April 2025 Announcements

• The Online Learning Consortium has announced the recipients of its Innovate 2025 awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to online, blended, and digital learning. Among this year’s honorees is Wicked Problems, Wolfpack Solutions (WSWP), which received the Excellence in Online and Blended Learning Innovation Award. This national award highlights the significance and visibility of the work being done at NC State. WSWP was designed and implemented by a cross-institutional team of course designers, faculty, and campus partners. It exemplifies that this kind of forward-thinking, interdisciplinary education and cross-campus collaboration creates lasting impact.
• Institutional Strategy and Analysis is asking for assistance in encouraging students to participate in the Future Plans Survey and the Graduating Senior Survey (.
  • The Future Plans Survey (FPS) is available April 14 through May 9 to all those who are graduating this May, including both undergraduate and graduate students. The survey is administered to graduating students each December and May around commencement. This brief online survey collects detailed information about students’ post-graduate employment, further education, and career-related experiences while at NC State. 

• Graduating seniors can access the survey at go.ncsu.edu/future.plans
• Graduate students can access the survey at go.ncsu.edu/grad.future.plans
• While the survey is live, you can get a list of students in your college/department who have and have not yet submitted the FPS at go.ncsu.edu/fps.nonresps and go.ncsu.edu/grad.fps.nonresps. 
• More information about the FPS and reports on results are available on the ISA website.
• The Graduating Senior Survey (GSS) is available now through May 15 to all those who are graduating with a baccalaureate degree this May. The campus-wide GSS, administered every three years, collects feedback on a wide range of topics, including students’ overall satisfaction in their program and at NC State; their experiences with academic and non-academic support services; their growth on a wide range of academic, professional and personal skills; and their participation in high impact experiences.
  • Graduating seniors can access the GSS at go.ncsu.edu/graduating.senior.survey. 
  • You can get a list of students in your college/department who have and have not yet submitted the survey at go.ncsu.edu/gss.resps.nonresps. 
  • More information about the triennial campus-wide GSS and reports on results from it are available on the ISA website.

From the Office of Assessment and Accreditation:

• NC State’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), Packways: Learning by Doing, is wrapping up it’s first year. Packways focuses on increasing student access to and participation in High-Impact Experiences (HIEs). These immersive, sustained opportunities allow students to deepen and apply knowledge in and beyond the classroom. Activities by the Packways team this academic year included creating and leading two cohorts of a professional development series for faculty, staff and advisors; ramping up student engagement efforts, which included implementing a multi-pronged communication campaign targeting first-year and transfer students; and exploring ways to track HIE participation. Learn more about our pilot year progress. 

From the Climate and Sustainability Academy:

• The Climate and Sustainability Academy (CSA) is excited to announce three new directors who will help provide strategic leadership and coordination: Kathie Dello, Chris Osburn and Carla Davis. The directors bring a wealth of expertise that will benefit visioning and decision-making as the academy builds capacity and structure. In addition to serving as the inaugural members of a leadership cabinet, two of the directors enable formalization of partnerships with two existing offices.
  • Kathie Dello, Director of Climate Science and Services, Climate and Sustainability Academy

This role creates a formal partnership between the CSA and the North Carolina State Climate Office (SCO), creating structured pathways for the CSA network connect with the SCO for weather and climate data and applied science, as well as for the SCO to collaborate with the CSA network in climate service provision through research, monitoring, outreach, extension, and education. Dello joined NC State in 2019 and currently serves as the Director of the State Climate Office of North Carolina in the College of Sciences and the State Climatologist of North Carolina. “I am honored to take on this role in our newest academy, which I feel is particularly aligned with “think and do,’” says Dello. As extreme weather becomes more frequent and intense, especially here in North Carolina, she sees this partnership as an opportunity to elevate our University’s strengths in weather, climate science, and services to develop people-centered and pragmatic solutions for our state.

• Chris Osburn, Director of Coastal Science and Innovation, Climate and Sustainability Academy

This role expands the Blue Economy Innovation Program (under the Coastal Resilience and Sustainability Initiative) to continue partnerships with Innovation & Entrepreneurship and seek new “Coastal Futures” opportunities in teaching, research, engagement, and facilities across the CSA network. Osburn joined NC State in 2008 and currently serves as Professor of Marine Biogeochemistry in the Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences and Director of the Blue Economy Innovation Program. “I am most excited to work with students, faculty, staff, experts, and entrepreneurs to promote innovative research and technologies that address the challenges facing coastal communities, turning those ideas into solutions,” says Osburn.

• Carla Davis, Director of Campus Research and Innovation, Climate and Sustainability Academy

This role creates a formal partnership between the CSA and the University Sustainability Office (USO), creating structured pathways for the CSA network to use campus as a living lab (teaching and research) for envisioning new “Urban Futures” and for the USO to collaborate with the CSA network on science and innovation opportunities that advance sustainability on campus. Davis joined NC State in 2012 and currently serves as the Director of the University Sustainability Office. “Partnering with the Climate and Sustainability Academy unlocks exciting possibilities for more sustainability innovation right here on campus,” says Davis. She explains that the physical campus is full of opportunities for hands-on learning, research and interdisciplinary collaboration. Davis explains, “Working together transforms NC State into a living lab for solutions that boost efficiency, stewardship and environmentally responsible operations.” 

