Student Programs Lingo

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Á la Carte Dining Centers – dine-in or take-out dining centers including Owens Food Court, Hokie Grill & Co., West End Market, Squires Food Court, and Deet's Place. They offer national brands, payment flexibility, and a variety of choices.

A. Alan Baird Award – an award to honor the student who has contributed the most to the residence life program during or culminating in the current academic year.

AASU – Asian American Student Union.

AC (Area Coordinator) – a professional staff member that has obtained a Master's degree in Student Affairs or a related field. There are two at Virginia Tech. Area Coordinators live on campus and supervise the area office staff and the residence hall supervisors, indirectly supervise the Resident Advisor staff for the community, and assist residents who live in their assigned community. They are responsible for coordinating and managing a wide variety of tasks, issues, and activities that directly affect students and facilities in their assigned residential area.

Academic Break Coverage – the process of fulfilling residence hall duty responsibilities during academic breaks. Main Campbell, Cochrane, Hillcrest, Newman, Payne, and Oak Lane remain open during academic breaks. The President's & Upper Quad Area Coordinator manages this process.

Academic Breaks – official University break periods when the majority of the residence halls and dining halls are closed. The break periods include: Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks.

Academic Drops – students who withdraw (or are withdrawn) from the University due to academic reasons. They are ineligible for campus housing.

ACCESS – the New River Valley Community Services Board. They organize the RAFT hotline (961-8400) for mental health situations. ACCESS is the emergency contact for university personnel in need of psychological evaluation of a student.

Accounts Manager – a generic term for a staff member that manages RA and Hall Council financial accounts; generally, this includes hall council advisors and/or hall supervisors.

ACPA – American College Personnel Association.

ACUHO-I – Association of College and University Housing Officers – International.

ACUHO-I Housing Internship – a program through ACUHO-I wherein an undergraduate or graduate student is hired to work for the Office of Student Programs during the summer to complete a variety of tasks determined by the employer.

AD (Associate Director of Residence Life) – a professional staff member that has obtained a Master's degree in Student Affairs or a related field. There are three at Virginia Tech. Associate Directors supervise Assistant Directors and Area Coordinators and direct a specific aspect of the department's activities, such as Theme Housing Programs, staff selection and administration, or leadership development programs. They also assist the Director with budget administration, policy development, and long-range planning.

Administrative and Professional Faculty (AP Faculty) – this term refers to staff with faculty rank at Virginia Tech. It includes all positions in Residence Life (Complex Director, Assistant Coordinator, Area Coordinator, Assistant Director, Associate Director, Director) as well as the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and some other staff positions.

Administrative Hearing – a judicial hearing conducted by a University administrator. A student may request an Administrative Hearing or a Hearing Officer may mandate it.

Adventure Program – activities that by their nature place the participant in an exciting yet dangerous situation, including caving, canoeing, climbing, diving, and white water rafting. Consult the Residence Hall Staff Manual for more specific information and procedures to coordinate such a program.

Agenda Prep – a weekly one-hour meeting of the Director, the Associate Directors, and the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Residence Life. The two goals are to set the agenda for the Residence Life/Core Team Meeting and to revisit the calendar to prepare for future meetings. The Administrative Assistant to the Director of Residence Life will create and distribute the agenda for All-Staff Meetings. The Associate Director will create and distribute the agenda for Core Team Meetings.

All-Staff Meetings – a meeting of the Residence Life AP Faculty staff members. These meetings are held every other Tuesday from 10 A.M. to 12 noon. The Director (or an Associate Director in his absence) will chair. The Administrative Assistant to the Director of Residence Life is responsible for taking minutes, which will be distributed on the Student Programs Staff Listserv. Goals for Residence Life staff meetings include revisiting departmental goals and the calendar, providing input on leadership and Division of Student Affairs items, sharing information through reports, organizing staff development opportunities, and assigning ad hoc projects.

All-You-Care-to-Eat Dining Centers – dine-in centers including D2 and Shultz Dining Center. Students pay an initial price or deduct one meal from their dining plan to receive unlimited access to a vast selection of entrees, hot vegetables, desserts, salads, and soups.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – commonly known as ADA, it is a law that requires reasonable accommodations be provided to persons with disabilities, for purpose of access to education and services. Any housing concerns involving ADA issues need to be referred to Karsten Davis in 109 East Eggleston.

Amphitheater – outdoor area near the Grove and the Duckpond that can be reserved for events.

Area Office Manager – one of four full-time staff members who provide essential services for the students living in the residential communities. Responsibilities include housing and facilities services, room changes and key control, incident tracking and reporting, judicial case management, payroll, and administrative support for the Residence Life staff.

Area Offices – these offices (located in West AJ, Peddrew-Yates, Pritchard, Newman, and Owens) house the office spaces for the Assistant Director or Area Coordinator and Area Office Manager. More importantly, they provide a number of services for the residents of the area.

ASC (Assistant Coordinator) – a professional staff member that has obtained a Master's degree in Student Affairs or a related field. There is one at Virginia Tech. The Assistant Coordinator lives on campus and serves as the Advisor to the Residence Hall Federation and supervisor of Hillcrest Hall. S/he assists residents and is responsible for coordinating and managing a wide variety of tasks, issues, and activities that directly affect students and facilities.

ASD (Assistant Director) – a professional staff member that has obtained a Master's degree in Student Affairs or a related field. There are two at Virginia Tech. Assistant Directors live on campus and supervise the area office staff and the residence hall supervisors, indirectly supervise the Resident Advisor staff for the community, and assist residents who live in their assigned community. They are responsible for special projects, supervising collaterals, and coordinating and managing a wide variety of tasks, issues, and activities that directly affect students and facilities in their assigned residential area.

ASD (Association for Student Development) – a campus organization for graduate students pursuing careers in student affairs. Professional staff members are also encouraged to participate.

Assignments Area – the members of the Office of Student Programs team who are responsible for the management and coordination of room assignments and the room change process. Their office is located in 109 East Eggleston.

Associate Director for Student Programs – one of three professional staff members who report to the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs. Each manages a supporting area within the Office of Student Programs (Planning & Business Services, Public Relations & Information Technology, and Human Resources).

ATM Banking – ATMs are located at the Dietrick General Store, Johnston Student Center, Squires Student Center, and the University Bookstore.

B

Banner – the electronic information network used by the University to track payroll, human resources, and most student information. The Office of Student Programs uses this system to pay our employees and to make housing assignments.

Battalion Commander – a student staff member who provides leadership for one of the three divisions of the Corps; equivalent to a Head Resident Advisor.

BCC (Black Cultural Center) – a center run by the Dean of Students Office, located on the first floor of Squires, which hosts lectures, programs, and art displays that are specific to the experience of underrepresented groups at Virginia Tech.

Bed Ends – bed ends are used for bunk beds and single beds. Students who wish to make their bunk beds into two single beds must obtain single bed ends from their Housekeeping Supervisor. The bed ends provided when students first move in MUST stay in the student's room.

Black History Month – February is designated nationally as Black History Month. During this month many programs and services are provided to educate and inform individuals about Black History.

BLSC (Biological and Life Sciences Community) – a theme housing program for entering freshmen interested in life science majors. Students take a cluster of courses together to be more successful in college in general, and in Biology and Chemistry first-year courses in particular, as well as to become more aware of life sciences majors. This community is located on the second floor of Lee Hall.

Board of Directors – student leaders appointed by the Residence Hall Federation Executive Committee to serve in the RHF officer group. They are responsible for a specific RHF operation.

Board of Visitors – the governing body of the University, appointed by the Governor of Virginia.

BOC – Black Organizations Council.

Body Spill – a generic term for any spilled bodily fluid. Trained housekeepers must clean up body spills in common areas, as they are biohazards that require special handling. After business hours, hall staff must contact the Hall Supervisor On Call, who will in turn notify the appropriate emergency staff.

Bookstores – the University Bookstore is located on Kent Street next to the Newman Library. Its satellite branch is Volume II, located in the University Mall on University City Blvd.

Breakzone – located in 117 Squires Student Center, the Breakzone features pool tables, a bowling alley, and table tennis, as well as a large assortment of video games.

Bridge Program – the second year program of the RLC theme housing program.

BT (Blacksburg Transit) – our local bus system that is free with a faculty, staff, or student ID.

Bugle, The – the Virginia Tech yearbook.

Burruss Hall – an administrative building for Virginia Tech located on the Drillfield. It houses the Admissions Office and the Office of the President.

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C.U.P.A . – College and University Personnel Association; the Human Resource staff of the Office of Student Programs has membership.

