Week of August 21-25

2023

Message from Provost Cyril Clarke: Welcome to the 2023-24 academic year

Provost Cyril Clarke shared a message this week to welcome faculty and academic program staff to the 2023-24 academic year, and provide important information and updates on university initiatives, resources, and announcements that will impact Virginia Tech’s academic and research efforts.

Read the full message from Provost Clarke or visit the provost’s website.

From the Graduate School and TLOS: Statement regarding generative AI

Aimée Surprenant, dean of the Graduate School, and Dale Pike, associate vice provost for Technology-enhanced Learning (TLOS), posted a statement this week regarding generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, and how these emerging technologies might impact teaching and research.

As graduate instructors and graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) consider how to address these issues in their classes, they are encouraged to keep the following guidelines in mind:

Begin familiarizing yourself with the technology and its implications.
Have an open discussion with students on responsible AI use and citation expectations. Ground your conversation in the principles contained in the Undergraduate and/or Graduate Honor Code to help students see this as a matter of academic integrity.
Update your syllabi to directly address use of generative AI and establish policies for citing its use in your courses.
Focus assignments on applying skills and knowledge over reciting facts. Emphasize critical analysis, individual perspectives, and personal reflection where appropriate.
Consider formative assessment strategies that emphasize learning processes over summative assessment strategies that emphasize the finished product.

Read the full statement from Dean Surprenant and AVP Pike or visit the TLOS website.

CETL: Welcome Back Symposium 2023 – Student Engagement and Strategies for Learning

The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) invites faculty to join colleagues for the Welcome Back Symposium 2023: Student Engagement and Strategies for Learning.

The online symposium will be held on Friday, September 8, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The event is free to attend, but registration is required.

Throughout the morning, participants will hear from colleagues about their teaching strategies for fostering student engagement and enhancing student learning. Participants will receive a copy of Daniels' book, “A Concise Guide to Improving Student Learning: Six Evidence-Based Principles and How to Apply Them.”

Program schedule:

9:00 – 9:40 a.m.: Symposium Welcome and Opening Keynote: Mary B. Daniels, Strategies for Enhanced Learning
9:45 – 10:15 a.m.: Concurrent Session 1
10:20 – 10:50 a.m.: Concurrent Session 2
10:55 – 11:25 a.m.: Concurrent Session 3
11:30 – 12:00 a.m.: Closing Keynote: Dan Cannity, Not Just a Threat: Using the Momentum of AI to Enhance Learning

For more information or if you have questions about the symposium, email CETL or visit the CETL website.

Scholarly Integrity and Research Compliance: Disclosure guidance, requirements for faculty

The Office of Scholarly Integrity and Research Compliance (SIRC) provides disclosure guidance for faculty and staff to report outside activities and certain financial interests through the university’s Disclosure and Management System (Policy 13010). As there are many disclosure and COI stakeholders across the university, the Disclosure and Management System is designed to reduce duplication. This process is automated and synchronous to the extent possible.

Initial disclosures must be submitted before the outside activity, sponsored research, or university contract begins. Disclosures must be updated within 30 days of any changes (e.g., when payments are received from the entity) and renewed annually, as needed.

The three circumstances that correspond to a module on the disclosure system’s landing page are as follows:

You want to consult or work for an outside entity.
You are a PI/co-I on an awarded sponsored research project (i.e., an Investigator).
You or an immediate family member have a financial interest related to university contracting.

For more information on guidance, procedures, and requirements as well as a Disclosure Decision Tree, visit the SIRC’s Disclosure Guidance website.

ICYMI: Global Strategic Services offers information sessions for new international faculty

All new international faculty at Virginia Tech are invited to an information session with Global Strategic Services (formerly: International Support Services) office staff. Sessions will be held at The Inn at Virginia Tech on Wednesday, September 6 from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursday, September 7 from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Plan to attend the session that best fits your schedule and learn:

Rules to maintain your nonimmigrant (H-1B, J-1, TN) status
When to renew your nonimmigrant status
How to obtain a Virginia driver’s license
Steps to obtain a visa in your passport (and if it is really necessary)
Work authorization options for spouses
Permanent residency (a/k/a “green card”) process and options for our international faculty

For more information, read this campus notice or email Kim Rhodes in Outreach and International Affairs. RSVP by September 1 and indicate which session you plan to attend.

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.