Dr. Mari Ramler and Dr. Paulina Bounds with their students led a special session at the JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention on November 14, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. With over 5,000 convention participants, featured speakers Professors Ramler and Bounds stressed the importance of teaching digital literacy at Tennessee Tech University. Students taught AI tools such as ChatGPT, Sora, Wan, Pi, Copilot, and Gamma to over 200 students. Many thanks to TTU English instructor Joy McCaleb Poteet for this special invitation. Pictured from left to right: Morgan Henderson, Dr. Paulina Bounds, Grace Grubbs, Katie Barnes, Zach Martini, Lucas Buckner, Folashade Roberts, Dr. Mari Ramler, Nimotallahi Azeez, and Quin Thurman.
Category: Academics
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Submissions for Non-Instructional Faculty Assignments Due January 9
Non-instructional faculty assignments (NIFA) proposals are due to department chairs/directors by January 9, 2026. NIFA are designed to contribute to the professional growth of the faculty, improve teaching and curriculum across the University, and/or enhance scholarship and academic excellence of Tennessee Tech in ways that cannot be accomplished under constraints of regular workload assignments. Applicants are responsible for submitting proposals to Academic Affairs by January 23, 2025. Visit the website additional details.
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WEST Workshop 11/18: Proper Publishing Practices!
No idea how to publish your creative or academic writing? WEST, the Writing Excellence Studio at Tech, is here to help! On Tuesday, 11/18, we will be leading a dead hour workshop on publishing practices for creative pieces and academic works. The workshop will be in Henderson Hall 304B, from 11:00-11:50. No registration is required, and all are welcome. If you can’t make the workshop, come for a one-on-one session with one of our consultants. For availability and scheduling, check out our website. We look forward to working with you!
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Inviting Goldwater Scholarship Applications
Are you interested in a research career in the natural sciences (incl. psychology), mathematics, or engineering? Do you know a student who qualifies? In Spring 2026, the Goldwater Foundation will award scholarships of up to $7500 per year. If you would like to discuss it or learn more, I will host information sessions online and in person:
Tuesday, November 11 at 4:00 pm: Zoom
Wednesday, November 12 at 4:00 pm in BRUN 247
If you cannot attend either, email Dr. Reid to arrange a meeting.
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Physics Students Present at Southeastern Section of the APS Annual Meeting
Physics students and faculty attended the SESAPS Annual Meeting at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. Atlas Mannen, Jack Seger, and Sarnith Varun presented posters and Cricket Bergner and Pedro Gripp gave contributed talks. They were accompanied by faculty members Dr. Mary Kidd, Dr. Mustafa Rajabali, and Dr. Austin Reid. Dr. Kidd is past chair of SESAPS and was a meeting organizer. Dr. Reid participated in a panel on physics careers, and Dr. Rajabali presented a contributed talk.
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WEST Workshop 11/6: Business and Professional Writing!
Trouble sending professional emails? Not sure how to write a memo or proposal? WEST, the Writing Excellence Studio at Tech, is here to help! On Thursday, 11/6, we will be leading a dead hour workshop on business and professional writing, focusing on those specific genres. The workshop will be in Henderson Hall 304B, from 11:00-11:50. No registration is required, and all are welcome. If you can’t make the workshop, come for a one-on-one session with one of our consultants. For availability and scheduling, check out our website. We look forward to working with you!
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Graduate Fellowship Information Sessions
Information sessions on opportunities in the Engendering the Spirit of Gadugi at the FEW Nexus graduate fellowship program will be offered at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30 and Nov. 6, and at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Attendees may join using this Zoom link. Topics will include Spring and Fall 2026 funding, applications, and our graduate certificate program. Please direct questions to sbuer@tntech.edu.
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Graduate Fellowship Opportunities for the Spring and Fall 2026 semesters
The Engendering the Spirit of Gadugi at the FEW Nexus program is accepting MS and PhD applications for the Spring and Fall 2026 semesters. Fellowships include tuition, fees, and an annual stipend.
Applications are due by 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25 (Spring) and Friday, April 24 (Fall). Application instructions can be found on our website.
If you have any questions, please contact our program coordinator, Dr. Sabrina Buer, at sbuer@tntech.edu.
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Non-Instructional Faculty Assignments 2026-27 – Call for Submissions
Non-Instructional Faculty Assignments (NIFA) applications are open. NIFA are designed to contribute to the professional growth of faculty; improve teaching and curricula across the University; and/or enhance the scholarship and academic excellence of Tennessee Tech.
Important Dates: January 9, 2026 – Proposals due to Department Chairs/Directors; January 23, 2026 – Proposals due to Academic Affairs; February 13,2026 – Recipients and Chairs notified of awards.
Details and submissions at tntech.edu/handbooks/faculty/noninstructionalassignments.php
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Course Evaluation Information Session with IARE – October 31
Get the most out of your course evaluations. The Office of Institutional Assessment, Research, & Effectiveness is hosting an online session about the IDEA course evaluation tool and the role of instructors in selecting the Student Learning Objectives most appropriate for their courses. When instructors select the most relevant objectives for their courses, IDEA reports provide a better evaluation for what occurs in the classroom. Join us for this online training session on Friday, October 31st at 12PM. For questions, contact kharris@tntech.edu