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August tips for families

from Mark Sikes, Dean of Students

Dear New Hokie Families,

Welcome to the vibrant community of Virginia Tech! As the new Dean of Students, I am absolutely delighted to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to each and every one of you. This is an exciting time as you and your students embark on a transformative journey here with us.

As an alum and a parent of college-aged students myself, I fully understand the mix of emotions that come with this transition. Rest assured, you are not alone in this experience, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

Move-in day is just around the corner, and I encourage you to embrace the excitement while also recognizing that it can be a bit overwhelming. Our dedicated teams and I will be on hand to ensure a smooth and enjoyable process as you settle in. So, remember to take a deep breath, and let patience, grace, and understanding be your guiding companions on this special day.

At Virginia Tech, we cherish our sense of community, and we truly believe in the power of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). Your student will find a place of belonging in our large university, thanks to the creation of Living-Learning Communities and our commitment to supporting incoming students. We genuinely want to see all our students succeed, and we are committed to creating opportunities for their growth and achievements.

Family Weekend is right around the corner, scheduled for Sept. 29 through Oct. 1, and we are eagerly looking forward to welcoming you once again. It will be a fantastic opportunity to connect with other Hokie families, faculty, and staff, and to get a glimpse of the exciting journey your student is embarking on.

Remember, we are here to support each other through the highs and lows, the excitement, the sweat, and the nerves that come with this significant life event. Virginia Tech is not just a place; it's a community that cares deeply about the well-being and success of every member.

Once again, from all of us at Virginia Tech, welcome to our Hokie family! We are thrilled to have you with us and can't wait to witness the incredible growth and accomplishments of your students during their time here.

If you have any questions, concerns, or simply want to connect, feel free to reach out to me or any member of our dedicated team. Together, let's make this journey a memorable and fulfilling one!

Warm regards and GO HOKIES!

Mark Sikes, Ph.D.
Dean of Students
smsikes@vt.edu
540-231-6272

Mark Sikes, Ph.D., Dean of Students

The Dean of Students Office knows Virginia Tech. Encourage your student to get to know this caring and talented team of mentors and advocates! They can point your student in the right direction, be a sounding board, and assist with personal, social, and academic challenges. They want to get to know your student so they can walk with them along the way and cheer them on in true Hokie fashion!

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