Hey there freshmen Hokies!
Right now it's pretty gray, dreary, and unlikely to get out of the 60s (the rain is much-needed, though). On the other hand, it's looking to be in the low 80s for the first week of Freshman Orientation, so pack accordingly. But don't forget that umbrella! We haven't had any unpredictable thunderstorms yet, but I'm not holding my breath.
Some Reminders:
- Visit the Hokie Camp table during Orientation and sign up! Only 1/3 of the spots have been filled, mostly in sessions 1 and 3. As a session 2 counselor, I'd love to see more of you sign up!
- Some colleges, including the College of Science, have an evening session during Day 1. This session is NOT optional. In efforts to make the sessions on Day 2 shorter, we present a significant amount of information during these evening sessions. The sessions last about an hour, giving you plenty of time to eat dinner and put your things in the dorm before the student night sessions on Day 1.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
It's That Time of Year...
Orientation time, that is. I just thought I'd repost the advice from last year and add some more.
For both Transfer and Freshman Orientation:
- Check the weather as you pack. Summer in Blacksburg is slightly bi-polar, though it's generally hot. Hot and humid, hot and dry, hot and windy, etc. So unless you have to wear pants or a long skirt for religious reasons, I would advise wearing shorts and a T-shirt, as well as comfortable walking shoes. It's looking to be in the high 80s and sunny for Transfer Orientation.
- That being said, bring an umbrella. Rain in Blacksburg tends to come quickly and with little warning aside from a thunderclap, even if the forecast is promising sunny skies. If you have one that can fold up and be shoved in a backpack or purse, bring that.
- Your head must be uncovered for your Hokie Passport photo (religious head coverings being the exception), and long hair must be loose. Feel free to tie it up once your photo's been taken, however. Be sure to also bring a photo ID (driver's license, ID from a previous college, etc) to your passport session.
- Make sure you have your two wallet-sized photos, and write your name and ID number on the back of each.
- You'll want to bring a sweatshirt or long-sleeve shirt with you. McBryde 100 is cold, as are Squires (freshmen) and the GLC (transfers), and some of the academic buildings where your department sessions are held are also routinely kept about as warm as your refrigerator (the building where Chem majors meet is especially notorious for this).
- Bring copies of anything that needed to be sent to VT (transcripts/grade reports, AP scores, etc) on the off chance that the college hasn't received it from Admissions. (Especially transfers) Spring 09 transcripts haven't all come in yet, so some transfers and freshmen with dual enrollment still have courses listed as "in progress".
For Transfer Orientation:
- If you weren't offered a spot in on-campus housing, you'll probably be spending some time during Orientation trying to find an apartment. The Collegiate Times (CT) and the Off-Campus Housing office both have listings for people looking to sublet or in need of additional roommates. For the Off-Campus Housing site, you'll need to register. You can visit the office as well, in Squires Student Center. The office will also provide you with a list of all the complexes in Blacksburg.
- Everyone comes in with a different amount of credit and classes fulfilled for his/her major, so department sessions can get long. Be patient, you will be helped.
For Freshmen Orientation:
- Get a good amount of sleep the night before. You'll be up late the night of Day 1 and have to be up early for college sessions and advising on Day 2. Breakfast on Day 2 starts at 6:30 AM. I speak from experience; sessions on Day 1 don't end until nearly midnight and I didn't go to bed until nearly 2 AM. I felt dead the next morning.
- You don't need a suitcase for your overnight in the dorm. All you need is a backpack or a small duffel. In it, you will need: something comfortable to sleep in (I vote T-shirt and gym shorts, as Slusher is not air-conditioned), the essentials for hygiene, and a T-shirt, shorts, and sweatshirt for the next day. Additionally, you'll have to carry this around on Day 1 due to minimal parking at Slusher, so keep it light. Bring a small window or personal fan as well.
- Your schedules will be batched out soon. Depending on how much AP/IB/dual-enrollment credit Tech has received for you, you may not need to make any changes, or you may need to sign up for a class to fill the time normally taken up by MATH 1205 or English. If you don't need to make changes*, you can meet up with your parents as soon as you get your schedule. Otherwise, an advisor will help you create your schedule.
* by "need to make changes," I mean you have credit for English and therefore don't need the class, or have only been assigned Physical Geology because you've got credit for everything. An 8 AM Econ class when you aren't a morning person does not count.
After Orientation:
- DO NOT CHANGE YOUR SCHEDULE!!! Some classes (ex: Chem Lab) are in such high demand that some of us are watching drop-add around the clock for an open section. If you drop it in hopes of adding one at a different time, you may never get it back.
- Don't give your parents your password (sorry parents). Every year we get a few calls because Mom or Dad has dropped Hokie's Math/Sociology/whatever class and now it's full. If your parents want to see your grades and records, and you're okay with that, fill out the FERPA release on Hokie Spa. Make the passcode something easy to remember, like their wedding anniversary or whatever.
- If you're going to get your textbooks from the On-Campus Bookstore/Volume Two or the Tech Bookstore, reserve them in advance. This will save you time at book rush. You can also compare prices on Half.com, Amazon, or where ever. If you do this, be sure you buy the correct edition of the book.
- You will have an additional information on the afternoon of Sunday, August 23rd. Attendance is mandatory, as topics relating to academic eligibility, the honor code, and other academic issues will be covered.
At Orientation, you'll be issued a Course of Study Planner and some post-it notes to use with it. Feel free to play around with it, looking at what's offered for Core Courses and free electives. Most majors have an Orientation course that you'll have to take in your first semester at Tech, and during these courses you'll have to create a four year plan, so this is a good way to get an idea of what's offered.
See you all at Orientation!
For both Transfer and Freshman Orientation:
- Check the weather as you pack. Summer in Blacksburg is slightly bi-polar, though it's generally hot. Hot and humid, hot and dry, hot and windy, etc. So unless you have to wear pants or a long skirt for religious reasons, I would advise wearing shorts and a T-shirt, as well as comfortable walking shoes. It's looking to be in the high 80s and sunny for Transfer Orientation.
- That being said, bring an umbrella. Rain in Blacksburg tends to come quickly and with little warning aside from a thunderclap, even if the forecast is promising sunny skies. If you have one that can fold up and be shoved in a backpack or purse, bring that.
- Your head must be uncovered for your Hokie Passport photo (religious head coverings being the exception), and long hair must be loose. Feel free to tie it up once your photo's been taken, however. Be sure to also bring a photo ID (driver's license, ID from a previous college, etc) to your passport session.
- Make sure you have your two wallet-sized photos, and write your name and ID number on the back of each.
- You'll want to bring a sweatshirt or long-sleeve shirt with you. McBryde 100 is cold, as are Squires (freshmen) and the GLC (transfers), and some of the academic buildings where your department sessions are held are also routinely kept about as warm as your refrigerator (the building where Chem majors meet is especially notorious for this).
- Bring copies of anything that needed to be sent to VT (transcripts/grade reports, AP scores, etc) on the off chance that the college hasn't received it from Admissions. (Especially transfers) Spring 09 transcripts haven't all come in yet, so some transfers and freshmen with dual enrollment still have courses listed as "in progress".
For Transfer Orientation:
- If you weren't offered a spot in on-campus housing, you'll probably be spending some time during Orientation trying to find an apartment. The Collegiate Times (CT) and the Off-Campus Housing office both have listings for people looking to sublet or in need of additional roommates. For the Off-Campus Housing site, you'll need to register. You can visit the office as well, in Squires Student Center. The office will also provide you with a list of all the complexes in Blacksburg.
