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, 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, golf , innertube water polo, kickball, soccer, softball, 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 Colonel Dave Miller, Director, [540/231-9455] 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 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 2007-2008 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 at Virginia Tech encompasses vital departments dedicated to providing a rich co-curricular experience and essential student services. Virtually every aspect of a student’s life outside the classroom is represented through its departments.

The division strives to create environments, programs, and services that support the university’s teaching and learning focus and its mission to ‘expand personal growth and opportunity, advance social and community development, foster economic competitiveness, and improve the quality of life.’

The Division of Student Affairs consists of the following departments: Career Services, Cook Counseling Center, Corps of Cadets, Cranwell International Center, Dean of Students Office, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Housing and Dining Services, Judicial Affairs, Multicultural Programs and Services, Recreational Sports, Residence Life, Schiffert Health Center (including Campus Alcohol Abuse Prevention Center), Services for Students with Disabilities, Student Activities, and University Unions.

Each of the division’s programs provide ethical, social, and civic leadership for all students. One of the greatest responsibilities of the Division of Student Affairs is to prepare Virginia Tech students to be ethical leaders in an ever-changing society.

A detailed statement of the rights and responsibilities of students is contained in the University Policies for Student Life.

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

Information Technology supports computing and communications including voice and data communications, instructional technologies, administrative processing, software support, high performance research computation, and individual help and tutorials. The website www.computing.vt.edu is a guide to specific services and support.

The data network provides rapid access to e-mail, class materials, library databases, and to the Internet to every resident in university housing. Wireless network access is available in most academic and administrative spaces across campus. Wireless facilitates mobility across the campus, and, in conjunction with the university computer requirement for laptops and tablet computers, is used in the classroom setting to improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning.

Virginia Tech is committed to using information technology to enhance teaching and learning and works to ensure that teaching faculty members have the ability to use information technology effectively. The award-winning Faculty Development Institute provides faculty members with the ability to employ emerging technologies effectively. Information Technology supports learning experiences through course management systems, online evaluations, and support for video production and distribution for both on-campus and distance learning classes.

Direct support to students in information technology is provided through the 24x7 help line, 4Help (www.4help.vt.edu). The New Media Center is available to support advanced digital media for student presentations and class work. Computer labs offer additional options for collaboration and for access to highly specialized software. Each student is provided with an e-mail account and access to file space for storage or websites.

My VT (www.my.vt.edu) provides secure access to personal information, including course materials, one’s own contact information, and billing and account information. Security of this and other information is overseen by the Information Technology Security Office, (http://www.security.vt.edu/) protected through careful maintenance of passwords and online credentials, and incorporated into development of new applications.

Information Technology facilitates research through high performance networks and high performance computing, as well as through on-going professional development support, acquisition of specialized research software, and collaborative research.

Using information technology infrastructure for learning and discovery complements outreach to communities throughout Virginia by managing the state network, NetworkVirginia, and by promoting uses of information technology for economic development (http://www.ecorridors.vt.edu/).

For more on the Information Technology organization, see www.it.vt.edu.

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

McNair Scholars Program

The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Scholars Program) is designed to encourage and prepare financially disadvantaged, first-generation college students and those from groups currently underrepresented in higher education to pursue graduate study. Students selected as McNair Scholars will have opportunities to explore graduate education in an environment of encouragement and close support. In addition, Scholars will learn to set high academic, personal and professional goals and will get individual assistance in achieving their goals. The program offers seminars and other activities that focus on graduate education, as well as guided academic and career support, a summer research experience, faculty mentorship, and effective preparation for graduate school.


Scholars attend an academic seminar series entitled, “Pathways to the Ph.D.,” that is designed to:

• Assess students’ academic and career skills and interests;
• Learn about the steps in the research process;
• Prepare for graduate school by researching and visiting graduate schools; and
• Learn about the graduate school application and funding processes.
  

Scholars will have the opportunity to participate in a paid, 10-week summer research experience at Virginia Tech that includes a myriad of support and enrichment activities, including:

• Classes to develop their research interests;
• Guided research project under the tutelage of a VT faculty member;
• Prepare for the graduate school application and funding process;
• Research presentations;
• Networking opportunities; and
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) preparation.

