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Week of October 9-13

2023

Faculty Affairs: Key accomplishments, goals for the coming year outlined in 2022-23 Annual Report

Achieving Virginia Tech’s vision of becoming a Top 100 global land grant university requires an accomplished, successful, world-class faculty. The Office of Faculty Affairs, in its recently released 2022-23 Annual Report, describes key accomplishments from the past year, goals for current academic year, and the pivotal role it plays in supporting faculty success and empowering faculty excellence.

In the annual report, Faculty Affairs details its success in supporting faculty recruitment, advancement, and retention; faculty development; management of the promotion and tenure process; and fostering a culture of faculty recognition. Additionally, Faculty Affairs collaborates with colleges on faculty retention strategies, assists in conflict resolution, promotes diversity and inclusion, and participates in university governance processes.

The report also outlines Faculty Affairs’ continuing strategic planning effort to clearly define its plans and goals for the coming year and beyond. Faculty Affairs’ overarching goals are designed to support the university’s strategic plan and the Provost’s Office goals and priorities for the academic enterprise.

For more information, read the 2022-23 Annual Report or email Faculty Affairs.

From President Tim Sands: Statement on attacks in Israel, resources for university community

President Tim Sands shared a message with the university community this week regarding the horrific terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel that have claimed the lives of over 1,000 peaceful civilians – including more than 20 Americans – injured thousands, and devastated communities. Many of our Virginia Tech students and employees have ties to the region, and we know this is a very difficult time for them.

Members of the university community who seek support or assistance are encouraged to contact these resources:

For more information, read President Sands’ message to the campus community.

University Libraries: Trials for several databases, resources available throughout October

University Libraries, through its Department of Collections and Technical Services, has arranged trials for several databases, including African Commons and South Commons from Coherent Digital, Visible Body, Overton, AOAC Analysis, Rare Book Hub, and OntheBoards.tv. Additionally, collections from Wiley, Readex, Librairie Droz, including Environmental Science and History Archive and BBC Monitoring, are available for use during this period.

These databases are accessible to the entire Virginia Tech community through October 31, and University Libraries hopes faculty will provide feedback on how these resources support their research and teaching needs.

Information about current trials is available on the Resource Trials page. These databases are also listed on the A-Z Databases list for the duration of the trial period.

Please provide feedback on these resources via the survey forms linked in the description boxes for each of the trials listed.

For more information, read this campus notice or visit University Libraries’ Resource Trials page.

Research and Innovation: Seminar on collaborating with Virginia Tech's investment institutes

Virginia Tech’s investment institutes fuel research and faculty development by investing in high-risk, high-reward projects and convening thought leaders in their respective disciplinary focus areas. These investment institutes leverage university funds to invest in targeted research areas with a particular emphasis on interdisciplinary programs.

As part of its Research Development Series (RDS), the Office of Research and Innovation invites faculty and academic staff to a seminar titled, “Collaborating with Virginia Tech's Investment Institutes,” October 19 from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. in 2420 North End Center and via Zoom.

During the seminar, attendees will learn about the specific kinds of research being conducted in each institute and the support, resources, and collaborations that are available. Support may include recruitment, retention and recognition of faculty, seed funds for new research projects, equipment purchases, support and management of core facilities, graduate student recruitment, undergraduate experiential learning opportunities, and research-related outreach activities.

For more information or to register, visit the seminar event page. If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation, email Robyn Smyth or call 540-231-1602 during business hours, at least 10 business days prior to the event.

ICYMI: Provide your feedback on Virginia Tech's shared governance system

The Office of Policy and Governance and University Council Cabinet would appreciate faculty and staff feedback through an online survey about Virginia Tech's shared governance system. Input will be used to help gauge how informed the university community is about what is happening in the governance system and whether Virginia Tech students, faculty, and staff feel they know how to become involved in one of the shared governance bodies.

The University Council Cabinet has contracted with QuestionPro, an independent research firm, to field confidential and secure survey responses. Survey results will be reported to the University Council Cabinet in the aggregate without any personally identifying information.

Faculty and staff are asked to complete the online survey by Monday, October 16.

For more information, read this campus notice or email April Myers, Director of Governance Administration and Secretary to University Council.

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.