Purpose and Mission of the University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, a publicly supported, comprehensive, land-grant university, serves the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the international community by generating and disseminating knowledge in the humanities, arts, social sciences, scientific, and professional disciplines through instruction, research, and extension. Inspired by its motto, "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), the university instills within each member of the university community an appreciation of the values and obligations of productive citizenship and the responsibilities of leadership while promoting personal and intellectual development. Its scholastic programs are accessible to all who demonstrate academic merit to gain entrance.

To achieve this mission, it will identify and build on strengths across the university, forge innovative and mutually productive relationships with industry and government, manage resources efficiently, and establish a clear identity as a forward-thinking, high-quality institution that systematically guides and evaluates its future.

Athletics, Intramurals, and Recreational Facilities

Virginia Tech has a diverse and highly active athletic program for men and women students in intercollegiate, intramural, and extramural sports. The athletic program is recognized as one of the most successful in the nation because it is geared to meet the needs of all students interested in physical and recreational sports activity.

The university has extensive and modern athletic and recreational facilities, including: Cassell Coliseum, an indoor arena seating 10,052; Lane Stadium, seating 66,233; a fully equipped recreation gymnasium, including War Memorial Pool; Rector Field House; Burrows-Burleson Tennis Center; English Baseball Field; outdoor tennis courts; the River Course at Virginia Tech and Virginia Tech Golf Course; Johnson/Miller Track Complex; Tech Soccer/Lacrosse Stadium;Tech Softball Park; a pond for ice skating in the winter; and the South Recreation Field Area for outdoor sports.

Virginia Tech's athletic varsity teams compete at the Division I level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The university participates in the Atlantic Coast Conference for all varsity sports. Athletic scholarships are available in the following intercollegiate sports:

baseball (men) basketball (men and women) football (men) golf (men)

lacrosse (women) soccer (men and women) softball (women) swimming/diving (men and women)

tennis (men and women) indoor/outdoor track/cross country (men and women) volleyball (women) wrestling (men)

The following extramural sports clubs also are available: baseball (men's), basketball, bowling, clay target, crew, cricket, cycling, fencing, golf, women's field hockey, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, rugby, soccer (women's), softball (women's), snow skiing, triatholon, volleyball, water polo, and water skiing.

Virginia Tech offers a wide range of intramural and recreational programs for men and women including the following sports: basketball, billiards, bowling, chess, dodgeball, flag football, hearts tournament, racquetball, handball, a frisbee tournament, golf, horseshoes, innertube water polo, soccer, softball, squash, swimming, table tennis, tennis, team darts, volleyball, and wallyball, wiffleball.

The Cadet System

The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets is one of only two programs in the United States offering a corps of cadets within a larg public university. The Corps of Cadets, a militarily structured organization, offers many leadership development opportunities to both male and female students. The Rice Center for Leader Development offers a minor in leadership studies. (Contact R. E. Denton, Jr., Director, [540/231-7136] for additional information on the center.)

The Corps is supervised by the Commandant of Cadets, who establishes overall policies and methods of operation for the Corps. The cadet student commanders and staff officers are responsible for implementation of policies and procedures.

Membership in the Corps involves a 24-hour-a-day commitment. Members wear a distinctive Virginia Tech cadet uniform and live in designated cadet residence halls. Both cadets and non-cadets are part of one student body, attend the same classes, and are organized into one student government. Cadets participate in all university activities, including athletics, social events, and cultural programs. Membership in the Cadet Regimental Band, the "Highty-Tighties," is restricted to cadets. Although many benefits are available through participation in one of the three ROTC programs offered at Tech, a student does not have to enroll in an ROTC program to be a member of the Corps of Cadets.

Career Services

Career Services, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs, offers services and resources to help all students in the university, from freshmen through graduate level, with the following areas of need:

1. Choosing academic majors and careers, including planning for graduate school or other further education.
2. Gaining career-related experience during college, including the Cooperative Education program (detailed below), internships and summer jobs, part-time positions, and volunteer work. Leadership in student and community organizations and travel or study abroad can also serve to build skills which are relevant to careers.
3. Learning necessary job search skills and connecting with companies for job opportunities.

Information on all of Career Services' programs, as well as direct access to many job listings, is available through our Web site at www.career.vt.edu. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 540/231-6241, and students are always welcome to visit the office on the top floor, Henderson Hall.