- Everyone comes in with a different amount of credit and classes fulfilled for his/her major, so department sessions can get long. Be patient, you will be helped.
For Freshmen Orientation:
- Get a good amount of sleep the night before. You'll be up late the night of Day 1 and have to be up early for college sessions and advising on Day 2. Breakfast on Day 2 starts at 6:30 AM. I speak from experience; sessions on Day 1 don't end until nearly midnight and I didn't go to bed until nearly 2 AM. I felt dead the next morning.
- You don't need a suitcase for your overnight in the dorm. All you need is a backpack or a small duffel. In it, you will need: something comfortable to sleep in (I vote T-shirt and gym shorts, as Slusher is not air-conditioned), the essentials for hygiene, and a T-shirt, shorts, and sweatshirt for the next day. Additionally, you'll have to carry this around on Day 1 due to minimal parking at Slusher, so keep it light. Bring a small window or personal fan as well.
- Your schedules will be batched out soon. Depending on how much AP/IB/dual-enrollment credit Tech has received for you, you may not need to make any changes, or you may need to sign up for a class to fill the time normally taken up by MATH 1205 or English. If you don't need to make changes*, you can meet up with your parents as soon as you get your schedule. Otherwise, an advisor will help you create your schedule.
* by "need to make changes," I mean you have credit for English and therefore don't need the class, or have only been assigned Physical Geology because you've got credit for everything. An 8 AM Econ class when you aren't a morning person does not count.
After Orientation:
- DO NOT CHANGE YOUR SCHEDULE!!! Some classes (ex: Chem Lab) are in such high demand that some of us are watching drop-add around the clock for an open section. If you drop it in hopes of adding one at a different time, you may never get it back.
- Don't give your parents your password (sorry parents). Every year we get a few calls because Mom or Dad has dropped Hokie's Math/Sociology/whatever class and now it's full. If your parents want to see your grades and records, and you're okay with that, fill out the FERPA release on Hokie Spa. Make the passcode something easy to remember, like their wedding anniversary or whatever.
- If you're going to get your textbooks from the On-Campus Bookstore/Volume Two or the Tech Bookstore, reserve them in advance. This will save you time at book rush. You can also compare prices on Half.com, Amazon, or where ever. If you do this, be sure you buy the correct edition of the book.
- You will have an additional information on the afternoon of Sunday, August 23rd. Attendance is mandatory, as topics relating to academic eligibility, the honor code, and other academic issues will be covered.
At Orientation, you'll be issued a Course of Study Planner and some post-it notes to use with it. Feel free to play around with it, looking at what's offered for Core Courses and free electives. Most majors have an Orientation course that you'll have to take in your first semester at Tech, and during these courses you'll have to create a four year plan, so this is a good way to get an idea of what's offered.
See you all at Orientation!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
A Note on Behavior
Everything in this entry should go without saying, but it still needs to be said.
When you’re in contact with someone from Virginia Tech, or anywhere really, whether it be through e-mail, on the phone, or in person at Orientation and after, be polite. Be polite almost to a fault.
Everyone at Tech has been working day and night to prepare for Orientation and the arrival of new students. This includes, but is not limited to, creating student files, documenting transfer and AP work, preparing schedules, and setting up presentations.
So take the time to read all the information we’ve provided for you, even if it seems obvious and you’ve heard it a zillion times before. Be patient, as there is a purpose to everything at Orientation.
When you’re meeting with advisors, keep in mind that this is what they do; they are experts. They know the requirements for your major inside and out. If the advisor tells you that you shouldn’t take more than 6 hours of psychology your first semester, listen. We understand that your AP and dual-enrollment was to get ahead, and you are ahead, but college is not high school.
We’ve created batch schedules to make it easier for you as well as us. With a pre-made schedule, you (as an incoming student) don’t have to sit around staring at drop-add waiting for MATH 1205 to open up; you’ve already been given a seat in that class. The schedule may not be ideal, but you’re freshmen, the lowest on the food chain.
You’re going to have early classes or labs. You may have a three-hour evening class that causes you to miss Gray’s Anatomy or American Idol or whatever. Cut your losses and watch the episodes on the channel’s website, it’s just a semester.
But please, do not give attitude to anyone you interact with. It causes you to be labeled as a pain in the you-know-where in the minds of the people who are supposed to help you, and that does not work in your favor with anything.
When you’re in contact with someone from Virginia Tech, or anywhere really, whether it be through e-mail, on the phone, or in person at Orientation and after, be polite. Be polite almost to a fault.
Everyone at Tech has been working day and night to prepare for Orientation and the arrival of new students. This includes, but is not limited to, creating student files, documenting transfer and AP work, preparing schedules, and setting up presentations.
So take the time to read all the information we’ve provided for you, even if it seems obvious and you’ve heard it a zillion times before. Be patient, as there is a purpose to everything at Orientation.
When you’re meeting with advisors, keep in mind that this is what they do; they are experts. They know the requirements for your major inside and out. If the advisor tells you that you shouldn’t take more than 6 hours of psychology your first semester, listen. We understand that your AP and dual-enrollment was to get ahead, and you are ahead, but college is not high school.
We’ve created batch schedules to make it easier for you as well as us. With a pre-made schedule, you (as an incoming student) don’t have to sit around staring at drop-add waiting for MATH 1205 to open up; you’ve already been given a seat in that class. The schedule may not be ideal, but you’re freshmen, the lowest on the food chain.
You’re going to have early classes or labs. You may have a three-hour evening class that causes you to miss Gray’s Anatomy or American Idol or whatever. Cut your losses and watch the episodes on the channel’s website, it’s just a semester.
But please, do not give attitude to anyone you interact with. It causes you to be labeled as a pain in the you-know-where in the minds of the people who are supposed to help you, and that does not work in your favor with anything.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Laptops, Minors, and Housing, Oh My!
The Computer Requirement!
Virginia Tech requires every student to have his or her own personal laptop. Now, some majors have specific requirements, and you’ll have to adhere to that. The College of Science in general (with the exception of Economics, which requires PCs) has no preference, so I would suggest you use the platform with which you are most comfortable. If you order your laptop through Tech, it will be available at the Student Software Distribution (on Torgerson Bridge) during move-in.
There will be a bundle available for you to purchase at the Student Software Distribution. For all students, this will include the latest version of Microsoft Office, at a student discount price. Depending upon your major, there will be additional software. You can also purchase discounted Adobe products.
During Orientation, you will receive a VTNet CD. This CD contains free anti-virus software as well as the software needed to connect to the campus network and Internet. It will also give you step-by-step directions to connect your e-mail to Microsoft Outlook and how to see if your computer is protected against hackers.
Minors
Everyone knows you have to have a major to graduate from Virginia Tech. What not everyone knows, though, is what sorts of minors you can pick up. There are the obvious ones that you may need only one or two more classes in order to finish (like Chemistry for Biology and Biochemistry or Math for Engineering), and then there are some hidden gems.
Tech offers two leadership minors, Leadership and Social Change (CALS) and Business Leadership (Pamplin). Both minors are open to all students and have very similar requirements. Some of the requirements can be substituted with leadership experiences such as being an RA, a member of Student Government, or having a leadership role in any student organization.
