As the air becomes colder and the leaves become brighter, football games aren’t the only thing to look forward to in Blacksburg. This year’s Fall Family Weekend, Sept. 20-22, allows families the chance to visit their students and experience all that Virginia Tech and Blacksburg have to offer.

“Family weekend is a time for students to showcase their experience here on campus to their families,” said Lizette Rebolledo, director of New Student and Family Programs. “It is a great time for families to continue to become familiar with the Hokie Nation and our commitment to assisting their student learn, grow, and thrive — in short, how they experience VT.”

In addition to hearing about weekends at Tech, sharing a meal in a dining center, and roaming the campus, families will have the opportunity to join students, faculty, and staff in a variety of university events throughout the weekend. The Fall Family Weekend 2019 schedule offers something for everyone. Events include:

  • Cultural and Community Center mixer events.
  • Volleyball and soccer games.
  • Movie in Burruss Hall: Toy Story 4, sponsored by VTU.
  • GobblerNights: Viva Las Blacksburg. Hosted by Student Engagement and Campus Life.
  • The academic showcase fair.
  • A tour of historic Downtown Blacksburg Inc.
  • A meet-and-greet with the deans of various colleges.
  • And more!

“Fall Family Weekend is intentionally held each year during the first six weeks of class as a way to continue to enhance the transitional experience for students and family members,” said Rebolledo. “Our weekend this year has more than 75 offerings for students and their families. The events range from a resource fair, to a Friday evening kick-off event, outdoor activities, lectures, tours, dining experiences, and a variety of information sessions from various campus partners.”

The Friday kick-off, from 7:30-9 p.m. on the Dietrick Lawn, will begin with various performances from student groups on campus. At the event, there will be traditional Virginia Tech chants led by the cheerleaders and the Hokiebird, lawn games, a performance from the High Techs, and it will continue with fun activities into the night. On Saturday, join us for the kick-off in Squires Student Center Commonwealth Ballroom.

Throughout the weekend, families can join information sessions on student well-being resources, second-year housing options, how to support the mental health of students, why student involvement is important, becoming active in the Virginia Tech Parent Council, strengths-based parenting, career-related experiences, and a Fraternity and Sorority Life student panel. To get a feel for the Blacksburg campus, stop by the campus open houses, including the Ware Laboratory, living-learning communities, and a backstage tour at the Moss Arts Center.

If you’re looking to get outside, check out the Challenge Course sessions, the Venture Out canoe trip, moonlight yoga, or the sibling tournament sponsored by Virginia Tech Recreational Sports. After working up your appetite, get a taste of Virginia Tech’s award-winning dining with a brunch at Owens Food Court and An Evening at Homefield Farm.

Family Weekends are a time for families and students to reconnect, and we encourage students and their families to explore the New River Valley, Blacksburg, and the Virginia Tech campus. No matter what type of event or activity you enjoy most, make sure to spend some time making lasting memories.

Fall Family Weekend is supported, in part, by the Hokie Family Annual Fund.

For a full list of events and activities, visit the website and download the Hokies on Track app.

— Written by Madison Sweezy

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