Embracing Beginnings

Welcome to Virginia Tech, and to our returning students and families, welcome back!

For our new students and their families, August is a month of many firsts. It’s the first time many first-years are leaving behind the familiar sights of a hometown to live on Virginia Tech's campus. For many, it is the first time being away from home for an extended period, meeting new friendly faces, and learning to navigate the ins and outs of college. As my oldest is off to college out of state, I am also experiencing many firsts – an imminent move-in, something I’ve done for many years, at a new campus, and with my son! Several rooms in our home are now filled with boxes, bed sheets, and school supplies. I have organization and room ideas saved on Pinterest, and although I knew this time would come, it’s hard to believe it is already here. I understand the mix of emotions you are feeling!

August is a month of “goodbyes,” but also “hellos.” As you pack the family car full of boxes and suitcases and make your way to Blacksburg, you’ll see many wonderful sights: If you enter through Alumni Mall, you’ll pass under Torgersen Bridge, a hot spot for students looking for a silent place to study. You’ll drive by the Pylons and around the Drillfield, where Hokies will gather in just a few short weeks for Gobblerfest to learn about 800+ student organizations and Virginia Tech departments. You’ll then make your way to your student’s residence hall for move-in, where you’ll find our Student Affairs Hokie Helpers ready to welcome you and your student to campus and answer questions. You may even spot me along the way!

Getting Involved:

One of the reasons that I love our community is because our Hokies have the ability to customize their Virginia Tech experience. Our programs and departments are designed to enhance each student’s unique college journey.

• Embrace the “Hellos”: As your student settles into their residence hall, encourage them to leave the door open and introduce themselves to their roommates and hallmates to foster connections with other students and their residential well-being student leaders.
• Discuss routines: Whether it is figuring out which Blacksburg Transit bus route your student will take, planning daily study time, or scheduling a five-minute phone call every Thursday evening to check in, have a conversation with your student about what their new routine may look like. Small consistencies can ease the challenges of large transitions.
• Experience Virginia Tech: For students interested in student employment, on-campus events, or exploring our 800+ student organizations, visit Student Engagement and Campus Life.

Resources and Support:

This transition into college and adulthood is emotional and bittersweet for you and your student. As you navigate this experience, know there are a variety of resources available to students:

• Talk to your students about connecting with campus resources for support: Cook Counseling Center, Hokie Wellness, and Timely Care are a few of the many wellness resources available.
• Remind your student to stay active: Invite your student to connect with others through movement and activity or visit our newly renovated War Memorial Gym with Recreational Sports. Our campus also offers a variety of academic and professional development resources.
• Encourage your student to reach out: If your Hokie is experiencing mental, emotional, or academic difficulties, encourage them to take advantage of the programs and resources like the Dean of Students available to help them navigate these challenges, and to reach out to supportive peers.

Family Involvement Opportunities:

While students adjust to their new routines, I encourage you to explore other ways to stay connected and become involved with the Virginia Tech community!

• Sign up for the Hokie Family Hub to stay up to date on information and upcoming events.
• Subscribe to the monthly Student Affairs Hokie Family eNews to read news around campus, learn about what our students are working on, and read messages from Student Affairs leadership.
• Plan to visit your student and the Blacksburg community for New Student and Family Program’s Fall Family Weekend. Follow their Facebook page for continued updates.
• Become an ambassador representing the interests of parents and families and advocate for the work of Student Affairs through the Parent Advisory Council with Student Affairs Advancement.

We are so glad that your student is here at Virginia Tech, where our Hokies embrace our university’s motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) to leverage their knowledge as a force for positive change and contribute to their communities on a global scale. Throughout their journey, your Hokie will have the opportunity to hear perspectives and stories from around the world, make strong connections, and discover more about themselves. Remember that having questions and feeling anxious is a natural part of the process and Student Affairs is here to assist you and your student through this transition. We look forward to supporting and championing your student’s success!

Let's go, Hokies!