Aside from minors in all of its departments, the College of Science now offers a minor in Actuarial Science, through the Department of Statistics. (For those who don’t know, an actuary assesses risk for companies) The minor prepares students to take Actuary Licensing exams, so if you’re interested in this field, check it out.
As “going green” and environmental awareness become higher demands in the business world, minors in Environmental Science (CALS), Green Engineering (COE), or Environmental Design and Planning (CAUP) are getting more and more students. Be aware that the last two majors are in Engineering and Architecture, respectively, so you may need to do a lot of planning ahead in order to get the prerequisites for the courses.
The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies has a list of nearly all the approved minors at Virginia Tech (it’s a few years old) on their Student Resources page, so check it out and see what Tech has to offer. Getting that minor in European Studies will provide your brain with a refreshing change of pace from Chemistry. If you’re not interested in a minor, then don’t get one! Minors are not required to graduate; they simply provide students with the chance to enhance an area of their education or broaden it without adding another major.
Housing and Dining
Housing assignments will be posted on the afternoon of July 31; the last two years they’ve been posted around 3:30. Until then, all you can do is wait.
If you would like to have some idea of where you’ll be living, Theme Housing is still accepting applications to all programs except the Residential Leadership Community. Programs available to freshmen sciences majors are: the Biological Life Sciences Learning Community (BLSC for short), MOSAIC, The Wing, The Well, and The World. If you’ve been invited to join Honors, you may also apply to live in the Hillcrest or Main Campbell Honors Communities. You can find descriptions of all the theme housings on their website, as well as the application process.
In the mean time, dining plan selection has opened on HokieSpa, so make sure you pick a meal plan! As on-campus students, you have a choice of the Major Flex or Mega Flex plans. Most people choose the Major Flex plans, as it accounts for approximately two meals per day. So I'd go with that unless you're really into D2 Breakfast or eat a lot, in which case choose the Mega Flex (it's more expensive, but provides for approximately three meals per day).
Virginia Tech requires every student to have his or her own personal laptop. Now, some majors have specific requirements, and you’ll have to adhere to that. The College of Science in general (with the exception of Economics, which requires PCs) has no preference, so I would suggest you use the platform with which you are most comfortable. If you order your laptop through Tech, it will be available at the Student Software Distribution (on Torgerson Bridge) during move-in.
There will be a bundle available for you to purchase at the Student Software Distribution. For all students, this will include the latest version of Microsoft Office, at a student discount price. Depending upon your major, there will be additional software. You can also purchase discounted Adobe products.
During Orientation, you will receive a VTNet CD. This CD contains free anti-virus software as well as the software needed to connect to the campus network and Internet. It will also give you step-by-step directions to connect your e-mail to Microsoft Outlook and how to see if your computer is protected against hackers.
Minors
Everyone knows you have to have a major to graduate from Virginia Tech. What not everyone knows, though, is what sorts of minors you can pick up. There are the obvious ones that you may need only one or two more classes in order to finish (like Chemistry for Biology and Biochemistry or Math for Engineering), and then there are some hidden gems.
Tech offers two leadership minors, Leadership and Social Change (CALS) and Business Leadership (Pamplin). Both minors are open to all students and have very similar requirements. Some of the requirements can be substituted with leadership experiences such as being an RA, a member of Student Government, or having a leadership role in any student organization.
Aside from minors in all of its departments, the College of Science now offers a minor in Actuarial Science, through the Department of Statistics. (For those who don’t know, an actuary assesses risk for companies) The minor prepares students to take Actuary Licensing exams, so if you’re interested in this field, check it out.
As “going green” and environmental awareness become higher demands in the business world, minors in Environmental Science (CALS), Green Engineering (COE), or Environmental Design and Planning (CAUP) are getting more and more students. Be aware that the last two majors are in Engineering and Architecture, respectively, so you may need to do a lot of planning ahead in order to get the prerequisites for the courses.
The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies has a list of nearly all the approved minors at Virginia Tech (it’s a few years old) on their Student Resources page, so check it out and see what Tech has to offer. Getting that minor in European Studies will provide your brain with a refreshing change of pace from Chemistry. If you’re not interested in a minor, then don’t get one! Minors are not required to graduate; they simply provide students with the chance to enhance an area of their education or broaden it without adding another major.
Housing and Dining
Housing assignments will be posted on the afternoon of July 31; the last two years they’ve been posted around 3:30. Until then, all you can do is wait.
If you would like to have some idea of where you’ll be living, Theme Housing is still accepting applications to all programs except the Residential Leadership Community. Programs available to freshmen sciences majors are: the Biological Life Sciences Learning Community (BLSC for short), MOSAIC, The Wing, The Well, and The World. If you’ve been invited to join Honors, you may also apply to live in the Hillcrest or Main Campbell Honors Communities. You can find descriptions of all the theme housings on their website, as well as the application process.
In the mean time, dining plan selection has opened on HokieSpa, so make sure you pick a meal plan! As on-campus students, you have a choice of the Major Flex or Mega Flex plans. Most people choose the Major Flex plans, as it accounts for approximately two meals per day. So I'd go with that unless you're really into D2 Breakfast or eat a lot, in which case choose the Mega Flex (it's more expensive, but provides for approximately three meals per day).
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Guide is on Twitter!
Hey all you Twitter fans! Post notifications will be posted on Twitter, as well as other news as the College of Science prepares for Summer Orientation. Our Twitter also provides links to other Tweeters, such as VT SGA, Hokie Camp, Orientation, and Virginia Tech news, so check us out!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Things to Know, Things to Do
I've got a list that all Future Hokies should have checked off very soon. I've also got a list of slightly less imminent, but no less important, items.
Many of these things require you to have access to HokieSpa, so if you haven't created a PID, redirect yourself immediately (if not sooner) to HokieSpa and follow the instructions for New Students on the main page.
Things That Should Be Done Right Away
1) Register for Orientation! What days you can attend are dependent upon your major, so sign up now! (There will be enough room, each department knows how many students are coming in).
2) Make a doctor's appointment. Some Colleges are putting holds on your registration until they receive your Health History and Immunization forms, so get yourself to your favorite family doctor. All the required forms are at the Schiffert Health Center website. Make sure you're scheduled to receive or finish any of these important vaccinations: Meningitis (1 dose), Tetanus (if you haven't received a shot in the last 8-10 years), and Hepatitis B. If your religion prescribes against vaccination, Schiffert has religious exemption forms. Also check the Tuberculosis Risk form to see if you need a TB skin test.
3) Commit your ID number to memory. Just about every form at VT, from quiz scantrons to Hokie Passport replacements to study abroad applications, requires your ID number. Start learning it now. It's one digit shorter than a phone number (with area code) and how many of those have you managed to memorize?
Things That Should Be Done in the Near Future
1) Find two recent photos (within the last year) of yourself, wallet size. School yearbook photos are good for this, or team composite shots or whatever. If you don't have any because every relative in existence has snatched up your pictures, find a camera and someone to take a picture of you and print it out in wallet size. Or go to one of those mall photo booths. Just get two wallet size photos of yourself. Then go ahead and write your name, major, and ID number on the back of the photos. One copy will be in your College file and the other will be in your department file, so be sure to bring these with you to Orientation.
2) Learn to do laundry. Your parents have been cleaning your clothes for the last 18 or so years, but they're not going to do it in college. Next time laundry is being done in your house, learn to do it. No one likes all their socks mysteriously turning pink or their favorite sweater shrinking to the size of a hand puppet.
