Week of March 9-13

2026

From Provost Julie Ross: Continued support for those affected by conflict in Iran, Middle East

Provost Julie Ross recently shared a message with the academic community regarding Virginia Tech’s ongoing support for those impacted by the unrest in Iran and throughout the Middle East. Here are summary points from her message:

I want to reaffirm Virginia Tech’s steadfast support for students, faculty, and staff affected by the conflict in Iran and countries throughout the Middle East.
These events continue to be distressing, particularly for those who have family and loved ones impacted by the unrest or serving overseas in the military.
As I shared in my January message, the uncertainty and concern for loved ones can understandably affect well-being, focus, and capacity.
Please know that you are not alone in this crisis and support is available.
I would encourage all of us — especially those in teaching and supervisory positions — to continue leading with empathy, patience, and flexibility.
For faculty, this may mean offering reasonable accommodations to students who are navigating academic responsibilities while under emotional strain.
For supervisors and colleagues, it may be checking in, listening, and ensuring that faculty and staff know they are supported.
Thank you for your compassion, attentiveness, and continued commitment to supporting the well-being of our students, faculty, and staff.

For more information including a list of campus resources for those who may need additional assistance, read the full message of support from Provost Ross.

CETL: Resources, guidance for navigating difficult conversations in the classroom

Each semester, faculty and graduate teaching assistants (GTA) manage classroom debates and disruptions related to current events and intervene when a discussion on a complex topic goes awry. As the course instructor or GTA who sets the tone for classroom discussion, your disposition – the behavior you exhibit and the language you use – serves as a model for students.

The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), in partnership with Technology-Enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS), provides some strategies and resources for navigating challenging moments in the classroom so that student learning remains the focus.

Adopt a Disposition for Dialogue: Often, when students make a comment that we regard as problematic, what is needed from us is guidance so that we can engage students in thinking more carefully and critically about topics, and about their use of language.
Know When to Pause: Sometimes, despite our best efforts to be proactive and to model a disposition for dialogue, a disruption occurs and at times, a single voice dominates causing other students to disengage. Your leadership of the class can be undermined, making it impossible to continue.
Be Proactive: The best strategy is to be prepared and establish a classroom environment that fosters trust and common purpose among students.

For more information and additional details on these strategies and resources, visit the Navigating Difficult Conversations in the Classroom webpage or email CETL.

Faculty Affairs: P&T impacts from research grant, contract interruptions

Recognizing the concerns of pre-tenure, tenure-track faculty about the potential impacts of federal grant and contract disruptions on their research progress, and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding these disruptions, a recent memo from Faculty Affairs clarifies the promotion and tenure (P&T) mechanisms available to support those faculty affected.

Virginia Tech is committed to supporting faculty through unexpected professional challenges. To help mitigate the impact of funding disruptions, the Faculty Handbook (Section 3.4.1.3) allows for extensions of the probationary period in cases of “extraordinary professional circumstances not of the faculty member’s own making.”

Faculty who believe their research progress has been significantly affected are encouraged to consult with their department head, chair, or school director to discuss their specific circumstances. As the impacts become clearer, the Office of the Provost, in collaboration with departments and colleges, will carefully consider tenure clock extension requests to ensure faculty have the necessary support to succeed.

For more information, read the P&T disruption guidance memo, contact your department head/chair or school director, or email Faculty Affairs.

Facilities: Updates on traffic, pedestrian impacts due to spring semester construction projects

As a result of numerous capital construction, renovation, and maintenance projects taking place on the Blacksburg campus during the spring semester, the Division of Facilities reminds faculty and staff to expect periodic road and pedestrian route closures and traffic delays in limited areas of the campus.

Below is a list of active projects and areas where traffic and pedestrian impacts may occur. Please check below to see if your route or classroom/lab facility is affected.

For more information and an interactive map of impacted areas, read the campus notices in VT News for each impacted area or email Virginia Tech Facilities.

ICYMI: Spring Break 2026 is March 7-15

Spring Break 2026 takes place this week, March 7-15. In accordance with the university’s official academic calendar, undergraduate and graduate faculty are reminded that they should not hold any class meetings, have assignments due, or administer exams during spring break or any other designated student holiday.

The week of Spring Break is important to the mental health and wellness of all Virginia Tech students and faculty/instructors should preserve these as non-instructional, assignment, or assessment days.

Additional Resources and Updates

Newsletter Spotlight: The GCC Weekly (Global Change Center)

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.