The Virginia Tech McNair Scholars Program is funded through grant from the United States Department of Education. Additional information is available at the McNair Scholars Program website, http://www.mcnair.vt.edu.

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.

Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program

The Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP) is an academic success community founded in 1993 upon the principles of self-help, mentoring, and peer support. MAOP is committed to enhancing diversity of students in all disciplines at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Through partnerships with various departments across Virginia Tech, other college and university peers, governmental, private, and non-profit institutions, MAOP participants are supported with academic guidance and financial support.

MAOP is open to all students who demonstrate a clear commitment to the pursuit of academic excellence and are interested in the promotion of diversity in an ever closer global community.


MAOP is committed to providing Undergraduate and Graduate Scholars with an academically challenging and comprehensive program that facilitates degree completion. The specific goals of MAOP are to:


• Increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll, and graduate from Virginia Tech;
• Provide access and opportunity for low-income, first-generation college students and to enhance their chances of success;
• Provide academic, professional and personal support programs for participants;
• Enlist the support of committed faculty members to provide exceptional research opportunities for Scholars;
• Provide support for student organizations consistent with the MAOP mission, such as MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences);
• Nurture a genuine collaboration with MAOP partners at other institutions and in business, industry, and state and federal government who share our goal and commitment to increasing diversity and student achievement at Virginia Tech; and
• Function as a visible and responsive student-centered program that increases and supports a broad understanding of diversity within the university community.

MAOP carries out these goals through five “MAOP Family” programs and a host of related activities. Programs and activities serve students from the pre-college level through the doctorate with a continuum of financial, academic, emotional, and social support, and research opportunities.

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. Semester, summer, and daily parking permits are available and an appropriate fee is charged for each permit. Visitors are required to display a visitor permit, which is available at the Virginia Tech Visitor Information Center. For more information about parking or to request a parking regulations handbook, visit www.parking.vt.edu, or call 540-231-3200.

Alternative Transportation

The Department of Alternative Transportation offers several programs for commuter students to get to class without the hassles of parking permits and searching for parking spaces through the Commuter Alternatives Program (CAP).

CAP has two programs to fit your commuting needs.

• Carpool Programs: Carpooling saves you money on parking and gas, and it's the closest thing you can get to RESERVED PARKING on campus.
  
• Bike, Bus, & Walk (BB&W): BB&W is available to commuter students who use alternative transportation methods as their primary means of commuting to campus. Examples include riding the Blacksburg Transit or SmartWay buses, bicycling, and walking. Bicycles can be registered for free through the Virginia Tech Police Department at www.police.vt.edu.
  

For more information about commuter alternatives visit www.facilities.vt.edu/ot/alternative or call 540-231-0248.

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 degree requirements varies by major and ranges from four to 24. All credits count as free electives. 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 new cadets 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 at 201 W. Roanoke St., (540) 231-3787:

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

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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 21 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 a Major or Mega Flex Plan. Off-campus students, faculty, and staff may select one of five 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 of 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 12 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 its 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 (UUSA) is the center of the Hokie community. UUSA is a unit within the Division of Student Affairs which 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.

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).

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, rigging and house management. 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.

The Off Campus Housing Office provides students with resources, workshops, and housing fair services to assist with their off campus housing needs.

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.

The Black Cultural Center and Multicultural Center, as part of the Office of Multicultural Programs & Services, 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 Recital Salon and Studio Theater, home for events sponsored by The School of the Arts, are located on the second floor of Squires. Exciting and eclectic concerts and theater performances by students, faculty, and visiting artists are held throughout the year. Contact the UUSA Ticket Office or Information Services Center for more information.

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.
  

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

• Campus Programs includes Student Organizations (funding, registration, and support for over 600 student groups), and Programming (Homecoming Board and the Virginia Tech Unions, the largest student programming organization).
• Leadership Development coordinates the student awards/recognition process, campus leadership program (Leadership Tech) as well as advising the Student Government Association and oversees the Student Activities assessment process.
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, Freedom First 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.
• The Memorial Chapel is 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.
  
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.

Contact us: 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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