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Week of August 31-September 4

2026

Message from Provost Julie Ross: Welcome to the 2026-27 academic year 

Executive Vice President and Provost Julie Ross shared a message last Thursday to welcome faculty and academic program staff to the 2026-27 academic year, and to provide important information and updates on university initiatives, priorities, and opportunities that will impact Virginia Tech’s academic and research efforts. 

"This is a pivotal time in the history of our institution, and you are an integral part of our future success. It is an honor to serve as your provost and to partner with you in mentoring our students during this transformative time in their lives.” 

Read the full message from Provost Ross on the Office of the Provost website. 

HokieAI: New capabilities to support faculty in teaching, learning, and research activities 

Virginia Tech has launched its new university-supported AI platform, HokieAI, that provides metered access to vetted commercial models to support teaching, research, and administration activities. Available through Artificial Intelligence at Virginia Tech, the central hub for AI information, resources, and governance, HokieAI includes guidance for faculty and academic staff in support of: 

As HokieAI evolves and best practices are expanded, faculty will see new AI models and more detailed guidance and resources for teaching and learning, and responsible and ethical AI principles, in accordance with Virginia Tech’s AI mission and vision and in alignment with the university’s AI governance structure. 

For more information including training opportunities, tools and access, and HokieAI FAQs, visit the HokieAI overview website. 

University Libraries: Semester-long technology, equipment lending for research and teaching 

University Libraries' Studios Technology Lending Desk has technology and equipment available for semester-long loan. The Long-Term Lending form is now open for the fall semester, with requests due September 9. The Lending Desk has a subset of equipment available for research, teaching, and personal projects. 

Faculty, staff, and students can fill out the online request form for equipment, and if requests exceed the amount of equipment available, recipients will be determined through a random lottery. 

Equipment pickup will be the week after approval, and must be returned within a week of the end of the fall semester. 

For more information, read this long-term technology lending campus notice or email the Studios Technology Lending Desk team in University Libraries.

CETL: Fall programs, resources to support faculty in enhancing teaching strategies 

The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) supports Virginia Tech faculty in advancing research-based teaching and learning design and strategies through certificate programs, learning communities, and workshop offerings. 

For the fall 2026 semester, the following are available to support the design, development, and implementation of learner-centered instruction: 

  • Book Clubs - Opportunities to build small community, explore topics presented in books identified as timely and supportive of teaching and learning.
  • CETL Workshops - Dynamic series of workshops designed to support inclusive, intentional, and effective teaching practices.
  • Communities of Practice (CoP) - Explore topics relevant to your teaching experiences, interests, and needs with fellow Virginia Tech faculty.
  • Principles of Effective Teaching (PET) Certificate Program - An opportunity for faculty to engage in and develop substantive knowledge and skills. 

For more information, visit CETL's Faculty Development Opportunities and Program Support webpage, or email CETL. 

ICYMI: Support for students through Virginia Tech's Early Academic Referral System 

Virginia Tech’s Early Academic Referral System (VT EARS) is a tool to assist faculty in proactively identifying and referring undergraduate students who may be experiencing academic difficulty early within a semester. Research indicates that intervention within the first 6-8 weeks of the semester can make a difference. 

VT EARS has a significant impact on student success because of its potential to:

  • Increase awareness of the academic support networks.
  • Reduce the number of undergraduate students on academic probation or suspension.
  • Reaffirm the institution’s commitment to at-risk students.
  • Increase engagement between faculty and undergraduate students.

For more information, visit the VT EARS webpage or email Academic Advising and Transition Support in the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs. NOTE: VT EARS is not intended for urgent, sensitive, time-critical referrals. If you have an emergency or require immediate assistance, please call 911 for the police. 

Additional Resources and Updates

Leadership Spotlight: Virginia Tech Presidential Search Information

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.