Week of June 1-5

2026

Faculty Affairs: Guidance for the protection of intellectual property in instructional materials

In an effort to support Virginia Tech faculty in protecting the integrity of instructional materials, Faculty Affairs has developed guidance that affirms intellectual property rights in instructional materials, and clarifies expectations for compliance with federal copyright law, including the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DCMA) of 1998.

These instructional materials, developed by Virginia Tech faculty and supported by the university’s resources and mission, represent the intellectual capital of both. Unauthorized recording, copying, or redistribution of such materials, whether by students or others, can infringe upon these rights, compromise academic integrity, and diminish the quality and fairness of the educational process.

Virginia Tech is committed to fostering a learning environment grounded in respect for intellectual work, the responsible use of educational materials, and adherence to the principles of copyright and scholarly integrity.

For more information, read this intellectual property guidance memo from Faculty Affairs, refer to Virginia Tech Policy 13000, or email Faculty Affairs.

TLOS: Accessibility Professional Certification Grant Program call for applications

Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Accessibility Professional Certification Grant Program.

Grant recipients will have the opportunity to develop cross-disciplinary knowledge of disabilities, accessibility, universal design, and the associated standards expertise and earn the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) certification.

Training topics include disabilities and assistive technologies; accessibility and universal design; and laws, standards, and organizational management. The program deadline for applications is Friday, August 14.

For more information and to submit an online application, read this Accessibility Professional Certification Grant campus notice or visit the program webpage.

ICTAS: Honorific awards program supports, elevates recognition of faculty achievement

The Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science (ICTAS) is home to Virginia Tech’s honorific awards program that supports and facilitates external and university award recognition for university faculty. As part of its mission to advance research and scholarship at Virginia Tech, ICTAS facilitates faculty awards through:

Maintaining updated lists of available awards and application requirements
Using data to strategically identify and evaluate promising opportunities
Curating resources that may be useful to faculty
Working as a liaison to faculty to support nominations and submissions on a case-by-case basis

Deans, department heads, and program faculty are encouraged to review the awards information and nominate faculty and colleagues. Resources are available regarding award deadlines, processes, and submitting a strong application.

For more information, visit ICTAS' honorific awards program website. Additional information about external awards support and resources are available on the Faculty Affairs and Research and Innovation websites.

Career and Professional Development: Summer appointments available for Iris Photo Booth

Career and Professional Development (CPD) is offering use of the Iris professional photo booth for faculty and staff during the summer. Appointments can be made between 8:00-11:45 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or 1:15-4:45 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, now through Friday, August 21.

The Iris Photo Booth is self-serve and is located on the second floor of Smith Career Center (across from McComas). Faculty and staff who are interested must make an appointment to utilize the booth.

For more information or to schedule time for you or your department, read this Iris Photo Booth campus notice or email Ashley Roberts in CPD.

ICYMI: Voluntary, incentivized early retirement program for select faculty

As part of this year’s annual resource review and planning process, Virginia Tech will be providing an opportunity for select tenured faculty in specific departments to participate in a voluntary, incentivized early retirement program.

Planning for this Tenured Retirement Incentive Program is currently in progress. Eligibility will be limited to tenured faculty within the approved units who, by December 31, 2026, will be at least 60 years of age and have completed a minimum of 10 years of service to the university.

Human Resources will be inviting eligible faculty to participate (via Virginia Tech email) during the week of June 1. Invited faculty will work with Human Resources to apply for the program by September 1, and approved retirements will be effective December 31, 2026. Individual eligibility information will not be available until early June when HR issues invitations.

For more information, contact your dean, department head/school director, or HR division director/manager. A list of program and eligibility FAQs for those needing additional information is also available.

Additional Resources and Updates

Leadership Spotlight: Virginia Tech Presidential Search Information

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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.