Keeping warm connections in the cold season

Hello Hokie families,

For many of us, February is a time for expressing gratitude and fondness for those around us – our loved ones, our friends, and our community. Here at Virginia Tech, we continue that gratitude as we prepare to embrace Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) through Giving Day, a 24-hour period celebrating Hokie Spirit. As your student falls back into their academic routine, it’s not uncommon for them to connect less with loved ones, bringing about feelings of isolation, loneliness, or homesickness.

Please know you and your student are not alone in experiencing these emotions. I encourage you and your student to look for ways to connect with home, friends, and their community. Start a conversation with your student about what feelings or challenges they’re having after returning to campus following winter break. Additionally, I’d like to share ways for you and your student to get involved with campus or connect with the community to work through those feelings of loneliness.

For Students:

• With the Winter Olympics approaching, Recreational Sports and campus colleges are encouraging movement through the Hokie-lympics – a friendly competition to see which unit or college gains the most gym check-ins throughout the month of February.
• Plan to volunteer or engage in community service with VT Engage! Volunteer work can be fulfilling and inspiring. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to network with members of the community and to make friendships. Looking ahead, students can sign up for The Big Event which takes place in April, the second largest event of its kind in the nation, where Hokies come together and complete hundreds of service projects for the New River Valley.
• Connect with on-campus resources for health and wellness, such as Cook Counseling Center and Schiffert Health. Virginia Tech students also have free access to counseling services, health tips, and TalkNow via the TimelyCare app.

For Parents and Family Members:

• Ask your student to schedule phone calls home to regularly check in. As students grow busier through the semester, having a set schedule and following through with phone calls can give both students and families something to look forward to. Collegeparentsmatter.org prioritizes improving connections and provides guidance to families on how to approach more challenging conversation topics.
• Consider signing up as an ambassador for Giving Day. Ambassador support provides over 50 percent of total gifts and can be a great way to get involved, support programs that help students stay connected, and show your Hokie Spirit! Choose an area that is important to you and your Hokie and share stories and spread the word about Giving Day! Ambassadors who complete the You+2 program will receive special swag for their participation.
• Connect with campus news to stay updated on events and important information around campus to best support your student. In addition to the Hokie Family Newsletter, stay informed with the Hokie Family Hub.

As always, the Dean of Students Office is happy to help you and your student navigate the campus experience, address challenges as they arise, and develop a plan for success. As a friendly reminder, if you plan to attend Spring Family Weekend in April, it’s time to begin making reservations for lodging. Check out local attractions and dining options, as well as events you and your Hokie may want to attend. I look forward to seeing you there!

In Hokie Spirit,