CA (Community Advisor) – one of three graduate students whose assistantship involves advising designated hall councils, serving as an Accounts Manager, and assisting in the operation of the Imaginarium.

CADA (Common Area Damage Alert) – A flier posted to alert residents of pending charges resulting from common area damages.

Cage – the nickname for the large parking lot located on Duck Pond Drive. Most residential undergraduate students park here.

Campus Watch – security personnel who patrol the residential and academic areas of campus, in addition to VTPD officers that also patrol.

Card Access System – an electronic system that enables residents to have 24-hour access to their building with their Hokie Passport.

Care Team – members of Residence Life, the Dean of Students Office, the Virginia Tech Police Department, the Health and Counseling Center, and Judicial Affairs who serve as emergency on-call personnel and meet to discuss critical student problem cases.

Career Services – a department within the Division of Student Affairs that provides students with assistance in making decisions about career options and academic majors, gaining career-related experience, and developing post-graduate employment and plans. Their office is located in the Career Services Facility next to the new Student Services Building.

Casino Night – an annual RHF event held during Parents' Weekend.

CD (Complex Director) – a professional staff member that has obtained a Master's degree in Student Affairs or a related field. There are six at Virginia Tech. Complex Directors live in an assigned residence hall and are responsible for the supervision and management of that hall. With the assistance of Graduate Hall Directors, they also advise hall councils. There are CDs for the AJ Complex, Lee Hall, Pritchard Hall, Newman & Vawter Halls, Oak Lane, and the Slusher Complex.

CEC (Continuing Education Center) – a continuing education center located in Donaldson Brown. It provides meeting rooms for professional development sessions for University faculty and staff as well as visiting conference groups.

CEUT (Center for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching) – an office that focuses on the need for excellence in teaching at a land-grant university by providing resources and opportunities for faculty and graduate students to learn about teaching. CEUT is located in 111 Hillcrest Hall. More information is available online at www.ceut.vt.edu.

Chapter Advisor – an advisor for a fraternity or sorority.

CIM (Community Intervention Model) – the foundation for all decision-making by the residence hall staff. It applies to each function of a staff member's position, including their role as peer helper, programmer, and policy enforcer. The three-step process includes: Assessing needs, Responding to the needs, and Evaluating the success of that response.

CISO – Council for International Student Organizations.

Classified Staff – all salaried full-time staff members of the Office of Student Programs who are not classified as faculty .

Clothesline Project – one of the awareness activities for Women's Month. It involves survivors of sexual assault and friends of survivors creating t-shirts to display the emotional impact of sexual violence. It is typically displayed twice a year in front of the Women's Center.

CNS (Communications Network Services) – the office that provides phone, voice mail, and Ethernet services to the University, including the residence halls.

Code of Conduct – see Student Code of Conduct and University Policies for Student Life.

Collegiate Concepts – Collegiate Concepts, Inc. (CCI) is the premier loft bed and MicroFridge supplier at select colleges and universities across the United States. CCI is the only vendor approved by the Virginia Tech Residence Hall Federation (RHF) to rent or sell MicroFridges and lofts to residents of the campus. A portion of every rental fee is returned to the RHF and provides funds for their programs and activities.

Collegiate Gothic – architectural style of many of the buildings on the VT campus.

Collegiate Times, The – the student newspaper, published every Tuesday through Friday during the academic year.

Commandant – the full time administrator, usually a retired General, who oversees Military Affairs for the Corps of Cadets.

Commencement Housing – a service provided by the Office of Student Programs that offers graduating students and their families the opportunity to stay in the residence halls during spring commencement weekend.

Committee Hearing – a judicial hearing conducted by student members of Judicial Affairs when a student requests such a hearing. See Judicial Committee.

Common Area – space in the residence halls shared by the residents of a floor or the entire hall, including hallways, stairwells, suites, lounges, kitchens, bathrooms, vending areas, and elevators.

Common Area Damage Charge – a charge to the residents of a floor, a portion of a floor, or an entire building to cover the costs of repair or replacement due to damage, vandalism, stolen furniture, or housekeeping charges.

CommonHealth – a program for state employees that encourages a healthy lifestyle. Participants are eligible for a number of benefits.

communication – the password used for the online Residence Hall Staff Manual. Note that all letters are lowercase.

Community Board – chaired by a W.E.L.L. Resident Advisor, the board is comprised of three subcommittees: Programs, Standards/Recruitment, and Public Relations. Each committee is lead by an elected student chair and advised by a W.E.L.L. RA.

Community Council – parallel to a Hall Council for a residence hall, it is the representative body for residents of Oak Lane or the Corps of Cadets.

Company Commander – the student leader of a subdivision of a battalion; equivalent to an RA.

Computer Assistance – Office of Student Programs staff members should call Ron Angert (1-9575), Carolyn Rader (1-2575), or Rhonda Carner (1-9575) if they are having difficulties with their computers.

Computer Hotline – a hotline provided for computer assistance. The number is 4-HELP.

Cook Counseling Center – the home of the University Counseling Center in McComas Hall. The Center provides counseling, psychological services, learning skills assistance, and outreach programs. Counselors, psychologists, doctoral interns, and graduate trainees staff the center.

Core Team – the group comprised of all staff members reporting to a given Associate Director, including the Assistant Director or Area Coordinator(s), the Assistant Coordinator, the Complex Director(s), the Office Services Specialist, and the Area Office Manager(s).

Core Team Meeting – the bi-weekly meeting of each of the Core Teams, chaired by the supervising Associate Director.

Corps of Cadets – blanket term for all students in military training at Virginia Tech, including members of the ROTC.

Courtesy Hours – a policy designed to maintain acceptable levels of noise in the halls. The policy states that residents are expected to respect their hallmates and, upon request or complaint, to lower their noise level. Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours a day.

Cranwell International Center – the focal point of the international community's educational, cultural, and social activities. The center's mission is to meet the needs of the international student community and to promote interchange between the international and domestic communities.

CTHP (Coordinator for Theme Housing Programs) – a professional staff member that has obtained a Master's degree in Student Affairs or a related field. There is one at Virginia Tech.   The CTHP lives off campus and develops and manages the W.E.L.L., WING, WORLD, Residential Leadership Community, Biological and Life Sciences Community, Hillcrest Honors Community, and Hypatia: Women in Engineering theme housing programs. S/he supervises the Theme Programs Graduate Assistant and coordinates and works with Theme Hall Supervisors in the selection, training, supervision, and evaluation of Theme Resident Advisors and WING Student Teaching Assistants.

Customer Advocate – an Office of Student Programs administrator who works to obtain student feedback about living and dining on campus. The Customer Advocate can be reached by email at advocate@vt.edu.

Customer Service – a catchword that describes the importance of putting the customer (in our case, students and their families) first.

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D

D2 – a "one price" dining facility, formerly known as the Depot at Dietrick. This facility provides a variety of dining options, including: Gauchos, a Brazilian style shop; Mangia!, an Italian shop offering pizza, calzones, stromboli, and a variety of pastas and sauces; Olives, a Mediterranean-themed vegan-vegetarian dining option; East Side Deli, creating made-to-order sandwiches; Eden's, a centrally located salad bar; Salsas, a Mexican-themed shop; Pan Asia, an Asian-themed shop; and L'Patisserie, offering a variety of freshly-baked cakes, cookies, cobblers, and pies.

Deet's Place – Virginia Tech's own premiere coffee, pastry, and ice cream shop, located in the lower level of Dietrick Dining Center.

Deferred Suspension – a judicial sanction between probation and suspension. It means that, should the student be found responsible for violation of any university policies during a given timeframe, s/he will be suspended without further review. A student on deferred suspension is ineligible to receive a housing contract for future academic years.

Denial of Privileges – a judicial sanction revoking certain privileges (attending sporting events or network access, for example) for a specified period of time.

Deputy Commandants – the three professional staff members who each work with one VTCC battalion and assist the Commandant in military affairs.

Dietrick Dining Center – the building which houses D2, Deet's Place, DXpress, the Dietrick General Store, the Office of Judicial Affairs, and laundry facilities.

Dietrick General Store – a small convenience store operated by the University Bookstore that is located next door to Deet's Place.

Dine with Faculty Program – a program that gives students an opportunity to take Virginia Tech faculty members to breakfast, lunch, or dinner, free of charge, in a Student Programs dining center.

Dining Dollars – an option for faculty and students with dining plans. Money deposited into Dining Dollars accounts is accessed automatically through the Hokie Passport card. It can be used like cash in any Student Programs dining facility.

Dining Guide – an online reference guide explaining dining options, dining locations, and employment opportunities.