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Cooperative Education/Internship Program

The Co-op/Internship Program is an academic program that provides students the opportunity to combine real world work experience with classroom theory. It involves one or more semesters of paid, full-timework, and is a partnership among the student, Career Services, the academic department, and the employer. Gaining career-related experience gives the co-op/internship student the opportunity to test career goals,defray the costs of a college education, and gain an important edge in the full-time employment market.

The Cooperative Education/Internship Program Orientation is required of all students who plan to enroll in the Co-op/Internship Program. Seminars are scheduled throughout the year and are designed to walk prospective co-op and internship students through the process of enrollment in the Co-op/Internship Program. Please call (540) 231-6241 or visit www.career.vt.edu/ to find out more.

Requirements for participation in the Co-op/Internship Program:

1. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0.
2. Students can begin work the summer after their freshman year, at the earliest. Transfer students must have completed at least one semester and earned a GPA of at least 2.0 at Virginia Tech.
3. The co-op/internship opportunity must be a paid, full-time opportunity.

Additional Notes:

1. The Co-op/Internship Program is open to any student in any major.
2. The Graduate School administers the graduate Co-op/Internship Program.
3. Engineering majors account for 88% of enrollment in the program, and business majors just under 8%. The remainding 4% are reflected in the majors listed below.
4. Colleges and academic departments participating in the Cooperative Education program during 2005-2006 are:
   

Agriculture and Life Sciences Animal and Poultry Sciences Biochemistry Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences Environment Science Food Science and Technology Human Nutrition, Foods & Exercise Architecture and Urban Studies Environmental Policy & Planning Industrial Design Engineering Aerospace Biological Systems Chemical Civil Computer Computer Science Electrical Engineering Science and Mechanics Industrial and Systems Materials Mechanical Mining Ocean

Pamplin College of Business Accounting and Information Systems Business Information Technology Economics Finance, Insurance, and Business Law Hospitality and Tourism Management Management Marketing Natural Resources Forestry Natural Resource Recreation Wildlife Science Wood Science and Forest Products Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Apparel, Housing and Resources Management Communication English History Political Science Science Biology Chemistry Economics Psychology

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Division of Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs promotes students’ academic success, personal growth, and development of life skills through quality programs, services, activities, and facilities. The division consists of the following units: Career Services, Cook Counseling Center, Corps of Cadets, Cranwell International Center, Dean of Students Office (formerly Student Life), Fraternity and Sorority Life, Housing and Dining Services, Judicial Affairs, Multicultural Programs and Services, Recreational Sports, Residence Life, Schiffert Health Center (including College Alcohol Abuse Prevention Center), Services for Students with Disabilities, and University Unions and Student Activities.

The Honor Code and Honor System

The Honor Code is the university policy which defines the expected standards of conduct in academic affairs. The Virginia Tech Honor Code embodies a spirit of mutual trust and intellectual honesty that is central to the very nature of the university and represents the highest possible expression of shared values among the members of the university community.

The fundamental beliefs underlying and reflected in the Honor Code are: that trust in a person is a positive force in making that person worthy of trust, that every student has the right to live in an academic environment that is free from the injustices caused by any form of intellectual dishonesty, and that the honesty and integrity of all members of the university community contribute to its quest for truth.

The functions of the Honor System are to communicate the meaning and importance of intellectual honesty to all students of the university; to articulate and support the interest of the community in maintaining the highest standards of conduct in academic affairs; and to identify, sanction, and educate those who fail to live up to the stated expectation of the university community with regard to these standards. (Please see the "Academics" section of this catalog for details relating to the Honor Code and System.)

Information Technology

The Information Technology organization is an integral element of the university community and is actively involved in Virginia Tech reaching its goals. The Information Technology organization is a national leader in building technological resources to support, enhance, preserve, and publicize the work of faculty members and students. Its focus is on enhancing teaching and learning, advancing research activities and supporting the university’s administrative business requirements. Additionally, essential elements of the Information Technology organization’s endeavors are associated with fostering outreach with Commonwealth communities.

The Vice President for Information Technology reports to the University President and manages Virginia Tech’s information technologies. The Vice President’s primary role is the University’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The duties of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) are also the responsibility of the VP’s office; however the daily CIO functions are delegated to line managers within the Information Technology’s organization.