3) If you don't have any idea how, learn to sew. Nothing serious, but it's good to know how to reattach a button or patch a hole.
4) Register for a dining plan on HokieSpa. Dining plan registration starts June 1, and as freshmen you'll have a choice of the Major Flex or the Mega Flex plans.
5) Request the following to be sent to VT: dual-enrollment transcripts (from the college!) and AP or IB scores from exams taken before senior year. To check that they've been received, go to the grades menu on HokieSpa and check either transfer credit or AP credit (AP shows up in both).
Shameless Self-Promotion Alert
Register for Hokie Camp! I'm going to be a counselor during session two, and at the moment, there are less than 40 campers signed up for that particular session, and about 200 combined for all sessions. The Hokie Camp staff recruited 150 counselors (50 per session) so we can provide the best experience to as many new freshmen as possible! So if you currently have nothing planned from August 10-17, go on and sign yourself up. We've got 3 incredibly exciting days planned for you, which include Camp Olympics, a ropes course, campfires, and skits.
Many of these things require you to have access to HokieSpa, so if you haven't created a PID, redirect yourself immediately (if not sooner) to HokieSpa and follow the instructions for New Students on the main page.
Things That Should Be Done Right Away
1) Register for Orientation! What days you can attend are dependent upon your major, so sign up now! (There will be enough room, each department knows how many students are coming in).
2) Make a doctor's appointment. Some Colleges are putting holds on your registration until they receive your Health History and Immunization forms, so get yourself to your favorite family doctor. All the required forms are at the Schiffert Health Center website. Make sure you're scheduled to receive or finish any of these important vaccinations: Meningitis (1 dose), Tetanus (if you haven't received a shot in the last 8-10 years), and Hepatitis B. If your religion prescribes against vaccination, Schiffert has religious exemption forms. Also check the Tuberculosis Risk form to see if you need a TB skin test.
3) Commit your ID number to memory. Just about every form at VT, from quiz scantrons to Hokie Passport replacements to study abroad applications, requires your ID number. Start learning it now. It's one digit shorter than a phone number (with area code) and how many of those have you managed to memorize?
Things That Should Be Done in the Near Future
1) Find two recent photos (within the last year) of yourself, wallet size. School yearbook photos are good for this, or team composite shots or whatever. If you don't have any because every relative in existence has snatched up your pictures, find a camera and someone to take a picture of you and print it out in wallet size. Or go to one of those mall photo booths. Just get two wallet size photos of yourself. Then go ahead and write your name, major, and ID number on the back of the photos. One copy will be in your College file and the other will be in your department file, so be sure to bring these with you to Orientation.
2) Learn to do laundry. Your parents have been cleaning your clothes for the last 18 or so years, but they're not going to do it in college. Next time laundry is being done in your house, learn to do it. No one likes all their socks mysteriously turning pink or their favorite sweater shrinking to the size of a hand puppet.
3) If you don't have any idea how, learn to sew. Nothing serious, but it's good to know how to reattach a button or patch a hole.
4) Register for a dining plan on HokieSpa. Dining plan registration starts June 1, and as freshmen you'll have a choice of the Major Flex or the Mega Flex plans.
5) Request the following to be sent to VT: dual-enrollment transcripts (from the college!) and AP or IB scores from exams taken before senior year. To check that they've been received, go to the grades menu on HokieSpa and check either transfer credit or AP credit (AP shows up in both).
Shameless Self-Promotion Alert
Register for Hokie Camp! I'm going to be a counselor during session two, and at the moment, there are less than 40 campers signed up for that particular session, and about 200 combined for all sessions. The Hokie Camp staff recruited 150 counselors (50 per session) so we can provide the best experience to as many new freshmen as possible! So if you currently have nothing planned from August 10-17, go on and sign yourself up. We've got 3 incredibly exciting days planned for you, which include Camp Olympics, a ropes course, campfires, and skits.
A Quick Note
Hey Future Hokies,
Just a quick FYI: If you're going to be in contact with anyone at VT between now and move-in, be sure to include your full name and student ID number in any communications (phone, e-mail, snail mail, carrier pigeon, etc). This makes it much easier for anyone in your college or admissions to pull up your file. If you don't remember what your ID number is, look at your acceptance letter. It's a nine-digit number that starts with "90".
Just a quick FYI: If you're going to be in contact with anyone at VT between now and move-in, be sure to include your full name and student ID number in any communications (phone, e-mail, snail mail, carrier pigeon, etc). This makes it much easier for anyone in your college or admissions to pull up your file. If you don't remember what your ID number is, look at your acceptance letter. It's a nine-digit number that starts with "90".
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Renewing the Guide
Hello new Hokies!
I started this guide last year to help new students transition into life at Virginia Tech. In it, you'll find information on how to prepare for Orientation, eating well and staying healthy, how to find academic help if you need it, and many other things (including the pressing question of how to obtain football tickets).
I'll be re-posting (and amending) the posts as they become relevant again. If you have any questions that I do not address in the blog, feel free to leave a comment or e-mail me at the address provided.
-- Beth
I started this guide last year to help new students transition into life at Virginia Tech. In it, you'll find information on how to prepare for Orientation, eating well and staying healthy, how to find academic help if you need it, and many other things (including the pressing question of how to obtain football tickets).
I'll be re-posting (and amending) the posts as they become relevant again. If you have any questions that I do not address in the blog, feel free to leave a comment or e-mail me at the address provided.
-- Beth
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Spring 09 classes already? But I just took my midterm!
So the Spring 09 timetable is up. Course request starts soon (Oct 21). Fortunately, you had your fall schedule made up for you when you got to Tech. No such luck this time, kids. It’s time to play the Course Request game with the rest of us. And know that you’re the low man on the totem pole.
Picking Classes
By this point, you should have some idea of what you need to take this spring. (Aren’t sure? The registrar’s website has checksheets for every major) For most of you, it’s going to be the second half of nearly every class you had this fall (MATH 1206, CHEM 1036, ENGL 1106, etc). Feel free to scan the timetable and start making up a schedule for your self. A word to the wise: even though no Friday classes sounds incredibly appealing, do you really want to have four classes on Tuesday and Thursday? Think about balance when you create your schedule.
If you’re one of the many who has credit for classes you’d normally be taking this semester, then start considering your major requirements and Core requirements. Balance is important here too. Don’t overload on in-major courses; you will go crazy and end up hating your major. I would normally suggest no more than 6 or 7 in-major credits, if at all possible.
Keep in mind this is just a request period. You are not guaranteed to get these classes, though you should receive at least a few of them. But that’s a topic to be addressed closer to drop/add, in December.
OK, but I was considering changing my major
Fortunately, as freshmen, you won’t be too far behind if you decide to change your major. If you want to change, but aren’t sure what to go to, take a few classes that will fill Core Curriculum requirements. You can take something completely different from what you’re studying now, and you may find something else that you’re interested in. Look at what’s being offered in other areas. Tech even offers a class, UNIV 2004, that focuses on exploring other majors.
If you think you know what you may want to switch in to, visit that department’s office and talk to an adviser. He/she will know the requirements you’ll have to fill, and whether or not you can switch in immediately or if you’ll have to wait a semester. The adviser will also help you determine what classes you should take this spring.
Fun/Interesting Core Classes
Finally, I thought I’d offer my input on some Core classes being offered this spring—namely ones I would suggest taking. I’m assuming you know what you need to take for Areas 1 (English), 4 (Science), and 5 (Math/Stats), so I’ll focus on the areas with a little more freedom. I’ve picked courses with no pre-reqs, but feel free to check any others out.
