As new and returning students prepare for the start of the 2019-20 school year, people across the campus and throughout the community continue to partner to welcome all Hokies arriving in Blacksburg this fall. From The Inn at Virginia Tech to Blacksburg Transit and from residential life to dining services, teams of campus and community leaders are working together to ensure students have the info and services they need to begin the new academic year.

Virginia Tech Housing and Residential Life has completed all housing assignments including for those students who will reside at The Inn at Virginia Tech and Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Blacksburg. Student Affairs staff and administrators have focused on configuring rooms and common spaces in the hotel properties so that they mirror the campus life experience students enjoy in the traditional residence halls. Approximately 325 students will reside at the Inn at Virginia Tech and 195 students at the Holiday Inn Express.

“We consider the Inn at Virginia Tech and the Holiday Inn as our own campus residence halls and will provide student and professional staff social opportunities and other valuable educational programs as we do in all of our residential facilities,” said Patty Perillo, vice president for student affairs. “Students and parents should know that we are doing all in our power so that all Virginia Tech residence halls are conducive to the living and learning environment that Hokies expect.”

While housing students for the upcoming academic year, The Inn at Virginia Tech will remain fully operational as a hotel and conference center, and will accommodate clients who have booked rooms and event space.

“The Inn at Virginia Tech is committed to serving our guests and to hosting events through the upcoming year,” said Tom Cupo, general manager of The Inn at Virginia Tech. “We are prepared and equipped to provide the highest level of service to our guests. Our partnership with Virginia Tech and agreement to house students at the hotel won’t impact our ability to serve individuals and groups from the Virginia Tech campus and throughout the community. We’re excited for the year ahead as we welcome our students and hotel and conference guests.”

The Inn at Virginia Tech is also focusing on strategies for accommodating student residents while serving hotel guests and event organizers, especially around dining services. Students will be offered options at the Inn such as grab-and-go breakfast. Hotel guests, conference attendees and the public will continue to have access to Preston’s Restaurant, Continental Divide lounge, and the conference center.

“We are grateful for all the staff and management of The Inn at Virginia Tech has done for our students and their willingness to partner with us to create a positive and consistent residential life experience,” said Cyril Clarke, executive vice president and provost for Virginia Tech. “They have embraced our commitment to serve and educate Virginia Tech students while continuing to serve their clients and focus on their mission to provide conferencing facilities. The broad support we’ve received from partners like the Inn at Virginia Tech, the Town of Blacksburg, the Holiday Inn Express, and Blacksburg Transit is very much appreciated.”

Students returning this fall will have access to an additional 200 hours of service each week at dining halls across the campus with all facilities operating with extended hours. Full meal “grab-and-go” options will also be available along with additional food truck vendors operating in several locations on campus at high-demand times.

Although Dining Services continues to develop new strategies to accommodate the higher than anticipated enrollment, students are strongly encouraged to weigh their options when selecting time-of-day and location for dining services.

Academic deans and departments have made significant progress in hiring faculty and advising staff to support the additional students arriving this fall. Virginia Tech’s College of Science has hired over 20 new faculty and staff in several programs. The College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences has hired 13 new faculty to accommodate the increased need in course sections in English.

Virginia Tech doesn’t expect to increase the number of students enrolled in current course sections beyond established caps, but rather plans to add more sections for high-demand courses. The university will utilize existing classroom and instructional space on campus to accommodate both new and returning students.

Organizations across the campus and throughout the community continue to work with Virginia Tech to implement strategies for serving all incoming and returning students. The university, the Town of Blacksburg, Blacksburg Transit, and community leaders have been in regular conversations throughout the summer on solutions for off-campus housing, dining, transportation, public safety, and wellness services, and will continue to meet throughout the academic year.

For more information regarding the preparations for the incoming fall 2019 class, visit the #VT23 website.

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