CPES) is continuing the tradition of presenting the Center's research performed throughout the year in the forum of an annual conference. This event combines two of the Center's major annual activities - technical conference and NSF Site Visit. This format will enable CPES to present a comprehensive report of its research progress to the power electronics community at large as well as the Center's industry partners.

More information contact:
Teresa Shaw
Virginia Tech Center for Power Electronics
673 Whittemore Hall / VTMC 0179
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540-231-4527
tshaw@vt.edu

Class VI Operators Short Course
April 16-18, 2007
Roanoke, Virginia

One of the Virginia Center for Very Small Waterworks' highest priorities is ensuring that operators are properly trained before they take the Class VI licensure examination. The Center, in cooperation with Virginia Tech, is offering a short course designed specifically for Class VI operators to assist them in passing the Class VI Waterworks examination. Waterworks operators serving 3300 people or less may attend at the Virginia Department of Health's sponsored discount rate of $79. Other persons may register for the short course at the full fee of $1265.

More information contact:
Dr. Gregory Boardman
Civil and Environmental Engineering
540-231-1376
gboard@vt.edu

CPE Water - Emergency Preparedness in the Drinking Water Industry
April 18, 2007

These workshops will be broadcast simultaneously to fourteen locations throughout the Commonwealth. Through the use of interactive technology you will have the opportunity to engage in discussions and to ask specific questions of the presenters and participants around the Commonwealth. The workshops will begin promptly at 12:00 p.m. and conclude at approximately 3:00 p.m.

More information contact:
Holly Williams
Continuing and Professional Education
540-231-2188
hmccall@vt.edu

ACCS Of Virginia
April 18 - 20, 2007
Doubletree Hotel
Charlottesville, Virginia

The Association of Collegiate Computing Services (ACCS) of Virginia is a state-level organization that supports the sharing of information among technology professionals in Virginia's colleges and universities. The goal of this organization is to gather all the colleges and universities in Virginia, both public and private, together to share common interests in information technology related subjects. The annual ACCS conference provides a great opportunity for members across the Commonwealth to network and share ideas. We welcome as members all who have an interest in technology and its application in a higher education setting. This organization is not limited to technology professionals.

More information contact:
Don Hall
ACCS - Radford University
PO BOX 6987
Radford, VA 24142
540-831-6217
dlhall@RADFORD.EDU

From Jamestown to the Blue Ridge: Cooking Up 400 Years of Culinary History in Virginia
April 20-21, 2007
Owen's Banquet Hall, Virginia Tech Campus
Blacksburg, Virginia

Beginning the evening of April 20, 2007 with a welcoming reception with the Alice M. Johnson Memorial Lecture given by food historian Barbara Haber, this symposium on 400 years of food and cooking in Virginia will feature workshops and presentations on the history of food and cooking in Virginia by a wide range of culinary experts, historians, and cookbook collectors. Topics will extend from the foods eaten in Jamestown and the early days of the colony, followed by plantation foods, slave foods, the Civil War period, and on up to the present day. Virginia Tech's famed Civil War historian, James I. Robertson, Jr., will discuss Civil War rations and their impact on common soldiers. A special aspect of this unique event will be an exhibit of the Peacock-Harper Culinary History Collection at Virginia Tech, with its colonial-period manuscript cookbooks and period cookbooks from England. This event emphasizes the gastronomic legacy of Virginia and its impact on the United States. A grand finale banquet featuring historical recipes and keynote speaker and food writer, John Egerton, will end this delicious journey. Renowned African-American poet Nikki Giovanni will introduce Mr. Egerton.

More information contact:
Cynthia Bertelsen
Peacock-Harper Culinary History Collection Committee
540-552-8655
cbertel@usit.net

Multispecialty Ultrasound Conference
April 20-21, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

The conference showcases outstanding clinicians, researchers, and teachers who address current issues in the rapidly changing field of diagnostic sonography. A variety of topics benefit sonographers, technologists, students, and biomedical engineers involved in sonography.

General sessions and specialty lectures allow participants to gain relevant CME credits throughout the meeting. Participants receive CME credit through SDMS for those hours actually spent in the educational activity.

More information contact:
Cindy Allen
540-239-4409

Project Management Certification
April 21-June 16, 2007
Virginia Tech Northern Virginia Center
Falls Church, Virginia

The emphasis of the course is to thoroughly prepare students for the PMI certification exam, including both material in PMI's Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®) and to review essential general management topics. The course is complete with explanations, examples and references to provide insight into numerous tangential topics.

The program consists of eight consecutive eight-hour Saturday classes. It systematically follows the path of a project through initiation, planning, execution, control and closing, encompassing the 39 processes described in the PMBOK Guide. Upon successful completion, a continuing education certificate for 56 contact hours (5.6 continuing education units) will be awarded

More information contact:
Emily Cuykendall
Senior Program Administrator
Outreach Program Development- National Capital Region
703.518.2710
cuykendall@vt.edu

Virginia Industrial Development Authorities Institute (VIDA)
April 24-25, 2007
Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center
Roanoke, Virginia

The Virginia Industrial Development Authorities Institute (VIDA) will be held on April 24-25, 2007 at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Roanoke, Virginia. Developing a positive business environment and supporting infrastructure is the primary responsibility of Industrial Development Authorities throughout Virginia. The VIDA is a two-day seminar that focuses on these responsibilities and targets Industrial Development Authority directors and members, government administrators, and economic community development professionals. Benefits of attending include learning from leading industry professionals, updating your knowledge of the latest financing techniques, understanding the legal considerations, learning new ways to package and market your industrial sites and buildings, and networking opportunities. The Registration Fee of $399 includes breaks and lunch both days, a reception on Tuesday evening, course instruction, and program materials.

More information contact:
Jane Todd
Continuing and Professional Education
540-231-2014
janetodd@vt.edu

Unit Load Design Short Course
April 24-26, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

This course is designed for packaging, pallet, and material handling equipment suppliers, as well as the users of these components. Attendees will learn proven methods to:

• Lower Unitization Costs
• Reduce product damage
• Identify opportunities in warehouse audits
• Increase material handling rates
• Understand the perspective of packaging engineers, pallet suppliers, and equipment designers
• Learn Unit Load Design: the systems-based optimization procedures that will improve customer service and increase your competitiveness

More information contact:
Bonnie Maccubbin
Virginia Tech Center for Unit Load Design
540-231-5370
unitload@vt.edu

Smart Communities: The Promise of Roanoke Symposium
April 26, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

Community leaders appointed to participate in The Promise of Roanoke, a partnership with The City of Roanoke, Roanoke City Schools, and Virginia Tech, will attend a symposium facilitated by Suzanne Morse, Virginia Tech COTA Fellow and President, Pew Partnership for Civic Change. The one day symposium will familiarize participants with the Smart Communities model and demonstrate strategies for creating a smarter, more successful community. With a focus on preparing the workforce of the 21st century, Dr. Morse will assist Roanoke leaders in the development of community action plans designed to create positive community change.

More information contact:
Julia Canas
Continuing & Professional Education
540-231-4849
jcanas@vt.edu

Drying Lumber with a Solar Dry Kiln
April 26-27, 2007
Brooks Forests Products Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

This two-day program will be held in Blacksburg, VA (Brooks Forest Products Center, Virginia Tech). This intensive workshop introduces all the principles of drying hardwood and softwood lumber in a solar kiln. The course also contains information on the design and operation of solar kilns. Emphasis will be placed on the solar kiln design at Virginia Tech. Please visit http://www.woodscience.vt.edu/about/extension/vtsolar_kiln/ Our solar kiln is onsite and will be used in the course. Whether you are considering building a solar kiln or are currently operating one, this short course will provide you information that will improve your lumber drying skills.

More information contact:
Brian Bond
Department of Wood Science and Forest Products
540-231-8752
bbond@vt.edu

Bicycle and Pedestrian Tranportation Planning
April 27-28, 2007
Northern Virginia Center
Falls Church, Virginia

This course is designed for planners, engineers and landscape architects involved with transportation issues.

Topics covered include:

• Design guidelines that work for bike and pedestrian planning
• The latest information on cutting edge topics like car sharing, bike sharing and traffic calming
• Case studies of innovative projects, from the Washington DC region and across the United States

More information contact:
Emily Cuykendall
Continuing and Professional Education
703.518.2710
cuykendall@vt.edu

Catering: How to Generate New Business in Today's Economy
April 30 - May 2, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

This workshop is designed for catering professionals who want to update their skills and knowledge in order to win at selling in today's market. It is open to catering salespeople from a variety of venues: hotels, private clubs, restaurants, conference centers, independent catering facilities, resorts, etc. The program is lead by industry icon, Howard Feiertag, member of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Department of the Pamplin College of Business. Topics covered in the workshop include: Trends in the Industry, Prospecting, Catering Inquiries, Negotiating, and Writing Catering Sales Letters.

How to Generate New Business in Today's Economy will be held on January 22-24, 2007 at The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center in Blacksburg, VA. Hotel rooms at The Inn are available at a conference rate of $103/single by calling (540) 231-8000. The cost of this workshop is $735.00 and includes instructional materials, a welcome breakfast, a daily continental breakfast, lunch, refreshment breaks, graduation brunch, and a certificate of course completion.

