Virginia Tech anticipates extensive media interest in the dedication of the April 16 Memorial (scheduled for Sunday, August 19) and will be present in the days leading up to and including the first day of the fall semester (Monday, August 20).

During this time of increased activity, Virginia Tech’s primary concerns will be:

  • Continuing our ongoing efforts to provide support, assistance, and care to the families of the those who lost their lives on April 16 and to the students (and their families) who were injured or otherwise affected by of the events of that day.
  • Ensuring that the needs of our students, faculty, and staff are met as they begin a new academic year, and upholding the university’s commitment to providing the necessary environment and services needed to fulfill our mission of learning, discovery, and engagement.


As such, we offer the following general media guidelines and reminders:

  • University Relations protocol is that media are not permitted in any campus residence halls, academic buildings, or research buildings unless accompanied by a University Relations staff member. We ask that you respect this longstanding protocol and help us provide an environment conducive for teaching and learning.
  • University Relations may be reached by calling 540.231.5396.
  • Virginia Tech understands that you may wish to approach students, faculty, and staff for interviews. Some may be willing to speak with you, but others may not be so inclined. Please understand that the university community continues its healing process. Should a person decline your offer to talk, we ask that you accept their response the first time it is given to you.
  • Norris Hall will remain closed to all media.


Media Parking (August 15-Sept. 1)

  • From Wednesday, August 15 through Sunday, August 19 (11:59 p.m.) all media vehicles (personal automobiles, satellite trucks) may be parked in the Perry Street lots (a.k.a. the commuter lots) located near Prices Fork Road. From the 460 Bypass, take the Prices Fork Road (Downtown) exit, at the second traffic light, turn right onto West Campus Drive, and take the first left onto Perry Street. The lots are between Perry Street and Prices Fork Road.
  • More detailed directions and maps may be found on the "Where We Are" webpage.
  • On Monday, August 20 (beginning at midnight), all media vehicle parking must be moved to the Health and Safety Parking Lot, located off Tech Center Drive (near Lane Stadium). See link to directions. The Perry Street lots, used by commuter students to attend classes, will need to be cleared Sunday night to accommodate the needs of our students.
  • Absolutely no parking will be permitted on or near the Drillfield at any time from August 15 through Sept. 1


April 16 Memorial Dedication: Sunday, August 19

  • Please note: This will be a solemn event essential to the healing of the Virginia Tech community. We ask that you follow all protocols and requests by university public information officers staffing the event.
  • No media credentials will be issued. We ask that you wear your own media credentials AT ALL TIMES. Public information officers will be available and identified by white PIO badges hung on a necklace.
  • On Sunday, media calls may be directed to Mark Owczarski via cell phone, 540-357-0126.
  • Detailed information on the dedication ceremony can be found at the VT News website.
  • Some areas will be closed to the press and the public, including the memorial site, seating for the families, and other adjacent areas. That area will be designated by ropes and stationed by student volunteers in the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets.
  • The entire ceremony will be available via satellite feed (G-26 (Galaxy 26), 1-J, Uplink Frequency 104052.875 H, Downlink Frequency 11753 V, Data Rate 5.5, Sym Rate 3.978723 FEC 3/4) Satellite transmission will begin at 11:45 a.m. and will run continuously until shortly after the end of the ceremony. This will be a two camera feed.
  • A mult box for radio reporters will be available and will be located near the WDBJ-TV truck used for satellite feed.
  • All reporters will be directed to join all other guests on the Drillfield during the ceremony. There is no designated press seating.
  • The event will be available on the web on the Virginia Tech homepage.


Monday, August 20: First day of the fall semester (and beyond)

  • Media Parking will be available in the Health and Safety Lot off Tech Center Drive (see above).
  • No media credentials will be issued. We ask that you wear your own media credentials AT ALL TIMES. Public information officers will be available and identified by white PIO badges hung on a necklace.
  • Requests for specific interviews may be directed to University Relations, 540.231.5396.
  • There are no press briefings scheduled at this time.


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