Fall Family Weekend is a tradition that stretches far back into Virginia Tech history.

The campus community values the event as an important way to connect families to the university, and for first-year families, it can help ease the transition when their students are settling into college.

This year, all families will find activities and events they can enjoy with their students while spending a fall weekend in Blacksburg, Sept. 30 through Oct. 2.

“Fall Family Weekend is a time for parents and families to reconnect with their student in the context of their new life at Virginia Tech,” said Penny Helms White, chief advancement officer for the Division of Student Affairs and director of family and alumni relations. “While families are getting to know their student’s friends, their living and learning environments, and their daily routine, there will be music, entertainment, athletic events, and, of course, award-winning university dining to enjoy.”

This year’s Fall Family Weekend schedule includes:

  • President Tim Sands’ first State of the University address on Sept. 30 at the Moss Arts Center. Doors open at 3 p.m.
  • Family movie on Oct. 1 in Lane Stadium — for the first time ever, broadcast on the 146-foot-wide by 61-foot-tall Jumbotron. Gates open at 8:30 p.m. and the movie begins at 9.
  • Information sessions for families on an array of topics, including career-related experience, intro to mindfulness, second-year housing options, study-abroad 101, strengths-based parenting, supporting your student throughout their college years, and tips to improve sleep.
  • Tours and open houses that will give families VIP access to some of Virginia Tech’s most interesting labs, studios, centers, and facilities, including the Joseph F. Ware Jr. Advanced Engineering Laboratory, athletic facilities, cultural and community centers, residential design studios, the Design, Research, and Education for Additive Manufacturing Systems Lab, Blacksburg National Weather Service, Kentland Farm and Dairy Cattle Center, LumenHAUS, Brewhouse in the Pilot Plant, the signature engineering building (Goodman Hall), and an historic walking tour of campus. Check the Family Weekend website for tour times and availability.

These are just a few of the exciting activities and events that are planned for the weekend. Online registration for Fall Family Weekend will remain open through Sept. 25. The Fall Family Weekend check-in and information center in Old Dominion Ballroom, Squires Student Center, opens Sept. 30 at noon and remains open through Oct. 1 at 1 p.m.

“The Family Weekend schedule will be regularly updated leading up to the event,” said White. “Be sure to check back often, as we are busy finalizing info sessions, tours, and other opportunities for families and students to enjoy the weekend in Blacksburg.”

 

 

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