Area 2:
CLA/ENGL/HUM 2444 – Greek and Roman Mythology (you can register for it under any of those subjects)
ENGL 1624 – Intro to Detective Fiction
REL 1024 – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam (there is also an Honors section of this course)
Area 3:
GEOG 1014 – World Regions (Be warned: The waitlist for this class tends to be well over 2000 students—but the class is well worth it)
HS 1004 – Human Development I
PSYC 2004 – Introductory Psychology
Area 6:
COMM 2054 – Intro to Film (Complete with Monday night film screenings)
EDPE 2204 – Creative Dance
HORT 2164 – Floral Design (another class with a huge waitlist, but also worth it)
Area 7:
AAEC/REL/STS 2464 – Religion and Science
PPWS 2004 – Mysterious Mushrooms and Molds
PSCI 1024 – Comparative Government and Politics
Picking Classes
By this point, you should have some idea of what you need to take this spring. (Aren’t sure? The registrar’s website has checksheets for every major) For most of you, it’s going to be the second half of nearly every class you had this fall (MATH 1206, CHEM 1036, ENGL 1106, etc). Feel free to scan the timetable and start making up a schedule for your self. A word to the wise: even though no Friday classes sounds incredibly appealing, do you really want to have four classes on Tuesday and Thursday? Think about balance when you create your schedule.
If you’re one of the many who has credit for classes you’d normally be taking this semester, then start considering your major requirements and Core requirements. Balance is important here too. Don’t overload on in-major courses; you will go crazy and end up hating your major. I would normally suggest no more than 6 or 7 in-major credits, if at all possible.
Keep in mind this is just a request period. You are not guaranteed to get these classes, though you should receive at least a few of them. But that’s a topic to be addressed closer to drop/add, in December.
OK, but I was considering changing my major
Fortunately, as freshmen, you won’t be too far behind if you decide to change your major. If you want to change, but aren’t sure what to go to, take a few classes that will fill Core Curriculum requirements. You can take something completely different from what you’re studying now, and you may find something else that you’re interested in. Look at what’s being offered in other areas. Tech even offers a class, UNIV 2004, that focuses on exploring other majors.
If you think you know what you may want to switch in to, visit that department’s office and talk to an adviser. He/she will know the requirements you’ll have to fill, and whether or not you can switch in immediately or if you’ll have to wait a semester. The adviser will also help you determine what classes you should take this spring.
Fun/Interesting Core Classes
Finally, I thought I’d offer my input on some Core classes being offered this spring—namely ones I would suggest taking. I’m assuming you know what you need to take for Areas 1 (English), 4 (Science), and 5 (Math/Stats), so I’ll focus on the areas with a little more freedom. I’ve picked courses with no pre-reqs, but feel free to check any others out.
Area 2:
CLA/ENGL/HUM 2444 – Greek and Roman Mythology (you can register for it under any of those subjects)
ENGL 1624 – Intro to Detective Fiction
REL 1024 – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam (there is also an Honors section of this course)
Area 3:
GEOG 1014 – World Regions (Be warned: The waitlist for this class tends to be well over 2000 students—but the class is well worth it)
HS 1004 – Human Development I
PSYC 2004 – Introductory Psychology
Area 6:
COMM 2054 – Intro to Film (Complete with Monday night film screenings)
EDPE 2204 – Creative Dance
HORT 2164 – Floral Design (another class with a huge waitlist, but also worth it)
Area 7:
AAEC/REL/STS 2464 – Religion and Science
PPWS 2004 – Mysterious Mushrooms and Molds
PSCI 1024 – Comparative Government and Politics
Monday, September 15, 2008
The Real "Hell Week"
You've probably heard of "Hell Weeks" already. And odds are, this week is your first one. It's the first round of tests, people. Hope you're ready.
If you're smart, you spent some time last week and this past weekend reviewing already. If you haven't, shut off your computer and hit those books. Tests come in packs and its never pretty.
Fortunately, these weeks are survivable, and it is possible to do well. Make sure you're balancing your time studying. I tend to do two hour blocks (you know, two hours of bio, two of history, two of physics, and so on). Also, give yourself breaks in between each block. Fifteen minutes or so to run and get a soda from DX or to check your e-mail, whatever you need to do to unwind a little before the next block. Give yourself some breaks after each test too, an hour or so just to de-stress.
Don't stay up too late. Sleep helps your memory, so be sure you're getting your eight hours or whatever you normally need to feel well rested. Obviously, make sure you're eating well. Apparently breakfast really is brain food.
Good luck on your tests!
Lastly, this is a matter of personal preference, but I think it's a good idea to not study for two hours before the exam. In my experience, last minute cramming only increases your stress and makes it more likely for you to forget things.
If you're smart, you spent some time last week and this past weekend reviewing already. If you haven't, shut off your computer and hit those books. Tests come in packs and its never pretty.
Fortunately, these weeks are survivable, and it is possible to do well. Make sure you're balancing your time studying. I tend to do two hour blocks (you know, two hours of bio, two of history, two of physics, and so on). Also, give yourself breaks in between each block. Fifteen minutes or so to run and get a soda from DX or to check your e-mail, whatever you need to do to unwind a little before the next block. Give yourself some breaks after each test too, an hour or so just to de-stress.
Don't stay up too late. Sleep helps your memory, so be sure you're getting your eight hours or whatever you normally need to feel well rested. Obviously, make sure you're eating well. Apparently breakfast really is brain food.
Good luck on your tests!
Lastly, this is a matter of personal preference, but I think it's a good idea to not study for two hours before the exam. In my experience, last minute cramming only increases your stress and makes it more likely for you to forget things.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
JRs and Staying Healthy
Hopefully your semesters are all going well...mine's been busy so I'm condensing entries while I have time to write them. I'll start with the "bad" things first.
Judicial Referrals
Hopefully you haven't gotten a judicial referral (JR) yet, but maybe you know someone who has. Or you have. Anyway.
For starters, the JR itself does not mean you're in trouble. It's documentation of a potential violation.
If you receive one, you will have a hearing before Judicial Affairs (their office is on the first floor of Dietrick; you may have passed it on your way to D2) to determine if a violation occurred.
That being said, the JRs I was most aware of when I lived on campus were mostly noise violations (sound should not be heard outside your room from 10 PM to 10 AM, and the residence halls have 24/7 courtesy quiet hours, during which if someone asks you to turn down your music/TV or close the door, you do so), and alcohol violations.
The RA is not out to get you, I promise. Sometimes it may seem that way, and there are some RAs who appear to be JR happy. But it's like everything else: people have varying amounts of tolerance. If you're drunk and in the hall (not that you should be, ever), the RA isn't going to care unless you're creating a disturbance. Just be smart and remember that you're not the only person who lives there.
Staying Healthy
Everyone's heard of the dreaded Freshman Fifteen, and with Virginia Tech being at the top of the nation for food services, it seems likely to occur.
Well, that doesn't have to be true. For starters, it's usually more of a "Freshman Five" (if any), although there are the people who gain fifteen and then some. But it's easily avoidable.