More information contact:
Mary Lois Hill, Conference Registrar
Continuing and Professional Education
540-231-5183
mhill@vt.edu

21st Century Community Learning Centers Spring Conference
April 30 - May 2, 2007
Doubletree Hotel Richmond Airport
Richmond, Virginia

A block of lodging rooms is being held at the Doubletree Hotel Richmond Airport. The Virginia Department of Education will pay for lodging on the nights of April 30 and May 1, 2007 at the Doubletree only. You are responsible for placing reservations if you choose to stay at the hotel. Please note that you may need to supply a credit card number to hold the room and cover incidentals. Reservations can be made by calling the hotel at (800) 226-6400 and requesting the "21st Century Community Learning Centers Spring Conference" room block. All reservations must be placed by no later than April 1, 2007. Please note if your plans change and you are unable to attend this program, it is your responsibility to cancel the room in advance of the program. The Virginia Department of Education will not be responsible for paying for non-canceled rooms.

More information contact:
Sara Guerry
Continuing and Professional Education
540-231-7832
sguerry@vt.edu

Intensive Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery
April 30 - May 2, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

The success of this course continues to attract veterinarians nationwide. The course is a total of 24 contact hours or 2.4 CEUs. There will be lectures in the mornings and surgical laboratories in the afternoons. The price of this program includes lodging at the Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center (arrival April 29; departure May 2). Breakfast and lunch is included as well as an introductory dinner on Monday evening. You will receive a copy of Brinker, Piermatteri, & Flo's Handbook of Small Animal Orthopedics and Fracture Repair, a set of four videos of the surgical procedures covered in this course, lecture handouts, and a certificate upon completion of the course.

More information contact:
Anne Cinsavich, L.V.T.
Continuing Education Coordinator
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
540-231-5261
aclapsad@vt.edu

NCI Charrette Planner Certificate Program
April 30 - May 4, 2007
George Washington University Graduate Center
Alexandria, Virginia

The NCI Charrette Planner Certificate training has been revised to reflect the latest tools and techniques in The Charrette Handbook. An extra half-day has been added in order to accommodate more meeting planning and facilitation basics, a new kick-off meeting agenda exercise, and more stakeholder outreach and engagement tools. To receive the NCI Charrette Planner certificate, you must complete both the half-day Introduction to Dynamic Planning and the two and a half-day Continuing Dynamic Planning.

More information contact:
Emily Cuykendall
703.518.2710
cuykendall@vt.edu

May 2007

Board of Education Literacy Policy Summit
May 1, 2007
Holiday Inn Select Koger South Conference Center
Richmond, Virginia

A Focus on Adolescent Literacy" May 1, 2007 will bring together expert literacy speakers and panelists from across the country who will offer insightful perspectives on improving adolescent literacy. The intent of the summit is to develop a common understanding of the literacy needs of Virginia students by presenting the current research on adolescent literacy and factors affecting success for all students.

More information contact:
Gilda Machin-Scarpaci
Virginia Tech Continuing and Professional Education
540-231-5242
gmachins@vt.edu

Basic Corrugated Packaging and Unit Load Design Short Course
May 1-2, 2007
Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

This course is designed for corrugated packaging, pallet, and equipment suppliers, as well as the users of these components. The educational objectives include preparing the attendees to:

• Be conversant in the corrugated packaging industry
• Understand regulations that impact the design and use of corrugated packaging
• Select and design corrugated shipping containers
• Better understand the interactions between the packaging, pallet, and material handling equipment
• Understand the effect of pallet design on box performance

More information contact:
Bonnie Maccubbin
Virginia Tech Center for Unit Load Design
540-231-5370
unitload@vt.edu

Introduction to GIS
May 3-4, 2007
Northern Virginia Center
Falls Church, Virginia

The course will provide an introduction to the capabilities and applications of GIS to planning related issues. This will include a review of GIS terminology, data requirements, analysis techniques, and visualizations. Participants will also get hands-on experience with basic GIS operations.

More information contact:
Emily Cuykendall
703.518.2710
cuykendall@vt.edu

Advanced Echocardiography
May 4-6, 2007
Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Blacksburg, Virginia

This course is designed for veterinary practitioners with experience in general cardiac scanning in small animals who would like to expand their skills to include pulse wave Doppler, continuous wave Doppler, color flow Doppler, special measurements and calculations and applying the Bernoulli equation to clinical cases. From the total of 21 contact hours, seven are devoted to advanced scanning including dogs and cats with spontaneous disease. Videotape presentations of clinical cases using advanced echocardiographic features are a prominent aspect of the course. The course is limited to five veterinarians. A video tape on congenital and acquired problems is given to each participant.

The fees for this course include registration for lectures and laboratories, course, reception and dinner, breakfast and lunch as noted, handouts and CE certificates.

More information contact:
Anne Cinsavich
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
540-231-5261
aclapsad@vt.edu

Veterinarians and the Law: Some of the Basics
May 5, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

It is unavoidable that veterinarians will at some time in their careers come into contact with the legal system. This contact may be in routine business and contract dealings, collections for bad debts, allegations of malpractice, or as a witness, just as a few examples. This basic course will provide veterinarians with some important aspects of law that affects them and some case studies of legal problems encountered by veterinarians.

More information contact:
Anne Cinsavich
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
540-231-5261
aclapsad@vt.edu

National Conference on Pavement Management
May 6-9, 2007
Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel
Norfolk, Virginia

The National Conference on Pavement Management will bring together experts in pavement management from throughout the United States. The theme for the conference is "Meeting the Needs of Today and the Challenges of Tomorrow."

More information contact:
Gerardo Flintsch
Virginia Tech Transportation Institute
540-231-9748
flintsch@vt.edu

8th Lean Manufacturing Workshop Series for Wood Products
May 7-9, 2007
Wood Education and Resource Center (WERC)
Princeton, West Virginia

This course is designed for upper and mid-level production managers who want to learn how to succesfully implement lean manufacturing concepts in their business.

More information contact:
Dr. Earl Kline
Virginia Tech Brooks Forest Products Center
540-231-8841
ekline@vt.edu

Military Encroachment: Collaborative Land Use Strategies
May 10-11, 2007
Northern Virginia Center
Falls Church, Virginia

Through a combination of discussion, exercises, and simulations, the participants will explore the underlying policy dynamics of encroachment as well as design and test their own practical solutions. One simulation exercise will focus on a hypothetical installation located in a rapidly growing metropolitan region. The other simulation will involve issues of mission growth in more of a rural region on the rise.

More information contact:
Emily Cuykendall
Virginia Tech
703.518.2710
cuykendall@vt.edu

PIDT 2007
May 11-14, 2007
YMCA of the Rockies
Estes Park, Colorado

The 22nd Annual gathering of Professors of Instructional Design and Technology will meet again in the Rockies. Discussion threads identified both before and at the conference provide ample opportunity for networking and prolonged conversations on topics of interest to members of the group. The conference atmosphere is typically informal.

More information contact:
Barbara Lockee
School of Education, Virginia Tech
540-231-9193
lockeebb@vt.edu

Adhesion Science Short Course 2007
May 14-18, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

Participants in this short course will learn how polymer parameters affect bonding and performance, how surface analysis can help understand failure modes, basic stress distribution in important bonded joint families, how to relate the formulation of waterborne adhesives to viscosity, types of adhesives and sealants for different applications, surface pretreatment techniques to improve mechanical properties and durability, to apply fracture mechanics to bonded systems, fundamentals of bonding to wood, metal, and polymer substrates, to examine the temperature and rate response of bulk and bonded adhesives, how to select and interpret results from adhesive test methods, about the basic compositions and properties of waterborne adhesives, practice sample preparation techniques - casting, molding, curing, etc., PSA formulation and testing, and predict how environmental factors may alter adhesive durability.

More information contact:
Tammy Jo Hiner
Macromolecules and Interfaces Institute
540-231-6824
thiner@vt.edu

Wood Species Identification for Pallet and Packaging Suppliers
May 15-16, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

This course, co-sponsored by White & Co. and Industrial Reporting, Inc will teach a method of wood identification that is scientific yet sufficiently simple to be practiced successfully by the layman. Participants will learn what wood is, how woods are classified, and how to identify commercially important North American softwoods and hardwoods.

More information contact:
Bonnie Maccubbin
Center for Unit Load Design
1650 Ramble Rd
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540-231-5370
unitload@vt.edu

CPE Water - Overview of the Design and Function of Conventional Water Treatment Operations
May 16, 2007

These workshops will be broadcast simultaneously to fourteen locations throughout the Commonwealth. Through the use of interactive technology you will have the opportunity to engage in discussions and to ask specific questions of the presenters and participants around the Commonwealth. The workshops will begin promptly at 12:00 p.m. and conclude at approximately 3:00 p.m.

More information contact:
Holly Williams
Continuing and Professional Education
540-231-2188
hmccall@vt.edu

Working Sm@rt with Outlook
May 16, 2007
Virginia Tech Northern Virginia Center
Falls Church, Virginia

With the Working Sm@rt with Outlook™ hands-on workshop (6 hours) you learn tips and techniques to clear your email inbox and keep it clear (no more flagging messages and marking messages as unread), save an hour a day processing email, create a realistic workload plan, identify and manage priorities, manage meeting and conversation notes, delegate without fear of losing control, and put balance back into your life.

More information contact:
Emily Cuykendall
Senior Program Administrator
703.518.2710
cuykendall@vt.edu

Grief and Loss Workshop
May 18, 2007

The purpose of this workshop will be to offer humane and realistic suggestions for adults, children, and adolescents coping with grief and loss.

This workshop is intended to provide counselors, social workers, psychologists, human service workers, nurses, clergy, teachers and other helping professionals an overview and understanding of death, grief and loss responses.

Participants will learn techniques to assist those who are grieving or struggling through loss, grief and mourning.

More information contact:
Penny McCallum
Virginia Tech Southwest Center
276-619-4311
pmccal5@vt.edu

Beginning Level Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
May 21-23, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center and The Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Blacksburg, Virginia

Beginning Level Gastrointestinal Endoscopy will be held at the Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center and the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine on May 21-23, 2007. This course is designed and delivered at the level appropriate for first year internal medicine residents. Where appropriate, it will have an academic emphasis. The small group atmosphere will favor classroom interaction and individual attention in the laboratory, which should lead to progression of endoscopic skills.

More information contact:
Anne Cinsavich
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
540-231-5261
aclapsad@vt.edu

Leadership Plenty
May 21-23, 2007
Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center
Roanoke, Virginia

LeadershipPlenty is a nationally recognized civic leadership development program designed to equip individuals with problem-solving skills such as building partnerships, managing conflict, and identifying community assets essential for all communities that want positive change. The curriculum is offered in a train-the-trainer format to implementers from nonprofit organizations, businesses, local governments, and neighborhood organizations who then are licensed to return their communities to offer the program. Participants are trained in the content and format of the nine-module LeadershipPlenty curriculum over the course of the three days and two nights.

More information contact:
Dr. Suzanne Morse
Pew Partnership for Civic Change
5 Boar's Head Lane, Suite 100
Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
434-971-2073
E-mail: morse@pew-partnership.org

SERCEC 2007
May 23-25, 2007
Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center
Roanoke, Virginia

The 2007 Southeastern Regional Cooperative Education Conference (SERCEC) will provide participants with the opportunity to build professional networks, open new channels for prospective recruits, and learn about best practices in cooperative education. They will also be able to share advances in the field through research and other programs as well as develop benchmarking tools in recruitment strategies. This is a wonderful opportunity to share and exchange ideas with your peers.

More information contact:
Liz Wade Fillman
Continuing and Professional Education
540-231-9087
elwade1@vt.edu

CPS/CAP Review Course
Virginia Tech Richmond Center
Richmond, Virginia

• Module 1: Office Systems and Technology: April 12 - May 17, 2007
• Module 2: Office Administration: May 31 - July 5, 2007
• Module 3: Management: July 19 - August 23, 2007
• Module 4: Advanced Organizational Management: September 6 - October 11, 2007

The Virginia Tech Richmond Center is offering review courses to prepare participants for the CPS/CAP exam. The entire program is offered in four modules that may be taken independently or together. The courses are consistent with the exam topics, are six weeks per module, and are held on Thursday evenings (6:00-9:00PM) at the Virginia Tech Richmond Center, 2810 Parham Rd., Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23294.

Participants taking the review courses receive personal, face-to-face training for the topics in the CPS/CAP certification exam. The rewards for achieving certification are numerous, as attested by more than 65,000 Certified Professional Secretaries and Certified Administrative Professionals.

More information contact:
Kathy Ely
Virginia Tech Richmond Center
2810 Parham Rd
Richmond, VA 23294
804-662-7288
kbely@vt.edu

June 2007

2007 Virginia Network State Conference Women's Leadership-Reaching Back and Moving Up
June 1, 2007
University of Virginia, Newcomb Hall
Charlottesville, Virginia

The Virginia Network is committed to the advancement of women in higher education administration. The theme of this year's conference is - Women's Leadership - Reaching Back and Moving Up. The conference reflects on the 30th anniversary of the Virginia Network and will include various themes that focus on the multiple pathways women travel on the journey to leadership. Come join us - the conference is open to all! You will have opportunities to meet and celebrate outstanding women, to share strategies and concerns, and to help women of all backgrounds shape their careers.

More information contact:
Anda L. Webb
Senior Associate Provost
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4308
(434) 924-0999
E-mail: alwebb@virginia.edu

First Virginia Land Trust Conference
June 1-2, 2007
Stonewall Jackson Hotel and Conference Center
Staunton, Virginia

Join Land Trust staff, volunteers, board members, public agency staff, and land conservation advocates at this two-day conference. Experienced course leaders will provide in-depth training on a range of topics facing land conservation advocates today, including stewardship, board governance and the new Land Trust Alliance accreditation program.

Key note speakers include Rand Wentworth, President of the Land Trust Alliance, The Honorable L. Preston Bryant Jr., Secretary of Natural Resources and Gerald McCarthy, Executive Director of the Virginia Environmental Endowment.

Don't miss this opportunity to network with colleagues from across the state and learn about the latest advances in the practice of conservation!

More information contact:
Sarah Richardson, Land Conservation Coordinator
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
203 Governor Street, Suite 302
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 225-2048
E-mail: sarah.richardson@dcr.virginia.gov

18th ASCE Engineering Mechanics Division Conference
June 3-6, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

The Engineering Mechanics Division Conference is the annual conference of the ASCE Engineering Mechanics Technical Division. It attracts researchers from academia and industry from around the world to present and discuss their recent findings. Registration for the conference is $450 and $250 for students.

More information contact:
Holly McCall
Continuing & Professional Education
(540) 231-2188
E-mail: hmccall@vt.edu

9th World Congress on Parasitic Plants
June 3-7, 2007
Omni Charlottesville Hotel
Charlottesville, Virginia

I am pleased to invite you to the 9th World Congress on Parasitic Plants, which will be held June 3-7, 2007 in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Congress continues a long tradition of regularly assembling the world's experts on parasitic plants for professional and scientific meetings, which started in 1973 with the first international meeting in Malta. The venue was chosen to be�in Virginia, thanks to the long tradition of parasitic plants research in this state, and its significant contribution to the understanding of plant parasitism.

The registration fee for the Congress is $375. The fee includes lunches, refreshment breaks, field trips and a banquet dinner. A $20 Membership fee will also be charged when you register.

The Congress will bring together scientists representing a wide spectrum of disciplines, research approaches, and geographical representation of parasitic plant research.

Assembling specialists with different perspectives, all focused around the common theme of plant paratism, provides a stimulating environment for learning, exchanging ideas, and connecting with old and new colleagues.

The Congress will include presentations of the cutting edge of parasitic plants research and of management technologies of parasitic weeds. A major emphasis in the Congress will be the fostering of interaction among participants.

On behalf of the Organizing Committee and Society, we are looking forward to meeting you at the Congress,

Danny Joel
IPPS President

More information contact:
Dr. Jim Westwood
International Society for Parasitic Plants
Virginia Tech
406 Price Hall
Blacksburg, VA 24061 (540) 231-7519
E-mail: westwood@vt.edu

Math and Science Short Course
June 3-8, 2007
Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center
Roanoke, Virginia

Newly developed short course offer in the areas of applied math and science for plant operators. This course is designed to complement and provide a foundation for the Water 1-3 courses that have been offered as part of the Water Treatment Plant Operator's Short Course at Virgnia Tech. The Math/Science course pre-requisite can be waived for people who can demonstrate by examination a proficiency in basic math.

More information contact:
Holly Williams
Continuing and Professional Education
Virginia Tech
(540) 231-2188
E-mail: hmccall@vt.edu

Class VI Workshop - Operating Water Supply Systems
June 6, 2007

Class VI Operator's Workshop - Operating Water Supply Systems will be broadcast on Wednesday, June 6, 2007 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

More information contact:
Holly Williams
Continuing and Professional Education
Virginia Tech
(540) 231-2188
E-mail: hmccall@vt.edu

Wireless Personal Communications
June 6-8, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

The Mobile and Portable Radio Research Group (MPRG) is hosting its seventeenth Annual Symposium on Wireless Personal Communications. Researchers and business leaders from around the world will gather on the Virginia Tech campus to share their latest research, theories, and techniques in wireless communications.

More information contact:
Jenny Frank
Mobile and Portable Radio Research Group
540-231-2971
E-mail: mprg@vt.edu

Preventing & Eliminating Mold on Hardwood Pallets
June 7, 2007 or June 8, 2007
USFS Wood Education Resource Center
Princeton, West Virginia

Problems associated with mold growing on hardwood pallets are increasingly threatening the competitiveness of the industry as end users consider mold free alternatives such kiln dry southern pine. While there is no "magic bullet" to prevent or eliminate mold from growing on hardwood pallets, an abundance of information, as well as old and new technology exists to mitigate its threat. Unfortunately, this information is often generic, hard to find, or unreliable. This 1-day conference (repeated a second day) will include a series of seminars to address the causes, prevention, and elimination of mold on hardwood pallets. Case studies will be presented and experts from the both academia and industry have been invited as guest lecturers. Information will also be provided from the regulatory arena. This occasion will also serve as an exposition for wood treatment manufacturers who specialize in preventing and eliminating mold on wood.