Dining Plan – Housing and Dining Services offers a variety of meal plans. Students on campus are required to purchase one of the following Major Dining Plans: a Major Flex Plan; a 15+ Dining Plan (which includes 15 meals a week and 50 Flex Dollars); or a 10+ Dining Plan (which includes 10 meals a week and 30 Flex Dollars). Students who live off campus may choose to purchase one of the Major Dining Plans or a Minor Dining Plan: a Minor Flex Plan; an 80 Dining Plan (any 80 meals during the semester); or a 201 Commuter Cash Dining Plan (a special dining plan for commuters).

Dining Services Satisfaction Survey (DSSS) – survey used to obtain customer feedback in Housing and Dining Services dining centers.

Direct Deposit – a process where staff members' paychecks are deposited directly into their checking accounts. All staff, including student staff, are encouraged to participate by filling out the paperwork and delivering it to the Bursar's Office.

Director of Residence Life – a professional staff member that has obtained a Ph.D. in Student Affairs or a related field. This person serves as the co-chief Housing Officer and as a member of the departmental leadership team and is responsible for all aspects of the Residence Life program. S/he provides vision, direction, and resource development to support the many and varied activities for the unit. S/he also serves as liaison to many university and student constituencies.

Dismissal – a judicial sanction whereby the student is permanently separated from the university.

Dispatcher – the person you talk to at the Virginia Tech Police Department when you dial 911 or the non-emergency line (1-6411). S/he may call the Hall Supervisor On Call and/or the Residence Life On Call Administrator with information or questions.

Diversity Summit – an annual meeting during the month of January that is sponsored by the Dean of Students Office and the Office of Multicultural Affairs that addresses the issues concerning diversity on campus.

Division of Student Affairs (DSA) – the area of the University that is directed by the Vice President for Student Affairs. It includes the following departments: Career Services, Counseling Services, Dean of Students Office, Military Affairs, Office of Student Programs, Student Health Services, and University Unions and Student Activities.

Donaldson Brown – the residence hall portion of the Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown.

DOPP (Department Order for Purchase Payments) – an official promise of payment extended to an external business or organization. Program planners should consult the Vendor List to choose a vendor and request a DOPP by completing an Expenditure Request form. The program planner will receive a DOPP to present to the vendor in order to obtain the goods/services. A receipt of payment must be sent to Business Services. Remember DOPP's cannot be written for more than $2,000.

Dorm – a four-letter word not to be used. The proper term for a building that houses a resident student is "residence hall."

Dress Code – all members of the Residence Life professional staff must abide by the dress code of the Office of Student Programs. Check with your supervisor for the latest updates.

Drillfield – this Virginia Tech landmark is a large open area of grass located in the middle of campus. The Drillfield is used for a variety of events.

Drillfield Community – one of the five residential communities on campus. The Drillfield includes East Campbell, Main Campbell, Main Eggleston, West Eggleston, New Residence Hall East & Peddrew-Yates, Payne, Slusher Tower, and Slusher Wing. The phone number for the area office, located in Peddrew-Yates, is 1-9811.

Drug Task Force – the group to contact with information concerning drug use and abuse. They can be reached at 381-1755 or faxed at 381-0094.

Duck Pond – a large pond on the west end of campus where both ducks and students go to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Duty – from 6 P.M. nightly until 7 A.M. the following day, Resident Advisors will be available for assistance and support in each residence hall. RAs hold office hours in the hall office from 7 P.M. to 9 P.M. nightly. RAs periodically conduct rounds of the building. House Supervisors do not have an office and thus do not conduct office hours.

DXpress – located on the lower level of Dietrick Dining Center, serves grab-n-go salads, sandwiches, burgers, late night meals, and pizza.

E

EAP (Employee Assistance Program) – a free benefit that provides employees of the Office of Student Programs with assistance for alcohol or drug abuse, mental health assistance, legal and financial assistance, and family and grief counseling.

East Eggleston Conference Room – an often-used meeting space located in 108 East Eggleston.

Emergency – in any emergency call 911 and you will be connected with the Dispatcher at the Virginia Tech Police Department.

Emergency Housekeeping and Maintenance – this 24-hour service is to be used to handle all emergency situations involving residence hall facilities. After business hours, a student staff member should contact the Hall Supervisor on Call to request emergency services.

Enrollment – student enrollment is approximately twenty-seven thousand, and approximately nine thousand students live on campus.

Equal Opportunity (EO) – this office is available to all employees who have experienced any form of discrimination or harassment at the university.

Escort Policy – guests to a residence hall floor must be escorted by their host in all living areas of the residence hall.

Escort Service – free escorts are offered by VTPD for students who need to cross the campus alone after dark. Call 1-SAFE for this service.

Ethernet – a system that provides for direct Internet access without the need of an external Internet Service Provider. All residence hall rooms are equipped with two Ethernet ports.

Event Services Office – this office, located in the Squires Student Center, provides a full range of services to assist university organizations in the planning of events ranging from small meetings to large concerts.

EWP (Employee Work Profile) – all Office of Student Programs classified salaried employees have a position description, which includes a performance plan, a development plan, and demographics of their job.

Executive Committee – student leaders elected by the Residence Hall Federation General Assembly to serve in the RHF officer group. They coordinate the activities of the RHF.

Expenditure Request – a yellow form that serves as a request for a DOPP and directs payments from department accounts. The completed forms should be sent to Business Services for processing.

Express – one of two dining facilities that serve take-out meals and sandwiches. They are located on the lower level of Dietrick Dining Center and at the Shultz Dining Center.

Express Checkout – an option for students to check out of their residence hall room at the end of the academic year without an appointment with a student staff member.   Students who choose this option relinquish their right to appeal damage charges.

Extermination Requests – residents that need an exterminator must complete an Extermination Request, available online, from the Area Offices, or from 109 East Eggleston.

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Faculty Associates – faculty members who have volunteered to partner with residence hall staff to meet with students informally and have discussions in the residence hall.   More information is available at www.studentprograms.vt.edu/imaginarium/faculty.php.

Fall Opening – although official check-in for new students occurs the Saturday before classes begin, students are allowed to move in starting on Wednesday. Fall Opening encompasses all activities beginning on Wednesday and continuing through Sunday.

Fall Orientation – a series of programs organized by the Dean of Students Office to provide exposure to contemporary issues to new students throughout the fall semester.

Fall Retreat – The Office of Student Programs staff attend a fall retreat at the German Club Manor in September of each year to discuss department goals and strategies.

Fax Machine – the Office of Student Programs fax number is (540) 231-5041. This number is used for faxes sent to Housing and Dining Services, Residence Life, and all others located in the East Eggleston office suite.

Fine Dining at the Old Guard (Fine Dining) – a collaborative effort of the Office of Student Programs, the Donaldson Brown Hotel and Conference Center, and the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management to provide high-class dinners. Traditional Dining Plan holders may dine at the Old Guard twice per semester at no additional charge.   Flex Plan holders may dine as often as they like for $4.25 per meal.

Fire Alarm Report Form – a report that a staff member must complete when a fire alarm has taken place in a residence hall.

First Year Seminar Course (EDHL 2984) – the three-credit course required of WING residents. It features class sessions on academic skills and contemporary college student issues and is taught by faculty volunteers and student teaching assistants.

Fitness Room – a room managed by Student Programs staff members and featuring fitness equipment. They are located in Miles, New Residence Hall East, Pritchard, and West AJ.

Flex Plan – the most popular dining plan. This declining balance account provides a designated amount of money to dine in any of the all-you-care-to-eat or a la carte dining facilities.

FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) – a federal law that allows employees to receive up to 12 weeks leave for their own serious health conditions or those of their immediate family.

Formal Warning – a judicial sanction whereby a student is officially notified that his/her actions have constituted a violation of university policies.

Fraternity/Sorority Recruitment – sponsored by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, fraternity and sorority recruitment gives students the chance to explore the opportunities provided by Fraternity and Sorority Life.

FSL (Fraternity and Sorority Life) – a department within Student Programs that focuses on all matters concerning Virginia Tech's fraternities and sororities. FSL is located in 41 Owens Hall.

FTLW (Fall Training and Leadership Workshop) – an essential part of residence hall staff training that takes place during the month of August. It includes intensive training tracks for all of the hall staff (Graduate Assistants, Head Resident Advisors, Resident Advisor Coordinators, House Supervisors, Resident Advisors, VTCC hall staff, and Resident Computer Consultants). Staff members are required to attend all of their assigned workshop sessions.

Funding Form – the form to complete if a program or activity requires the purchase of goods or services. Any request to spend money from the Local Fund must be accompanied by a completed Funding Form.