Be sure you're eating a varied diet, like you did at home. Don't have West End's London broil with mashed potatoes and corn bread every night (that will put a hurting on your dining plan as well). I don't care how good it is. I'm not saying you have to eat salad all the time (heck, I hate salad and never eat it), but be sure you're mixing it up. Have spaghetti one night and then get a wrap the next time. Make sure to throw in the right amounts of every food group. Keep in mind that things like tomato sauce and peppers on your pizza count in the fruit and veggie categories.
Exercise is important as well. You don't have to be a gym rat or go running every day. Just make sure you're not constantly sitting on your butt in front of the TV or your laptop. Go for a walk out to the duck pond with a friend. Take the stairs instead of immediately running to the elevator (yes, even you hi-risers in Slusher, AJ, Lee, Pritchard, and O'Shag...taking the stairs at least once a day won't kill you). Speed walk to class. Play basketball out on the Prairie or volleyball at Slusher Beach. There are lots of little ways to work exercise into your life.
Everyone gets sick at some point. It's inevitable. The best way to prevent it is something you've known since the preschool days of coloring and naptime: wash your hands. Before you eat, after you eat, after you go to the bathroom. Carry a little bottle of Purell around if you happen to be in one of the buildings with the weird grainy powder soap (not exactly sure how that is supposed to clean, but it's in half the buildings on the academic side of campus).
If you feel like you're getting sick, strike pre-emptively. Get more sleep (even if it means not going out Friday night--there will be more weekends; it's your first year after all), drink some OJ and hot liquids, take some cold medicine if you have to. Need cold medicine or cough syrup? Schiffert has a self-treatment clinic right in the lobby. You take a little form, fill out your symptoms, they'll give you about two day's worth of what you need. If it's something worse, get an appointment to be seen by a doctor.
As you may have guessed, dorms are like a playground for disease. Case in point: strep went through my freshman dorm like wildfire, and conveniently, this happened right before finals, so everyone felt awful and we were all trying to stay awake to study. If your roommate gets sick, or even someone near you, avoid them as much as you can. It's not rude, you're trying to stay healthy. And hit up CVS the next time you're at the Math Empo for some Airborne. Buy the afflicted a can of chicken soup (or whatever they prefer) as a peace offering.
And get a few cans for yourself, just in case. From November to February, it becomes near impossible to find anywhere in Blacksburg. As soon as the poor kids at Kroger and Food Lion stock them, the cans fly off the shelves.
Judicial Referrals
Hopefully you haven't gotten a judicial referral (JR) yet, but maybe you know someone who has. Or you have. Anyway.
For starters, the JR itself does not mean you're in trouble. It's documentation of a potential violation.
If you receive one, you will have a hearing before Judicial Affairs (their office is on the first floor of Dietrick; you may have passed it on your way to D2) to determine if a violation occurred.
That being said, the JRs I was most aware of when I lived on campus were mostly noise violations (sound should not be heard outside your room from 10 PM to 10 AM, and the residence halls have 24/7 courtesy quiet hours, during which if someone asks you to turn down your music/TV or close the door, you do so), and alcohol violations.
The RA is not out to get you, I promise. Sometimes it may seem that way, and there are some RAs who appear to be JR happy. But it's like everything else: people have varying amounts of tolerance. If you're drunk and in the hall (not that you should be, ever), the RA isn't going to care unless you're creating a disturbance. Just be smart and remember that you're not the only person who lives there.
Staying Healthy
Everyone's heard of the dreaded Freshman Fifteen, and with Virginia Tech being at the top of the nation for food services, it seems likely to occur.
Well, that doesn't have to be true. For starters, it's usually more of a "Freshman Five" (if any), although there are the people who gain fifteen and then some. But it's easily avoidable.
Be sure you're eating a varied diet, like you did at home. Don't have West End's London broil with mashed potatoes and corn bread every night (that will put a hurting on your dining plan as well). I don't care how good it is. I'm not saying you have to eat salad all the time (heck, I hate salad and never eat it), but be sure you're mixing it up. Have spaghetti one night and then get a wrap the next time. Make sure to throw in the right amounts of every food group. Keep in mind that things like tomato sauce and peppers on your pizza count in the fruit and veggie categories.
Exercise is important as well. You don't have to be a gym rat or go running every day. Just make sure you're not constantly sitting on your butt in front of the TV or your laptop. Go for a walk out to the duck pond with a friend. Take the stairs instead of immediately running to the elevator (yes, even you hi-risers in Slusher, AJ, Lee, Pritchard, and O'Shag...taking the stairs at least once a day won't kill you). Speed walk to class. Play basketball out on the Prairie or volleyball at Slusher Beach. There are lots of little ways to work exercise into your life.
Everyone gets sick at some point. It's inevitable. The best way to prevent it is something you've known since the preschool days of coloring and naptime: wash your hands. Before you eat, after you eat, after you go to the bathroom. Carry a little bottle of Purell around if you happen to be in one of the buildings with the weird grainy powder soap (not exactly sure how that is supposed to clean, but it's in half the buildings on the academic side of campus).
If you feel like you're getting sick, strike pre-emptively. Get more sleep (even if it means not going out Friday night--there will be more weekends; it's your first year after all), drink some OJ and hot liquids, take some cold medicine if you have to. Need cold medicine or cough syrup? Schiffert has a self-treatment clinic right in the lobby. You take a little form, fill out your symptoms, they'll give you about two day's worth of what you need. If it's something worse, get an appointment to be seen by a doctor.
As you may have guessed, dorms are like a playground for disease. Case in point: strep went through my freshman dorm like wildfire, and conveniently, this happened right before finals, so everyone felt awful and we were all trying to stay awake to study. If your roommate gets sick, or even someone near you, avoid them as much as you can. It's not rude, you're trying to stay healthy. And hit up CVS the next time you're at the Math Empo for some Airborne. Buy the afflicted a can of chicken soup (or whatever they prefer) as a peace offering.
And get a few cans for yourself, just in case. From November to February, it becomes near impossible to find anywhere in Blacksburg. As soon as the poor kids at Kroger and Food Lion stock them, the cans fly off the shelves.
Monday, August 25, 2008
On Homesickness
Whether you live in Roanoke, DC, or are an out-of-state or international student, you’re going to feel homesick at some point. And that’s okay. Tech comes well-equipped with resources to help you deal with it.
The first step is to talk to your RA. Part of his or her training covered how to help homesick residents. They can help you to become more involved if you’re feeling lonely or even just be there to talk.
If it’s possible and you have a free weekend, make a trip home. Don’t have a car on campus? Home Ride of Virginia runs buses almost every weekend. One route goes to Northern VA (Vienna specifically) and stops at either JMU or UVA, depending on the trip. The other route goes to Hampton and makes stops at UVA and VCU. Check out Home Ride’s website for ticket prices and dates. Just going to the Roanoke area? The Smart Way bus leaves from Squires on a regular basis (you've probably seen it driving around, as it's a commuter bus) and stops at the Roanoke Airport, Hotel Roanoke, and at Campbell Court.
Sometimes it’s not possible to go home. You have a big test on Monday or it’s simply too far or too long of a trip. If distance is an issue, or even if it’s not, set a time each week to call home and talk to your parents. For most of us, it’s the first time we’re living away from our parents, and as much as they drove us crazy the last 18 years, we miss them.
I call home a lot. Sometimes it’s just because I want someone to talk to, sometimes I ask for advice on medicine to take for a cold (both of my parents are in health care, I grew up with it), sometimes I just need to hear my mom or my dad’s voice because I’ve been having a bad day.
You’re allowed to get homesick. It’s okay if you even need to call home and just cry for a while. Know that they are missing you just as much, if not more.
