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, not just scholarship athletics.
• The university has extensive and modern athletic and recreational facilities, including: Cassell Coliseum, an indoor arena seating 10,052; Lane Stadium, seating 65,115; 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. The wrestling team competes in the Eastern Wrestling League. 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, women's field hockey, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, rugby, soccer (women's), softball (women's), snow skiing, triatholon, volleyball, water polo, and water skiing. Some of these clubs compete in NCAA events, while others are instructional and recreational/social in nature.
• Virginia Tech offers intramural and recreational programs for men and women in the following sports: basketball, billiards, bowling, chess, dodgeball, flag football, hearts tournament, racquetball, handball, a frisbee tournament, golf, horseshoes, innertube water polo, soccer, softball, squash, swimming, table tennis, tennis, team darts, volleyball, and wallyball, wiffleball.

The Cadet System

• The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets is one of only two programs in the United States offering a corps of cadets within a larg public university. The Corps of Cadets, a militarily structured organization, offers many leadership development opportunities to both male and female students. The Rice Center for Leader Development offers a minor in leadership studies. (Contact R. E. Denton, Jr., Director, [540/231-7136] for additional information on the center.)
• The Corps is supervised by the Commandant of Cadets, who establishes overall policies and methods of operation for the Corps. The cadet student commanders and staff officers are responsible for implementation of policies and procedures.
• Membership in the Corps involves a 24-hour-a-day commitment. Members wear a distinctive Virginia Tech cadet uniform and live in designated cadet residence halls. Both cadets and non-cadets are part of one student body, attend the same classes, and are organized into one student government. Cadets participate in all university activities, including athletics, social events, and cultural programs. Membership in the Cadet Regimental Band, the "Highty-Tighties," is restricted to cadets. Although many benefits are available through participation in one of the three ROTC programs offered at Tech, a student does not have to enroll in an ROTC program to be a member of the Corps of Cadets.

Career Services

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

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

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

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Cooperative Education/Internship Program

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

• The Mandatory Enrollment Seminar 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.

Colleges and academic departments participating in the Cooperative Education program are:

Agriculture and Life Sciences Animal and Poultry Sciences Biochemistry Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences Food Science and Technology Horticulture Human Nutrition, Foods & Exercise Architecture and Urban Studies Art and Art History Urban Affairs and Planning 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 Fisheries Science Forestry Geography Natural Resource Recreation Wildlife Science Wood Science and Forest Products Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Apparel, Housing and Resources Management Communication English Foreign Languages and Literatures History Human Development Interdisciplinary Studies Music Philosophy Political Science Sociology Teaching and Learning Theatre Arts Science Biochemistry Biology Chemistry Economics Geosciences Mathematics Physics Psychology Statistics

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Division of Student Affairs

• The Division of Student Affairs is concerned with all aspects of student life at Virginia Tech. The division consists of the following units: Student Life and Advocacy, University Student Health Services, University Counseling Center, University Career Services, Residential and Dining Programs, University Unions and Student Activities, Military Affairs (including the Corps of Cadets and ROTC Programs), and Recreational Sports.

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 Systems & Computing Center

• Virginia Tech long has enjoyed a national reputation related to innovative and effective uses of computers and other information technologies. That tradition continues as the Information Systems & Computing Center, with its sister organizations, continues to build the network and technological infrastructures that will be needed by students at a comprehensive university in the 21st century.
• Anchoring the university's electronic information technology complex, the Virginia Tech Information Systems & Computing Center centrally provides to the institution systems and services in broad demand (like campuswide electronic mail, the online library catalog, and high-end computing power) as well as those systems necessary for the operation of the institution itself (like budget, payroll, and student records).
• The university data networks are accessible from every office and residence hall as well as from off campus. Students who have personal systems attached to the network can use them to communicate in various ways with others around the world via the Internet, the emerging information superhighway. Students also may use systems and software available in various computer labs located around campus, both general purpose ones and those with more specialized capabilities like the Multimedia Lab, the Visualization Lab, and the new Media Center in the Newman Library.
• Continuous improvements to our computer systems and networks are coordinated with related formal training for our faculty and staff. Even as these investments increase operational efficiency and effectiveness, they are helping us to incorporate more computing in the curriculum so that we may better prepare students for the world of work in the information age. As a result, while at Virginia Tech, our students operate in an information technology environment second to none.
• Communications Network Services is responsible for the provision of all communications services (voice, data, video) to the university community, including telephone and telecommunication services for students in the residence halls on campus. Off-campus students may obtain access to Virginia Tech's data network via a group of high speed modems. CNS's major goal is to provide communications services which maintain and enhance the university's leadership position in the delivery of instructional, research, and extension services. To accomplish this goal, a concerted effort is expended to remain current with respect to advances in communications technology. High-speed Ethernet connections have been added to every dorm room. In addition to Ethernet, the university supports local area networks utilizing broadband and token ring technologies with a fiber optic inter-building backbone.

