Week of April 8-12

2024

Board of Visitors: Quarterly board, committee meetings to take place April 8-9

The Virginia Tech Board of Visitors (BOV) will hold its quarterly meeting on Tuesday, April 9 at 1:15 p.m. in 2100 Torgersen Hall on the Blacksburg campus. All board members will also meet in open session and attend an information session on April 8 at 1:30 p.m. in 2100 Torgersen Hall.

Individual committee meetings and other sessions will be held today and tomorrow (April 8-9) at locations in Blacksburg and on the Virginia Tech campus. During the meetings, board members will receive reports and updates on the university’s Global Distinction initiative, information technology, and agricultural facilities, and will consider a resolution on 2024-25 tuition and fee rates.

The April 8 information session and the April 9 full board meeting will be livestreamed. To view either meeting, visit the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors website. Public comment will not be received during the sessions.

For more information including topics on the agenda and a schedule of committee meetings, read this campus notice or visit the BOV website. If you encounter any issues with the livestream, please call Virginia Tech 4-Help at 540-231-2280.

Research and Innovation: National Science Foundation CAREER Program Workshop

The Office of Research and Innovation is hosting a two-hour National Science Foundation CAREER program workshop for Virginia Tech junior level, tenure-track faculty to learn how to prepare effective proposals for the National Science Foundation’s CAREER Award program.

The workshop will take place April 29 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. in Kelly Hall, Room 310 on the Blacksburg campus or virtually via Zoom. There is no cost, but registration is required for either the in-person or virtual option.

Randy Heflin, senior associate vice president for Research and Innovation, will provide an overview of the CAREER program, strategies for developing a successful submission, and tips on creating a compelling Project Summary. Additionally, recent CAREER award recipients will discuss their experiences followed by Q&A session.

For more information, read this campus notice or visit the Research and Innovation events webpage. If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please email Robyn Smyth or call 540-231-1602 during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Faculty Affairs: Information session for Virginia Tech faculty on Fulbright U.S. Scholars Program

Virginia Tech faculty interested in learning more about the Fulbright U.S. Scholars Program are invited to register for a virtual information session on April 22 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Fulbright awards are available to scholars of every discipline and many are open to artistic and professional projects.

Each year, the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offers diverse opportunities for U.S. academics, administrators, and professionals to teach, conduct research, contribute to professional projects, and attend seminars abroad. The program offers over 400 awards in more than 135 countries for U.S. citizens to develop enhanced skills, new connections, and promote a greater mutual understanding of impactful work.

Speakers at the April 22 workshop will include representatives from the Institute of International Education who will discuss award opportunities, the application and selection process, and answer questions regarding the program. The session will also include a member of the Provost’s Office who will share information about fellowship leave at Virginia Tech.

For more information including eligibility, timelines, the application process, and FAQs, visit the Fulbright U.S. Scholars Program website or email Nicole Sanderlin, Virginia Tech’s Fulbright Scholar liaison.

SIRC: Guidance on using artificial intelligence (AI) during research activities

The Division of Scholarly Integrity and Research Compliance (SIRC) in Research and Innovation has worked with campus stakeholders to develop guidelines for members of the Virginia Tech community who are using, or interested in using, artificial intelligence (AI) in the design, conduct, and dissemination of research. As technology continues to advance, it is essential for the research community to stay informed about emerging technologies to ensure responsible and ethical practices.

As researchers explore the opportunities and challenges presented by generative AI across various disciplines, it is important for the university to address potential risks and concerns, and to be aware of how this guidance interacts with other policies, ethics, and governing legal authority.

This guidance is not intended as legal advice or as an exhaustive set of best practices and should not be viewed as a final policy. Generative AI is rapidly evolving in terms of technology, deployment models, third-party relationships, terms of service, regulatory landscape, and academic-industry partnership structures.

For more information including PI and university responsibilities, ethical and compliance dimensions of using AI in research, and points of contact in SIRC, read this campus notice or download the AI guidance document.

ICYMI: Nominations for 2024-25 cohort of Provost’s Leadership Development Program

The Office of Faculty Affairs has announced a call for nominations for the 2024-25 cohort of the Provost’s Leadership Development Program (formerly Academic Leaders Program). Nominations are encouraged of faculty of all ranks and series who are interested in participating in the “Leading in Place” cohort.

The cohort will meet in-person throughout the semester. Seasoned leaders from around campus will be invited to join participants for lunches throughout the year to allow for broader campus networking opportunities. Program themes include:

Cultivating environment and culture
Developing communications skills/managing difficult conversations
Leading with emotional intelligence
Supporting a diverse and inclusive community
Ethical leadership
Building trust
The role of self-care in leadership

All applications should be submitted on or before April 15. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their nomination by May 15.

For more information including the process and online form for submitting nominations, visit the Provost’s Leadership Development Program website or email Rachel Gabriele in the Office of Faculty Affairs.

Additional Resources and Updates

Please submit a Google form or email Provost Communications for comments or recommendations to improve the Weekly Communications Update or to share faculty, staff, and academic program personnel information.

Visit the provost’s website frequently for new and updated university information. All members of the campus community should also read their VT News daily email for further important updates, notices, and resources.