The university data networks are accessible from every office and residence hall, as well as off-campus via the modem pool and from university facilities statewide. A wireless LAN (local area network) service is available in approximately 85% of academic and administrative spaces across campus. This expanded coverage significantly increases student, faculty, and staff mobile network access. The university is a leader in a statewide Internet like service known as NetworkVirginia, which serves the state's education infrastructure, as well as government agencies and business and industry subscribers. Additionally, the IT organization has been actively involved in the development of the National Lambdarail (NLR) providing increased data capacity to support high performance computing.

The Information Technology organization is an integrated partner in the support of cluster computing and research. The Andrews Information Systems Building (AISB) has had its infrastructure upgraded to accommodate large cluster computers. A partnership between the Information Technology organization and university colleges has produced a Terascale facility with significant international recognition. System X is the primary high performance computing system and when built in 2003 it was the third fastest super computer in the world.

The Network Infrastructure and Services department provides leading edge, high quality data, video and voice infrastructure and services to all segments of the university community to meet their present and future communications needs. Operating as an auxiliary unit in support of university goals, it strives to emphasize sound fiscal management in its operations. It endeavors to advance the technological capabilities of the existing telecommunications infrastructure and to broadly disseminate information regarding new technological developments. Network management, operations and support are provided with an emphasis on the highest levels of network security and reliability while continually moving Virginia Tech forward as a leader in the advanced networking community. The department supports the instruction, research, and outreach missions of the university and recognizes its role as a corporate citizen within the local, state, regional, and international communities. It remains sufficiently flexible to address the expansion and enhancement of advanced network infrastructure to support the university communities and pursue the development of related new services.

Network Infrastructure and Services believes a state-of-the-art communications infrastructure is mission-critical to the university. Advances in technology, corresponding reductions in the cost of providing it, and increased demand from the university community and its clients for more sophisticated communications media will continue to grow exponentially in the next five to ten years. Virginia Tech's competitive position in regional, national, and global markets will rely heavily on continued success in identifying and incorporating the finest communications capabilities available.

The Learning Technologies department provides a teaching and learning infrastructure that meets modern needs for integrating technology across content areas. It seeks to create and support robust environments for teaching, learning and discovery for faculty and students that are grounded in sound principles of learning, and in a thorough knowledge of integrating technology for effectiveness and efficiency of effort. Learning Technologies seeks these aims in several ways: through comprehensive development programs and training activities in the appropriate use of emerging technologies; through systematic application of appropriate resources to designing, developing, implementing and evaluating technology-assisted instruction; and by providing highly responsive services that advance and support network-assisted teaching, research and outreach.

Security of the university information technology infrastructure and services has always been an important issue but has become even more important with the number of threats that evolve and persist. Security is considered in all aspects of the Information Technology’s daily activities, but two elements of the organization have security as their primary focus. They are the University Security Office which ensures that the university has the technology tools, education, awareness, and guidance necessary to work towards a safe and secure information technology environment and the Secure Enterprise Technology Initiative whose focus is on developing secure applications, middleware, and interfaces to support the university’s computing and network services.

The Information Technology organization also provides Virginia Tech’s computing infrastructure and major application systems along with the following functions:



• 4help, the "Get Connected" program and desktop support
  
• Central computing resources and servers supporting email, administrative systems, research, and instruction
  
• Developing and maintaining a data warehousing system that captures, structures, and delivers university data to support timely, effective decision making, in addition to being responsible for knowledgebase and content management services
  
• Database Management Services (DBMS)
  
• Administrative information systems consisting of the Banner teams for Alumni/Development, Finance, General, Human Resources, and Student & Financial Aid
  
• Middleware Services, Microsoft Integration, Portal and eProvisioning
  
• Software distribution, student software sales, and computer purchasing
  
• Managing and maintaining system access via user accounts and passwords and digital signatures
  

Location

The campus is located in Blacksburg, Virginia, about 38 miles southwest of Roanoke, Virginia. To reach the campus from Interstate 81, take Exit 118-B (Christiansburg) onto U.S. Rt. 460 West. Remain on 460 West to Virginia Tech. Take the Virginia Tech exit (314 East/Southgate Drive) off U.S. 460.

