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Hokie Family E-Newsletter |
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From the Vice President for Student Affairs
There is a distinct rhythm to the seasons at Virginia Tech. When summer starts to wind down and the days gradually get shorter, those of us who work in higher education know it can mean only one thing: all of the students will be back soon! Our Blacksburg campus is beginning to buzz with more life, as students prepare for a new academic year, a new set of challenges, and a renewed commitment to becoming their best selves. We have a saying in Student Affairs: we want students “to know and be known.” We want them to connect with us and with their peers in ways that stimulate their curiosity, deepen their self-understanding, strengthen their relationships, and clarify their values. This fall, we are excited to introduce students not only to our new university president, Dr. Timothy Sands, but also to the newly formed Student Engagement area within the Division of Student Affairs. Four vibrant departments have come together to create this new area. They are: the Leadership Education Collaborative, VT Engage, New Student and Family Programs, and Student Centers and Activities. Under the leadership of Angela Simmons, our new Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, Student Engagement will re-envision student life. Together with strategic moves that place offices where students have the most access, these changes have the potential for creating a profound effect on the student experience at Virginia Tech. As always, families play a crucial role in their students’ Virginia Tech experience. We hope you view us as partners in your student’s development and success. We want your student to get the most of his or her time at Virginia Tech. Through the Division of Student Affairs staff, programs, and services, we can help your student eat well, stay healthy, grow as a person, explore new ideas, and become actively engaged in university life. In this edition of the Hokie Family E-newsletter, Brooke Williams, a junior double-majoring in English and communication, gives you a student perspective on what to do before classes begin on Monday, August 25. From moving in to finding friends, Brooke’s article and podcast outline what you need to know to prepare your student for life at Virginia Tech. You will notice that we have updated the design of the Hokie Family E-newsletter to include images and graphics. It is mobile-friendly so you can catch up with us on the go. And, guided by your responses to our communication survey, we have focused on the topics you told us are of most interest to you. We hope these changes will make our monthly communication with you easier to read and more informative. If we can assist you in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can contact our Director of Parent and Alumni Relations, Penny Helms White, at phwhite@vt.edu or 540-231-3284. You can also send a message to families@vt.edu if you have questions, comments, or concerns. And, of course, you can always contact me. Farewell summer and hello to a new academic year!
Patricia A. Perillo, Ph.D. Welcome from New Student and Family ProgramsThe office of New Student and Family Programs has moved! We’re now located on the third floor of Squires Student Center. This location will allow us to better serve our students and families. We invite you to stop by and visit our new office when you’re on campus.We recognize that families play an important role in a student’s college career. We work with you to provide the very best education for our students — from orientation through graduation, both in and out of the classroom. Contact us if you need guidance about resources or have a question but aren’t sure who to contact for answers. As a central resource for parents and families, we support and enhance your involvement in your student’s educational experience. Here are some of the services and resources we offer:
Best wishes for a successful year! |
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'In the Loop' podcast: READY, SET, GO!Virginia Tech junior Brooke Williams talks to new Hokie families about their students’ transition to university life in this ‘In the Loop’ podcast. |
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University BursarFall 2014 Tuition e-bills!The initial e-bill for fall semester 2014 was processed on July 15, 2014 and the due date is August 11, 2014. Charges for new activity after July 15 and payments made to date will be e-billed on August 15 and again on August 31, 2014. Very important: please pay or provide through financial aid or the Budget Tuition Plan (BTP) for all charges billed on August 15 and August 31, 2014 by midnight September 5, 2014 or your student’s classes may be dropped for non-payment! Need an alternative payment option? Our Budget Tuition Plan may be the option for your family. Please view all the BTP information on our website www.bursar.vt.edu. The BTP allows four monthly debits from a checking account covering the out-of-pocket expenses. Students can enroll in the BTP through their Hokie SPA. Enroll prior to the fall payment deadline of August 11 to take advantage of the four payment schedule and avoid late fees. The first debit will not be processed until August 15. Subsequent debits will occur on the third Friday in September, October, and November. Expecting a refund? We recommend enrolling in direct deposit now through Hokie SPA. The first refunds for fall semester will be available by direct deposit on August 21, 2014. Enrolling in direct deposit allows a fast, reliable, and safe way to receive excess funds from scholarships and financial aid directly in the bank account your student designates so that they can be used quickly for books, computer and living expenses. If your student elects not to enroll in direct deposit, please allow additional time for the refund to be delivered to the home address by U.S. Postal Service. Please ensure your student has completed all the requirements for their financial aid. Has your student completed the Federal Financial Aid release form? Federal regulations stipulate that Federal Title IV aid, such as Stafford Loans, can only be applied to tuition, fees, room and board. By completing the online Financial Aid release form, students allow federal aid to pay miscellaneous charges such as medical clinic, short term loans, and library charges applied during the academic year. Account Management