FYS Facilitator – faculty or staff member with a minimum of a Master's degree who teaches a section of the First Year Seminar Course.

G

G. Burke Johnston Student Center – a small student center, located between Pamplin and Burruss halls, which features meeting rooms, study lounges, an ATM, Burger King, and a coffee shop.

G.E.R.M.A.N. Club – the oldest student organization at Virginia Tech. It is an all-male, leadership service group. (G.E.R.M.A.N stands for: Gentlemen, Earnestness, Reputation and Responsibility, Manhood, Aim, and Name)

General Assembly – the policymaking and legislative body of the Residence Hall Federation. General Assembly addresses issues that affect all on-campus residents, as opposed to the Hall Councils that focus on residents of their own building. General Assembly includes voting representation from each Council and the five members of the RHF Executive Board. The members of the Board of Directors, NRHH Representative, RHF Graduate Advisor, and RHF Advisor serve as non-voting members of General Assembly. The Vice President of the Residence Hall Federation chairs General Assembly.

GHD (Graduate Hall Director) – a graduate student whose assistantship involves the supervision and management of a medium-sized residence hall or co-management and co-supervision of a larger residence hall. There are Graduate Hall Directors for East Ambler Johnston, Cochrane & Harper, New Residence Hall East & Peddrew-Yates, O'Shaughnessy, Main Campbell & Payne, West Ambler Johnston, Lee, Pritchard, and Slusher Wing. Graduate Hall Directors serve as facilitators for the Introduction to Residence Life course.

Golf Course – a 9-hole golf course adjacent to the Duck Pond.   It boasts the best rates in town for students, faculty, and staff members who golf. Contact the Golf Course at 1-6435 for details.

Graduate Assistantship – an appointment held by a graduate student who wishes to obtain experience in the field to supplement their course work. GAs in Residence Life are required to spend 20 hours a week performing job responsibilities.

Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown – a learning community and residence hall for graduate students that features study lounges, a computer lab, a career and health information room, and an Au Bon Pain® coffee shop and cafe.

Grievance Procedure – a process available to employees of the Office of Student Programs to address work-related complaints or disputes.

Grove – The wooded area located on the hill above the Duck Pond surrounding the home of the President of the University.

Guest Meals – each dining plan includes two guest meals that allow the dining plan holder to bring a guest into D2, Shultz Dining Center, or Owens Food Court for a meal.

H

Hall Council – the backbone of the RHF. Each residence hall has a Hall Council that focuses on hall activities, programs, and quality-of-life issues in their hall.

Hall Council Winter Retreat – typically held in mid-January, a training conference that serves as a follow-up leadership experience for Hall Council members.

HAP (Housing Application Process) – the process that allows returning students the opportunity to request housing for the next academic year. HAP starts in January.

Health and Safety – the department that deals with the health and safety of our employees while insuring compliance with state and federal OSHA regulations. Their website is http://www.ehss.vt.edu/index.htm.

Health and Safety Inspections – these are conducted at the beginning of each semester by the Resident Advisors of every building. The purpose is to check every resident's room for compliance with the Health and Safety regulations and Residence Hall policies of the University.

Healthy Living – a two-credit optional course offered to residents of the W.E.L.L. in the Spring Semester.

HESA (Higher Education and Student Affairs) – the Master's program in which Student Programs graduate assistants are enrolled.

Hillcrest Honors Community – residential honors program designed for students who have demonstrated superior academic ability. The program is located in Hillcrest Hall.

Hokie – the word "Hokie" was coined by O.M. Stull, a member of the class of 1896, in his spirit cheer "Old Hokie." Originally, the word had no meaning and was used merely as an attention-getter. "Hokie" has become a popular nickname for Tech alumni, students, and sports teams.

Hokie Bird – Virginia Tech's national award-winning mascot.

Hokie Grill & Co . – a Student Programs Dining Facility that features nationally franchised restaurants, including Chick-Fil-A, Pizza Hut, Freshens Yogurt, Cinnabon, Blue Ridge Barbeque, and Sweet City Candies. A soup, salad, and fruit bar, sandwiches, drinks, and snack items are also available. This facility is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Hokie Handbook – an online publication (www.hokiehandbook.vt.edu) for new and returning students that provides essential information concerning campus life. It is an extensive resource.

Hokie Passport Account – an optional spending account that can be used at dining centers, bookstores, and area merchants and restaurants.

Hokie Passport I.D. – the official Virginia Tech Student Identification Card.

Hokie Stone – southwest Virginia limestone quarried in Blacksburg and used to construct Virginia Tech buildings.

Hokie Water – locally bottled spring water for sale by Housing and Dining Services.

Honor Code – the Honor Code defines specific types of dishonesty that are violations of the standards of academic integrity required of all students. These include cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of data.

House Supervisor – a student staff member responsible for the management of a Fraternity or Sorority House located in Oak Lane.

Housing and Dining Services – a unit of the Office of Student Programs responsible for the overall dining and facilities management for the residential area of the campus community.   The unit's responsibilities include recycling, fire safety, furnishings, housekeeping, dining services, student room contracting and assignments, maintenance, renovation, and construction.

HRA (Head Resident Advisor) – a term no longer in use; see undergraduate hall director

Human Resources – a division of the Office of Student Programs that is responsible for supporting the Office of Student Programs operating units as they hire student, wage, and professional employees. They also organize on-going training for departmental employees throughout the year.

Hypatia – the Women in Engineering Learning Community. This community is housed in Slusher Wing and is for first year engineering students.

I

IFC (Interfraternity Council) – the governing body of the fraternities.

Imaginarium – a programming resource room for Residence Life staff and hall council members that is located on the fifth floor of East AJ. The phone number is 231-9438, and the website is www.studentprograms.vt.edu/imaginarium.

Initiation – a Fraternity and Sorority Life term that means the formal introduction of ritual and chapter secrets to a new member; also, the end of the New Member period when the individual becomes a full member.

In-service – optional or required training sessions offered throughout the academic year to provide staff with the opportunity to hone skills and develop a better understanding of contemporary college student issues.

Intake System – a system by which a student who does not have an appointment can visit the Thomas E. Cook Counseling Center and meet with a counselor who will assess the needs of the student and provide him/her a regular appointment with a counselor.

Interim Suspension – the university's authority to impose an immediate but temporary suspension through a preliminary hearing, if such action is necessary to preserve the safety of persons or property.   A formal hearing in compliance with the UPSL will be provided as soon as possible thereafter.

Interviewing Over Dinner: Rare, Medium, or Well Done? – a dinner program offering instruction on dining etiquette including introducing, seating, ordering, dos and don'ts, and dining disasters.

Intramurals – sponsored by Recreational Sports, intramurals give students the chance to interact with one another outside of the classroom and residence hall. The program offers a variety of sports and provides various levels of competition.

IPR (Interdepartmental Printing Request) – the form used to request payment for service provided by Printing Services.

IR (Incident Report) – this form is the primary method of documentation used by residence hall staff. It is used to document specific situations and behaviors observed by staff. See the Residence Hall Staff Manual for details.

IRL (Introduction to Residence Life) – a three-credit, graded class offered in the fall and spring semesters that is required for new Resident Advisors. Resident Advisors must attend and actively participate in 13 two-hour classes in addition to the Fall or Winter Training and Leadership Workshop.

ISR (Interdepartmental Service Request) – the form used to request payment for services provided by any department on campus, except Printing Services.

J

JO (Judicial Officer) – a member of the university faculty or staff who has been trained in judicial programs and is knowledgeable about university policies and judicial precedent. Judicial Officers hear judicial cases and determine sanctions.

JO Database (Judicial Officer Database) – the database of the Office of Judicial Affairs that retains electronic copies of all cases that are adjudicated through the university judicial system. The database tracks pertinent case information, including the hearing officer, violations, and violation location. All Residence Life and Judicial Affairs Judicial Officers have access to the database to record case information.

JR (Judicial Referral) – the appropriate paperwork to complete to allege a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

Judicial Affairs – see Office of Judicial Affairs.

Judicial Committee – a panel of five students who are trained in the university judicial process and serve as a hearing board for their peers when students choose such a hearing. See Committee Hearing.

Judicial System – this system affects and applies to all currently enrolled students and to all registered student organizations. Its main purpose is to help create a fair, just, and disciplined university community.

K

Keys – hang on to yours!   Report lost keys to your supervisor immediately. Consult the Residence Hall Staff Manual to see the costs associated with lost keys. Never leave them, loan them, or lose them!

