Making training opportunities available to all
From: Human Resources
The New Year is an ideal time to reflect on past learning and look ahead to what can be accomplished. Reflection builds accountability and fuels intentional career development. The Human Resources Talent Development team offers training opportunities to help strengthen and support professional aspirations for both individuals and teams.
Start the new year with a Development Action Plan
Employees are encouraged to consider three distinct goals when planning development:
- Advancing personal professional growth
- Strengthening the department or team
- Contributing to Virginia Tech's institutional priorities
As goals are crafted, think about how they align with the university's performance competencies. Then use the Development Action Plan, which provides a structured framework to map these elements thoughtfully and connect performance insights to career trajectory. When individual growth aligns with the work of teams, and the mission of the university, opportunities are created that benefit everyone — that's when the most meaningful progress happens.
Reminder: Compliance training completion
All employees are required to complete the annually and bi-annually required compliance training courses including:
- State of Virginia: Employee Safety and Disaster Awareness: Designed to improve employee preparedness for on-the-job safety and other potential hazards.
- Annual Renewal: IT Security Awareness Training: Serves as a refresher to understanding the IT security threats that the university faces.
- READ: Respect in Employment and Anti-Discrimination Compliance Training: Discusses university Policies 1025 and 1026, and focuses on the prevention of discrimination, harassment, and gender-based and/or sexual violence. This course also covers applicable state and federal civil rights laws.
All courses are available in PageUp Learning Management System (LMS). An employee must complete any required training during their normal working hours. All completed courses can be found in the LMS in the About Me section by selecting Development plan, then the Completed tab. View a list of the most common compliance training activities.
Note: Additional courses may be required based on a position’s responsibilities.
Creating accessible digital content is a shared responsibility
Virginia Tech is moving toward full adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II, Subpart H. This requirement means all digital content must comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), making content easier for everyone to access and use. This change will impact all areas of the university, and the deadline for implementation is April 24, 2026.
Faculty and staff should assess the accessibility of new or currently used digital content – including web content, video, slide decks, PDF and all other documents – and make a plan to comply with WCAG guidelines. Following Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles is the easiest way to develop materials that don’t need to be remediated for accessibility later.
There are several ways to get started:
- Review the comprehensive Title II Digital Accessibility page.
- Access the 10-minute, "10 for 10" accessibility training courses.
- Check out the new Digital Accessibility Playbook on Canvas.
Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS) and the Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Prevention Education (CRCPE) have tools to help you assess your content and also offer consultations to support you as you proceed.
Spotlight on: The Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Prevention Education
Creating a workplace free of discrimination and harassment takes intentional partnership. Talent Development collaborates with the Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Prevention Education (CRCPE) to ensure employees and supervisors have access to the resources and expertise needed to support civil rights, accessibility, equal employment opportunity, prevention education, and conflict resolution. CRCPE also offers specialized training on these and other topics. Whether navigating a workplace accommodation request, understanding regulations and guidelines pertaining to equal opportunity employment, or seeking support with Title IX or civil rights compliance, CRCPE provides guidance tailored to the specific situation.
Talent Development refers employees to CRCPE when specialized expertise is needed and collaborates on initiatives such as the ADA Title II digital accessibility subcommittee. Together, these partnerships strengthen the university's commitment to creating a learning and working environment where all members of the Hokie community can thrive. To explore CRCPE's services or request assistance, visit their website or contact civilrights@vt.edu.
Talent Development’s mission is to educate, engage, and empower the Virginia Tech workforce through comprehensive learning experiences tailored to individual growth, leadership development, and team/organizational effectiveness. Learn more about these tailored resources on the training website. Complete this form to request team training or facilitated learning events.