Please contact us at bursar@vt.edu or 540-231-6277. Your student must have you listed on the FERPA release through the Hokie SPA and you must know your passcode in order for our staff to assist you. Online access to the e-bill and email reminders when bills are sent can also be added by your student through the ‘View Account Status and Pay E-bill option in Hokie SPA. In addition to our regular business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Bursar’s office will be open on Saturday, August 23, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. |
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University Scholarships and Financial AidIf your student was awarded a Federal Stafford or Perkins Loan, he or she must complete both loan requirements—the Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling—before loan funds will credit the student’s bursar account. Many students will complete one requirement but not both, and that means their loan money will not credit when they think it will. More information on these requirements is available online.If, after the student’s bursar bill is paid, there is a credit balance (i.e., excess funds) on the student’s account, the bursar will generate a refund to the student. At the earliest, these funds will be made available to the student on Thursday, August 22. Please note that the student must be enrolled full-time (12 or more credit hours) and have completed all requirements before financial aid will credit the account. The fastest and safest way for a student to receive a refund is through direct deposit. Students may sign up for direct deposit through Hokie SPA. The bursar’s web page has more information. Would you like to discuss your student’s financial aid with our office? The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requires that students provide authorization to the university for specific individuals prior to the release of any academic record information to a third party, including financial aid information. Students may complete the online form in Hokie SPA, designating approval to speak with parents, guardians, or other designated individuals. The disclosure remains valid until the student removes the authorization. |
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Hokie Passport ServicesSummer dining plansPlease remember that Summer II dining plans end on Saturday, August 16 at 8:00 p.m. Any unused summer Flex Dollars from the first and second summer sessions will carry over to fall semester and receive the same Flex discount as long as the student purchases a dining plan for the fall semester. Fall dining plans Dining plan selections for fall 2014 may be made through Hokie SPA. On-campus students will default to the Major Flex plan but may change their dining plan (between Major, Mega, and Premium Flex) until Wednesday, August 20 at midnight. Off-campus students may add a dining plan at any time and may change or drop a dining plan until August 20 at midnight. Fall dining plans begin Thursday, August 21 at 4:00 p.m. Did you know? Many merchants on and off campus accept the Hokie Passport account as payment. Visit the Hokie Passport Services’ Merchant List to see restaurants, food stores, and retail stores that accept the Hokie Passport account. For step-by-step instructions on authorizing a depositor as well as making an online deposit, see our Online Deposit Guide. Note that a valid Hokie Passport allows your student to ride the Blacksburg Transit (BT) to many of our merchant locations. The BT travels around Blacksburg and to Christiansburg and back. Visit www.hokiepassport.vt.edu or call Hokie Passport Services at 540-231-5121 if you have questions or need additional information. |
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Off-campus HousingAt this point in the year, most students have already secured off-campus housing. Do not fret if your student is still looking for off campus housing, because your student can still find a place to live in Blacksburg. Please visit Virginia Tech Off-Campus Housing to search for current availabilities or to use the roommate feature. In addition, many students post directly to the Virginia Tech Off-Campus Housing Facebook page when they have available rooms. Utilizing both resources will yield the best results. |
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Services for Students with DisabilitiesIf your son or daughter has been diagnosed with a disability, Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) may be able to assist your student with accommodations. SSD helps students with IEPs or 504 plans and consults with any student whose academic performance does not reflect his or her aptitude and effort. Some students who excelled in high school may find it difficult to academically succeed in the transition to college from high school. Some students encounter academic struggles and don’t see a significant change in grades despite tutoring, working with their professors, and putting in more study time. They may want to consider meeting with an SSD counselor to discuss options. SSD provides progressive services to promote student learning, personal growth, and the development of life skills. If you would like to discuss accommodations or accessibility issues, please contact the SSD office at 540-231-3788, ssd@vt.edu, or visit 310 Lavery Hall. |
