FDI Faculty Selection Process
The selection process for FDI summer participation begins at the program level. FDI expects the level of faculty participation to be 95%, so each college receives a seat allocation that reflects 95% of their current number of faculty (updated each year). This allocation includes tenure-track faculty, instructors, and A/P faculty, but excludes fully research-funded positions.

Each November, FDI allocates a number of seats to each college for the upcoming spring and summer's workshops. Once the college receives their summer seat allocation, the college, in turn, allocates seats to each department. The department heads then nominate faculty from their department to attend the upcoming summer program. The nominated faculty provide their track and computer selection to their department who will pass this information to the college. By late-December, the information comes back to FDI for processing. Once the information is processed, FDI will send faculty confirmation e-mails stating which summer track in which they have been enrolled. Typically, 90% of faculty will receive their first track choice.

FDI Spring Participation
If the nominated faculty selects to participate in a Spring Track, a series of Spring Short Courses must be selected by early-January (according to instructions provided). Currently, participation in seven (7) two-hour Short Courses is required to receive a new computer. The Short Courses will provide faculty with critical information about their new computers, current information about Virginia Tech technology resources, and an upgrade of necessary technology skills.

Since many faculty rely on staff or graduate students to provide a high-level of support for their work, several Tracks have been designated as "Team Workshops." These Tracks allow faculty to enroll a graduate assistant or an academic support staff member to enhance the research and teaching outcomes of the track. With this option, only the faculty member will receive a computer, and the staff or graduate assistant does not count against the department seat allocation.

FDI Summer Participation
If the nominated faculty selects to participate in a Summer Track, they will attend a two or three-day Workshop to receive a new computer. These Track Workshops will provide the faculty with critical information about the new computers, current information about VT technology resources, an upgrade of necessary technology skills, and the time to focus on a project or related work.

Since many faculty rely on staff or graduate students to provide a high-level of support for their work, several Tracks have been designated as "Team Workshops." These Tracks allow faculty to enroll a graduate assistant or a academic support staff to enhance the research and teaching outcomes of the workshop. With this option, only the faculty member will receive a computer, and the staff or graduate assistant does not count against the department seat allocation.

FDI Computers & Delivery
FDI computers are normally ordered in February and delivered to FDI in early to mid-March. The computers need to be processed and provided with VT and SCHEV inventory stickers. Once they are processed, they are available to be delivered to faculty. The delivery process typically begins in late-March and takes several weeks to complete. Each computer will also have a set of software provided by FDI on CD-ROM. Each department should have a technology person that will be able to assist in the installation of the software. If technology assistance is not available, faculty can contact FDI (fdi@vt.edu) and assitance will be provided. Assistance with software installation will not be available until mid-May.