More information contact:
Peter Hamner
Center for Unit Load Design
Virginia Tech
(540) 231-3043
E-mail: phamner@vt.edu

2007 Conference on European Education
June 16-24, 2007
Virginia Tech Center for European Studies and Architecture
Riva San Vitale, Switzerland

The Conference on European education will provide educators the opportunity to meet and discuss three unique educational environments within Switzerland. Specifically, program participants will:

• Meet with representatives to discuss the German, French, and Italian influences on Swiss education.
• Visit Virginia Tech's Center for European Studies and Architecture (CESA) at Riva San Vitale, Switzerland.
• Visit significant historical and cultural sites including Zurich, Lugano, Locarno and Milan.
• Network with educational leaders in Switzerland and the U.S.
• Learn about teacher and administration training in Europe.

More information contact:
Charlotte Anders
Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Center
757-363-3930
E-mail: charlotte.anders@vt.edu

29th Civil War Institute: Campaigning with Lee
June 17-23, 2007
Omni Charlottesville Hotel
Charlottesville, Virginia

This is the annual Civil War Institute - Campaigning with Lee, lead by Bud Robertson, that includes lectures and tours related to the Civil War.

More information contact:
Gilda Machin-Scarpaci
Continuing and Professional Education
702 University City Blvd MC: 0364
Blacksburg, VA 24061 (540) 231-5242
E-mail: gmachins@vt.edu

AT & Aug Com '07 "A New Direction"
June 18-19, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

The AT & Aug '07 "A New Direction" Conference should be attended by general and special education teachers, service providers, administrators, parents, and para-professionals who want to learn more about using technology to support students with disabilities. The registration fee of $65 includes a networking reception on June 18, continental breakfast, breaks, and lunch on June 19, plus all conference materials. A block of lodging rooms is available at the Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center. For reservations, please call 1-540-231-8000 or 1-877-200-3360 before June 4, 2007. For more information regarding the conference, please call Lora Kingma at 540-231-0186.

More information contact:
Lora Kingma, M.S., CCC-SLP
Communication Coordinator
Virginia Dept. of Education T/TAC
(540) 231-0816
E-mail: lkingma@vt.edu

Master Gardener College 2007
June 19-24, 2007
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia

Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners (VCE-MGs) are volunteers with Extension dedicated to working with the community to encourage and promote environmentally sound horticulture practices through sustainable landscape management educational Programs. The 20th Annual Master Gardener College will be June 19-24, 2007, at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. We hope to see you there!

More information contact:
David Close
Virginia Tech Horticulture Department
407 Saunders Hall
Blacksburg, VA 24061
E-mail: dclose@vt.edu

CPE Water - Basic Principles and Calculations Associated with Chemical Dosing and Sedimentation
June 20, 2007

These workshops will be broadcast simultaneously to fourteen locations throughout the Commonwealth. Through the use of interactive technology you will have the opportunity to engage in discussions and to ask specific questions of the presenters and participants around the Commonwealth. The workshops will begin promptly at 12:00 p.m. and conclude at approximately 3:00 p.m.

More information contact:
Holly Williams
Continuing and Professional Education
540-231-2188
hmccall@vt.edu

Water Steward Training in Association with Master Gardeners College 2007
June 20-24, 2007
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia

This Principles of Water Quality and Land Use workshop is being offered in c onjunction with the 20th Annual Master Gardener College. It is open to all middle and high school science teachers. This thirty hour workshop will focus on the following topics:

• Understanding plant-soil-water relationships
• Understanding Low Impact Development and its impact on Water Quality
• Protecting water quality through good lawn care, proper landscaping and other best management practices
• Learn proper pesticide, nutrient and septic system management

This workshop includes great speakers such as Kent Mountford, writer and columnist from the Chesapeake Bay Journal.

More information contact:
David Close
Horticulture Department
407 Saunders Hall Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 dclose@vt.edu

Explore Your Dream Kitchen and Sedimentation
June 22-23, 2007

In this workshop you will learn about planning and designing a kitchen that really meets your needs! You will explore and experience the Center for Real Life Kitchen Design's five complete kitchens. Bring your plans, ideas and questions about your kitchen remodeling or your dream kitchen!

More information contact:
Julia Beamish
Center for Real Life Kitchen Design, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 540-231-8881
jbeamish@vt.edu

Explore Your Dream Kitchen and Sedimentation
June 25-26, 2007

In this workshop you will learn about planning and designing a kitchen that really meets your needs! You will explore and experience the Center for Real Life Kitchen Design's five complete kitchens. Bring your plans, ideas and questions about your kitchen remodeling or your dream kitchen!

More information contact:
Julia Beamish
Center for Real Life Kitchen Design, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 540-231-8881
jbeamish@vt.edu

July 2007

Virginia Metadata Academy
July 1, 2007-January 31, 2008

The Virginia Metadata Academy provides an array of metadata educational opportunities to meet the diverse metadata training needs and capabilities of local and state government users, as well as Virginia's private sector and other stakeholders. The Virginia Metadata Academy consists of three different metadata workshop opportunities, including : Metadata Creator Workshops, Metadata Retreats, and Metadata Clearinghouse Implementation Options. All of the workshops under the Metadata Academy are free. However, registration is required.

This workshop is appropriate for anyone working with geospatial (GIS, GPS, Remote Sensing) data. Geospatial users at all levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced) are encouraged to attend. Local government personnel are strongly encouraged to attend, as are regional, state and federal agency personnel, stakeholders associated with non profit institutions, as well as other geospatial stakeholders.

More information contact:
John McGee
Geospatial Extension Specialist
(540)231-2428
E-mail: jmcg@vt.edu

Emergency Preparedness in the Drinking Water Industry
July 18, 2007

The lecture takes a look at where the industry is after mandated Vulnerability Assessments and Emergency Response Plans. You will hear about mitigation, planning, and all hazards approaches to Water Security Infrastructure.

More information contact:
Gregory Boardman
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Virginia Tech
540-231-1376
E-mail: gboard@vt.edu

The Community Calls Forth the University: The 4th Annual University-Community Partnership Conference
July 18-19, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center & Fralin Biotechnology Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

The Community Calls Forth the University is the Fourth Annual University-Community Partnership Conference hosted by Virginia Tech's Service-Learning Center. This program is scheduled for July 18-19, 2007 and will be held at the Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center in Blacksburg, VA. The 2007 event seeks to explore the perspective of community partners in the engaged partnership process. Questions to be addressed include, "What does it mean for communities to choose engagement with higher education?" and "What are the implications when communities call forth their universities?". The registration for this conference is $249 which includes two receptions, break service, program materials and access to the Poster Session and Community Showcase.

More information contact:
Michele-James Deramo
Director, Service Learning Center
Virginia Tech
540-231-6947
E-mail: deramo@vt.edu

Biotechnology 2007 Conference
July 18-21, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center & Fralin Biotechnology Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

The Fralin Biotechnology Center and Virginia Tech Outreach Program Development are proud to host the 2007 Biotechnology Education Conference! Our goal is to provide technical and content updates for science educators. New applications in medicine, agriculture, informatics, and environmental science continue to be discovered and discussed. Several sessions highlight the Center's new focus on vector-borne infectious disease.

More information contact:
Erin Dolan
Fralin Biotechnology Center
Virginia Tech
540-231-2692
E-mail: BIOoutreach@vt.edu

CPS/CAP Review Course
Virginia Tech Richmond Center
Richmond, Virginia

• Module 1: Office Systems and Technology: April 12 - May 17, 2007
• Module 2: Office Administration: May 31 - July 5, 2007
• Module 3: Management: July 19 - August 23, 2007
• Module 4: Advanced Organizational Management: September 6 - October 11, 2007

The Virginia Tech Richmond Center is offering review courses to prepare participants for the CPS/CAP exam. The entire program is offered in four modules that may be taken independently or together. The courses are consistent with the exam topics, are six weeks per module, and are held on Thursday evenings (6:00-9:00PM) at the Virginia Tech Richmond Center, 2810 Parham Rd., Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23294.

Participants taking the review courses receive personal, face-to-face training for the topics in the CPS/CAP certification exam. The rewards for achieving certification are numerous, as attested by more than 65,000 Certified Professional Secretaries and Certified Administrative Professionals.

More information contact:
Kathy Ely
Virginia Tech Richmond Center
2810 Parham Rd
Richmond, VA 23294
804-662-7288
kbely@vt.edu

The Governor's 2007 Summit on Manufacturing IV - WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: Moving Virginia Forward
July 23-24, 2007
Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
Danville, Virginia

The Governor's 2007 Summit on Manufacturing IV - WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: Moving Virginia Forward - will be held at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, Virginia on July 23-24, 2007. The $125 registration fee includes a Reception and Dinner on July 23, a continental breakfast and lunch on July 24, break service both days and all program materials.

More information contact:
Jane Todd
Continuing and Professional Education
540-231-2014
janetodd@vt.edu

CAST 2007 Annual Workshop
July 24-26, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center & Fralin Biotechnology Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

The Center for Advanced Separation Technologies (CAST) will hold its Third Annual Workshop for representatives from both the coal and minerals industries and academia. CAST 2007 features oral and poster presentations on on-going research, state-of-the-art keynote addresses and roundtable discussions for future research.

CAST is a consortium of seven universities, which includes Virginia Tech, West Virginia University, University of Kentucky, New Mexico Tech, Montana Tech, University of Utah and University of Nevada at Reno. It was established under the auspices of the US Department of Energy to conduct both fundamental and applied research to help the US minerals industry.