From the Data Science and AI Academy:

• We’re excited to announce the launch of our new Data Science and AI Academy courses for Fall 2025! We offer data science and AI courses for everyone. Gain practical data science and AI skills in our one-credit, project-based courses. Open to all levels and disciplines, our classes emphasize hands-on learning through interactive projects that build data literacy without traditional tests or quizzes. This semester, we’re particularly thrilled to highlight our special topics courses, designed to expand your DSA knowledge. Explore the unique areas covered in these offerings:
  • DSA 295-001: Teaching with Data
  • DSA 295-002: Humanistic Data Applications
  • DSA 295-601: AI for Data Science: A No-Code Introduction
  • DSA 495-601: Predictive Analytics for Improving Services
  • DSA 495-602: Fundamentals of Large Language Models
  • DSA 595-001: AI Literacy in Agriculture
  • DSA 595-002: R for Biological Research

Browse these special topics courses and find full course descriptions on our website. Find Data Science and AI Academy courses in the Course Catalog using the NCSU Class Search tool. Use DSA as the Course Subject.

From DELTA:

• Join DELTA for NC State’s first-ever Moodle Exchange on Tuesday, May 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (location TBD). At this one-day, in-person technology conference, instructors come together with Moodle experts to share best practices and explore innovative teaching methods. The Moodle Exchange is free and open to all NC State staff and faculty.
• DELTA Grants applications open April 14!  The DELTA Grants program provides support, key services and financial resources to increase student success through faculty partnerships. Our goal is to collaborate on reusable efforts with a broad reach to enhance teaching and learning through technology and research-based best practices.

We offer several grant types to enhance the creation of online or hybrid courses and face-to-face courses, promote teaching effectiveness, develop large course redesigns, experiment with better ways to engage students and more. DELTA Grants applications will be open April 14 – May 9, 2025. If you’d like feedback on your grant proposal prior to applying, sign up for an upcoming consultation session.

• DELTA-Con is back on May 8! DELTA-Con, now in its eighth year, is NC State’s annual unconference that brings together attendees from NC State University and local higher education institutions. Faculty, staff and graduate students are welcome to attend this discussion-based event to share their educational technology insights.
• Working together transforms teaching and through DELTA Course Improvement Grants, faculty partner with DELTA experts to elevate their courses using Quality Matters standards, creating powerful learning experiences through collaborative design. Faculty lead the way in this successful program, which consistently earns high praise from participants. Learn more.
• Instructors can now request Moodle courses for Summer and Fall 2025 classes! Learn about the upgrades available with enhanced features such as course organization, streamlined navigation and improved grading efficiencies.
• As a Faculty Fellow, Jill Jones aims to foster effective learning communities and incorporate mental wellness concepts. She brings valuable experience to her role as a DELTA Faculty Fellow — a background as an elementary teacher, literacy specialist and literacy coach. Jones teaches reading methods courses while helping colleagues integrate instructional technology effectively. 
• With the 2024-2029 NC State QEP’s focus on Learning by Doing, Hybrid Learning Grants help faculty to redesign their courses using the hybrid and flipped learning approach that promotes high impact experiences during and after in-person classes. Led by instructional designers Yan Shen and Christine Cranford, the grant projects evolved from using ChatGPT prompt templates to developing custom GPTs that address specific learning challenges. Current projects include AI assistants for reflective journaling, accounting problem-solving, biochemistry concept clarification and engineering application. 

• Join educators and staff from NC State and local universities for our signature “unconference” on Wednesday, May 8. This dynamic, day-long event empowers faculty, staff and graduate students to exchange ideas, share expertise and explore innovative teaching practices together.
• Summer 2025 instructors: the Moodle 4.5 upgrade is live and it changes how some tools like Panopto, Perusall, PlayPosit, Yellowdig, and Gradescope connect to your courses. Check out this helpful guide for more information and register for an upcoming What’s new in Moodle workshop to learn more!

From the Office for Faculty Excellence:

• The Office for Faculty Excellence invites you to apply for the 2025 Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Institute (SoTL), a program designed with busy faculty members in mind who would like to explore teaching as a form of scholarly work. Each participant is eligible for a mini-grant for up to $1,250 that can be used for conference travel or other allowed project-related expenses. Applications will close at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 18.
• Join us for an Engaging Talk: From Cool Reads to Academic Feeds: Bridges and Boundaries Between Domains of Writing, to be held April 17, 9-10:30 a.m. Caldwell Hall, Room G109. Special guest speaker, Dr. Frederico Navarro of University of O’Higgins, Chile, will explore fascinating insights from his research on how students connect literacy practices from everyday life with academic contexts. His findings challenge traditional views of literacy, demonstrating significant implications for education across disciplines. Zoom link is in the calendar event information.