Location

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

MEDEX Overseas Evacuation Program

• An overseas emergency evacuation program is available to faculty, staff, students and their families who may travel overseas either on business or pleasure. MEDEX provides emergency services outside your home country. Included are
  • locating appropriate medical care
  • evaluation and close monitoring of treatment - management of emergency medical evacuation and repatriation (transport of mortal remains)
  • coordination of direct claims payments to providers
  • verification of your insurance to facilitate hospital admission - continuous contact with family, physicians, and employer assistance with interrupted travel plans resulting from an emergency situation
  • assistance replacing lost or stolen medications
  • emergency message transmittal services
  • emergency international transfer of funds
  • assistance in locating lost or stolen passports
  • multilingual language services in emergency situations
  • coordination centers and phone numbers throughout the world
• MEDEX is already a part of the Virginia Tech medical insurance offered to full-time students attending the university. For further information on MEDEX services or the student medical insurance program, contact Risk Management at telephone 540/231-7439.

Parking Regulations

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

The ROTC Program

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

General Rules Governing the Cadet Lifestyle

• All Virginia Tech students are eligible to join the Cadet Regiment and participate in the cadet lifestyle. Cadet student status is a prerequisite for participation in any of the ROTC programs.
• Physical Standards: The Department of Defense has prescribed physical standards for formal enrollment in the ROTC programs. Cadets not physically qualified for an ROTC program may remain in cadet status as members of the Corps of Cadets.
• Cadet Regulations: Cadets are expected to adhere to the Cadet Honor Code and abide by all cadet regulations, directives, policies, and procedures of the Corps, as well as the rules governing civilian students.
• The following summary gives the prospective cadet an understanding of the nature of his or her obligation as a cadet:

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

• See Academics section for details on the ROTC course credits which apply toward degrees.
• For additional information:

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Residential and Dining Programs

• Residential and Dining Programs (RDP) serves students by providing facilities and services for on-campus housing and dining. With seven dining facilities and 34 residence halls, RDP 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. 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 or Graduate Hall Director. Professional live-in Area Coordinators 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 with this student organization.
• All entering freshmen 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 6 months of military service; and those who are at least 21 years old. Requests for exceptions to this policy should be addressed to the Office of Residential and Dining Programs.
• On-campus housing is also available, but not guaranteed, for upper-class students. The demand for a limited amount of on-campus space has necessitated the development of a random selection process for allocation of on-campus space to upper-class students.
• The Virginia Tech Off Campus Housing Center (VTOCHC) provides information and assistance to students seeking rooms, apartments, houses, or roommates in the area. These services are free to students. A sublet service allows students to locate others to live in their place and provides those seeking off-campus housing a place to live for a short term in Blacksburg. To receive information about off- campus housing, send a self-addressed 8 1/2" x 11" envelope with three postage stamps to Virginia Tech Off Campus Housing, 121 Squires Student Center, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0138. Include a letter explaining your needs. If you have questions, you may phone the staff at 540/231-3466, or send e-mail to vtoch@vt.edu.
• Numerous dining options are available for both on-campus and off-campus students, as well as for faculty, staff, and campus visitors. All on-campus students choose one of five dining plans. Off-campus students, faculty, and staff may select one of ten dining plans or participate in the Dining Dollars debit card program. Two traditional, all-you-care-to-eat dining facilities provide well-balanced nutritional meals. In addition, there are à la carte facilities where customers can choose from specialty and cooked-to-order items. Owens Food Court has twelve specialty shops and offers an array of international cuisine, including Italian, Mexican and Asian. Both Owens Food Court and Hokie Grill & Co., which features gourmet burgers, fries, yogurt and a large salad bar, are located in Owens Food Center. Deet's Place, RDP's award-winning specialty shop, serves freshly roasted gourmet coffees, espressos, cappuccinos, ice cream and baked goods. Located conveniently in Dietrick Dining Center, the coffeehouse atmosphere is the perfect place for studying or taking a break with friends. Freshens Yogurt, the newest specialty shoppe, located in Schultz Hall, offers a variety of frozen yogurts and features Sweet City Candy Express. Pool tables and video machines are also available for student use.