More information contact:
Chris Hull
CAST
Virginia Tech College of Engineering, Mining and Minerals
540-231-4179
E-mail: hullc@vt.edu

Design of DC/DC Converters and Voltage Regulator Module (VRM)
July 26-27, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center & Fralin Biotechnology Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

Established in August 1998, the Center for Power Electronics Systems (CPES) is one of the nation's relatively few National Science Foundation Engineering Research Centers. Its vision is to provide the nation with the capabilities to become a world leader in power electronics.

More information contact:
Teresa Shaw
CAST
Center for Power Electronic Systems
540-231-4527
E-mail: tshaw@vt.edu

The Lost Tour 2007
July 28, 2007
Community Design Assistance Center (CDAC)
Blacksburg, Virginia

Where LOST is a state of mind...

Interested in checking out the back roads of Virginia!? The Community Design Assistance Center welcomes you to our Lost Tour!

A visitor to Virginia's Blue Ridge will immediately notice the quiet of its mountains, the bold and murmuring tales of its creeks and rivers, and the deep time-etched songs of its changing years and seasons. Time seems to stretch back here to a place we all want to go. A deep appreciation of this landscape, its communities, and their shared mountain history can come through an investment of time and effort in getting to know them.

More information contact:
Elizabeth Gilboy, Director
101 South Main Street, Suite 2 (MC 0450
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540-231-5644
E-mail: egilboy@vt.edu

AEESP: Interactions at the Interface  Making the Connections Between Environments, Disciplines and Nations
July 28 - August 1, 2007
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia

The conference schedule has a day for fun, a day for workshops, and two days of conferencing. The conference consists of four plenary sessions, four sets of concurrent sessions, and poster sessions. The plenary sessions will be held at the beginning of the morning and afternoon sessions on each of two days. Each plenary will consist of two speakers for one of the following four topics:

1. Large Scale phenomena, Science and Engineering
2. Large Scale Phenomena, People
3. Small Scale Phenomena, Science and Engineering
4. Small Scale Phenomena, People

More information contact:
Dr. Gregory Boardman, Conference Chair
417 Durham Hall, Dept of CEE
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061 (540) 231-7519
E-mail: gboard@vt.edu

Virginia Association for Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences (VATFACS)
July 29 - August 2, 2007
Virginia Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Center
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Join us at "Healthy U" for:

1. The Grand Carousel & Showcase on Sunday Evening
2. Three Credit Design Graduate Class
3. Financial Fitness Seminars
4. Nationally renowned speakers
5. Industry Tours
6. USDA Update on Nutrition and Wellness
7. Current Trends in Early Childhood Education and Teachers for Tomorrow
8. Culinary Demonstrations at Virginia Beach's Newly Renovated Tech Center
9. Middle School Methods
10. FCCLA Integration
11. Networking With the Best Teachers Anywhere
12. And Much More

More information contact:
Gilda Machin-Scarpaci
Continuing and Professional Education
702 University City Blvd MC: 0364
Blacksburg, VA 24061 (540) 231-5242
E-mail: gmachins@vt.edu

CPES Modeling & Control Design of DC/DC Converters
July 30 - August 3, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

Dr. Fred C. Lee and Dr. Dushan Boroyevich teach this course. The course will engage engineers in a combined lecture/laboratory instructional format, providing hands-on experience in the DC/DC converter analysis, modeling, simulation, control design, and frequency domain measurement techniques.

More information contact:
Teresa Shaw, Research Associate
Power Electronic Systems
673 Whittemore Hall MC: 0179
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-4527
E-mail: tshaw@vt.edu

Protecting and Preserving Wealth in Today's Economy
July 31-August 9, 2007
1870 Litton-Reaves Hall
Blacksburg, Virginia

This course will equip you with the facts you need to prepare for a financially secure retirement. You will learn to seek maximization of your income and get more from investments. You will also learn how to protect your hard earned money from inflation, income taxes and erosion due to unnecessary estate taxes. This seminar will show you a conservative approach to wise money management and will identify lifestyle issues facing retirees. Your instructor provides information that is current, comprehensive and noncommercial. The seminar has been carefully designed to provide the information you need, without overloading you with unnecessary financial jargon.

More information contact:
Andrew Monsour
Financial Planner
Monsour Advisory
(540) 989-6578
E-mail: andrew@monsouradvisory.com

August 2007

PREP Teacher-Scientist Meeting
August 1-3, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

This event brings together high school teachers and research scientists participating in the Partnership for Research and Education in Plants (PREP, www.prep.viotech.vt.edu), a program funded by a Science Education Partnership Award from the National Institutes of Health National Center for Research Resources. PREP brings together teachers and scientists to guide high school students in characterizing gene function in Arabidopsis thaliana, a plant used widely in genetic research and one of the few plants whose genome has been sequenced. The meeting is designed to tap the experience, expertise, and insights of teachers and scientists to inform further development of PREP. As a result of reflection and discussion during the meeting, PREP activities will be revised and/or fine-tuned, possibly through additional lesson development, distant video-chats between students and scientists, or other approaches, to ensure that students are: (1) Using their research questions to motivate their investigations, (2) Receiving the support they need from PREP to determine how data serve as evidence for their conclusions, and (3) Receiving the guidance they need from PREP to formulate and defend their explanations using evidence.

More information contact:
David Lally
PREP Coordinator
Fralin Biotech Center
(540) 231-2531
E-mail: dlally@vt.edu

Virginia Metadata Academy
August 1-15, 2007

Metadata Creators Workshops

• August 2: Richmond, VA
• August 14: Richmond, VA

Metadata Retreat Workshops

• August 1: Hampton, VA
• August 3: Richmond, VA
• August 7: Harrisonburg, VA
• August 8: Blacksburg, VA
• August 9: Danville, VA
• August 15: Richmond, VA

The Virginia Metadata Academy provides an array of metadata educational opportunities to meet the diverse metadata training needs and capabilities of local and state government users, as well as Virginia's private sector and other stakeholders. The Virginia Metadata Academy consists of three different metadata workshop opportunities, including : Metadata Creator Workshops, Metadata Retreats, and Metadata Clearinghouse Implementation Options. All of the workshops under the Metadata Academy are free. However, registration is required. This workshop is appropriate for anyone working with geospatial (GIS, GPS, Remote Sensing) data. Geospatial users at all levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced) are encouraged to attend. Local government personnel are strongly encouraged to attend, as are regional, state and federal agency personnel, stakeholders associated with non profit institutions, as well as other geospatial stakeholders.

More information contact:
David Lally
PREP Coordinator
Fralin Biotech Center
(540) 231-2531
E-mail: dlally@vt.edu

Emerging Leaders Workshop 2007
August 2-5, 2007
Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center
Roanoke, Virginia

A group of rising sophomores and juniors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) will have a unique opportunity to prepare for graduate school and career opportunities through involvement with Senior Scholars and industry professionals.

The Emerging Leaders Workshop has a single mission: to develop scholars with a full recognition of their breadth and impact of leadership in academia and in coporate America. ELW emphasizes what we view as the three prongs of sustainable leadership: academic success, community service and ethical behavior. Our goal is to develop a cadre of bright young leaders who can, in turn, share what they have learned with their peers and with younger people in their communities. By stressing the importance of learning, helping others, and doing both with a clear vision of right and wrong, the Emerging Leaders Workshop can play a major role in cultivating a new generation of leaders who can serve as catalysts for change.

More information contact:
Marilyn Kershaw
114 Graduate Life Center
Graduate School, Virginia Tech
(540) 231-2494
E-mail: mkershaw@vt.edu

Water Treatment Plant Operators Short Course
August 5-10, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

The overall goal of the program is to develop more qualified operators. Participants learn about water or wastewater treatment and other relevant subject matter- e.g., applied math and chemistry. During this program, the operator is exposed to the basics which s/he must know in order to become licensed and advance through the various levels of licensure. No attempt is made to structure the short school as a direct prep school for licensure, although the benefits to those taking licensure examinations are evident.

More information contact:
Dr. Greg Boardman
Civil and Environmental Engineering Department
(540) 231-1376
E-mail: gboard@vt.edu

Mined Land Reforestation Conference
August 7-8, 2007
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
Abindgon, Virginia

The Mined Land Reforestation Conference will be held in Abingdon, Virginia, on August 7 - 8, 2007, hosted by Virginia Tech's Powell River Project and by Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy. The conference will call attention to advanced mine reforestation practices that are being developed through scientific research and adopted by the coal industry, and will present scientific research findings with the potential to further improve mine reforestation success. The conference is intended for personnel representing coal mining firms, mineral-bearing lands owners, mining consultants, natural resource agencies, scientists with mined land reforestation expertise, students, and interested members of the public. The first day's activities will include presentations by scientific, industry, and agency personnel who are involved with the development and application of coal mine reforestation practices, and active discussion. The second day of the conference will be a field tour of operating mines and research sites where advanced mine reforestation practices are being developed and utilized.

