September & October Newsletter

At the Senate Meeting on September 30, guest speaker Dr. Meaghan K. Davidson spoke about the mission, services, and initiatives of the Dean of Students Office at Virginia Tech. Dr. Davidson shared information on the office’s role in providing support for students, from the moment they move in to graduation. Highlighting programs that address both academic and personal challenges. She also discussed data from the 2024–2025 academic year, including over 6,700 cases managed and significant involvement in Title IX, Student Conduct, and basic needs assistance. Additionally, Dr. Davidson outlined resources such as The Market at Virginia Tech and the Student Emergency Fund, which support students facing financial or food insecurity. Her presentation emphasized the Dean of Students Office’s commitment to fostering a caring environment where every Hokie can feel safe, supported, and successful.

At the Senate Meeting on October 14, guest speaker Mark Nichols presented on digital accessibility at Virginia Tech. He discussed the university’s ongoing efforts to ensure that all digital platforms, learning materials, and online tools are accessible to every student, faculty, and staff member. He emphasized the importance of universal design principles in creating inclusive digital environments and highlighted key strategies for improving accessibility across campus systems. He noted that all professors will have to adhere to these new expectations before releasing their Canvas pages for the upcoming spring semester. His presentation encouraged senators to consider accessibility in their own initiatives and to promote inclusive technology practices within their respective areas of representation.

At the Senate Meeting on October 28, guest speaker Carrie Cox, Senior Director of Auxiliary Services, presented on campus mail and transportation services. Cox provided an overview of how Virginia Tech’s Mail Services and Transportation departments support the daily operations and mobility of students, faculty, and staff. She shared data from the 2024–2025 academic year, including record-breaking package deliveries, which were over 153,000 for residential students, and spoke on the new advancements, such as scanning technology to improve tracking. While discussing Transportation Services, Cox detailed initiatives that promoted sustainable commuting options like biking, carpooling, and transit, as well as the ongoing development of the university’s Mobility Framework to enhance connectivity across campus. Her presentation showed Virginia Tech’s commitment to accessibility, efficiency, and sustainability in campus operations.