Explore past events hosted or sponsored by the Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL) and its Harvard Initiative for Learning and Teaching (HILT) office.
Contemporary drug policy challenges are multifaceted and rapidly evolving. Foremost among these pressing issues is the deeply disturbing surge in drug overdose deaths, particularly opioids, which is compounded by the pervasive prevalence of substance use disorders, particularly among our youth and young adults. This worrisome situation is further exacerbated by the glaring shortage of accessible treatment services. Equally noteworthy is the push for blanket legalization of all drugs. Amidst these formidable challenges, another noteworthy development has emerged—an advocacy movement focused on destigmatizing and normalizing all forms of drug use while concurrently rejecting abstinence as a treatment goal. Coupled with it is the growing momentum to medicalize psychoactive substances listed in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Motivated in part by unmet needs for treating psychiatric conditions, in part by the potential for new sources of profit, these movements inherently carry the risk of expanding drug misuse and addiction, compromising public health, safety, and workplace dynamics. At the same time, the influx of new psychoactive substances remains on the rise, as efforts to curb their proliferation are hampered by the ease with which they can be swiftly designed and distributed. Effectively tackling these multifaceted challenges requires evidence-based public health strategies firmly rooted in common sense, to include robust prevention, timely intervention, comprehensive treatment and international cooperation. Solutions are more likely to succeed if they carefully balance individual needs with public health and safety imperatives, all within the broader interests of society.... Read more about Current and Future Challenges of U.S. Drug Policy
The pace of change in the development of Artificial Intelligence is breathtaking, and we are rapidly delegating more and more tasks to it. In this talk two philosophers explore some aspects of these trends: the role of AI in democratic decision making, and its role in a range of areas where human control has so far seemed essential, such as in the military and in criminal justice.
The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability and the Vice Provost Office for Advances in Learning present Harvard Speaks on Climate Change, a series featuring Harvard faculty working on different dimensions of the climate challenge. In this session, Professor Jody Freeman will discuss the EPA’s greenhouse gas rules for the auto, power, and oil and gas sectors and the SEC’s final rule on climate-related financial risk. Professor Freeman will also explore if these rules were weaker than expected and what lies ahead in the courts. Vice Provost for Climate and Sustainability and Director of the Salata Institute, Jim Stock, will host. This series is part of the collection of VPAL Signature Events and is co-sponsored by the Harvard Alumni Association.
Although homelessness ranks as one of society’s most pressing and visible health equity challenges, the academic community has not actively addressed its health impacts, root causes, and potential solutions. Few schools and programs of public health even offer a basic course for students. Academia must demonstrate urgency to address homelessness and educate learners, motivate fledgling researchers, inform policy makers, offer community-engaged and evidence-based studies, and join in the growing national debate about best approaches. At a minimum, every public health student should understand the interdisciplinary challenges of homelessness, its implications for health equity, and opportunities to address the crisis. We call for academia, particularly schools and programs of public health, to engage more fully in national partnerships to care for members of society who are most marginalized, in terms of health and behavioral health outcomes, quality of life, and connectedness.
Wednesday, February 28, 2024 from 4:30pm - 5:30pm ET
The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability and the Vice Provost Office for Advances in Learning present Harvard Speaks on Climate Change, a new series featuring Harvard faculty working on different dimensions of the climate challenge. In this upcoming session, Harvard Graduate School of Design Professors Holly Samuelson and Jonathan Grinham will discuss how green building design is adapting and evolving in the context of renewable energy sources. The faculty will explore how renewable energy sources are integrated into building design to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimize carbon emissions. Vice Provost for Climate and Sustainability and Director of the Salata Institute, Jim Stock, will host. This series is part of the collection of VPAL Signature Events and is co-sponsored by the Harvard Alumni Association.... Read more about Harvard Speaks on Climate Change: Green Building Design in the Age of Renewables
Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 4:30pm - 5:30pm ET
The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability and the Vice Provost Office for Advances in Learning present Harvard Speaks on Climate Change, a new series featuring Harvard faculty working on different dimensions of the climate challenge. In our upcoming session, Professor Meghan O'Sullivan will discuss the interplay between energy markets, the global clean energy transition, and the geopolitical factors shaping this shift. Professor O'Sullivan will also share key insights from the recent COP28 summit and what these developments mean for the future of energy. Vice Provost for Climate and Sustainability and Director of the Salata Institute, Jim Stock, will host. This series is part of the collection of VPAL Signature Events and is co-sponsored by the Harvard Alumni Association.... Read more about Harvard Speaks on Climate Change: The Energy Transition and Shifting Geopolitics
Please join the Learning Spaces Affinity group for a tour of the Bok Center Learning Lab Studio, a space that thrives on innovation and adaptability. This unique setting offers faculty and students the opportunity to experiment and design interactive, engaging multimodal projects that bolster student-centered learning. We invite you to explore the studio, interact with the Learning Lab team, and gain deeper insight into the interesting work they do to support teaching and learning in the FAS. In addition, attendees will get to experience a hands-on group activity that demonstrates the tools and techniques used to create engaging projects.
Date/Time: Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 9:30 am – 11:00 am Location: Bok Center Learning Lab Studio, 50 Church Street, Suite 374
Space is limited. Please RSVP by January 11, 2024. Refreshments will be provided.
Contemporary drug policy challenges are multifaceted and rapidly evolving. Foremost among these pressing issues is the deeply disturbing surge in drug overdose deaths, particularly opioids, which is compounded by the pervasive prevalence of substance use disorders, particularly among our youth and young adults. This worrisome situation is further exacerbated by the glaring shortage of accessible treatment services. Equally noteworthy is the push for blanket legalization of all drugs. Amidst these formidable challenges, another noteworthy development has emerged—an advocacy movement focused on destigmatizing and normalizing all forms of drug use while concurrently rejecting abstinence as a treatment goal. Coupled with it is the growing momentum to medicalize psychoactive substances listed in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Motivated in part by unmet needs for treating psychiatric conditions, in part by the potential for new sources of profit, these movements inherently carry the risk of expanding drug misuse and addiction, compromising public health, safety, and workplace dynamics. At the same time, the influx of new psychoactive substances remains on the rise, as efforts to curb their proliferation are hampered by the ease with which they can be swiftly designed and distributed. Effectively tackling these multifaceted challenges requires evidence-based public health strategies firmly rooted in common sense, to include robust prevention, timely intervention, comprehensive treatment and international cooperation. Solutions are more likely to succeed if they carefully balance individual needs with public health and safety imperatives, all within the broader interests of society.... 
Please join the Learning Spaces Affinity group for a tour of the