L
Leadership Group – the organizational group that heads the various divisions of the Office of Student Programs and who report directly to the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs.   The Group includes: the Associate Directors of Student Programs for Planning & Business Services, Human Resources, and Public Relations & Information Technology; the Directors of Judicial Affairs, Residence Life, Housing & Dining Services, and Fraternity & Sorority Life; and the Administrative Associate to the Assistant Vice President.

Leadership in the 21 st Century – the three-credit course of the Residential Leadership Community taught in the fall. This course teaches leadership principles and is coordinated by Sally Johnston from Interdisciplinary Studies.

Leadership Praxis – the three-credit course of the Residential Leadership Community taught in the spring. This course is a practical application of the leadership skills learned in the fall. Sally Johnston from Interdisciplinary Studies coordinates the course.

Leading Edge – monthly seminars focusing on developing the leadership skills of Hall Council and RHF members.

Leave Requests – the appropriate paperwork for classified staff and A/P Faculty to request use of compensatory or annual leave. Requests should be presented to the supervisor and approved by the Director.

Lender Card – students who have lost their Hokie Passport may check out a lender card from the RA on duty in order to gain access to their residence hall until a new Passport can be made.

Libraries – the University Libraries include 1.9 million volumes, 17,000 serials subscription, 5.7 million microforms, 6,400 videotapes and films, University-wide access to VTLS (the online catalog), and access to computer databases covering literature in all fields. In addition to Newman Library, there are four branches of the University Library system: Art and Architecture (Cowgill Hall), Geology (Derring Hall), Veterinary Medicine (Vet Med Complex), and Northern Virginia Graduate Center (Falls Church, Virginia).

Licensing and Trademark Administration – the University office that must approve all paraphernalia that involves the use of any University logo or trademark, including the University's name.

Linen Drop – an annual event whereby hall staff members assist in the preparation of rooms for Commencement Housing guests.

Loaner Keys – students who have lost their keys or who have been locked out of their room and cannot find a hall staff member may go to their Area Office to obtain a loaner key.

Local Fund – the account that includes the expenditures of RA programs, theme housing programming, the hall accounts, NRHH, and RHF. The Director of Residence Life also has a local fund account to allow for various expenditures.

Lockouts – student staff are provided access to master keys so that they can let a student into his/her assigned room as a courtesy. Abuse of this service (more than three unlocks per semester) may jeopardize a resident's privilege. If a staff member is not available, the student can go to their Area Office to obtain a key.

Lofts – a special bunk bed built specifically for residence hall rooms to provide extra space beneath the bed. Please refer to the Room, Board, and So Much More chapter of the Hokie Handbook for specifications. Lofts are not allowed in East Campbell, Main Campbell, Cochrane, Main Eggleston, West Eggleston, Harper, Hillcrest, Johnson, New Residence Hall East, Oak Lane, Payne, Peddrew-Yates, Slusher Tower, Slusher Wing, Thomas, VTCC buildings, or in rooms designated for three-person occupancy.

Lost and Found – if you have lost something, contact the Information Desk in Squires or call 1-6906.

Loyal E . Horton Dining Award – an award given by the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) that salutes the most successful ideas in menus, presentation, special event planning, and new dining concepts.

M

Mail Code – a four-digit code that has been uniquely assigned to each building on campus. A listing of all residence hall mail codes is provided in the Hokie Handbook. All other mail codes can be found in the phone book.

Mail Runners – employees who carry mail to and from the various offices within Student Programs.

MAPS (Multicultural Awareness Programs) – a program organized by the Multicultural Center involving student-presented programs that involve the facilitation of dialogue on cultural diversity issues.

Marching Virginians – Virginia Tech's marching band.

Master Key – a key that accesses multiple locks. Building master keys are placed in all residence hall offices. Floor masters are placed in each student staff member's room.   The administrative staff has access to quad masters.

McComas Hall – the building housing the Thomas E. Cook Counseling Center, Recreation Center, and Schiffert Health and Fitness Center.

Mini-VACURH – a business meeting of the Virginia Association of College and University Residence Halls.

Montgomery County – the Town of Blacksburg's surrounding county.

Montgomery Regional Hospital (MRH) – the local hospital located on Route 460. The main phone number is (540) 951-1111 and the emergency care phone number is (540) 953-5122.

Monthly Leave Reports – used for classified staff and AP Faculty to record earned and available leave hours. Reports are submitted on the tenth day of each month.

Multicultural Center – a center run by the Dean of Students Office, located on the first floor of Squires, which hosts lectures, programs, and art displays featuring the diversity of the University community.

N

NACAS – National Association of College Auxiliary Services.

NACUFS – National Association of College and University Food Services.

NACURH, Inc. – National Association of College and University Residence Halls; the national umbrella organization for affiliated RHF organizations across the country.

NASPA – National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.

New Member – a newly initiated member of a fraternity or sorority.

Newman Library – the main library located between Squires and the bookstore.

No Frills – a business meeting of the South Atlantic Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls.

NPHC (National PanHellenic Council) – the governing body for the historically black Greek organizations. There are nine Greek groups involved in the NPHC at Virginia Tech.

NRHH (National Residence Hall Honorary) – an organization whose membership represents the top one percent of residence hall leaders. NRHH sponsors the Of the Month and Of the Year Awards and co-sponsors an annual semi-formal. They share an office with the Residence Hall Federation, located on the ground floor of Hillcrest Hall.

O

Oak Lane Community – one of the five residential communities, Oak Lane is located behind the golf course with 18 houses and seventeen Greek organizations, including Alpha Chi Omega, Pi Kappa Alpha, Delta Zeta, Pi Beta Phi, Alpha Phi, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Sigma Chi, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Zeta Tau Alpha, Alpha Sigma Phi, Chi Omega, Pi Lambda Phi, Kappa Delta, Pi Kappa Phi, Alpha Delta Pi, and Sigma Kappa. Oak Lane is formally named Special Purpose Housing.

Oak Lane Community Council – the Oak Lane version of a Hall Council.

Oak Lane Graduate Assistant – a graduate student who assists the Oak Lane Complex Director with the supervision of the House Supervisors and the management of Oak Lane halls.

OCM (On Campus Marketing) – the only vendor approved by the Residence Hall Federation to market linens, carpets, exam kits, and fruit baskets to on-campus students.

Of the Month Awards – recognition presented by the NRHH. Categories for Of the Month awards include: Resident Assistant, Advisor, Program, Executive Officer, Student, Spotlight, NCC, and Community.

Of the Year Awards – recognition presented by the NRHH at the RHF and Residence Life Staff banquets.

Office Hours – All offices in Student Programs are open from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. However, due to the volume of nighttime commitments, Assistant Directors, Coordinators, and Complex Directors begin the day at 9 A.M. All GAs must provide designated office hours.

Office of Judicial Affairs – the office that coordinates and oversees all judicial matters, including referrals and hearings. It is located in 108 Dietrick Hall. Their phone number is 231-3790, and their website is http://www.judicial.vt.edu/.

Office Specialists – one of seven full-time staff members who provide valuable administrative support for the department's various activities. They are front-line responders to students, families, university departments, and others who contact the Office of Student Programs. The Main Office staff also provides administrative coordination for employment, payroll, duty scheduling, budgeting, purchasing, theme housing selection, and many other activities.

On Call Report – a daily electronic report submitted by the Residence Life On Call Administrator summarizing the night's events that required professional intervention. It is distributed each day by 12 noon.

On Call System – see Protocol.

On Campus Is Where It's At – a guide booklet to Virginia Tech Housing and Dining Services.

On the Job – a publication created by the RA Mentors that provides new Resident Advisors with answers to frequently asked questions. It is given to new staff members at the opening session of the Fall Training and Leadership Workshop.

Orientation Leaders (OLs) – twenty-five students who are hired and trained annually to help facilitate the summer orientation program for entering freshmen and their families. OLs must complete a three-credit course and commit to five weeks of summer employment.

Owens Banquet Room – a large room located in Owens Hall near the Hokie Grill that serves as the location for many departmental banquets. To reserve this room, contact Personal Touch Catering.

Owens Conference Room – a small conference room located in the top floor of Owens Hall (200 Owens Hall).

Owens Dining Center – the home of Hokie Grill & Co., Owens Food Court, Culinary Services, Marketing and Information Technology Services, Residential Mail Services, and Key-Control.

Owens Food Court – a Student Programs dining facility that houses twelve specialty shops serving international and American favorites including hamburgers, pasta, sub sandwiches, Mexican specialties, Philly cheese steaks, and stir-fry.

P

PO (Purchase Order) – an official university promise of payment extended to an external business or organization. Program planners should consult the Vendor List to choose a vendor and request a PO by completing a Funding Form. The program planner will pick up the PO from his/her Area Office and present it to the vendor in order to obtain the goods/services. The vendor list is located in the Residence Hall Staff Manual.