Detailed directions to Virginia Tech

Campus Map

MEDEX Overseas Evacuation Program

An overseas emergency evacuation program is available to faculty, staff, students and their families who may travel overseas either on business or pleasure. MEDEX provides emergency services outside your home country. Included are

• locating appropriate medical care
• evaluation and close monitoring of treatment - management of emergency medical evacuation and repatriation (transport of mortal remains)
• coordination of direct claims payments to providers
• verification of your insurance to facilitate hospital admission - continuous contact with family, physicians, and employer assistance with interrupted travel plans resulting from an emergency situation
• assistance replacing lost or stolen medications
• emergency message transmittal services
• emergency international transfer of funds
• assistance in locating lost or stolen passports
• multilingual language services in emergency situations
• coordination centers and phone numbers throughout the world

MEDEX is already a part of the Virginia Tech medical insurance offered to full-time students attending the university. For further information on MEDEX services or the student medical insurance program, contact Risk Management at telephone 540/231-7439.

Parking Regulations

All vehicles, including motorcycles, parked on the Virginia Tech campus must be registered with the Parking Services Office and must display a university parking permit. Parking permits are available for full year, semester, summer, or daily, and an appropriate fee is charged for each permit. Bicycles must also be registered and this is available free of charge. Visitors are required to display a visitor permit provided free of charge. For more information about parking or to request a parking regulations handbook, contact the Parking Services Office at 455 Tech Center Drive, or call 540/231-3200.

The ROTC Program

The Reserve Officer Training Corps Programs conducted at Virginia Tech are available to cadets and are offered by the Army, Navy/Marine Corps, and the Air Force. All students participating in ROTC are required to be members of the Corps of Cadets. Details about courses offered, as well as available scholarships and stipends, can be found in the department listings under the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences; ROTC (Army), ROTC (Navy/Marine Corps), and ROTC (Air Force). Upon successful graduation from Virginia Tech and completion of the ROTC program, the student is commissioned as an officer in either an active or reserve component of the Armed Forces. The total ROTC credits applied toward a degree varies by major and ranges from four to 24. Consult your course advisor for information on ROTC credits which may be used within your major.

Students interested in additional details should contact the professor of military science for Army ROTC, the professor of naval science for Naval/Marine Corps ROTC, or the professor of aerospace studies for the Air Force ROTC program.

General Rules Governing the Cadet Lifestyle

All Virginia Tech students are eligible to join the Cadet Regiment and participate in the cadet lifestyle. Cadet student status is a prerequisite for participation in any of the ROTC programs.

Physical Standards: The Department of Defense has prescribed physical standards for formal enrollment in the ROTC programs. Cadets not physically qualified for an ROTC program may remain in cadet status as members of the Corps of Cadets.

Cadet Regulations: Cadets are expected to adhere to the Cadet Honor Code and abide by all cadet regulations, directives, policies, and procedures of the Corps, as well as the rules governing civilian students.

The following summary gives the prospective cadet an understanding of the nature of his or her obligation as a cadet:

1. Cadet officers and non-commissioned officers are responsible to university authorities for the activities of the cadets under their supervision and are given the authority to discharge their responsibilities.
2. Cadet residence halls are coeducational with controlled visiting privileges for non-residents and mandatory quiet study periods.
3. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the cadet residence halls.
4. Cadets are required to wear the cadet uniform to classes and cadet functions.
5. Cadets are required to live in a designated cadet residence hall unless married and living with a spouse.
6. Second-semester freshmen and upperclassmen in the corps may request a change to civilian status at any time. First-semester freshmen may not leave the corps and change to civilian status until the last day to drop a class without penalty (after six weeks of class). All students are encouraged to make status changes (from cadet to civilian lifestyle or vice versa) in conjunction with the beginning or end of an academic semester.

See Academics section for details on the ROTC course credits which apply toward degrees.

• For additional information:

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Services for Students with Disabilities

Admission to Virginia Tech is based on requirements outlined in the application and in the undergraduate and graduate catalogs. Admission decisions are made without regard to disabilities. All applicants to the university are reviewed through the same admission procedure.

