Week of August 10-14

2026

Presidential Search Committee: Multiple listening sessions set for August 27-28 in Blacksburg

Five Presidential Search Committee listening sessions have been scheduled for August 27-28 in Blacksburg to enable members of the university community to share their insights on the characteristics they seek in the next Virginia Tech president.

Administrative and Professional Faculty Senate
August 27 9:00-10:00 a.m. — North End Center, Room 2420
Staff Senate (open to all staff)
August 27 10:00-11:00 a.m. — North End Center, Room 2420
Graduate and Professional Student Senate (open to all graduate students)
August 27 5:00-6:00 p.m. — Graduate Life Center Multi-Purpose Room
Undergraduate Student Senate
August 27 6:30-7:30 p.m. — Squires Colonial Hall
Faculty Senate (open to all faculty)
August 28 2:30-3:30 p.m. — 1000 Torgersen Hall

A survey is also currently available for anyone who is unable to attend or would like to provide input prior to the listening sessions in Blacksburg.

For more information, read this listening session campus notice or visit the Presidential Search Committee website.

Provost’s Office: Change to research leave request process, approval authority

At the June Board of Visitors (BOV) meeting, the Provost’s Office was delegated the authority to approve research leaves requests for the university. This authority provides flexibility with the deadlines for submission of requests, which have updated in both the Faculty Handbook and on the Research Leaves webpage.

Research leave requests for faculty taking full year leaves or fall semester leaves will have to submit their requests by November 1, with approval confirmation from the Provost’s Office expected in January.
Requests for spring semester leaves will be due on February 1, with approval confirmation from the Provost’s Office expected in April.
Faculty who are applying for a research leave while simultaneously going through the tenure review process can apply according to the above deadlines, but Provost’s Office approval will not be sent until after tenure is approved by the BOV at their June meeting.

The Provost’s Office anticipates these revised deadlines will allow some additional flexibility for faculty in planning for their leaves, while preserving appropriate timelines for department and school leadership to plan for coverage.

For more information, refer to Section 3.8 (Research Leaves) of the Faculty Handbook or email Rachel Gabriele in the Office of Faculty Affairs.

CETL: Faculty, instructors invited to join teaching and learning Communities of Practice

The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) invites faculty and instructors to join a Community of Practice during the fall 2026 semester and explore topics relevant to your teaching experiences, interests, and needs.

Communities of Practice (CoP) at Virginia Tech provide opportunities to connect with faculty colleagues, share student engagement strategies, and support one another in teaching activities. Each CoP meets virtually a few times during the semester, making it easy to participate when your schedule allows.

For more information and detailed descriptions of these CoPs and other resources, visit the Faculty Development Opportunities webpage or email CETL.

Reminder: New Faculty Welcome 2026 set for August 17-18

The Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost invites incoming faculty to participate in Virginia Tech’s 2026 New Faculty Welcome set for August 17-18 in Blacksburg. The event is free to attend, but registration is required.

The annual event, hosted by Faculty Affairs in partnership with units across the university, is designed to provide overview information about the university, perspectives from current faculty, and an opportunity to network with colleagues and leadership. Faculty who have joined Virginia Tech between August 10, 2025, and August 10, 2026, are cordially invited.

Presentations, information, and resources from past years' events are available on the New Faculty Welcome page. Faculty are encouraged to check this webpage periodically before and after the event for updated information and resources.

For more information, visit the New Faculty Welcome webpage or email Leslie Stevens in the Office of Faculty Affairs.

ICYMI: Important travel guidance for faculty, staff awaiting immigration extensions

Recent news reports describe U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detaining some travelers whose Form I-94 admission periods have expired as they pass through U.S. airports, including individuals with pending immigration filings.

Although it remains unclear whether these cases reflect a formal policy change or inconsistent enforcement practices, Global Strategic Services (GSS) is sharing precautionary guidance for Virginia Tech employees whose I-94 has expired while a timely filed immigration petition remains pending.

Until more is known, GSS recommends the following precautions:

If your I-94 has expired and your extension remains pending, carefully consider alternatives to domestic air travel.
If air travel is essential and your immigration extension is still pending with USCIS, contact GSS well in advance of your scheduled trip.
If your I-94 will expire within the next six months, work with your department and GSS to begin the extension process as early as possible.
When traveling domestically or internationally, carry your passport, a copy of your most recent I-94, and the immigration documents that apply to your current legal status in the United States.
If your I-94 has expired and an extension has been filed but not yet approved by USCIS, carry a copy of the USCIS receipt notice for the extension.
After EVERY international trip, review your new I-94 record.

For more information and additional details on this important travel guidance, visit GSS’ Immigration Resources webpage or email GSS.

Additional Resources and Updates

Leadership Spotlight: Virginia Tech Presidential Search Information

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.