Virginia Tech® home

Week of January 29-February 2

2024

Provost’s Office: CETL changes to better align functions, services with university priorities

In an effort to better align the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) with a number of strategic university initiatives, the Provost’s Office is in the process of reorganizing CETL to serve and support the academic and instructional needs of our faculty and their work on behalf of our students.

During the spring semester, functions within CETL that support university-wide teaching and learning goals will report to Catherine Amelink, associate vice provost for the Office of the Executive Vice Provost, who will serve as interim director. The functions associated with the Academy for Experiential Learning and the Bridge Experience program will remain in Undergraduate Academic Affairs. Jill Sible, associate vice provost for Undergraduate Education, will serve as interim director of the Academy of Experiential Learning.

CETL will continue to function as a distinct unit and this realignment is intended to allow for continued programming and support that serves faculty and students at all levels within Virginia Tech. Similarly, consistent leadership in and partnership with Undergraduate Academic Affairs will best position the Academy of Experiential Learning to support strategic goals connected to undergraduate education.

For more information on CETL and their staff, services, and teaching resources for the university community, please visit the CETL website.

Research and Innovation: Guidance on using 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 tools and technologies to ensure responsible and ethical practices.

Generative AI, a type of artificial intelligence that enables computers to create original content, poses both opportunities and challenges. As researchers explore this innovative new technology across various disciplines, it is important 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.

Graduate School: Dean to host brown-bag lunch series, discussions on mentoring

As part of the Graduate School’s commitment to provide a variety of mentoring support services and programs, Dean Aimée Surprenant will be launching a roving brown-bag lunch series intended to create and cultivate a community of practice with discussions on “Mentoring: Challenges, Opportunities, and Experiences.”

As a first step, the Graduate School is seeking to identify those who would be interested in entering into these conversations. Space has been reserved in several locations in Blacksburg and northern Virginia during the spring semester to visit with the dean and hear from the university community. A Zoom option will also be available. The dates, times, and locations are as follows:

  • February 6, 12:00 – 1:15 p.m.
    Northern Virginia Center (Falls Church), Room T-3
  • March 18, 12:00 – 1:15 p.m.
    Stegar Hall (Blacksburg), Conference Room 118
  • April 16, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
    Torgersen Hall (Blacksburg), Room 3310

Faculty, staff, and graduate students are invited to attend one or more lunch meetings with Dean Surprenant. These gatherings will include engaged discussions about challenges, opportunities, experiences, and successes around mentoring. Attendees can bring their lunch or just come and participate.

For more information on the brown-bag series or joining the mentoring discussions, read this campus notice or contact the Graduate School.

CETL: Faculty, instructors invited to join teaching and learning communities of practice

The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) has created five teaching and learning communities of practice (CoP) where faculty and instructors can delve into pertinent topics, exchange ideas, and explore practical approaches to enhance your teaching. All CoP meetings will be held on select Fridays through the spring semester via Zoom.

For more information and detailed descriptions of these CoPs, visit the CETL programs website or email CETL.

ICYMI: TLOS’ Top 10 teaching tools, resources for faculty for a successful spring semester

The start of a new year is a time for resolutions, reflection, and fresh opportunities. In its Top 10 for the spring semester, Technology-Enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS) has collected updates on tools and processes, calls to action, and a chance for recognition of faculty accomplishments. As spring classes get underway, TLOS hopes the following topics will assist faculty and instructors in preparing for a successful semester.

  1. Use Gradescope in your courses 
  2. Apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles 
  3. Be ready for Google storage and email changes
  4. Leverage Zoom’s AI features
  5. Request assistance with instructional media, video, and graphics 
  6. Try out the redesigned Canvas Discussion tool
  7. Prepare for Kaltura media storage changes 
  8. Register for generative AI workshops
  9. Transition to Google Assignments LTI 1.3
  10. Submit an XCaliber Award nomination

For more information and descriptions of these resources, visit the TLOS Top 10 webpage or email TLOS for questions or to share an idea.

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.