Virginia Tech is committed to ensuring that all qualified individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to take part in educational and employment programs and services on an equal basis. To be eligible for services, students with disabilities must identify themselves and present professional documentation to the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office. Documentation should be recent, relevant, comprehensive, and, where appropriate should contain test scores and interpretation. If the original documentation is incomplete or inadequate to determine the extent of the disability or reasonable accommodations, the university has the discretion to require additional documentation. Any cost incurred in obtaining additional or initial documentation is borne by the student. Until appropriate documentation is provided, the SSD office cannot support the student's request for services. Faculty members are not expected to provide services unless students present verification of accommodation needs from the SSD office.

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Student Health Services and Insurance

University Student Health Services

University Student Health Services provides general ambulatory health care to students throughout the year. Students who have paid their health fee (included as part of the university's comprehensive fee) and submitted a health history form are eligible for services. A team of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified college health nurses, and licensed practical nurses manages most common illnesses and injuries. X-ray, laboratory, and pharmacy services are available on site.

Student Medical Insurance Coverage

The university has contracted with an insurance carrier to offer group health coverage for all full-time students at Virginia Tech. For details on levels of coverage and specific limitations, please contact the Student Medical Insurance office at 540/ 231-6226.

Medical insurance is mandatory for all international students with F-1 or J-1 visas at a minimum of $50,000 accident and sickness coverage. Medical insurance is mandatory for all College of Veterinary Medicine students at a minimum of $100,000 accident and sickness coverage. All international students must provide written verification from their insurer that they have equal or better coverage meeting the minimums as set by the University (as outlined on the waiver form and mailed with insurance packets), or they must purchase the university-sponsored plan or another student health insurance plan meeting or exceeding the University outlined minimum levels. Review of insurance policies and completion of the waiver form must be done by the students insurer at the students request. Once the waiver is fully completed by the students insurer the university will determine if the insurance coverage meets the outlined minimum requirements.

Student Life Office

The mission of the Student Life Office is to foster a welcoming community for all students. The office supports the transition to college life, leads the response to student emergencies, serves as a voice for student concerns within the broader community, and serves as the primary point of contact for Hokie Parents

Members of the Student Life staff are available to meet with students on a walk-in basis, although appointments are appreciated. For more information about the following issues, contact the Student Life Office in 150 Henderson Hall (540) 231-3787:

• Advocacy for all students
• Emergency contact for students and parents
• Student Orientation
• Communication and Programs for Hokie Parents

Student Life & Student Services

Student life at Virginia Tech encompasses learning inside and outside the classroom. Students have the opportunity to become involved in over 500 student organizations which sponsor a broad array of social, cultural, and educational activities. Information on how to get involved in student life at Virginia Tech is found in the Office of Student Activites in Squires Student Center. Students are encouraged to make healthy and responsible decisions concerning lifestyles as members of the university community. The university recognizes a student as an adult and expects that students will assume responsibility for their actions. The university offers assistance to students through a number of services found on the Division of Student Affairs homepage to discuss issues concerning difficult decisions during the college years. A detailed statement of the responsibilities of students is contained in "University Policies for Student Life."

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The Office of Student Programs

The Office of Student Programs serves students by providing facilities and services for on-campus housing, on-campus dining, fraternity and sorority life, and judicial affairs. With eleven dining facilities and 45 residence halls, Student Programs offers various dining and housing options to best meet the students' needs.

Residence halls vary in size and shape and students may live in either traditional rooms or suites, single sex or coeducational halls. Staff promote the academic success and personal growth of residents through community development, peer advising, involvement, student advocacy, programming, and policy enforcement.

Staffing within each residence hall includes Resident Advisors who are responsible for community development, programming, and judicial actions with assistance from a Head Resident Advisor, Graduate Hall Director or professional Complex Director. Professional live-in Area Coordinators/Assistant Directors assume primary responsibility for the supervision of the hall staffs in their assigned area. In addition, the Residence Hall Federation (RHF) focuses on improving the quality of residence hall living and implementing educational social programs for the resident communities. All residence hall students are automatically members of the RHF. Numerous leadership opportunities are available within this student organization.

All first-year students live on campus unless they fall into one of the following categories: those living with parents or other relatives, those who are married and living with their spouses, veterans of at least six months of military service, or those who are at least twenty-one years old. Written requests for exceptions to this policy should be directed to Housing and Dining Services, 109 East Eggleston Hall (0428).

On-campus housing is also available, but not guaranteed, for other students. The demand for a limited number of on-campus spaces necessitated the development of a random-selection process for allocation of on-campus space to non-first-year students.

