Week of April 17-21

TLOS: Faculty, staff using Zoom required to install desktop, mobile software updates

Beginning May 1, Virginia Tech Zoom users running outdated desktop or mobile software will be prompted to install updates before their next Zoom session can be initiated. Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS) encourages faculty and staff to update as soon as possible to access the newest features and avoid meeting delays.

Zoom continuously improves its software by adding new features and enhancing security settings. However, many users are missing out on the latest features because their software is out of date. Updating to the most recent version of Zoom gives users access to the latest features, plus, when all users have the most recent software installed, they experience enhanced collaboration and interaction within meetings and webinars.

TLOS is the service provider for Zoom at Virginia Tech. For assistance with updating software, contact 4Help.vt.edu. For department managed devices, users should check with their IT team for assistance.

InclusiveVT: Applications now open for Future Faculty Diversity Program

The Office of Inclusion and Diversity is excited to announce the 13^th annual Future Faculty Diversity Program, taking place October 1-4, 2003, at The Inn at Virginia Tech. The program is designed to help departments identify and recruit talented scholars from historically underrepresented populations, specifically U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are African Americans, Hispanics/Latinx, American Indian/Alaska Natives, and Pacific Islanders.

Current Ph.D./MFA candidates or post-docs not affiliated with Virginia Tech, within one year of pursuing a faculty position, and of a caliber to be competitive for a position are strongly encouraged to apply. The deadline to apply is August 15, 2023.

Since 2019, 54 participating fellows have received offers at Virginia Tech, and more than 70 percent of them have joined the university as tenure-track faculty members.

Benefits of the Program:

• Identify and recruit diverse talent who could succeed at Virginia Tech 
• Advance Virginia Tech’s Strategic Plan diversity goals

Selection Process:

• Applications will be shared with Academic Diversity Directors by August 18. 
• Departments and colleges will have until September 1 to provide a list of fellows to invite. 
• Host departments will be responsible for creating an interview schedule on October 3 that includes meetings with key faculty, students, the faculty liaison, and a job talk.

At Virginia Tech, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community that fosters creativity, innovation, and excellence. We believe that by bringing together individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives, we can drive positive change in our communities and beyond. The Future Faculty Diversity Program is just one example of our commitment to supporting and nurturing the next generation of scholars and leaders.

Departments are asked to please share this opportunity widely with faculty and within professional networks.

For more information, please visit the Future Faculty Diversity Program website or email Erica Cooper in the Office of Inclusion and Diversity.

Policy and Governance: Update to Policy 4815 – Minors at Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech has recently updated Policy 4815: Minors at Virginia Tech which was established to bring awareness to the presence of minors in programs conducted or hosted by the university and to prescribe minimum requirements for the screening and training of individuals working with minors. The policy was revised to reflect the creation of the Virginia Tech Office of Youth Protection, compliance expectations, criminal background screening requirements depending on role, and expanded training requirements.

The university is committed to the safety and welfare of its students, faculty, staff, and visitors through the establishment of reasonable practices that support a safe and secure environment in all university facilities, as well as to promote safety through policies and programs.

If faculty or academic program staff are planning to work with minors or invite them to participate in a program hosted at Virginia Tech, please review carefully the revised policy.

The Office of Youth Protection is available to answers questions that faculty and program staff may have about planning events, activities, programs, or camps serving minors. Their website contains information and offers guidance concerning training, screening, and supervision plans.

If you have any questions or need more information about Policy 4815 or programs with minors at Virginia Tech, please read this campus notice or email the Youth Protection Associate Specialist.

ICAT: Virginia Tech community invited to Creativity and Innovation Day 2023

The Institute of Creativity, Arts, and Technology (ICAT) invites the campus and local communities to Creativity and Innovation Day 2023, Monday, May 1 at the Moss Arts Center. Faculty, staff, students and community guests are encouraged to come and experience a full day of inspiring interactions and fun at the intersections of science, engineering, arts, and design.

For more than a decade, ICAT has hosted the annual celebration and dynamic public showcase of creativity and innovation by Virginia Tech students and faculty. This year’s theme is “Beyond” where ICAT will focus on the kinds of work people do beyond a transdisciplinary education, how disciplines and identity are intertwined, and how that can help and transform.

Creativity and Innovation Day 2023 will include a panel discussion, a variety of incredible exhibits, and more. Exhibits will be staffed from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. as ICAT brings together individuals across disciplines and the public to learn and engage with each other. This celebration will allow guests to explore how students and faculty use their expertise to solve complex problems and allow you to learn more about their recent work.

Creativity and Innovation Day 2023:

• 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Exhibits open at Moss Arts Center 
• 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. – Panel discussion and awards presentation at Creativity and Innovation District (CID) building 
• 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Reception at CID 
• 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Rhizome community student projects at CID

For more information including bios for the panel discussion participants, please visit the Creativity and Innovation Day 2023 website.

ICYMI: Proposals for 4-VA Collaborative Research Grants due April 24

The Provost’s Office invites proposals for funded research activity through a 4-VA Collaborative Research Grant. These awards are managed by Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS). 4-VA is a collaborative effort of eight institutions in Virginia, including Virginia Tech, working together to realize Virginia’s goals for higher education.

Review of proposals will take place on a rolling basis through the deadline for submissions, April 24. Awards will be announced beginning May 8.

Collaborative Research Grants are intended to promote partnerships that leverage the strengths of each university, establish inter-institutional relationships, and prepare for proposals to larger external funding sources. Grants of up to $30,000 are available to support research projects headed by a Virginia Tech faculty member as principal investigator and require at least one named faculty collaborator from another 4-VA member institution.

Funded research activity would begin after the start of the coming fiscal year (July 1, 2023) and all funds awarded must be expended by the end of that fiscal year (June 30, 2024). Funds can be applied to expenses such as graduate student positions (including salary and tuition), hourly student wage positions, supplies, materials, travel, and software. Software licenses requested must be currently approved for purchase by Virginia Tech.

To submit a proposal for a Collaborative Research Grant, interested faculty should complete the Spring 2023 4-VA Collaborative Research Grants Proposal Submission Form using the Proposal Template provided.

For more information on the 4-VA Collaborative Research Grants, please read this campus notice or email Lujean Baab, senior director of Grants and Awards and 4-VA Campus Coordinator.

Additional Resources and Updates

• Campus invited to Lunch and Learn with ECE Initiatives
  Posted-April 20
  Topic is “What You Need to Know About Raising a Child with a Disability: Navigating Services and Creating a Happy Home.”
• Fralin Life Sciences Institute hosts research resources open house
  Posted-April 19
  FSLI will host its first research resources open house on April 27 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Steger Hall on the Blacksburg campus.
• CCI Cyber research engagement program proposals due May 5
  Posted-April 19
  CCI SW Virginia’s research areas highlight cybersecurity around fast, secure, and customizable communications systems and technologies. 
• Retirement education opportunities available to employees
  Posted-April 15
  Webinars presented by TIAA and Fidelity will be available to university employees and will cover a variety of retirement-related topics.
• Parking enforcement at The Inn at Virginia Tech
  Posted-April 10
  As a reminder, parking at The Inn at Virginia Tech is for guests, per attending events at the Inn, and Virginia Tech F/S/V permit holders.
• Passport delays for issuance and renewals (up to 13 weeks)
  Posted-April 6
  Global Education Office encourages students and employees planning international travel to begin the process as soon as possible.