My best tips for preventing homesickness are this: the set time to call home I already discussed and keeping busy. When you’re doing your chemistry homework or out playing volleyball with people from your hall, you’re not thinking about how much you miss home.
So get off the internet, call your parents, chat with them a little, then take up that offer to go get milkshakes at Deets.
The first step is to talk to your RA. Part of his or her training covered how to help homesick residents. They can help you to become more involved if you’re feeling lonely or even just be there to talk.
If it’s possible and you have a free weekend, make a trip home. Don’t have a car on campus? Home Ride of Virginia runs buses almost every weekend. One route goes to Northern VA (Vienna specifically) and stops at either JMU or UVA, depending on the trip. The other route goes to Hampton and makes stops at UVA and VCU. Check out Home Ride’s website for ticket prices and dates. Just going to the Roanoke area? The Smart Way bus leaves from Squires on a regular basis (you've probably seen it driving around, as it's a commuter bus) and stops at the Roanoke Airport, Hotel Roanoke, and at Campbell Court.
Sometimes it’s not possible to go home. You have a big test on Monday or it’s simply too far or too long of a trip. If distance is an issue, or even if it’s not, set a time each week to call home and talk to your parents. For most of us, it’s the first time we’re living away from our parents, and as much as they drove us crazy the last 18 years, we miss them.
I call home a lot. Sometimes it’s just because I want someone to talk to, sometimes I ask for advice on medicine to take for a cold (both of my parents are in health care, I grew up with it), sometimes I just need to hear my mom or my dad’s voice because I’ve been having a bad day.
You’re allowed to get homesick. It’s okay if you even need to call home and just cry for a while. Know that they are missing you just as much, if not more.
My best tips for preventing homesickness are this: the set time to call home I already discussed and keeping busy. When you’re doing your chemistry homework or out playing volleyball with people from your hall, you’re not thinking about how much you miss home.
So get off the internet, call your parents, chat with them a little, then take up that offer to go get milkshakes at Deets.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
So, Where are My Classes?
Some of you have moved in already, some of you haven't. Hopefully you're spending time getting to know some other people on your hall and taking advantage of Tech's Welcome Back events (such as seeing Iron Man on the Drillfield this weekend or going to the Hokie Spirit Picnic on Sunday).
But, unfortunately, the real reason you're here is for school. And that means you're going to have to find your classes. Check with your RA to see if he or she is planning a campus tour sometime this weekend (I know there are a few out there) and, if so, bring your schedule with you.
As it is Thursday, or heck even if you do this tomorrow (Friday), you are able to go inside the buildings and find the actual classrooms. On Saturday and Sunday, you'll just be able to go to the buildings.
If there is no campus tour, either find your schedule from Orientation or print out a new one on Hokie Spa, arm yourself with a map, and hit the pavement. If you're not sure of building abbreviations, find your RA and ask or use the abbreviation guide on the timetable. On the small white side menu, there is a link that says "View Building Abbreviations;" a window will pop up when you click on the link.
The purpose of this trip, along with finding where your classes are in the first place, is to figure out what the best trip between two classes is. If you don't have it now, at some point you will have back-to-back classes in places like Surge and Williams (or Litton-Reeves and just about anywhere). It happens to everyone, you get used to it. If this has happened to you, it is up to you now to find the best path so you can make it to your next class 15 minutes later. Here's a hint: the shortest trip generally involves the Drillfield.
Another quick tip: familiarize yourself with the Hokie Express BT route, particularly if you have to get from Litton-Reeves or Wallace to somewhere clear across campus. But don't get on the bus on LR's side of the street--that will take you out to Oak Lane and the Cage, putting you even further from your class. Instead, get on the bus where it stops outside of Harper and Engel. Though, honestly, considering how slowly traffic moves on campus during class time, it will probably take you the same amount of time to walk.
Finally, if you do have classes that are clear across campus from each other, give the professor in the second class a head's up as to the situation. Tell them you're coming from Building X and that you'll do your best to make it on time each day. The prof's know what the walking distance is like here.
But, unfortunately, the real reason you're here is for school. And that means you're going to have to find your classes. Check with your RA to see if he or she is planning a campus tour sometime this weekend (I know there are a few out there) and, if so, bring your schedule with you.
As it is Thursday, or heck even if you do this tomorrow (Friday), you are able to go inside the buildings and find the actual classrooms. On Saturday and Sunday, you'll just be able to go to the buildings.
If there is no campus tour, either find your schedule from Orientation or print out a new one on Hokie Spa, arm yourself with a map, and hit the pavement. If you're not sure of building abbreviations, find your RA and ask or use the abbreviation guide on the timetable. On the small white side menu, there is a link that says "View Building Abbreviations;" a window will pop up when you click on the link.
The purpose of this trip, along with finding where your classes are in the first place, is to figure out what the best trip between two classes is. If you don't have it now, at some point you will have back-to-back classes in places like Surge and Williams (or Litton-Reeves and just about anywhere). It happens to everyone, you get used to it. If this has happened to you, it is up to you now to find the best path so you can make it to your next class 15 minutes later. Here's a hint: the shortest trip generally involves the Drillfield.
Another quick tip: familiarize yourself with the Hokie Express BT route, particularly if you have to get from Litton-Reeves or Wallace to somewhere clear across campus. But don't get on the bus on LR's side of the street--that will take you out to Oak Lane and the Cage, putting you even further from your class. Instead, get on the bus where it stops outside of Harper and Engel. Though, honestly, considering how slowly traffic moves on campus during class time, it will probably take you the same amount of time to walk.
Finally, if you do have classes that are clear across campus from each other, give the professor in the second class a head's up as to the situation. Tell them you're coming from Building X and that you'll do your best to make it on time each day. The prof's know what the walking distance is like here.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The Long-Awaited Football Tickets Post
Finally, football tickets!
Basically, for freshman, the process is as such. When a lottery date arrives, sign up at Hokie Tickets any time within the three-day window (midnight of the first day to midnight of the third day). In about a week, you'll get an e-mail if you've won a ticket. If you don't win one, fear not. People who don't turn in their ticket claim forms have to forfeit their tickets and a second round of lottery takes place.
To claim your ticket, take the claim form to the box office in Cassell Coliseum by the dates listed on the claim form (usually the Tuesday and Wednesday of the week you get your form). If you want to get a group together for a game, delegate one person to bring all your forms in together. Lottery tickets are seated in either the East Stands or South End Zone.
So bust out your calendars or planners and write down these dates:
Game Opening Date Closing Date
Furman 8/23/08 8/25/08
Georgia Tech 8/30/08 9/01/08
W. Kentucky 9/20/08 9/22/08
Maryland 10/25/08 10/27/08
Duke 11/08/08 11/10/08
UVA 11/15/08 11/17/08
Basically, for freshman, the process is as such. When a lottery date arrives, sign up at Hokie Tickets any time within the three-day window (midnight of the first day to midnight of the third day). In about a week, you'll get an e-mail if you've won a ticket. If you don't win one, fear not. People who don't turn in their ticket claim forms have to forfeit their tickets and a second round of lottery takes place.
To claim your ticket, take the claim form to the box office in Cassell Coliseum by the dates listed on the claim form (usually the Tuesday and Wednesday of the week you get your form). If you want to get a group together for a game, delegate one person to bring all your forms in together. Lottery tickets are seated in either the East Stands or South End Zone.
