October 21, 2026

Dear Colleagues,

This week, Wright State celebrates National Transfer Student Week, recognizing the experiences and contributions of students who began their academic journeys at another institution before continuing their education as Raiders. Transfer students bring unique perspectives, resilience and diverse experiences that strengthen our classrooms and campus community.

The Transfer Center will host a National Transfer Student Week Student Panel on Friday, Oct. 23, at noon in the Discovery Room in the Student Union. Transfer students will share their experiences and insights about navigating the transition to Wright State.

Faculty are encouraged to recognize transfer students this week and attend the panel discussion if their schedules allow. Your engagement helps foster a welcoming, transfer-supportive environment and recognizes the important role transfer students play in our university community.

More information is available on the National Transfer Student Week webpage.

Explore Wright State Day: Saturday, Oct. 24

Wright State will welcome prospective students and their families to campus this Saturday for Explore Wright State Day, a personalized open house experience from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors will tour campus, meet current students and faculty and learn more about academic programs, financial aid and campus life.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to help promote this event to prospective students and families in their networks. Your support in spreading the word helps showcase the vibrant, welcoming community that defines Wright State.

Learn more.

Men’s Basketball Home Opener: Monday, Nov. 2

Faculty and staff are invited to join the Wright State community for the men’s basketball home opener against Air Force on Nov. 2 during the Stars, Stripes and Flight Classic. The event will celebrate Wright State’s military partnerships and honor our defending Horizon League champions and NCAA Tournament participants and feature the return of Viking Rowdy for a special appearance.

University employees may claim up to six free tickets to the game and receive a free Viking Rowdy T-shirt. The festivities also include a pregame tailgate at the Nutter Center from 4 to 6:30 p.m. featuring complimentary Mission BBQ and Coca-Cola products (while supplies last), music, games, entertainment and military appreciation activities.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to connect with colleagues, students and alumni while cheering on the Raiders.

Visit wsuraiders.com and use code WSUEMP26 to claim your tickets.

Teaching with AI Workshop: Application Deadline Extended

The Center for Faculty Excellence is accepting applications for the Teaching with AI Workshop, a two-day, hands-on professional development opportunity for Wright State faculty. The workshop will be held Dec. 15–16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will focus on practical applications of AI in course design, learning activities, assessment and instructional efficiency.

Participation is free, but space is limited. Selected participants must attend both workshop days and participate in a future faculty-to-faculty presentation sharing what they learned.

Key Dates:

Extended application deadline: Oct. 23
Acceptance notifications: Oct. 30
Participant confirmation deadline: Nov. 6

Faculty interested in thoughtfully integrating AI into their teaching are encouraged to apply. Questions may be directed to Dr. Sheri Stover at sheri.stover@wright.edu.

Submit your application.

Integrating Coursera Content into Pilot

With Wright State’s expanded access to Coursera Career Academy Plus, faculty can now seamlessly incorporate Coursera content directly into their Pilot courses using the Coursera LTI integration. Faculty may embed entire Coursera courses, individual modules, assignments, videos, specializations or professional certificates within Pilot while maintaining a consistent learning experience for students. Course and assignment grades can also be synchronized with the Pilot gradebook, providing additional flexibility when integrating Coursera content into coursework.

Faculty can request a guide to help integrate Coursera content into their courses by emailing Provost@wright.edu. The guide includes information on identifying appropriate content, embedding Coursera resources into Pilot and configuring gradebook settings.

Coursera also hosts Curriculum Integration Office Hours every Wednesday at noon to help faculty identify, embed and manage Coursera content in Pilot. Faculty must register in advance to receive the meeting link.

Faculty with questions about integrating Coursera content in their courses or aligning it with learning outcomes can contact Provost@wright.edu.

Quality Matters Workshop

The Center for Faculty Excellence is offering the Quality Matters (QM) Applying the QM Rubric Workshop, which provides practical, evidence-based strategies for improving online, hybrid and face-to-face courses. Completion of the workshop also fulfills the prerequisite for the QM Peer Reviewer Course.

Faculty will also learn nationally recognized course design standards and explore program-level LMS templates to improve course consistency, accessibility and student success.

The workshop is free for all Wright State employees, thanks to funding provided by the Provost’s Office (a $360 value). The interactive workshop will be offered on Webex from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the following dates:

Nov. 13, 2026
March 26, 2027

Faculty are encouraged to register early, as fewer sessions will be offered this year and space may be limited.

Register or contact Dr. Sheri Stover with questions.

Accessibility Support Now Available in Pilot

YuJa Panorama is now available in all Pilot courses. Panorama is an accessibility tool that helps faculty identify and address accessibility issues in course materials, with automated analysis and guided recommendations. Students can also use Panorama to access alternative formats of course files on demand.

Implementing Panorama supports Wright State’s preparation for upcoming ADA Title II digital accessibility requirements, which take effect in April 2027.

Faculty can get started with introductory resources in the Wright State Online Resource Hub. The next Panorama training session takes place tomorrow at 1 p.m.

Register for a Panorama training and learn more about digital access support.

When a Student Needs Support

Wright.edu/help is a great resource for helping students or making referrals. This site contains contact information for emergency or essential departments that can assist your students all in one location.

The Student Success Navigator showcases the wide range of resources designed to support our students. Whether students are interested in joining a student organization, looking for access to mental health services, playing a sport or finding a job, all information is available in one central location.

I am grateful for your dedication to promoting student success. I hope you have a wonderful and productive week!

Jim Denniston, Ph.D.
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost