Graduate School Bulletin
A publication of the Graduate School for Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators
Postings are distributed to the Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators listservs on the 1st and 16th of each month and are also available on our public blog: https://monthlymemo.graduateschool.vt.edu/
May 1, 2026
In this bulletin:
Meetings, Workshops, & Events
1. GPD/GC Meeting Reminder
2. Virginia Tech AI Teaching Symposium
Deadlines & Dates to Remember
None at this time.
Policy Updates
None at this time.
Administrative Announcements
3. ADA Title II Digital Accessibility for ETDs Requirement
4. Supporting International Students Facing Summer Hardship
5. Assistantship Bridge Funding
Announcements for Distribution to Students
None at this time.
Meetings, Workshops, & Events
1. GPD/GC Meeting Reminder
Tuesday, May 5, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
This is a reminder of the upcoming monthly Graduate Program Director and Graduate Coordinator meeting. View the meeting agenda
If you are not currently included in the calendar invitation or need access to the Teams channel, please email gsdean@vt.edu.
2. Virginia Tech AI Teaching Symposium
Thursday, August 13, 2026, Blacksburg Campus
Virginia Tech will host its first AI Teaching Symposium on August 13, 2026, at the Blacksburg campus. Please share this event with instructional faculty, graduate students, and teaching support staff in your unit.
The symposium theme, “AI On / AI Off: The Balance of Human-Centered AI,” recognizes the broad range of perspectives held by our faculty regarding AI in teaching, with a goal of creating a space for thoughtful dialogue across all these viewpoints. We are seeking proposals that explore when and why faculty choose to integrate AI into teaching, when and why they choose to restrict it, and how they make intentional decisions that enhance student learning.
More information is available in the campus notice and on the symposium website. Details on the keynote speaker and full schedule will be posted soon. Questions may be directed to tlos@vt.edu.
Administrative Announcements
3. ADA Title II Digital Accessibility for ETDs Requirement
In compliance with the Code of Virginia Information Technology Access Act, effective April 24, 2026, the Graduate School will require that all ETDs must conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). ETD authors are required to ensure their document meets WCAG guidelines prior to submission to the Graduate School. The Graduate School staff will verify any submitted ETD meets these guidelines during review of the ETD and prior to approval. For more information on how to ensure your ETD meets digital accessibility guidelines, utilize the library’s Guidelines for Accessibility in ETD Submissions webpage.
4. Supporting International Students Facing Summer Hardship
A resource guide developed by the Cranwell International Center and other campus offices is now available to help advisors and staff support international students facing hardship this summer due to immigration uncertainty. The guide covers financial and basic needs, work authorization, mental health, and academic progress.
The guide is stored in the GPD Teams channel here: International Student Summer Support.
If you do not have access, please email gsdean@vt.edu.
5. Assistantship Bridge Funding
Funding from the Graduate School and Provost is available to bridge student funding in cases where grants have been terminated or promised funding has been delayed. Before requesting support, it is expected that: 1) the advisor has determined they do not have funding or only partial funding for the student, and 2) the department does not have the means to fund the student. Requests should be made through the following form: Assistantship Bridge Funding Request. —
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