More information contact:
Carl Zipper
Crop & Soil Environmental Sciences
(540) 231-9782
E-mail: czip@vt.edu

Virginia Bioinformatics Institute Genome Annotation Workshop Series
August 8-17, 2007
Virginia Bioinformatics Institute
Blacksburg, Virginia

The workshop series will include three workshops: Plant-Associated Microbe Gene Ontology (PAMGO) training workshop, and Oomycete Bioinformatics training workshop and the Hyaloperonspora parasitica Genome Annotation Jamboree. The PAMGO and Oomycete Bioinformatics workshops will run concurrently from the 8 -10 August, 2007. The first two days for both workshops will be dedicated to presentations on structural genomics and functional genomics including in-depth coverage of the Gene Ontology and the use of PAMGO terms in the annotation and analysis of gene products from microbes that associate with plant and animal hosts. Concurrent sessions will run on the third day. Session 1 will be devoted to hands-on exercises involving literature and sequence/structural similarity-based PAMGO annotations. Session 2 will cover resources and tools for annotation and analysis of oomycete genomic sequences. The Hyaloperonspora parasitica Annotation Jamboree will follow immediately on 12-17 August, 2007. This will include presentations on the biology of H. parasitica, genomic resources available to date, tools for sequence annotation and analysis. Participants will then break into groups reflecting relevant subject areas for several days of manual annotation.

More information contact:
Trudy Torto-Alalibo
Virginia Bioinformatics Institute
E-mail: anotworks@vbi.vt.edu

Upward Bound 40th Anniversary Reunion
August 11, 2007
Shultz Lawn and Owens Dining Hall
Blacksburg, Virginia

This year, Upward Bound will celebrate forty (40) years at Virginia Tech with a reunion August 11, 2007. Hundreds of students in southwest Virginia have benefited from the services of the program since its inception in 1967. Upward Bound plans to celebrate both the success of the programs and the individuals who have participated over the past four decades with a picnic and dinner/dance on campus. All former participants and staff are invited to join us for this very special event.

More information contact:
Thomas G. Wilson
TRIO Talent Search/Upward Bound
E-mail: tgwilson@vt.edu

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Short Courses
August 12-17, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

The overall goal of the program is to develop more qualified operators. Participants learn about water or wastewater treatment and other relevant subject matter- e.g., applied math and chemistry. During this program, the operator is exposed to the basics which s/he must know in order to become licensed and advance through the various levels of licensure. No attempt is made to structure the short school as a direct prep school for licensure, although the benefits to those taking licensure examinations are evident.

More information contact:
Dr. Greg Boardman
Civil and Environmental Engineering Department
(540) 231-1376
E-mail: gboard@vt.edu

Class VI Waterworks Operators Short Courses
August 20-22, 2007
Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center
Roanoke, Virginia

One of the Virginia Center for Very Small Waterworks' highest priorities is ensuring that operators are properly trained before they take the Class VI licensure examination. The Center, in cooperation with Virginia Tech, is offering a short course designed specifically for Class VI operators to assist them in passing the Class VI Waterworks examination. Waterworks operators serving 3300 people or less may attend at the Virginia Department of Health's sponsored discount rate.

More information contact:
Dr. Greg Boardman
Civil and Environmental Engineering Department
(540) 231-1376
E-mail: gboard@vt.edu

September 2007

Conservation Management of the Clinch and Cumberland River Systems: A Collaborative Discussion on Coal Mining and the Aquatic Environment
September 5-7, 2007
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
Abingdon, Virginia

The Nature Conservancy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and their partners, are hosting a symposium to engage stakeholders in discussions of coal mining and the conservation of the rare aquatic biota in the central Appalachians. The symposium will foster better understanding of coal mining technology and aquatic resource conservation, and mitigation opportunities and priorities.

The symposium will include sessions on freshwater fauna and their environmental requirements, water quality, coal mining technology, chemistry and toxicology of coal-related processes, abandoned mined land impacts, and innovative environmental control technologies. The geographic focus area is the Tennessee and Cumberland River basins, with an emphasis on the Clinch, Powell and Big South Fork Cumberland River systems.

More information contact:
Jess Jones
Restoration Biologist-USFWS
Fisheries and Wildlife Science
College of Natural Resources (540) 231-2266
E-mail: Jess_Jones@fws.gov

CPS/CAP Review Course
Virginia Tech Richmond Center
Richmond, Virginia

• Module 1: Office Systems and Technology: April 12 - May 17, 2007
• Module 2: Office Administration: May 31 - July 5, 2007
• Module 3: Management: July 19 - August 23, 2007
• Module 4: Advanced Organizational Management: September 6 - October 11, 2007

The Virginia Tech Richmond Center is offering review courses to prepare participants for the CPS/CAP exam. The entire program is offered in four modules that may be taken independently or together. The courses are consistent with the exam topics, are six weeks per module, and are held on Thursday evenings (6:00-9:00PM) at the Virginia Tech Richmond Center, 2810 Parham Rd., Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23294.

Participants taking the review courses receive personal, face-to-face training for the topics in the CPS/CAP certification exam. The rewards for achieving certification are numerous, as attested by more than 65,000 Certified Professional Secretaries and Certified Administrative Professionals.

More information contact:
Kathy Ely
Virginia Tech Richmond Center
2810 Parham Rd
Richmond, VA 23294
804-662-7288
kbely@vt.edu

Virginia's 2007 Rural Summit
September 9-11, 2007
Omni Charlottesville
Charlottesville, Virginia

This program offers the opportunity for open dialog between organizations that promote, educate and advocate for rural issues and opportunities to enhance the quality of life in rural Virginia.

More information contact:
Liz Wade Fillman
Continuing and Professional Education
540-231-9087
elwade1@vt.edu

Establishing a Successful and Sustainable Waterworks: Revenues, Rates and Funding
September 9-13, 2007
Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center
Roanoke, Virginia

One of the Virginia Center for Very Small Waterworks highest priorities is assisting operators by providing training opportunities to enable them to maintain and upgrade their waterworks facilities. The Center, in cooperation with Virginia Tech, is offering a short course designed specifically for this purpose. The Center and Virginia Tech developed a training manual entitled “Establishing a Successful and Sustainable Waterworks: Revenues, Rates and Funding which will serve as the content for the short course. You will receive a training manual which you can take with you and use as a valuable resource.

More information contact:
Dr. Gregory Boardman
Civil and Environmental Engineering
(540) 231-1376
E-mail: gboard@vt.edu

Medical HACCP Training Course
September 11-12, 2007
Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center
Roanoke, Virginia

This program is a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Training Course for the medical product industry.

More information contact:
George Flick, University Distinguished Professor
Food Science and Technology
(540) 231-6965
E-mail: flickg@vt.edu

Systems of Care & Evidence-Based Practices
September 16-18, 2007
Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center
Roanoke, Virginia

The Commission on Youth and the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services are partnering to convene a statewide conference to educate behavioral health professionals, juvenile justice representatives, caregivers, families, and youth on Systems of Care and how to utilize evidence-based practices for youth with behavioral health disorders within a System of Care.

More information contact:
Leah Hamaker
Virginia Commission on Youth
E-mail: coymail@leg.state.va.us

Class VI Waterworks Operators Short Courses
September 17-19, 2007
Sheraton Richmond West
Richmond, Virginia

One of the Virginia Center for Very Small Waterworks' highest priorities is ensuring that operators are properly trained before they take the Class VI licensure examination. The Center, in cooperation with Virginia Tech, is offering a short course designed specifically for Class VI operators to assist them in passing the Class VI Waterworks examination. Waterworks operators serving 3300 people or less may attend at the Virginia Department of Health's sponsored discount rate.

More information contact:
Dr. Greg Boardman
Civil and Environmental Engineering Department
(540) 231-1376
E-mail: gboard@vt.edu

Tax Technology Seminar
September 18, 2007
Virginia Tech Campus
Blacksburg, Virginia

1 Day Tax Technology Seminar is designed for tax professionals who want to better understand the role of technology in their practice. The course covers the implementation and implications of tax software, database management, and a paperless office.

More information contact:
Leon Geyer
Agricultural & Applied Economics
(540) 231-4528
E-mail: lgeyer@vt.edu

Unit Load Design Short Course
September 18-20, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

This course is designed for packaging, pallet, and material handling equipment suppliers, as well as the users of these components. Attendees will learn proven methods to:

• Lower Unitization Costs
• Reduce product damage
• Identify opportunities in warehouse audits
• Increase material handling rates
• Understand the perspective of packaging engineers, pallet suppliers and equipment designers
• Learn Unit Load Design: the systems-based optimization procedures that will improve customer service and increase your competitiveness

More information contact:
Bonnie Maccubbin
Center for Unit Load Design, Virginia Tech
(540) 231-5370
E-mail: unitload@vt.edu

Fall Focus Career Fair 2007
September 21, 2007
Squires Student Center, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia

Sponsored by:

• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
• College of Natural Resources
• College of Science

More information contact:
Debbie Wilson
Career Services Coordinator
College of Science, Virginia Tech
105 College of Science Admin. Bldg. (0405)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-8131
E-mail: dewilso2@vt.edu

Managing and Understanding the Hispanic Workforce
September 24-25, 2007
Wood Education and Resource Center (WERC)
Princeton, West Virginia

The USDA Forest Service's Wood Education and Resource Center and Virginia Tech's Sloan Foundation Forest Industries Center are pleased to co-sponsor a diversity management workshop designed to improve your management skills in working with the growing Hispanic workforce. The 2 day interactive workshop in Princeton, West Virginia will focus on meeting the cultural, communication, and legal challenges associated with hiring and managing this multicultural workforce.

