Dear Hokie Students and Families,

It’s in times like these past few days that the honor of being a Hokie feels especially amplified. With uncertainty and anxiety coming from every direction, the spirit of generosity from our students and their families has been humbling.

I know our students face disruption and disappointment — perhaps an ended international study trip, the cancelling of an event they’d planned all year, or the most unusual ending of their senior year imaginable. They’re also concerned about their health, the state of their classes, and the well-being of their loved ones. I can’t express my gratitude enough for your support as Virginia Tech works to move forward during an unprecedented and still dynamic situation.

I know many of you have questions. Allow me to provide several updates on prior communications.

First, for students with on-campus housing contracts: At the end of the extended Spring Break, if you are able to stay at home or elsewhere off-campus in an environment that presents a low-health risk for you and those living there, you should seriously consider doing so. If, however, staying off campus is not feasible or you need to be on campus to access online learning, housing will be made available on campus. You must let Housing and Residence Life know of your intentions by Wednesday, March 18, 2020, by completing this form. Should you decide not to return to on-campus housing and thereby terminate your housing contract, the university will rebate you in the amount of $1,000. You will schedule a move-out date on this form. If you need to retrieve items from your residence hall room prior to the conclusion of the extended Spring Break week, you can submit your request here, and Housing and Residence Life staff will be in touch to assist you.

Second, for students with dining contracts: Some dining facilities will remain open for students. Whether living on or off campus, you may elect to end your dining plan by indicating your intentions here. If you do so, and are returning to Virginia Tech next fall, your remaining dining dollars, flex dollars, or commuter cash will be transferred forward for the fall 2020 semester. If you are not returning to Virginia Tech, your remaining dining dollars, flex dollars, or commuter cash will be fully refunded.

Third, regarding online classes: All work will be completed virtually and submitted remotely.

While the Virginia Tech campus remains open, all student events have been canceled through April 30. Decisions on events past April 30, including commencement, will be made and communicated with as much advance notice as possible.

Our efforts are motivated in the spirit of containing the spread of COVID-19 and prioritizing public health by reducing the density of our campus population. While this requires sacrifice by all of us, we know that Hokies always join together for the common good in the spirit of our motto: Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Finally, know that I believe these uncertain times offer us yet another opportunity to practice true community, which often comes through taking responsibilities and actions that are hard. We will get through this together.

With hope,

Frank Shushok, Jr.
Interim Vice President for Student Affairs

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