General Frequently Asked Questions
Customer Feedback
Who do I contact if I have a problem in the Residence Hall or Dining Center?
If you are having a problem in your residence hall, always contact your RA first. Resident Advisors are undergraduate student leaders who live
on most residence hall floors. Their multifaceted duties include developing a sense of unity for the floor, planning programs in the halls,
providing help for residents, serving as an information resource, assisting with maintenance issues, and enforcing university policies. An
RA/house manager is on duty every night in each undergraduate residence hall to assist with your comfort and security.
If you have a problem in one of the Student Programs dining centers, contact a manager immediately. Dining managers are always
available to assist you. See a manager for an immediate response to your question or concern.
How can I provide feedback to Student Programs?
At Student Programs, we aim to please! That's why we have so many ways for you to tell us what you think about how we are doing!
Your experience and opinions matter to us, thats why Student Programs offers the opportunity for you to let us know what you think about
any of our services at any time.
We have developed several customer feedback programs:
- Table Talk Live in the dining centers and Community Forums in the residence halls. These programs allow you to provide input directly to the Student Programs staff in charge of these areas.
- Use the comment cards available in the dining centers or submit your comments online.
- Contact the Student Programs Customer Advocate. Stop by 35 Owens Hall, e-mail advocate@vt.edu, or call 231-8068 to discuss questions about dining plans, residence hall issues, and other concerns about Student Programs programs and services.
Judicial System
What happens after a Judicial Referral (JR) is written?
A judicial officer will review the JR. You will receive a letter telling you when and where your judicial hearing will take place. At the
hearing, you will be able to tell your version of the alleged events and learn the outcome of the case. If you choose to appeal, you have
10 days to file your paperwork with the Office of Judicial Affairs.
What's the likely sanction?
We can't answer that. While there is essentially a two or three-strike alcohol policy and zero tolerance for marijuana and other drugs, we
won't predict the outcome of a hearing before you have had the opportunity to talk about what happened.
Will my parents find out?
In most cases, no. If you are under 21 and you are found responsible for an alcohol/other drug violation and the sanction is deferred
suspension, suspension or dismissal, then your parents will be notified. Notification takes place via letter after your case is closed
(i.e. 10 days after the hearing date or on the date that an appeal is ultimately decided).
What gives Judicial Affairs the right to enforce university rules off-campus?
Virginia Tech has always had the right to enforce rules off-campus; we just do not always do so. You are a Virginia Tech student regardless
of whether the alleged misconduct takes place on the campus, across the street from campus, or across town. Virginia Tech is particularly
concerned about high-risk drinking and drug use by students due to the threat these behaviors pose to student health, safety, and academic
success.
Will witnesses help my case?
Witnesses that can speak to the alleged events in question may help your case. However, character witnesses and statements in support of your
character are not necessary. The Office of Judicial Affairs already assumes that ALL Virginia Tech students are of good character.
So, how many chances do I get?
The University Judicial System is cumulative over the entire time you are at Virginia Tech. Three minor and two major alcohol violations will
result in suspension. You can be suspended on the first offense for certain offenses, e.g. drug law violations, sexual misconduct, and reckless
use of a weapon. For other violations, if you demonstrate a willful disregard for the student conduct rules, you will eventually be asked to
leave after being given ample opportunity to demonstrate change.
Lost ID Policy
What do I do if I lose my ID?
If you lose your ID card contact the Hokie Passport Office at 231-5121 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m - 5 p.m), or the Virginia Tech Police Department
at 231-6411 (after hours) so your ID card can be protected from misuse. You must have a driver's license or another form of photo
identification in order to report your lost ID.
The university assumes no responsibility for illegitimate purchases from your account prior to your notifying the proper authorities that
it is lost or stolen.
All customers wishing to use a dining account to purchase food must present their Hokie Passport ID for payment. In order to protect your
account, there will be no exceptions.
Customers that have lost their Hokie Passport ID will need to do one of the following in order to eat:
- Monday - Friday before 5:00 p.m.
Go to the Hokie Passport Office located in 100 Student Services Building to obtain a new Hokie Passport ID card.
- Monday - Friday after 5:00 p.m. or on the weekends
Go to Owens Food Court to request and complete a lost card disclaimer. This disclaimer will allow you to eat at Owens Food Court,
Dietrick or Shultz (you cannot eat at West End Market, Hokie Grill, Squires or Deet's Place). You will be required to obtain a new
Hokie Passport ID by 5:00 p.m. the following business day.
- or pay cash
After re-validating your account, take your new ID to the dining center where you ate, to insure your account has been correctly updated.
Dining Dollars and Hokie Passport Accounts cannot be accessed without a student ID card.
Why can't I let someone else use my I.D. (Hokie Passport)?
The use of the ID card by any person other than the person to whom it was issued, or under false pretenses, including changing or attempting
to change the validation, is a violation of the University Policies for Student Life.
Mail and Packages
Where are mail and packages delivered?
Mail is delivered by name and box number to a locked mailbox in residential mail rooms Monday through Friday. Your mailbox number is the same
as your residence hall room number.
You will receive a notice in the mail when you have a package. Pickup hours are posted at each mailroom. Please note that package pickup
locations are subject to change.
The Roomer
How do I submit information to The Roomer newsletter?
Registered student organizations, colleges, and University departments are encouraged to submit information about campus or local events for publication in The Roomer. Information can be submitted online. The Roomer is published approximately every other week during the academic year according to our publication schedule.
Is there a charge?
There is no charge for putting information in The Roomer, however, Student Programs information has priority. Some weeks we are
unable accommodate requests from outside Student Programs in the printed edition due to space limitations. We do try to put all information in The Roomer
Online.
Trash and Recyclables
How can I do my part to help recycle?
- Designate a recycling spot in your room or suite
- Make sure you and your roommate[s] agree on how to organize the spot for recyclables, and for waste.
- Keep newspapers separate from Commingled Beverage Containers and both separate from waste.
- When you or your roommates get ready to take out the trash be sure the bag is tied up tight.
Where can I take my recyclables?
Residence Hall Consolidated Sites: These should be right outside your building. The recycling container is divided into two compartments,
one for Commingled Beverage Containers and one for Newspapers.
Public Drop Sites:
- Large, maroon containers with black doors on the sides are stationed in the parking lots at Owens, Dietrick, and Shultz for aluminum
cans, glass bottles, plastic bottles (#1 & #2), and steel cans.
- The same type of containers - located at the west end of Miles Hall and in the Overflow Lot. The Overflow lot is just west of the
Duckpond and adjacent to Oak Lane. In addition these items can be taken:
Sorted Office Paper: VTR can take typing paper, letterhead, notebook paper, stationery, envelopes with or without windows, computer paper,
most junk mail, including the glossy inserts. Staples and paperclips are okay. No waxed paper, cereal or tissue-type boxes, dark brown
envelopes, or neon-bright papers.
Glossy Magazines and Catalogs: Check that the magazines and catalogs have glossy covers and glossy pages.
Newspapers
For more information visit www.recycle.vt.edu.