Panhellenic Council (NPC) – the governing body for sororities.

Parents' Day – a Saturday in October organized by the Dean of Students Office which features receptions, brunch, faculty lectures, and entertainment for students and their families.

Parking Services – all vehicles parked on campus must be registered with this office.

PASE (Program Advisement and Student Entertainment) – this office serves as a resource and information clearinghouse for campus entertainment and program planning.   The major programming organizations (Black Student Alliance, Virginia Tech Homecoming Board, and Virginia Tech Union) bring films, concerts, Broadway shows, and other cultural events to campus under the advisement of the PASE staff.

PATT (Practical Application Training Techniques) – a collection of suggested staff developments and programs on various topics from RCF completion to diversity. They are available online ( http://www.studentprograms.vt.edu/hallstaff/patt.html) and in binders in the Area Offices.

Payroll – it is essential that all payroll information be turned in by the assigned date and time. Remember that those who enter payroll must input information on numerous students in a very limited amount of time.

Payroll Approval Process – once a staff member has been added to or removed from the Banner Payroll Database, an appropriate supervisor must electronically approve the action. Also, supervisors must inspect the hard copy of the timesheet at the end of every payroll period and sign the timesheet.

Payroll Entry – remember payroll entry days are busy. Try to avoid making time-consuming requests of the support staff on these days.

Performance Evaluation – all undergraduate and graduate student staff members are evaluated at the end of the fall semester. AP Faculty are evaluated annually following the conclusion of the spring semester. Classified staff member evaluations are conducted during the month of September.

Personal Touch Catering – the Student Programs department that caters many banquets, dinners, receptions, and parties across campus. The office is located in Owens Hall ( http://www.catering.vt.edu/index2.html).

Personnel Services – the department at the university that maintains all personnel files and assists employees in benefit, compensation, retirement information, etc. The personnel office is located on Southgate Drive.

Pets – no pets are allowed in the residence halls except fish. Only one ten-gallon tank per room is acceptable.

Phone Bills – each full-time and graduate staff member with an office phone will receive a monthly summary of long distance phone calls. The summary should be inspected, signed, and returned to Business Services immediately. Please use your personal phone card for any non-business phone calls, or be prepared to reimburse the University.

Picture Yourself Living and Learning at Virginia Tech – see On Campus Is Where It's At

Planning and Business Services – the part of the Student Programs team that is responsible for the financial concerns of the department. Staff work closely with accounts payable and receivable, financial reporting, and procedural compliance with University regulations. They also work to track operating funds and plan for the financial needs of the department. All funding for hall programs and activities are allocated by this office.

Pledge – a term no longer in common use. See New Member.

Portal – the electrical outlet that provides phone, email, and cable TV capabilities in offices and residence hall rooms.

Portal Number – the number taped on the portal which helps CNS identify the location of the portal.

Prairie Community – one of the five residential communities on campus. It includes Lee and Pritchard halls. The Area Office is located in Pritchard Hall.

Pre-Cut Checks – a payment in the form of a check generated by the University to a specific business, organization, or individual to obtain goods and services. It is used when the vendor will not accept a PO, a reimbursement is not appropriate, or when a payment must be presented in the form of a check when goods or services are obtained or delivered.

President's and Upper Quad Community – one of the five residential communities on campus. The President's Community houses Barringer, Johnson, Miles, Newman, O'Shaughnessy, and Vawter Halls. The Upper Quad houses Thomas Hall, as well as the Corps of Cadets residence halls.

Probation (Disciplinary) – a judicial sanction whereby a student's status with the university (during a designated period) is such that future violations will result in immediate consideration for suspension.

Program Review – a process by which a staff or hall council member may request funding for an educational program or activity of merit if sufficient funds are not available through the building account. This process is coordinated through the Imaginarium.

Project SAFE – a Virginia Tech program that provides outreach and education to students, faculty, and staff on issues of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, cyberstalking, and harassment.   Project SAFE provides large-scale programs (open to anyone) and small-scale programs (tailored to individual student groups, classes, and organizations).  For more information, contact the Women's Center at 231-7806.

Promotional RA Positions – RACs, WING RAs, and W.E.L.L. RAs have additional job expectations and are compensated accordingly.

Protocol – the Residence Life Protocol System involves an RA on duty in each building (two on weekend nights in the larger buildings), a House Supervisor on duty for Oak Lane, a Hall Supervisor On Call, and a Residence Life On Call Administrator. The system ensures that students and staff members can notify appropriate personnel and consult during emergencies. An overview of the protocol system is provided in the Residence Hall Staff Manual .

Proxies – the people to whom you electronically provide the ability to sign off on your Banner payroll in your absence. You should have at least two proxies, with one of them being your supervisor.

Public Relations and Information Technology – a division of the Office of Student Programs that includes Marketing, Conference Services, and Information Technology. The department is responsible for all marketing and public relations materials for the Office of Student Programs as well as conference coordination and departmental information technology resources.

Purple Ribbon Campaign – the ribbon campaign to support "Take Back the Night" (a rally to end violence against women that occurs in late March).

Pylons – the eight pillars on top of War Memorial Chapel. Each one symbolizes a watchword for the community. The eight pillars represent: Brotherhood, Honor, Leadership, Sacrifice, Service, Loyalty, Duty, and Ut Prosim ("That I May Serve").

Q

Quad – a name often used to refer to a residential community.

Quad Jam – a large event planned for and by the members of a residential community.

Quiet Hours – quiet hours are in effect in all residence halls from 7 P.M. to 10 A.M. Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 P.M. to 11 A.M. Friday and Saturday. During these hours, rooms, hallways, and other connecting areas should be generally noise free.

R

RA (Resident Advisor) – student leaders and employees that live on most residence hall floors. Duties include facilities management, community development, program planning, peer helping, and policy enforcement.

RA Class – see Introduction to Residence Life.

RAC (Resident Advisor Coordinator) – an RA whose primary obligation is to his/her assigned residents but who also assists his/her supervisor with staff development, program planning, and other essential duties. There are RACs for East AJ, Cochrane & Harper, New Residence Hall East & Peddrew-Yates, O'Shaughnessy, Payne, Slusher Tower, and Vawter.

RAFT – a hotline sponsored by ACCESS, an off campus facility that can be contacted for assistance in emergency mental health situations. The phone number is 961-8400.

RATPAC Meetings (Residential and Theme Planning and Coordinating) – bi-weekly two-hour meetings of the AssociateDirectors, Assistant Directors, Area Coordinators, and the Coordinator for Theme Housing Programs. The purpose of this meeting is to provide an opportunity to discuss project implementation from the Residence Life planning meeting.   Associate Directors share information with the Director and reports when appropriate. The following will be handled: problem solving, project reports and updates, decision-making, and discussions.

RCC (Resident Computer Consultants) – 23 undergraduate student leaders who provide computer assistance to residents. The assigned Complex Director or Graduate Hall Director and university computing services supervise them.

RCF (Room Condition Form) – a form that serves as an official document that indicates the condition of a residence hall room, its furnishings, and room keys. The form includes an inspection report of the room's initial condition as well as its condition when the resident moved out.

Reading Day – an official University day preceding finals. No classes are held on Reading Day, which marks the beginning of 24-hour quiet hours in the residence halls.

Recreation Area – an area in Squires Student Center that provides pool tables, bowling lanes, table tennis, pinball machines, video games, and a craft studio.

Recreational Sports – a department within the Division of Student Affairs that offers opportunities for development of leadership, sportsmanship, fitness, and healthy lifestyles through four major programming areas, including: intramural sports, extramural sports, fitness development, and aquatics. A full range of facilities supports these programs in two locations, War Memorial Hall and McComas Hall.

Recycling – Student Programs provides recycling stations outside of each residence hall.

Red Ribbon Campaign – a ribbon campaign in December to promote AIDS Awareness.

Regimental Commander – the student who has been chosen as the leader of the Corps of Cadets. This student supervises the Battalion Commanders and is the highest-ranking student member of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets.

Reimbursement – a payment for goods and/or services that have been obtained by an individual with his/her own funds. Reimbursements must be pre-approved and are rarely necessary.

Residence Hall Fire and Life Safety Course – an online Blackboard course designed to provide instruction on basic fire safety education, related university policies, and fire prevention. It may be used as a general educational program or judicial sanction in response to a fire safety violation. Any student may take the 10-minute course at any time.

Residence Hall Staff Manual – a guidebook for residence hall staff. Copies are available in the Area Offices and hall offices for review. It is also available online at http://www.studentprograms.vt.edu/hallstaffmanual/.

