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Orientation: Virtual Academic Advising and Course Registration

Welcome to Virginia Tech and University Studies!

Our goal is to help you with a smooth transition to Virginia Tech and our University Studies major. Below is an outline of your next steps. If you have questions feel free to email advising@vt.edu.

What is virtual academic advising and course registration?

It is the academic advising and college portion of your VT summer orientation experience; a series of tasks and meetings designed to help you with your transition to college and class planning. It is required for all new students. You will need to complete these college specific steps in addition to the tasks on the university wide New Student Checklist, but some of our steps and reminders may overlap.

University Studies Summer Advising and Course Registration Timeline

Starting May 5: Welcome Email

  • Check your VT email for the University Studies welcome email that includes the required questionnaire.
  • Welcome emails will be sent on a rolling basis after May 5 depending on when you accept your offer to attend VT.

May 18 - June 4: Fall Class Recommendation Emails

  • If you have completed the required questionnaire, start looking for an email from a University Studies Advisor with a list of fall class recommendations.
  • Fall class recommendation emails will be sent on a rolling basis between May 18 and June 4.

Starting June 5: Schedule an Appointment

  • If you have completed the required questionnaire, you will be able to sign up for your future appointment with a University Studies advisor.
  • The link to schedule this appointment will be sent to your VT email address.
  • Appointments must be scheduled at least 72 hours before your appointment time.

June 10 - July 31: Meet with a University Studies Advisor

  • Attend your mandatory, virtual academic advising meeting that you scheduled. This can be done after you begin registering for fall classes.
  • During these individual meetings on Zoom advisors will discuss fall class recommendations and additional registration information.
  • Appointments can be scheduled until July 28. However, if you have not met with a University Studies advisor by July 2, a registration hold will be placed on your VT account preventing you from changing your fall classes. You will still be able to schedule an appointment, and the registration hold will be removed as soon as you attend a meeting with a University Studies advisor.

June 10 – August 28: Register for Fall Classes

  • Register for fall classes through Hokie SPA. This will be an ongoing process throughout the summer and can begin prior to meeting with an academic advisor.
  • Additional information about registering for classes can be found on the University Studies Canvas site linked above and will be discussed during your advising meeting.

August 24: Fall Classes Begin

Additional VT Tasks to Complete

Initial Account Setup

Required Online Modules for VT

  • Complete your Virtual Orientation Modules: Deadline: July 31, check your VT email for more information after you accept your offer of admission. Modules will be available after May 1, plan to spend a few hours completing the modules. 
  • Complete the mandatory Online Programs Modules: An email will be sent to your VT email with instructions to complete required online programs including AlcoholEdu, Sexual Assault Prevention, and Money Smarts. You must complete the Virtual Orientation Modules before you can start AlcoholEdu.

Finances, Health, and Housing Forms

Transfer Credit

  • Send all official high school, college, and university transcripts: All transcripts should be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions through electronic transfer (i.e., Parchment) or through mail to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Virginia Tech, 925 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061. Once final transcripts are received and processed, they will appear on Hokie SPA > Grades Menu > Transfer and Other Additional Credits. 
  • Send all years of official score reports for AP, IB, CLEP, etc.: All score reports should be sent to the Office of the University Registrar using the Virginia Tech school code 5859. Once scores are received and processed, they will appear on Hokie SPA > Grades Menu > Transfer and Other Additional Credits. 
  • Update your Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS): Make sure your STARS record is up to date with all your expected transfer credit before your virtual academic advising meeting.

Mark Your Calendar

Gilbert Place

University Studies Weeks of Welcome in August!

  • The required University Studies college session will be on Friday, August 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in New Classroom Building.
  • The University Studies college social will be on Friday, August 21 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in 2124 Gilbert Place.
    • Come visit our University Studies office space to see where you can find your advisor, eat some snacks, and grab some free stuff 😊

We're Social!

Connect with us on Instagram @vt_universitystudies