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 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 & Advocacy Office

• The mission of the Student Life & Advocacy Office is to foster a welcoming community for all students. The office supports the transition to college life, coordinates access and accommodation for students with disabilities, leads the response to student emergencies, serves as a voice for student concerns within the broader community, and develops programs to affirm the inclusion of all students.
• Members of the Dean of Students 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 & Advocacy Office in 150 Henderson Hall (540) 231-3788:

• Advocacy for all students
• Black Cultural Center
• Emergency contact for students and parents
• Interpreting Services
• Multicultural Awareness Programs (MAPs)
• Multicultural Center
• Services for Students with Disabilities
• Sexual Assault Education (Project SAFE)
• Student Orientation

Student Life & Student Services

• Student life at Virginia Tech encompasses learning inside and outside the classroom. Students have the opportunity to become involved in over 500 student organizations which sponsor a broad array of social, cultural, and educational activities. Information on how to get involved in student life at Virginia Tech is found in "University Policies for Student Life," the undergraduate student handbook. Entering students receive a copy of this handbook during orientation. Others may request a copy from the Office of the Dean of Students. Information is also available on the Dean of Students home page.
• Students are encouraged to make healthy and responsible decisions concerning lifestyles as members of the university community. The university recognizes a student as an adult and expects that students will assume responsibility for their actions. The university offers assistance to students through a number of services, such as the University Counseling Center, to discuss issues concerning difficult decisions during the college years. Information concerning services and a detailed statement of the responsibilities of students is contained in "University Policies for Student Life."

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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 are in the 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 million bound volumes; 6 million microforms; 17,000 videos, films, cassettes and recordings; and 131,000 maps. The libraries subscribe to over 7,000 journals and periodicals.
• The libraries also provide access to electronic collections consisting of over 12,000 electronic journals and 27,000 electronic books.
• The library subscribes to over 200 searchable databases for locating journal articles; a complete alphabetical listing or breakdown by subject is available from the libraries' home page. These databases cover all major disciplines. Some databases contain the articles in full text while others offer only bibliographic information; some are for specific subjects while others cover a broad range of subjects.
• The Special Collections Department houses major research collections including the Archives of American Aerospace Exploration, the International Archive of Women in Architecture, Railroad Archives, and the Culinary History Collection. In addition there are a large number of collections related to the Civil War.
• Each of the libraries has an Information/Help desk staffed by people who can help library patrons locate and use resources appropriate for their information needs.
• For users with disabilities, there is a Special Services Room in Newman Library equipped with adaptive software and hardware.
• These are some of the highlights of library services and collections available to students at Virginia Tech. For additional information on what is available the first place to look is the University Libraries' home page.

University Unions and Student Activities

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

Alive with Activity. . .