From the Office of Global Engagement:

• The Office of International Services is pleased to welcome Le To as the new Sponsored Student Program Manager. With a wealth of experience in international education and student advising, Le is excited to bring her expertise and enthusiasm to NC State. Learn more.
• The University Global Partnership Network (UGPN) is a global platform for academics and students from world-leading universities to work together to address sustainability challenges across diverse global regions and communities. Members include North Carolina State University (NC State), Universidade de São Paulo (USP) and the University of Surrey (UoS). The annual UGPN conference provides unique opportunities to develop collaborations in education and research among colleagues from NC State, USP and UoS, and this year’s conference was hosted on NC State’s campus from March 23 through March 26. Learn more about this year’s conference.
• The Global Training Initiative has made a significant impact on international education through its Professional Development program for English Language Teachers in Azerbaijan. The initiative has not only enriched teaching practices abroad but has also fostered meaningful research and cross-cultural collaboration within the university’s World Languages and Cultures department. Learn more about how the initiative has expanded global teaching opportunities.

From the Global One Health Academy:

• Sumaiya Tazin, a Ph.D. student in forestry and environmental resources, was a recipient of the Spring 2024 Graduate Travel Awards, and traveled to Sirajganj, Bangladesh. Learn more about Tazin and how the Global One Health Academy has helped support her research endeavors through her featured spotlight!
• The Global One Health Academy is proud to announce the 2025-26 cohort of Global One Health Fellows. Five students were selected from a highly competitive pool of over 60 excellent applications from across seven academic colleges here at NC State University. As fellows, these students will broaden their knowledge in multiple domains of One Health while learning from peers and mentors to bring new perspectives that facilitate a deeper understanding in their field of study. Congratulations to Ashley Cave (College of Veterinary Medicine), Jessica Ding (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences), Cassidy Oliverio (College of Sciences), Emma Sell-Goodhand (College of Humanities and Social Sciences), and Kelly van Woesik (College of Natural Resources). 
• The Global One Health Academy is excited to announce the second cohort of the Global One Health Scholars. Five undergraduate students were selected from a highly competitive pool of excellent applications from across multiple academic colleges at NC State. The Scholars program grows the next generation of leaders in One Health through interdisciplinary training, experiential learning, and leadership development. Congratulations to Kayley Carpenter (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences), Mercedes Morales (College of Sciences), Willamina Ingle (College of Sciences, College of Humanities and Social Sciences), Fedora Parra (College of Sciences), and Yvette Wittenborn (College of Sciences)!

From the Office of Information Technology:

• The timeline for data deletion after a student, faculty or staff member leaves the university will be shortened from two years to one. The Office of Information Technology is implementing this change to improve data security and reduce unnecessary storage costs. Starting in September, user data in Google Workspace (including Gmail and Google Drive) will be deleted one year after the user leaves the university.

To prepare for this change, “To be deleted” labels have been added to Google files to help identify data nearing its deletion date. These labels will automatically populate when a user separates from the university and remain until their data is deleted at the one-year mark or action is taken. Prevent unwanted data loss by reviewing these new labels. For questions, contact the NC State Help Desk via the NC State IT Service Portal or call 919.515.HELP (4357).

• NC State CIO Marc Hoit has shared information about recent phishing attacks. Learn how to stay safe from cybercriminals looking to steal your passwords, security questions and answers, and other personal information.
• Join OIT for the next IT Quick Hall featuring Jason Ronallo from the NC State University Libraries on April 22 from 11:30 a.m.- noon. After a brief update on campus IT news, Ronallo will discuss how the Citation Index can support researchers.

From the Institute for Emerging Issues

• The Connector Podcast looks at educational attainment in North Carolina. In this episode, IEI Director Sarah Hall and myFutureNC President and CEO Cecilia Holden break down what the educational attainment gap is, the story behind “2 million by 2030” and where we are now in reaching that goal.

From Institutional Strategy and Analysis:

• Implementation Insights is a regular article series providing initiative updates and cross-cutting observations related to NC State’s implementation plan. The April article, on the importance of celebrating progress, recognizes recent achievements of several implementation plan initiatives and points to ideas for recognition and appreciation at NC State. Read more here. 

From the Integrative Sciences Initiative:

• Alexandra Barth, a postdoctoral scholar with the Castellano Research Group, was selected for the 2025 CAS CAS Future Leaders™ program. The new cohort features 35 early-career scientists from 12 countries, conducting research in fields such as nanotechnology, computational chemistry, materials science, green chemistry, and more. During the in-person program, which will take place in August, participants will attend leadership and career development workshops, learn about mentorship from industry leaders, participate in science discourse, and forge connections with fellow scientists.

From the NC State University Libraries:

• Butterflies are flitting across the blooms of azaleas all over Raleigh—and they will be on display inside the Hill Library as well! Join us on Thursday, April 17, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. in the Hill Library’s Special Collections Reading Room to explore highlights from the entomology collections of the Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center (SCRC), including illustrations, rare books, archival collections and more insect-related materials.