Week of February 2-6

2026

Virginia Tech: Panel discussion on academic freedom, freedom of expression set for February 26

Faculty Senate, Faculty Affairs, and the Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention invite faculty and staff to attend a panel discussion on academic freedom and freedom of expression — core principles of the university and essential to the work faculty do as scholars, teachers, and citizens of the academy.

This important event will take place on February 26 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in the Holtzman Alumni Center Auditorium. Featured panelists include:

Timothy D. Sands: President of Virginia Tech
Tom Ginsburg: Leo Spitz Distinguished Service Professor of International Law and Faculty Director of the Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression at the University of Chicago
Robin Queen: L. Preston Wade Professor of Engineering, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Chair of the Virginia Tech Task Force on Freedom of Expression and Inquiry

During the discussion, panelists will explore the meaning, boundaries, and practical challenges of academic freedom and freedom of expression in today’s higher-education landscape. A reception will follow.

For more information, email Ron Fricker, vice provost for Faculty Affairs. Additional details will be shared soon though the provost’s weekly update and VT News.

Center for the Arts: Faculty, instructors invited to schedule gallery visits for spring classes

The Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech invites faculty and instructors who are looking for a dynamic way to engage their classes to schedule a gallery visit of tour during the spring 2026 semester. The center offers the opportunity for gallery experiences tailored to course goals, learning outcomes, and assignments.

Spring 2026 exhibitions feature solo shows by Abigail Lucien and Didier William — two artists shaped by Haitian heritage and diasporic experience. Center tour options range from guided discussions with gallery staff to independent exploration, all designed to support meaningful student engagement with arts.

Galleries are open for class visits Tuesday–Friday from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

For more information or to schedule a group tour or class visit, read this Center for the Arts class visits campus notice or email the Center for the Arts.

Undergraduate Academic Affairs: Save the date for Summer Institute 2026

Mark your calendars — the Summer Institute returns May 20-22. Since 2014, the Summer Institute has provided faculty, staff, administrators, and graduate students the chance to gather in May to learn, share, and grow in a collaborative and supportive teaching and learning community.

Hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Curriculum in Undergraduate Academic Affairs, this year’s event will feature a mix of keynote and plenary sessions, workshops, and small-group discussions, and will address some of the most important issues facing higher education including:

Educating in the era of AI
Supporting student development, growth, and belonging
Teaching in an accessible manner that serves all students
Honing the foundations of good teaching and learning

For more information, read this Summer Institute 2026 campus notice or visit the institute webpage. Registration will open in March.

Faculty Affairs: Updates to leadership, support for faculty through Dual Career Program

Housed within Faculty Affairs, Virginia Tech’s Dual Career Program provides specialized support for the spouses and partners of T&R faculty who are navigating employment transitions as part of a faculty recruitment or retention process.

Anna LoMascolo recently joined the Faculty Affairs team as senior director for Work-Life Initiatives and will lead the Dual Career Program to support faculty during employment transitions as part of a faculty recruitment or retention process. She and the program team serve as knowledgeable partners in the search process, helping individuals understand the employment landscape and make informed decisions.

Dual career assistance is available to spouses and partners of newly recruited T&R faculty during the faculty member’s first year of employment at Virginia Tech. The program works collaboratively with participants to tailor support to specific needs.

For more information, download this program brochure, visit the Dual Career Program webpage, or email Anna LoMascolo.

ICYMI from Provost Ross: Honored to serve as Executive Vice President and Provost

Provost Julie Ross recently shared a message with the academic community as she begins her role as Virginia Tech’s new executive vice president and provost. Here are summary points from the message:

I am honored to begin my service as your executive vice president and provost, and look forward to working together to achieve our goals and priorities.
Virginia Tech is a university with extraordinary vision, momentum, and purpose, and one whose success is built upon our strength of faculty scholarship, innovation, and collaboration.
My role as provost is to advance our areas of excellence by ensuring resources and investments are aligned, and appropriate for long-term success.
Clear communication, transparency around academic priorities, and a shared understanding of our challenges and opportunities is equally important.
Over the next few months, I plan to spend significant time listening to your ideas, understanding your challenges, and learning from your experiences.
I believe strongly that our people are the foundation and the heart of this institution and its success.
You - our faculty, staff, academic leaders, and partners - and your ability to identify compelling ideas, connect creatively across disciplines, and advance Virginia Tech’s mission are why I am excited to serve as your provost.
I am excited about the work ahead and grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve you, your colleagues, and this outstanding university community.

Read the full message from Provost Ross on the Office of the Provost website. Also read Virginia Tech Magazine's, "Energized leadership: A Q&A with Julie Ross.”

Additional Resources and Updates

Newsletter Spotlight: TLOS Professional Development Network

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.