The Virginia Tech Off-Campus Housing Center (VTOCHC) provides information and assistance to students seeking rooms, apartments, houses, or roommates in the area. These services are free to students. A sublet service allows students to locate others to live in their place and provides those seeking off-campus housing a place to live for a short term in Blacksburg. To receive information about off-campus housing, send a self-addressed 8 1/2" x 11" envelope with three postage stamps to Virginia Tech Off Campus Housing, 121 Squires Student Center, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0138. Include a letter explaining your needs. If you have questions, you may phone the staff at 540/231-3466, or send e-mail to vtoch@vt.edu.

Numerous dining options are available for both on-campus and off-campus students, as well as for faculty, staff, and campus visitors. All on-campus students choose one of five dining plans. Off-campus students, faculty, and staff may select one of ten dining plans or participate in the Dining Dollars debit card program.

Dining at Virginia Tech is anything but traditional. The award-winning food service division of Student Programs specializes in preparing diverse menus in innovative, exciting venues:


• D2 is an all-you-care-to-eat international marketplace with eight shops: Salsas, with Mexican fare; Pan Asia, with wok-prepared Asian selections; Gauchos, featuring skewered meats and other Brazilian items; Mangia!, with Italian pastas and more; Eden’s, with fresh vegetables and salads; East Side Deli, with made-to-order sandwiches; Olives, featuring Mediterranean vegan selections; and La Patisserie, with pastries and desserts.
• Shultz Dining Center is an all-you-care-to-eat facility that serves a large selection on entrees, hot vegetables, and desserts.
• Deet’s Place is a gourmet coffee, ice cream, and pastry shop, complete with a coffee roaster.
• DXpress is perfect for a quick snack on the run, such as biscuits, burgers, and pizza by the slice.
• Hokie Grill & Co. features national brands Chick-fil-A®, Pizza Hut®, Freshens® yogurt, Chippery® cookies, Cinnabon®, and Sweet City® candy, in addition to our own Blue Ridge Barbecue, grab-n-go sandwiches, snacks, and a soup, salad, and fruit bar.
• Owens Food Court consists of twelve specialty shops serving international and American favorites, including carved-to-order meats, freshly prepared vegetables, a soup and salad bar, burgers, pastas, sub sandwiches, Philly cheese steaks, tacos, stir-fry, and a gourmet deli.
• Shultz Express is famous for it hot bar with down-home favorites, such as biscuits and sausage gravy at breakfast and fresh whipped potatoes during lunch and dinner.
• Squires Student Center’s Food Court offers pizza, pasta, calzones, and salads at Sbarro® and distinctive bakery items, upscale sandwiches, and signature soups at Au Bon Pain®.
• West End Market, one of our most innovative award-winning restaurants, features wood oven-baked pizzas, grilled steaks, seafood, homemade pastas, freshly baked pastries and breads, and more—prepared right before your eyes.

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University at a Glance

Since its founding as a land-grant college in 1872, Virginia Tech has grown to become the state's largest university with an enrollment of about 26,000. With approximately 200 degree programs and more than $150 million in research expenditures each year, Virginia Tech offers the widest range of degree choices in Virginia and is the state's leading research institution.

The university offers more than 70 bachelor's degree programs through its seven undergraduate academic colleges: the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Architecture and Urban Studies, the Pamplin College of Business, the College of Engineering, the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, the College of Natural Resources, and the College of Science. On the postgraduate level, the university offers about 120 master's and doctoral degree programs through the Graduate School and the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine.

Undergraduates study under the tutelage of the best minds of the university with about 90 percent of lecture classes taught by university faculty members, not part-time instructors or graduate students. Faculty members and students, including undergraduates, are also involved in more than 3,500 research projects in fields ranging from biotechnology to urban planning.

As a leading research institution, it's not surprising that the university has become a world-class leader in computing, information, instructional, and communications technology. That technology is permeating just about every aspect of the university, including its instruction, research, and outreach activities. It is dramatically changing how the university operates, how it teaches, how its students learn, and the reach and impact it has around the state, nation, and world.

University Counseling Center

University Counseling Services offers to all students a range of services designed to reduce the effects of personal problems, to enhance learning skills, and to promote effective educational and career decision making. The center offers both group and individual sessions throughout the year.

