Week of June 10-14

2024

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.

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.

CETL: Programs, workshops 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. Throughout academic year, the following are available to support the design, development, and implementation of learner-centered instruction.

Adjunct/Contingent Faculty Development Program – Professional development program designed specifically for adjunct/contingent faculty.
Book Clubs – Investigate topics of interest in teaching and learning.
Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) – Professional development opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral associates seeking to gain teaching-related knowledge and skills.
Communities of Practice – Explore topics relevant to your teaching experiences, interests, and needs with fellow Virginia Tech faculty.
Experiential Learning Certificate Program – Explore theory and pedagogy and gain knowledge and skills around best practices for experiential learning.
Principles of Effective Teaching (PET) Certificate Program – An opportunity for faculty to engage in and develop substantive knowledge and skills.
Project-Based Learning – Learn about project-based learning at Virginia Tech.
Workshops – Designed to foster teaching and learning knowledge and skills.

For more information and to register for these offerings, visit CETL’s Programs webpage or email CETL.

InclusiveVT: Become Academic Allies for Inclusive Excellence

The Office for Inclusion and Diversity invites senior faculty in academic colleges to become Academic Allies for Inclusive Excellence (AAIE).

Formerly named White Allies for Transformational Leadership, the 2024-25 AAIE cohort is open to all department heads or chairs, school directors, or teaching faculty at the rank of Professor, who want to leverage their positional leadership to foster inclusive excellence in their units.

As a Transformational Leadership program, AAIE is designed to help faculty adopt and implement research-informed inclusive practices relating to their work in recruiting and retaining diverse faculty, fostering faculty success, and creating a welcoming and collegial environment where everyone thrives.

The first meeting of the 2024-25 cohort is at the Inclusive VT Summit on August 20.

For more information or to submit an application, please email Michele Deramo, associate vice provost for diversity education and engagement, or visit the InclusiveVT website.

Operations: Updated summer traffic, pedestrian impacts due to campus construction projects

As a result of numerous summer capital construction, renovation, and maintenance projects on the Blacksburg campus, the Division of Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities reminds faculty and staff to expect periodic road and pedestrian route closures and traffic delays in limited areas of the campus through August.

Below is a list of recently announced projects and areas where traffic and pedestrian impacts may occur:

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: Call for faculty proposals for ACC Innovation Initiative Research Grant Program

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and the Center for Research in Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill extend a call for proposals for the 5th Annual ACC Innovation Initiative Research Grant Program. Virginia Tech faculty are invited to submit a proposal for this competitive program designed to assist conference athletics administrators with data-driven decision-making.

Priority will be given to research related to the following topical areas:

Student-athlete welfare
Revenue generation and finance/budgeting-related topics
Organizational behavior and managerial issues within athletics departments
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)
Current issues including NCAA FBS Football governance structure, diversity, professionalization of college sports, sports wagering, transfer student-athletes, and scholarships.

An anticipated five to eight grants will be awarded from a total pool of $25,000. Faculty-led project budgets should fall in the range of $2,500 to $7,500, while student-led project budgets should range between $1,000-$3,000.

Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. on September 20.

For more information and proposal guidelines, read this campus notice or view the Request for Proposals guidelines document.

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.