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Career ServicesCareer Services welcomes our new and returning students to an exciting fall semester! Families, here is how you can help us:
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Schiffert Health CenterFlu and fall immunization clinicThe flu and fall immunization clinic will be held in McComas Hall gym on October 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The following immunizations will be offered: flu shot ($23), flu mist ($40), MMR ($90), hepatitis B ($85), Tdap ($70), meningitis ($135), and pneumococcal vaccine ($95). Maxim will accept cash, check and credit cards (VISA, MC, and Discover). Virginia Tech students insured through Aetna or Anthem are encouraged to participate in these clinics. Through a special arrangement with Maxim, Anthem and Aetna insured students will not incur out-of-pocket expenses for the flu vaccine. Please visit our website for any updates or changes. Current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines recommend those older than six months be vaccinated against influenza annually. Application of registration holds Holds will be placed on accounts if students have not completed their immunization history form requirement. This hold will be placed on October 13. Your student will not be able to take advantage of early registration for spring 2015 classes if a hold is placed on his or her account. Emergency self-care checklist Schiffert Health Center strongly encourages that your student have the following self-care items for common medical conditions: antibiotic ointment, antiseptic, bandages, antacid, cough syrup, sunscreen, bug bite remedies, cold medicine (antihistamines and decongestants), ibuprofen, and Tylenol. Tweezers are helpful for splinter removal and Benadryl for allergic reactions. A copy of the personal insurance card, a digital thermometer, an extra pair of glasses (especially if contacts are worn), and a full semester supply of any long-term medications are also very important. Students should be aware of specific allergies and reactions to medications they may have, as well as the doses and names of medications they currently take. |
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Is your student looking for a job on campus? Dining Services is hiring!Dining Services is the largest employer of students at Virginia Tech with more than 1,300 students working part time while they complete their degrees. With flexible schedules designed to work around classes, working for Dining Services allows your student to earn some extra money while still putting education first. Working for Dining Services requires a minimum of eight hours a week and pay starts at $8.50 per hour. In addition, students receive a meal pass to eat in the dining centers for each shift they work. Students should submit an application by visiting www.jobs.vt.edu. Not sure if now is the right time for your student to take a job? That’s okay — Dining Services accepts applications throughout the year. |
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Save the date: Fall Family Weekend will take place October 3-5All family members are invited to attend Fall Family Weekend. During the weekend, parents and family members have an opportunity to experience student life and attend events provided by New Student and Family Programs. This exciting weekend gives Hokie families a chance to connect with one another, become more familiar with campus, and spend time with their students. Registration begins August 5. Please visit the Fall Family Weekend web page for a list of events and more registration information. |
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Virginia Tech Alumni Association EventsDo you live near a Virginia Tech alumni chapter listed below? If so, please join us at one of our chapter picnics. These events are a great opportunity to meet alumni, Hokie parents, and new and current Virginia Tech students in your area.August 8 at 6:00 p.m., Southside chapter Brian’s Steak House, South Hill Contact: Frank Turner, frank_r_turner@hotmail.com Chapter Area: Mecklenburg, Brunswick, and Lunenburg August 9 at 4:30 p.m., Knoxville chapter Private home of alumnus Jim Warren, Knoxville Contact: Mary Shaffer Gill, maryshaffergill@gmail.com Chapter area: Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg August 14 at 5:30 p.m., N.C. Triad chapter Triad Park, Kernersville Contact: Jim Goff, jgoff717@triad.rr.com Chapter area: Winston-Salem, Greensboro, High Point, and Burlington August 16 at 4:00 p.m., Northeast Ohio chapter Private home of alumnus David Rasmussen, Pepper Pike Contact: David Rasmussen, drasmuss@vt.edu Chapter area: Cleveland and Northern Ohio August 17, TBA, Charleston chapter Private home of alumnus Scott Beman, Charleston, S.C. Contact: Tiffany Pripeton Ritchie, pripeton@gmail.com Chapter area: Charleston, S.C. Want even more news about Virginia Tech?Virginia Tech News and Information offers a daily email that serves as your connection to the latest Virginia Tech news and information. Delivered overnight, Monday through Friday, it includes the latest news, campus notices, events, and Blacksburg weather forecast, with extensive links to the Virginia Tech News website for detailed coverage. The student edition email is distributed every Wednesday during the academic year to all Virginia Tech students. Faculty, staff, parents, alumni, family, friends, and those interested in receiving either the daily or weekly email can subscribe online.The Facebook and Twitter icons below will connect you to the Division of Student Affairs social media pages. Join in the lively conversation and find out what is happening on campus each day. |
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Virginia Tech Division of Student Affairs |