University Exemplary Departments

University Exemplary Department Awards recognize the work of departments that maintain, through collaborative efforts of dedicated colleagues, exemplary teaching and learning environments for students and faculty.

University Facilities

Virginia Tech has about 100 campus buildings, hundreds of research laboratories, the Corporate Research Center, an airport, 2,600 acres in Blacksburg, and a 1,700-acre research farm in Montgomery County.

Among the university's major on-campus facilities are: Carol M. Newman Library, with over 2 million volumes; Donaldson Brown Hotel and Conference Center, a conference center with 100 rooms for guests; Cassell Coliseum (seating 10,000); Lane Stadium (seating 63,459); and a communications network that provides voice, video, and computer data transmission to offices, classrooms, laboratories, and dormitory rooms; a teleport of satellite dishes for receiving and transmitting; and a computing and communications complex providing the university community with access to information systems and resources worldwide. Adjacent to campus is the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, which employs about 1,000 and offers businesses the opportunity to establish close working relationships with the university.

Major off-campus facilities include: the Center for European Studies and Architecture in Switzerland; the Virginia Tech/University of Virginia Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church; the Virginia Tech Roanoke Center; the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center; public radio station WVTF in Roanoke; the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg; the Washington-Alexandria Center of the College of Architecture and Urban Studies; a dozen agricultural experiment stations; and six 4-H centers throughout the state.

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University Libraries

The University Libraries consist of the Carol M. Newman Library and three branches: Art and Architecture, Veterinary Medicine, and the Resource Service Center located in Falls Church, Virginia. The University Libraries is a member of Association of Research Libraries, the organization of the 120 largest research libraries in North America.

The University Libraries' home page is the place to go for an overview of all of the services and resources that are available from the libraries. Library users, accessing it from on or off campus, can ask a brief reference question, place recalls on books that have been checked out, request items through Interlibrary Loan, and search Addison (the on-line catalog) or a number of online databases.

The libraries hold over 2.2 million bound volumes; 6.2 million microforms, 25,000 videos, films, cassettes and recordings; and 136,000 maps. The libraries subscribe to over 7,000 print journals and periodicals.

The libraries also provide access to electronic collections consisting of over 23,000 electronic journals and 61,000 electronic books.

The library subscribes to over 200 searchable databases for locating journal articles; a complete alphabetical listing or breakdown by subject is available from the libraries' home page. These databases cover all major disciplines. Some databases contain the articles in full text while others offer only bibliographic information; some are for specific subjects while others cover a broad range of subjects.

The Special Collections Department houses major research collections including the Archives of American Aerospace Exploration, the International Archive of Women in Architecture, Railroad Archives, and the Culinary History Collection. In addition there are a large number of collections related to the Civil War.

Each of the libraries has an Information/Help desk staffed by people who can help library patrons locate and use resources appropriate for their information needs.

For users with disabilities, there is a Special Services Room in Newman Library equipped with adaptive software and hardware.

These are some of the highlights of library services and collections available to students at Virginia Tech. For additional information on what is available the first place to look is the University Libraries' home page.

University Unions and Student Activities

University Unions and Student Activities, a unit within the Division of Student Affairs, complements the academic program and enriches the quality of student life at Virginia Tech. University Unions and Student Activities is comprised of two separate but interconnected departments: University Unions & Student Activities Integral to our mission, we provide a variety of educational opportunities, programs, and services that enhance student development through advising, mentoring, modeling, and training. Comfortable and inviting public and program spaces are provided for the university community to gather and interact in an environment of respect for cultural diversity and the uniqueness of each individual.

Alive with Activity. . .

The Information Services Center in Squires Student Center is staffed with knowledgeable students and full-time employees who are ready to answer questions. Information Services provides information on UUSA, the university and Blacksburg communities, upcoming events, maps, meeting room key pick-up, schedule of daily events, and lost and found articles. If you have questions or inquiries, contact the center at uusainfo@vt.edu (540-231-6906).