• The Information Services Center is staffed with knowledgeable students and full-time employees who are ready to answer questions. Information Services provides information on UUSA, the university and Blacksburg communities, upcoming events, maps, meeting room key pick-up, schedule of daily events, and lost and found articles. If you have questions or inquiries, contact the center at uusainfo@vt.edu (540-231-6906)
• EVENT SERVICES
  The mission of Event Services is to facilitate and enhance programming efforts of the Virginia Tech community by assisting and consulting in the planning and support of events. Event Services is comprised of three area offices: Event Planning, Production Services and the UUSA Ticket Office.
  • The Event Planning Office fosters an educational environment that provides student organization members and departmental representatives with coordination and event consultation. Other responsibilities include event scheduling and consultation, liability and risk management issues, standard procedure, event planning protocol, and referrals to Production Services and the UUSA Ticket Office.
  • The Production Services Office is a full-service production company for most campus events. Production Services offers professional sound, lighting, staging, and rigging. The staff works one-on-one with clients to ensure event production expectations are met.
  • The UUSA Ticket Office is the major ticket distribution center for events (other than Athletics) for Virginia Tech. The office supports ticket sales for theatrical and music performances, concerts, lectures, movies, and season subscriptions.
• RECREATION
  • The BreakZONE Recreation Center sponsors competitive leagues, 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, test their skills, or just relax.
  • The Venture Out Center is charged with providing fun, safe, and educational outdoor services to the students, faculty/staff, and community of Virginia Tech. The Venture Out Center specializes in low risk outdoor adventures, quality rental gear at unbeatable rates, and valuable resources that help in planning the perfect adventure. Located on the first floor of Squires, Venture Out provides a healthy recreational alternative.
  • MEMORIAL CHAPEL
    Located prominently on the Drillfield, the War Memorial Chapel is welcoming to all who visit. The chapel is host to religious services, weddings, baptisms, prayer vigils, memorial services, remembrance events, initiations, military commissioning, music recitals, student vocal & ministry groups, holiday programs, concerts, lectures, individual prayer and meditation, and Bible study.
  • PERSPECTIVE GALLERY
    The Perspective Gallery presents a program of art exhibitions throughout the year, by diverse artists working in a variety of media, and styles. Visitors can view work of local and regional artists, nationally recognized artists, and artists from around the world. Some exhibitions are rich in historical or cultural significance. Occasional receptions allow the public to meet and talk with the artist(s). Perspective Gallery is located on the second floor of Squires Student Center. Admission is always free. While in the building, enjoy works in the permanent collection, located throughout the public areas. Some permanent collection works can also be appreciated in Johnston Student Center and Cranwell International Center
• STUDENT ACTIVITIES
  • Campus Programs is made up of the offices of Leadership Development (coordinates student recognition and the campus leadership program), Student Organizations (coordinates student organization funding, registration, and support for over 600 student groups), Cultural Programs (supports cultural groups such as BSA & LGBTA in programming efforts), and Student Programming (supports VTU, the largest student programming board, in providing student programs).
  • Student Learning is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and out of class experience. The Residence Learning Community (RLC) and the E-Learning Project are two current initiatives that support this mission. Advising SGA and coordinating the Student Activities assessment program are also a part of the Student Learning area.
• 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, and the larger university community. Facilities include meeting rooms, conference rooms, ballrooms, and theatres. Plenty of comfortable informal space welcomes students to study, visit friends, or just hang out. Services include ATMs, Virginia Tech Credit Union, and food courts.
• STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
  University Unions and Student Activities offers a variety of Student Employment opportunities. It is the desire, when possible, to hire Virginia Tech students into positions that somehow relate to their college major. The hope is that their employment complements their academic pursuits, as well as providing a source of income, while fulfilling our need to staff the positions necessary to carry on day-to-day operations. In all we do, our main goal is to provide customer service to the patrons of our facilities and programs.
• OTHER UUSA SERVICES
  • The Off Campus Housing Office provides students with resources, programs, and services to assist with their off campus housing needs.
  • The Black Cultural Center and Multicultural Center can be found on the first floor of Squires. These centers are host to educational lectures, programs, and displays celebrating the diversity of the university community. The School of the Arts sponsors various concerts and theater performances by students, faculty, and visiting artists in the Recital Salon and Studio Theater located on the second floor of Squires Student Center. Contact the UUSA Ticket Office or Information Services Center for more information.
  • Administrative Offices - The administrative offices of UUSA are located on the second floor of Squires Student Center in room 225. The office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please contact us for any information regarding University Unions and Student Activities. (540-231-5431)

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