More information contact:
Conference Registrar
Virginia Tech Continuing and Professional Education
702 University City Boulevard
Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061 (540) 231-5242
confreg@vt.edu

Recently Appointed Administrators
September 24-25, 2007
The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center
Roanoke, Virginia

This Institute is designed specifically for recently appointed school administrators. It Provides multiple, hands-on opportunities structured to hone and expand existing skills and to sharpen decision-making ability. The major focus is to explore methods used to transcend challenges faced by educators working to demonstrate leadership effectiveness. Institute "fellows" identify and interact with a mentor coach, expand perspectives through cohort activities, and keep reflective journals. Participants broaden their understanding and application of actions necessary for school improvement.

More information contact:
Dr. E. Wayne Harris
COTA Visiting Professor
(540) 761-1488
ewharris@hotmail.com

Tax Technology Seminar
September 25, 2007
Virginia Farm Bureau
Richmond, Virginia

1 Day Tax Technology Seminar is designed for tax professionals who want to better understand the role of technology in their practice. The course covers the implementation and implications of tax software, database management, and a paperless office.

More information contact:
Leon Geyer
Agricultural & Applied Economics
(540) 231-4528
E-mail: lgeyer@vt.edu

Engineering Education NSF Awardees Conference
September 26-28, 2007
Key Bridge Marriott
Arlington, Virginia

The objectives of this NSF-Engineering Education grantees meeting are:

• To further develop networks of researchers and practitioners in engineering education.
• To share ideas and best practices within Engineering Education-funded initiatives.
• To better equip PIs and coordinators to publish in archived journals, assess educational projects, recruit and retain students from underrepresented groups, and report progress to NSF.
• To answer program-specific questions for PIs and coordinators.
• To stimulate new approaches and solutions to engineering education problems.

More information contact:
Liz Wade Fillman
Program Coordinator
Continuing and Professional Education
elwade1@vt.edu

October 2007

Mid-Atlantic Banner Users Group Meeting
October 7-9, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech & Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

The Mid-Atlantic Banner Users Group (MABUG) is an association of colleges and universities in Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, and Tennessee. Any SunGard Banner user from an institution in this region is eligible for membership, and there is no cost to join. It is our hope that through communication and sharing, our member institutions will maximize their use of SunGard Banner. There are twice yearly meetings � once at the SunGard Summit conference in the spring and the MABUG annual conference in the fall. MABUG 2007 is October 8 and 9 hosted by Virginia Tech.

More information contact:
Lee Anne Hoppe
HRIS Project Leader
VT-Administrative Information Services
(540)231-7628
E-mail: gumdrop@vt.edu

USDA Grantsmanship Workshop
October 9, 2007
Renaissance Hotel
Washington, DC

The Southern Association of Agricultural Experiment Station Directors (SAAESD), Northeastern Regional Association of State Agricultural Experiment Station Directors (NERA) and Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) are pleased to host a two-day workshop on grant writing. The September 6th Grantsmanship Workshop focuses on CSREES-USDA Funding Opportunities, with an emphasis on the National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program (NRICGP), Higher Education, Multicultural Alliances and International Programs, Integrated Research, Education and Extension Programs, Children Youth and Families At Risk Program,Pest Management Alternatives Program (PMAP), and Small Business Innovation Research Programs (SBIR). In Fiscal Year 2007, the National Research Initiative and a number of other competitive grants programs will accept only electronic application submissions through Grants.gov. There will be an exhibit at the workshop to provide an opportunity to ask questions and have queries addressed by key agency personnel.

More information contact:
Emily Cuykendall
Senior Program Coordinator
703.518.2710
E-mail: cuykendall@vt.edu

Writing Winning Grants Workshop
October 10, 2007
Renaissance Hotel
Washington, DC

The Northeast Regional Association of State Agricultural Experiment Station Directors (NERA) and the Southern Association of Agricultural Experiment Station Directors (SAAESD), in conjunction with USDA-CSREES will host a 2-day Competitive Grants Workshop to focus on the USDA-NRI Competitive grants process, October 9-10, 2007. The first day of the workshop will focus on opportunities in the USDA Competitive Grants program, while the second day will focus writing winning grants. Drs. Michael Harrington and Thomas Fretz will conduct the Writing Winning Grants workshop (October 10), while National Program Leaders from CSREES will conduct the October 9 program.

More information contact:
Emily Cuykendall
Senior Program Coordinator
703.518.2710
E-mail: cuykendall@vt.edu

Smart Growth: A Practical Approach
October 11-12, 2007
Northern Virginia Center
Falls Church, Virginia

This course is designed for a broad audience of private and public sector planners, designers and real estate professionals. It will be of particular interest to those who have had some previous exposure to smart growth principles.

The course will explore the following topics:

• What is "smart growth"? Political and functional definitions
• Case studies detailing the variety of approaches used in the Washington DC region
• Effective planning tools for smart growth
• Proven techniques for citizen engagement
• Best practices from around the country
• Up to date information on the most compelling emerging issues

More information contact:
Emily Cuykendall
Continuing and Professional Education
703.518.2710
cuykendall@vt.edu

Collaborating for Student Success
October 12, 2007
SWVA Higher Education Center
Abingdon, Virginia

The Second Annual VT/RU TTAC Collaboration Conference: Collaborating for Student Success ~ Effective Inclusive Practices will be held at the SWVA Higher Education Center on October 12, 2007. A collaborative school culture is essential to meeting the needs of all students. This conference will enable participants to explore, develop, and reflect on practical issues relating to creating inclusive practices through collaboration. Pre-K to 12 educators and families who participate on school-based teams are encouraged to attend.

More information contact:
Martha Ann Stallings
Virginia Department of Education's T/TAC at Virginia Tech
1-800-848-2714
mstallin@vt.edu

English Alumni Weekend College
October 12-13, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

The conference theme, Alumni College: English Studies: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow attempts to combine a touch of the rich tradition of literary, cultural, linguistic inheritance which we study and preserve, as well as to address some of the ways in which English Studies is changing here and now, and to discuss some of its future possibilities.

Since English is a huge and ever expanding field, we can hope to catch only glimpses of this dynamic and growing area of study. Expect to revisit some of your old literary favorites (Shakespeare, Dickinson, Conrad) and to hear about new developments in the academic study of literature, language, and expression today-the place of popular culture in today's classroom, Harry Potter, the expansion of the literary canon, the advent of feminism, the inauguration of wholly new field such as Socio-linguistic and electronic critical editions..Some of our finest teachers will be conducting the twelve separate sessions.

More information contact:
Ann Brown
Virginia Tech Continuing and Professional Education
540-231-7966
browna@vt.edu

Managing and Leading Change
October 15-16, 2007
Wood Education and Resource Center (WERC)
Princeton, West Virginia

The USDA Forest Service's Wood Education and Resource Center and the Sloan Foundation Forest Industries Center will be co-sponsoring this dynamic, interactive workshop where leading experts in the field of change management will be present to discuss success strategies for leading and managing organizational change, how to develop the strategic agility needed to respond to external change, and how to create an entrepreneurial culture that encourages innovation throughout your organization.

More information contact:
Anne Collins Albimino
Sloan Foundation Forest Industries Center at Virginia Tech
540-231-3095
aalbimin@vt.edu

Forest Nutrition Research Cooperative Advisory Council Meeting
October 15-17, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

The Forest Nutrition Cooperative (FNC) is an international partnership committed to creating innovative solutions to enhance forest productivity and value through the sustainable management of site resources. The partnership is lead by forestry faculty at North Carolina State University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and the Universidad de Concepcin. Team members have expertise in silviculture, forest nutrition, ecophysiology, soils, plant community ecology, growth and yield modeling, remote sensing, spatial analysis and GIS, and statistics. Partners include the three host universities, forest industry, timber management investment organizations, forestry consultants, governmental agencies, private landowners, and others interested in intensive plantation management. Members own or manage over 24 million acres (10 million hectares) of pine and broadleaved plantations in the southeast US and South America making the FNC one of t he world's largest cooperative silviculture research and education programs. Our approach includes a mix of applied research, fundamental research, graduate and undergraduate education, technology transfer, continuing education, and consulting. This mix provides a productive environment for addressing questions and immediately incorporating research results into silvicultural practices for cost effective and environmentally sustainable plantation management.

More information contact:
Coleen Carlson
Tel: 540 231 0426
Fax: 540 231 3330
Skype: colcarlson
CarlsonC@vt.edu

Virginia Institute for Economic Development (VIED)
October 15-18, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

Virginia Institute for Economic Development (VIED) is a program designed to help professional staff, volunteers and local government officials better understand the economic development process, programs and assistance available in Virginia. VIED will be held October 15-18, 2007 at The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center in Blacksburg, VA.

The Virginia Institute for Economic Development is a non-credit, certificate program in economic development. The three and one-half day course includes lectures by experienced economic development professionals. The topics to be addressed cover all aspects of the economic development process including analysis of current economic trends, planning, product development, a case study, workforce development, finance, and marketing, along with overviews of various industry niches and the roles of different state agencies in economic development.