Residence Hall Staff Olympics– an annual event coordinated by the RA mentors committee that pits hall staff members against one another in fun and challenging games.

Residence Life – the unit of the Office of Student Programs that assumes primary responsibility for educational, programmatic, and student life matters within the residential communities.

Residence Life Intake Team – the Director and Associate Directors of Residence Life serve in this capacity and remain available to manage emergencies that involve residential students.

Residence Life Planning Meeting – this is a bi-weekly two-hour meeting of the Director, Associate Directors, and Assistant Directors. The purpose of this meeting is to provide time for long-range planning. The following will be handled: problem solving, Director reports, AD and ASD reports, decision-making, project assignments, departmental issues, and announcements.

Residence Life Student Staff – the term that should be used to be inclusive of our entire student staff regardless of title. The term includes Community Advisors, Graduate Assistants, Graduate Hall Directors, Head Resident Advisors, House Supervisors, Mail Runners, Office Assistants, Resident Advisor Coordinators, Resident Advisors, Duty Aides, Resident Computer Consultants, and WING Student Teaching Assistants.

Resident Advisor Mentors – a committee of seasoned Resident Advisors who assist in the training of new staff members and organize activities for residence hall staff. Each year, this committee produces What You Need to Know and On the Job , and organizes staff study breaks and the Residence Hall Staff Olympics.

Resident Evaluation of Residence Hall Staff – a process that allows residents to evaluate the performance of their Resident Advisor or House Supervisor. This process takes place late in the fall semester. Mid-year hires are evaluated in March.

RHF (Residence Hall Federation) – RHF serves as the governing and programming body for the Virginia Tech campus and all of its residents. The RHF possesses one key mission: "To improve residence life in any manner possible." The many volunteers who are committed to providing residents with a positive living/learning environment through legislation, programs, campus-wide activities, and community service carry out the RHF's mission. The RHF office is located in the basement of Hillcrest Hall, and they can be reached online http://www.rhf.vt.edu or by phone at 231-9RHF.

RHF Graduate Assistant – the graduate student that assists the Assistant Coordinator with the advising of the RHF and plans numerous training opportunities for the RHF Officer Group and Hall Council leadership. The assistantship is a twelve-month position.

Ring Dance – a traditional, two-night formal and semi-formal dance during the spring of a student's junior year, which marks the arrival and premiere of the new class ring.

RLC (Residential Leadership Community) – a theme housing program, located in Peddrew-Yates, that offers students an opportunity to live with and learn from other students interested in leadership.   Participants are required to take a three-credit course on leadership each semester.

RLOC (Residence Life On Call) Administrator – the Assistant Director, Area Coordinator, Coordinator for Theme Housing Programs, Assistant Coordinator, or Complex Director that serves as support for the Hall Supervisor on Call, House Supervisor, or Resident Advisor on duty during emergency situations. Administrators are on call for a weeklong period beginning Friday and ending the following Friday for after-hours emergencies.

Room Reservations – to reserve a room, contact the following:

Class Rooms or Auditoriums - contact the University Registrar.
Dining and Banquet Facilities - contact Personal Touch Catering.
Oak Lane Fields and Pavilion - contact Oak Lane CD or GA.
Outdoor and Public Space - contact Event Planning.
Outdoor Volleyball Courts - contact the appropriate Area Office.
Recreational and Sports Facilities - contact the Facilities Coordinator.
Residence Hall Space - contact the appropriate Area Office.

Room, Board, and So Much More – a section of the Hokie Handbook located online at http://www.hokiehandbook.vt.edu/ that is printed separately and published by the Office of Student Programs. It serves as a reference for students and staff.

Roomer, The – a one-page newsletter posted in the residence halls on a periodic basis. Those wishing to submit information for publication should email roomer@vt.edu. The Roomer is published in three versions: the one page newsletter, a full color version entitled The Roomer In Color that is published twice each year , and an online version entitled The Roomer Online that is updated bi-weekly.

Roster – a listing of residence hall students. All rosters must be shredded when they are no longer in use. All Office Managers have access to computerized versions of the rosters that can be printed for various reasons.

Roster Verification – a process that enables the Office of Student Programs to ensure that students living in the residence halls are authorized to live there. It is completed during the first few weeks of each semester.

S

SAACURH – South Atlantic Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls.

Safe Room – a vacant room used in emergency situations to help solve serious roommate conflicts. The Residence Life On Call Administrator can consult the RLOC binder for the most up to date information.

SAFE Zones – areas, departments, offices, residence hall rooms, or other spaces that are designated by an emblem to be a welcoming environment for anyone no matter their race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. For more information contact the Dean of Students Office.

Schiffert Health Center – a center for students to receive health care at no added cost. There are moderate fees for x-rays, some laboratory services, and some pharmaceuticals. The office is open from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 9 A.M. to 12 P.M. on Saturdays.

Schiffert Health Center – see the Charles W. Schiffert Health Center.

School Colors – Chicago Maroon and Burnt Orange.

SEAHO – Southeastern Association of Housing Officers.

Service Learning EXPO – an annual event featuring poster presentations of various community service and service-learning activities of students, including those sponsored and organized by resident students, elected leaders, and staff.

Shultz Dining Center – an all-you-care-to-eat dining facility located in the Upper Quad Community offering a pasta and pizza bar, American regional favorites, grilled and deli sandwiches, burgers, and down-home favorites, as well as a late-afternoon lunch.

Shultz Express – located in the upper level of Shultz Dining Center; it offers the same items as the DXpress, as well as a hot breakfast bar, a salad bar, and a dessert bar.   Beverages, bagels, fruit, coffee, and ice cream are also available.

Southgate Food Center – an on-campus operation that prepares daily dessert, salad, and meal items for the dining centers.

SPICES – W.E.L.L. programming model for healthy living; the acronym stands for Socially Active, Physical Dimension, Intellectual Curiosity, Career Development, Emotional Wellbeing, and Spiritual Purpose and Philosophy.

SPOC (Student Programs On Call) Administrator – the Director and Associate Directors of Residence Life as well as Office of Judicial Affairs and Fraternity & Sorority Life staff members who serve to support the Residence Life on Call Administrator during emergency situations. This person is also the first responder to emergencies at off campus Greek houses.

Spring Break – a week in March when classes are not in session and most residence halls are officially closed. It is the key for everyone's success in surviving the semester.   For office staff, it is business as usual.

Squires Student Center – a place to study, grab a bite to eat, watch TV, or enjoy many activities in the recreation area. There are also meeting rooms that student organizations can reserve. The food court features Sbarro and Au Bon Pain.

Staff Appreciation Breakfast – an annual celebration that signifies the end of the academic year. Office of Student Programs staff have the opportunity to enjoy a breakfast served by Student Programs administrators. A number of awards are also presented at this event.

Staff Development – opportunities for professional, support, and student staff to hone skills and enhance knowledge on various topics.

Staff Training – residence hall staff members are trained in a multi-tiered process in the fall and in January. All residence hall staff members participate in a series of workshops in August. New Resident Advisors are also required to enroll in the Introduction to Residence Life course during their first semester on the job. Finally, staff are expected to participate in various staff in-service activities throughout the academic year.

Steppin' Out – a community street fair held each summer in downtown Blacksburg during the first weekend of August.

Stopper II – a case covering a fire alarm pull station that sounds a tamper horn when it is opened; these help to deter false fire alarms.

Student Activities – staff in this office provide student organizations with advice and counsel. Student Activities offers leadership workshops and retreats for students.

Student Advisory Committee – the purpose of this committee is to provide suggestions, advice, and feedback regarding housing and dining facilities, residence life policies, programs, services, and staffing. Participants must be students who currently live on campus and/or hold a dining plan. Students will meet with the Directors of Residence Life and Housing and Dining Services.

Student Code of Conduct – a list of the university's conduct expectations for students. Charges that are recorded on judicial referrals are derived from the Student Code of Conduct.

Student Organization and Business Showcase – an annual event occurring during the fall semester that features student organizations and local vendors who set up booths in Squires to welcome new students.

Student Programs, Office of – a department that employs more than 1,200 individuals committed to making life on campus a pleasant and positive experience. The cooks and line servers in the dining facilities, the housekeeping and maintenance staffs, the student staff, the support staff, and the administrative staff are committed to meeting student needs. The department includes Fraternity & Sorority Life, Housing & Dining Services, Judicial Affairs, and Residence Life. It includes the following three supporting units: Human Resources, Planning & Business Services, and Public Relations & Information Technology.

Student Services Building – the administrative building for Virginia Tech located on the corner of Washington Street and West Campus Drive. It is the home of a variety of offices, including the University Bursar, Scholarship & Financial Aid, Student Accounts, Hokie Passport, and Student Telecommunications.

