University Studies

Orientation Information for Families

Welcome and congratulations on your students being accepted to Virginia Tech. We are looking forward to working with them during their time in University Studies!  Orientation is just around the corner, and we hope this site will provide you with information that will make your students' Orientation experience as successful as possible. 

While information about Orientation can be found here, we also have a general Families' page that you can check throughout the year.

What Your Students Should Be Doing Now

Per the postcard your students received in the mail, they should soon begin working on their Orientation Course Request to be submitted no later than June 6. It is important that your students complete this information for this is the first step in planning their academic careers.   Students will have the opportunity to discuss their selections and make changes, if necessary, with an advisor at Orientation.

What to Expect at Orientation

  • University Studies Orientation on Day 2 will be held at the Math Emporium, which is located near campus in the University Mall. See map.
  • Students and families have separate schedules on Day 2. Students will meet with an advisor on Day 2 of Orientation. All students are randomly assigned one of two session times, 8:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. These times cannot be changed! There is no advantage in having an 8:00 a.m. or a 10:00 a.m. session since all students receive the same information.
  • Once you check in at the Math Emporium, your students will be placed in a group based on their intended major or exploratory status. All groups are advised in the same manner; this division allows students ample time to discuss their schedules with an advisor.
  • Parents and other family members will have the opportunity to meet with the Director of University Studies to learn important information about our department and the expectations of the University while students finalize their class schedules.
  • We STRONGLY recommend that your students go through the advising process independently, and then discuss their schedule and plans with family members.  This allows them the opportunity to inform you proudly of why they have chosen particular classes. This is an important step in building student responsibility and independence.

 

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