VIED provides training in the economic development process and outlines how this process is used to benefit Virginia's cities, counties, and towns in furthering economic growth. This Basic Course has been specifically designed to serve the needs of professional staff, local government officials and volunteer community leaders interested in economic development. Sponsored jointly by the Virginia Department of Business Assistance, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Virginia Economic Developers Association, and Virginia Tech's Office of Economic Development, the Institute has as its objective to equip community leaders to:

• Learn about each agency's specific programs
• Learn from leaders at the regional and local levels about other economic development programs that produce results
• Expand their network of key economic development leaders
• Apply their knowledge of programs that work to enhance their community's economic development

More information contact:
Tom Harned
Virginia Economic Development Institute
276-632-6700
tharned@vt.edu

International Society for Educational Planning 37th Annual Meeting
October 18-20, 2007
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Minneapolis, Minnesota

EDUCATIONAL PLANNING TODAY AND TOMORROW
The general conference of the International Society for Educational Planning held annually is a time for all persons interested in planning to hear and learn from presenters from all over the world discussing the latest trends and happening in educational planning. Some of the best thinkers in the field will be available for presentations and individual conversations at this meeting. This meeting will present an opportunity to meet educators from all parts of the world community and is open to everyone.

WHO ATTENDS THE CONFERENCE?

• Pre-School through Higher Education Faculty
• Educational Planners
• Policy Makers
• Researchers
• Leaders Involved in Educational Planning
• Educational and Government Consultants
• Government Representatives
• Local Government Leaders
• Business and Corporate Leaders
• Community People Involved in Educational Planning
• Graduate Students

More information contact:
Dr. Glen Earthman
School of Education
105 Eggleston Hall
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-9715
earthman@vt.edu

MII Technical Conference & Review
October 21-24, 2007
The Inn at Virginia Tech & Skelton conference Center
Blacksburg, Virginia

The Macromolecules and Interfaces Institute at Virginia Tech is an interdisciplinary group committed to continuing the growth and advancing the stature of the existing macromolecular program at Virginia Tech. We foster a dynamic environment that promotes the recruitment and education of highly qualified students; initiates and conducts timely research at both the basic and applied levels; and, pursues continuing education and economic growth through outreach activities with industry and government agencies.

Over the years the macromolecular and interfacial science and technology focus has grown to include faculty from fourteen departments and five colleges within Virginia Tech. Over the past three-year period, MII faculty have been responsible for nearly $17 million of actual research expenditures. Many of these projects are in cooperation with industry.

The technical conference will provide an opportunity for scientists and engineers from industry, government and universities to learn about the activities of MII. There will also be opportunities to hear about new aspects of the integrated research and education programs at Virginia Tech, and to form partnerships with faculty and graduate/undergraduate students associated with MII.

More information contact:
Tammy Jo Hiner
Public Relations Manager Virginia Tech
2 Davidson Hall (0201)
(540)231-6824
E-mail: thiner@vt.edu

2007 Virginia EMS Conference
October 22-24, 2007
The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center
Roanoke, Virginia

The first annual Virginia EMS Conference is designed for environmental and safety specialists and managers who have environmental management systems in place, or who plan to begin developing such a system. The goal is to promote, support, and celebrate EMS through networking, keys to success, and continual improvement. The conference is sponsored by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Office of Pollution Prevention,� US EPA Office of Wastewater, the Center for Organizational and Technological Advancement, Virginia Tech, and the Virginia EMS Users�Association (VEMSA).

More information contact:
Bob Herbert
Center for Organizational and Technological Advancement (COTA)
540-853-8275
E-mail: bherbert@vt.edu

Wind Load Design for Wood-Frame Buildings--Prescriptive and Engineering
October 23-25, 2007
Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center
Roanoke, Virginia

At the beginning of the course, connection design for resisting typical wind loads in the 2005 National Design Specification for Wood Construction (NDS) will be reviewed. The remainder of the course will focus on prescriptive code design and engineering design for wind loads with a special emphasis on light-frame wood construction.

To instill a practical knowledge of design theory for "real world" applications, fundamental design principles and requirements found in the latest building codes (2006 IRC and IBC) and design standards will be embellished with data and experience from actual performance of light-frame buildings subjected to lateral and uplift loads from hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and other extreme wind events. This experience will include comparisons of design methods to full-scale testing results related to lateral and uplift resistance of light-frame wood building assemblies.

Simplified methods for lateral wind loads will be presented for fast and reasonably accurate determination of design loads. In addition to standard approaches to shear wall and horizontal diaphragm design, optional code-compliant methods will be presented that can result in more efficient design and construction or provide a means to complete challenging design conditions or scenarios. Finally, resources and code requirements to address critical building envelop performance issues will be addressed (e.g., components & cladding design, wind borne debris protection, and wind-driven rain detailing).

More information contact:
Dr. Frank Woeste
Professional Engineer
(941) 488-5972
E-mail: fwoeste@vt.edu

Tomato Disease Workshop
October 24-26, 2007
Williamsburg Crowne Plaza
Williamsburg, Virginia

The 22nd Annual Tomato Disease Workshop is currently the only workshop that focuses strictly on presenting up to date information on current critical tomato disease problems. The goal is to provide a forum for the presentation of new products and recent research results which address disease etiology, pathogen epidemiology, breeding for disease resistance, and chemical, cultural and biological disease-management strategies.

More information contact:
Charlotte Anders
Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Center
1-757-363-3930 ext. 303
E-mail: charlotte.anders@vt.edu

69th Annual Meeting of the Association for Continuing Higher Education (ACHE)
October 28-30, 2007
Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center
Roanoke, Virginia

69th Annual Meeting of the Association for Continuing Higher Education (ACHE) "Refining Our Mission: Continuing Education's Role in Engagement, Outreach, and Public Service"

More information contact:
Dr. Regis M. Gilman, ACHE 2007 Conference Chair
Assistant Professor - Leadership & Educational Studies
Reich College of Education
Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina
E-mail: GilmanRM@appstate.edu

19th Public Procurement Forum: Steering a Course to Excellence
October 28-31, 2007
Hampton Roads Convention Center
Hampton, Virginia

The Division of Purchases and Supply is pleased to present the 19th Public Procurement Forum Steering a Course to Excellence.

In today's work environment, we are challenged to do more with less while maintaining a high level of productivity and accuracy. Proving our success is critical to keeping the public trust. Forum 2007 will explore this theme through general sessions and workshops on various topics.

More information contact:
Alisa Hewitt
Program Coordinator
Continuing and Professional Education
540-231-6120
E-mail: alisahewitt@vt.edu

Virginia Tech Income Tax Seminar
October 31, 2007 - January 8, 2008
Various Locations throughout Virginia

Our Seminars are developed to meet the needs of tax practitioners and CPAs across the state. We try to provide a quality program at a reasonable price.

Our two day Income Tax Seminar is an intensive study of the tax law and regulation governing individuals and small businesses. It is designed for persons with tax experience who assist taxpayers in preparing and filing income tax returns. Preparation of both federal and state taxes will be covered. We provide a 600 page study guide along with instruction by seasoned tax professionals. Experienced faculty from Virginia Tech, the IRS, VA of Tax Dept. and private practitioners will examine new tax laws and timely tax topics.

"ntroductory Tax Preparation" is designed for those who are new or returning to tax preparation and want a course in basic preparation. The program is presented by Dr. Guido van der Hoeven of North Carolina State University.

"Technology Seminar" is designed for tax professionals who want to update technology in their practice. The course covers the implementation and implications of tax software, database management, and a paperless office. The program is presented by Rick Beason, CPA.

More information contact:
Leon Geyer
Agricultural & Applied Economics, AAEC
206 B Hutcheson Hall (MC 0401)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540-231-4528
E-mail: geyer@vt.edu

November 2007

Smart Community Seminars
November 6-8, 2007
Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center
Roanoke, Virginia

Any community that wants to ensure a thriving future for all its residents needs the Smart Communities seminar. It's an investment that produces long-term results. Smart Communities seminars introduce participants from public, private, and nonprofit sectors to a proven strategy to improve the odds for community success. Using the Smart Communities model and data collected from the most successful American communities, participants learn how their own community measures-up based on a series of "success" criteria.

The process is designed to help participants learn how their community can increase its long-term prosperity by benchmarking where it is now and identifying the strategies that will improve the factors common to thriving communities. Participants also work on brand positioning of their community, identify critical new partnerships, and learn about solutions adopted by successful communities. Ultimately, those who attend Smart Communities seminars will leave with the knowledge necessary to work with others to organize their community's strategic development in a more effective way. Leading all seminars will be Dr. Suzanne Morse, president of the Pew Partnership for Civic Change, and author of Smart Communities: How Citizens and Local Leaders Can Use Strategic Thinking to Build a Brighter Future.

More information contact:
Dr. Suzanne Morse
Pew Partnership for Civic Change
5 Boar's Head Lane, Suite 100
Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
434-971-2073
E-mail: morse@pew-partnership.org

56th Virginia Transportation Conference
November 7-9, 2007
Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center
Roanoke, Virginia

Virginia's economic strength and well-being of its people depend on a sound and efficient transportation system. Transportation leaders from across Virginia and other states will participate in this high-caliber event.

Hosted by the Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, Virginia Port Authority, Virginia Department of Aviation, and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.

More information contact:
Cindy Wilkinson
Virginia Tech Transportation Institute
(540)-231-1547
E-mail: cwilkins@vtti.vt.edu

December 2007