First-Year Experience (FLEX)
Orientation
FLEX is a year-long developmental program for new students (first year and transfers) at Virginia Tech
The program is focused on community building and self-understanding and professional development. FLEX includes weekly meetings with other new students starting mid-September as well as mentor events, retreats etc. New Flexers are assigned a twin and mentor pairing to help and support them in navigating their first year at Virginia Tech. FLEX provides exposure to a variety of different opportunities and organizations and people on campus. FLEX gives students the space and time to understand who they are and who they want to be. The FLEX community is truly unlike any other at Virginia Tech.
Students can stay involved in FLEX by applying to be a mentor at the end of their first academic year.
- FLEX Director of First Year Experience: Adrian Kavazovic
- FLEX Director of Mentorship: Phoebe Scarborough
- Graduate Assistant for FLEX: Andrea Mota
Flexers are asked to present a Capstone project during their final FLEX meetings of the year. There is no specific outline for the capstone project, but it should include students getting involved with a cause they are passionate about. Whether that involvement is volunteering, tabling, advertising, spreading awareness, research, a new job, etc. Capstone projects are great way for flexers to get to know campus and understand that they really do have the power to make an impact. Anyone can be a leader!
The FLEX mentorship program consists of a group of upperclassmen who are there to support their mentees in their personal growth as well as all things Virginia Tech. FLEX mentors tend to be very involved on campus and are always excited to share about events, organizations, jobs and more. Mentors are essentially built-in friends for their mentees during their first year and beyond.
FLEX events come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Each year the FLEX community has a fall and spring retreat, family reunion with past flexers, banquet, and biweekly mentor events. These events allow the students to get out of their comfort zones physically, mentally and interpersonally. They provide special networking opportunities as well as exposure to new experiences. Mentors are encouraged to carry out mentor events related to topics of interest to them. People love what other people love! While FLEX does have weekly meetings in a classroom, that is not all we have to offer.