So bust out your calendars or planners and write down these dates:
Game Opening Date Closing Date
Furman 8/23/08 8/25/08
Georgia Tech 8/30/08 9/01/08
W. Kentucky 9/20/08 9/22/08
Maryland 10/25/08 10/27/08
Duke 11/08/08 11/10/08
UVA 11/15/08 11/17/08
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Staying Safe at VT!
Safety’s a big topic here at VT, obviously, as it is at any college. As long as you know how to keep yourself safe, though, you’ll be golden.
Dorm Safety
First of all, and your RA will tell you this: tailgating (that is, letting someone follow you into the dorm) is frowned upon. Really, you shouldn’t let anyone follow you in unless you know him or her and know he/she lives in the dorm. If someone’s outside and says they’re going in to meet someone, they can wait until that person comes to let them in. While a lot of people look the other way, know that ultimately, whomever you let into the building is your responsibility.
Fire alarms. They will happen. If you’re in a dorm like Lee or Pritchard, expect that they’ll happen often, generally in the wee hours of the morning. Most other dorms will have maybe two or three a year. Slusher was bad my freshman year, but apparently last year it was fairly quiet. Anyway, when you hear the alarm go off, stop whatever you’re doing, turn off the lights, lock your door, and head outside. An RA will be around when you get outside and tell you how far back you have to be. Usually these are short, 10-15 minute affairs and then you can get back to whatever you were doing. If it’s the middle of the night, sorry, you’ll still have to get up and get out; if you’re caught staying in during a fire alarm, you will be given a JR (Judicial Referral, I’ll cover those when school starts).
Keep a little first aid kit in your room. It doesn’t have to be one of those intense kits you see at Wal-Mart, just a little box or freezer bag of things like band-aids, a small tube of Neosporin, some medical tape and gauze pads, and whatever your preferred brand of pain-killer is. I like to have a variety of band-aids (I’ve even got a few “butterfly” bandages) and also a tube of After-Bite. You will get at least one bug bite in your first few weeks at Tech, and I some how manage to get spider bites year-round.
Lock your door whenever you leave the room. Thefts happen, and it can be anything from markers to your laptop (if you got a laptop lock, use it). If you’re alone in the room and the door if closed, check the peephole before just letting someone in.
Campus/Town Safety
This mostly has to do with nighttime, and a lot of it is common sense. Stay in well-lit areas, and try not to wander around alone. Besides, that black belt you got in Tae Kwon Do was in the 7th grade, and it’s been a few years since then.
I’ll start with Safe Ride. You can contact them by calling 540-231-SAFE (easy, right?) and they’ll get your name, where you are, where you’re going, and give you an approximate time of when the van will be in your neighborhood. This only works if you’re on campus, and people mostly use it going to and from the Cage, though I’ve known people to take it from labs to the dorm or even from one dorm to another. They start running at about 6 PM and go through to the morning (I guess about 6 AM). They also have a booth out at the entrance of the Cage, so if you’re in the area, you can just walk in. Priority goes to single riders and groups of two, as well as people going a bit of a distance. Also, be aware that the wait time goes up in rain or snow, simply because no one wants to be out in bad weather.
You may or may not have noticed the blue light phones around campus. On each of these emergency poles there is a phone and a red button. Using either of these will alert the VT Police to the location, so if you feel threatened and you’re near one, don’t hesitate to use it. The Police want you safe.
As you’re in college, you are going to want to go out and have a good time occasionally. In those instances, you are able to take the BT to and from nearly all apartment complexes; on Friday and Saturday nights, they run until 2 AM (midnight all other nights). If you miss the last run, call the Hooptie Ride (540-449-DRIV), or make sure you’ve got a DD for the night.
Thus ends my primer of safety at VT! And yes, I promise to post about football tickets the instant hokietickets.com has information.
Oh yeah: If your RA or another RA in your building offers an opportunity to take the RAD class, definitely go for it. It's mostly aimed at women, but I think it's a good course for anyone who wants a refresher in basic self-defense.
Dorm Safety
First of all, and your RA will tell you this: tailgating (that is, letting someone follow you into the dorm) is frowned upon. Really, you shouldn’t let anyone follow you in unless you know him or her and know he/she lives in the dorm. If someone’s outside and says they’re going in to meet someone, they can wait until that person comes to let them in. While a lot of people look the other way, know that ultimately, whomever you let into the building is your responsibility.
Fire alarms. They will happen. If you’re in a dorm like Lee or Pritchard, expect that they’ll happen often, generally in the wee hours of the morning. Most other dorms will have maybe two or three a year. Slusher was bad my freshman year, but apparently last year it was fairly quiet. Anyway, when you hear the alarm go off, stop whatever you’re doing, turn off the lights, lock your door, and head outside. An RA will be around when you get outside and tell you how far back you have to be. Usually these are short, 10-15 minute affairs and then you can get back to whatever you were doing. If it’s the middle of the night, sorry, you’ll still have to get up and get out; if you’re caught staying in during a fire alarm, you will be given a JR (Judicial Referral, I’ll cover those when school starts).
Keep a little first aid kit in your room. It doesn’t have to be one of those intense kits you see at Wal-Mart, just a little box or freezer bag of things like band-aids, a small tube of Neosporin, some medical tape and gauze pads, and whatever your preferred brand of pain-killer is. I like to have a variety of band-aids (I’ve even got a few “butterfly” bandages) and also a tube of After-Bite. You will get at least one bug bite in your first few weeks at Tech, and I some how manage to get spider bites year-round.
Lock your door whenever you leave the room. Thefts happen, and it can be anything from markers to your laptop (if you got a laptop lock, use it). If you’re alone in the room and the door if closed, check the peephole before just letting someone in.
Campus/Town Safety
This mostly has to do with nighttime, and a lot of it is common sense. Stay in well-lit areas, and try not to wander around alone. Besides, that black belt you got in Tae Kwon Do was in the 7th grade, and it’s been a few years since then.
I’ll start with Safe Ride. You can contact them by calling 540-231-SAFE (easy, right?) and they’ll get your name, where you are, where you’re going, and give you an approximate time of when the van will be in your neighborhood. This only works if you’re on campus, and people mostly use it going to and from the Cage, though I’ve known people to take it from labs to the dorm or even from one dorm to another. They start running at about 6 PM and go through to the morning (I guess about 6 AM). They also have a booth out at the entrance of the Cage, so if you’re in the area, you can just walk in. Priority goes to single riders and groups of two, as well as people going a bit of a distance. Also, be aware that the wait time goes up in rain or snow, simply because no one wants to be out in bad weather.
You may or may not have noticed the blue light phones around campus. On each of these emergency poles there is a phone and a red button. Using either of these will alert the VT Police to the location, so if you feel threatened and you’re near one, don’t hesitate to use it. The Police want you safe.
As you’re in college, you are going to want to go out and have a good time occasionally. In those instances, you are able to take the BT to and from nearly all apartment complexes; on Friday and Saturday nights, they run until 2 AM (midnight all other nights). If you miss the last run, call the Hooptie Ride (540-449-DRIV), or make sure you’ve got a DD for the night.
Thus ends my primer of safety at VT! And yes, I promise to post about football tickets the instant hokietickets.com has information.
Oh yeah: If your RA or another RA in your building offers an opportunity to take the RAD class, definitely go for it. It's mostly aimed at women, but I think it's a good course for anyone who wants a refresher in basic self-defense.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