• EVENT SERVICES
  The mission of Event Services is to facilitate and enhance programming efforts of the Virginia Tech community by assisting and consulting in the planning and support of events. Event Services is comprised of three area offices: Event Planning, Production Services, and the UUSA Ticket Office.
  • The Event Planning Office fosters an educational environment that provides student organization members and departmental representatives with coordination and event consultation. Services include event scheduling, consultation, liability and risk management issue management, standard procedure/event planning protocol, and referrals to Production Services and the UUSA Ticket Office.
  • The Production Services Office is a full-service production company for most campus events. Production Services offers professional sound, lighting, staging, and rigging. The staff works one-on-one with clients to ensure event production expectations are met.
  • The UUSA Ticket Office is the major ticket distribution center for events (other than Athletics) for Virginia Tech. The office supports ticket sales for theatrical and music performances, concerts, lectures, movies, and season subscriptions.
• RECREATION
  • The BreakZONE Recreation Center, located on the first floor of Squires Student Center, sponsors competitive leagues, tournaments, on-site skills classes, and open play in a variety of activities. With an expanded lineup that includes pool tables, bowling lanes, table tennis equipment, and video games, students, faculty, staff, and guests can enjoy "leisurely" activities to meet friends, relieve stress, test their skills, or just relax.
  • The Venture Out Center is charged with providing fun, safe, and educational outdoor services to the students, faculty/staff, and community of Virginia Tech. The Venture Out Center specializes in low risk outdoor adventures, quality rental gear at unbeatable rates, and valuable resources that help in planning the perfect adventure. Located on the first floor of Squires, Venture Out provides a healthy recreational alternative.
  • MEMORIAL CHAPEL
    Located prominently on the Drillfield, the War Memorial Chapel is welcoming to all who visit. The chapel is host to religious services, weddings, baptisms, prayer vigils, memorial services, remembrance events, initiations, military commissioning, music recitals, student vocal & ministry groups, holiday programs, concerts, lectures, individual prayer and meditation, and Bible study.
  • PERSPECTIVE GALLERY
    The Perspective Gallery presents a program of art exhibitions throughout the year, by diverse artists working in a variety of media, and styles. Visitors can view work of local and regional artists, nationally recognized artists, and artists from around the world. Some exhibitions are rich in historical or cultural significance. Occasional receptions allow the public to meet and talk with the artist(s). Perspective Gallery is located on the second floor of Squires Student Center. Admission is always free. While in the building, enjoy works in the permanent collection, located throughout the public areas. Some permanent collection works can also be appreciated in Johnston Student Center, the Graduate Life Center, and Cranwell International Center.
• STUDENT ACTIVITIES
  • Campus Programs is made up of the offices of Leadership Development (coordinates student recognition and the campus leadership program), Student Organizations (coordinates student organization funding, registration, and support for over 600 student groups), and Student Programming (supports VTU, the largest student programming board, in providing student programs).
  • Student Learning is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and out of class experience. Two important programs in this area are advising the Student Government Association and coordinating the Student Activities assessment program.
• STUDENT CENTERS
  • Squires and Johnston Student Centers are hubs of activity for the university community. They serve as formal and informal meeting places for student organizations, students, faculty, and the larger university community. Facilities include meeting rooms, conference rooms, ballrooms, and theatres. Plenty of comfortable informal space welcomes students to study, visit friends, or just hang out. Services include ATMs, Virginia Tech Credit Union, and food courts.
  • The Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown serves as the hub of activity for graduate & professional students. Along with residences, student organization offices, and several services designed specifically for graduate students, the GLC offers classroom spaces and food service among other amenties to fully meet student needs.
• STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
  University Unions and Student Activities offers a variety of Student Employment opportunities. Wherever possible, student employees are placed in positions that complement their academic majors. Student employees gain valuable life skills and participate in professional development workshops as part of their employment experience while working in the fast paced, enjoyable, and ever interesting campus environment of student center management. Student employees are an important asset to carry out the day to day operations of the student centers by providing customer service support for all patrons.
• OTHER UUSA SERVICES
  • The Off Campus Housing Office provides students with resources, programs, and services to assist with their off campus housing needs.
  • The Black Cultural Center and Multicultural Center can be found on the first floor of Squires. These centers are host to educational lectures, programs, and displays celebrating the diversity of the university community. The School of the Arts sponsors various concerts and theater performances by students, faculty, and visiting artists in the Recital Salon and Studio Theater located on the second floor of Squires Student Center. Contact the UUSA Ticket Office or Information Services Center for more information.
  • Administrative Offices - The administrative offices of UUSA are located on the second floor of Squires Student Center in room 225. The office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please contact us for any information regarding University Unions and Student Activities. (540-231-5431)

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