Student Staff Appreciation Week – the third week of February dedicated to students that work in the residence halls.

Student Storage – a limited amount of student storage is available in each residence hall. It is primarily for large items such as footlockers, suitcases, and trunks. The University and the Office of Student Programs assume no responsibility for damaged or lost items.

Student Teaching Assistant – an undergraduate student who works with either the Residential Leadership Community's leadership courses or the WING community's fall course, First Year Seminar. RLC STAs are alumni students of the class who are nominated to act as Student Teaching Assistants. RLC STAs take a course as part of their responsibilities. WING STAs apply for the position in February and are selected, trained, and supervised by the Coordinator of Theme Housing Programs. WING STAs earn 3 hours of independent study for facilitating the course.

Suites – a living option available in Cochrane, Harper, New Residence Hall East & Peddrew-Yates, Payne, and Oak Lane whereby students share a living area and bathroom with a small number of students. Suite residents are responsible for any damage or harmful action that occurs in the suite. Staff members are allowed to enter shared living areas in suites as part of their duty rounds.

Summer Conferences – a collection of sports camps and groups that use residence hall space during the summer months for living and meeting space. A number of students are hired to assist the department in this initiative.

Summer Orientation – a program during July wherein most new students come to campus for a two-day session to learn about academic and student affairs, obtain their Hokie Passport, get registered for classes, and otherwise familiarize themselves with the campus.

Summit Community – one of the five residential communities on campus. It houses East and West Ambler Johnston, Cochrane, Harper and Hillcrest Halls.

Suspension (Disciplinary) – a judicial sanction whereby a student is separated from the university for a specified period of time.

T

Table Cards – student organizations are permitted to distribute table cards advertising events. The Customer Advocate must approve them. Table cards from the Office of Student Programs will be given priority. The table card policy can be viewed online at www.studentprograms.vt.edu/tablecard.

Table Talk Live – a program offering students the opportunity to give feedback to the Office of Student Programs culinary personnel about the dining centers.

Take Back the Night – an annual march and rally wherein participants unite to protest violence against women.

Team Hokies – a group of student volunteers who assist students and their families during their move into the residence halls on the Saturday of Fall Check-in.

Ten Month Halls – residence halls that remain open during the academic break periods; they are Main Campbell, Cochrane, Hillcrest, Newman, and Payne.

Theme Housing Programs – programs that provide residents with the opportunity to live in a specialized learning community. These include the Residential Leadership Community, the Biological and Life Sciences Community, the Hillcrest Honors Community, Galileo, Hypatia: Women in Engineering Learning Community, the WING, the W.E.L.L., and the WORLD.

Theme Housing Programs Graduate Assistant – the graduate student that provides support for the theme housing programs. This is a twelve-month assistantship.

T-shirt – be sure to follow the procedures in the Residence Hall Staff Manual when organizing the preparation of hall or staff T-shirts.

Twenty-four Hour Quiet Hours – a period of time during exam week when quiet hours are extended to twenty-four hours a day. Twenty-four hour quiet hours go into effect on Reading Day.

U

UCFS – United Council of Fraternities and Sororities.

UHD (Undergraduate Hall Director) – a student leader and employee who provides leadership, supervision, and management for Barringer, East Campbell, Main Eggleston, West Eggleston, Hillcrest, Johnson, Miles, Newman, Pritchard, or Thomas Hall. UHDs serve as facilitators for the Introduction to Residence Life course.

University Student Leadership Awards (USLA) – an award ceremony held in April to recognize student leaders. The A. Alan Baird Award is presented at this ceremony.

University Unions and Student Activities ( UUSA) – a department within the Division of Student Affairs that includes the management of the student centers (Cranwell International Center, PASE, Student Activities, Leisure Services, Event Planning, and Informational Services).

UPSL (University Policies for Student Life) – this annual publication contains current information about the university regulations that apply to all students during the academic year. There is a copy in the Hokie Handbook located online at www.judicial.vt.edu.

Ut Prosim – the university motto: "That I May Serve."

V

VACUHO – Virginia Association of College and University Housing Officers.

VACURH – Virginia Association of College and University Residence Halls.

VASPA – Virginia Association of Student Personnel Administrators.

VASPA/VACUHO Conference – an annual conference of Virginia's college and university administrators. It is usually held at Wintergreen during November or December.

VCPA – Virginia College Personnel Association.

Vendor List – a list of local vendors who will accept a purchase order from the Office of Student Programs. You can find one in the Residence Hall Staff Manual.

Venture Out Outdoor Trip Planning and Resource Center – an effort sponsored by UUSA that coordinates and leads up to forty outdoor trips each year. They can be helpful in planning residence hall programs.

Vet Med Café – one of the Office of Student Programs nine dining centers, located at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, featuring daily specials, hot and cold sandwich items, fountain beverages, fruits, and desserts.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University – the official name of the University.

Virginia Tech – an acceptable shortened name for the University.

Visitation Policy – visitation in student rooms by members of the opposite sex is permitted only during designated hours. There are four different visitation options. Consult Room, Board and So Much More for details.

Volume II Bookstore – a bookstore operated by the University that is located at the University Mall.

VPI – a nickname for the University, often used by older alumni. This acronym is not sanctioned by the University and should not be used to reference the University.

VT Rescue – Virginia Tech's volunteer rescue squad. In emergencies, call 911.

VTPD (Virginia Tech Police Department) – an accredited professional organization. Officers are Commonwealth police and are empowered to enforce campus, state, and local laws on University property. Contact them at either 911 or 1-6411.

VTTV – Virginia Tech's student television station.

VTU (Virginia Tech Union) – the student organization that provides a wide variety of cultural and social entertainment for the community.

W

WELL (Wellness Environment for Living and Learning) – the theme-housing program located in West Ambler Johnston Hall that provides an opportunity for students to develop close relationships while focusing on personal wellness.   It is a substance-free community that offers numerous programs and resources and emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded lifestyle by focusing on the SPICES (see SPICES) of life.

WELLBeings – student newsletter for the WELL managed by the Community Board Public Relations committee.

Wage Employee – employees who work for a designated number of hours are "General Wage." Student employees are also wage employees. Wage employees are ineligible for state-supported benefits.

War Memorial Chapel – a chapel located prominently on the Drillfield.

We Care – a service provided by Personal Touch Catering offering seasonal care packages including a birthday package, cookie of the month club, and fruit baskets.

Weather Line – a phone line that offers updates on the University's schedule during periods of inclement weather. Call 1-6668.

Website – the Office of Student Programs home page is http://www.studentprograms.vt.edu. Residence Life's home page is http://www.studentprograms.vt.edu/reslife.

Wellness Peer Educators – volunteer students trained to facilitate programs on a variety of health topics.

West End Market – the Office of Student Programs award-winning dining facility located in Cochrane Hall. It features a salad bar, a sports bar, wrap stand, and much more.   Shops include Wired, JP's Chop House, Leaf and Ladle, Wrap World, Bistro Firenze, Cutting Edge Delicatessen, and The Fighting Gobbler Sports Lounge.

What You Need to Know – a publication created by the RA Mentors that provides new Resident Advisors with answers to frequently asked questions. It is given to new staff members at the first area meeting in April.

White Ribbon Campaign – a national campaign for men to protest violence against women.

Wing – our residentially based first year experience program located in Slusher Wing. It is designed to acclimate first year students to the University environment. This program focuses on knowledge and skills that enhance a student's academic experience and develop personal and social success. Participants are required to take a three-credit course and are offered extensive in-hall programs and additional student staff assistance.

Wing Student Teaching Assistants (STA) – students selected to assist a lead facilitator with instructing the Wing first year seminar course.

Winter Training and Leadership Workshop – an important part of staff training that takes place in January. It includes training tracks for various staff members, including graduate assistants, hall supervisors, RACs, and new RAs. Staff members are required to attend these workshop sessions.

Women's Center – a center, located in Henderson Hall, that offers information and referrals for both men and women, outreach and educational programs, an eating disorders task force, and sexual assault education and advocacy.

Women's Clinic – this part of the Schiffert Health Center provides gynecologic exams, pap smears, sexually transmitted disease screenings, and contraception and other reproductive health services to students. There is a small fee for some services.

Women's Month – typically in March, an effort through the Women's Center that is a way to highlight and celebrate women's diverse experiences and achievements.

Work Order – a request to repair something in a residence hall. All staff have access to a computerized work order system through the Office of Student Programs web page.

Workers Compensation – if an accident or illness arising from, and occurring in, the course of an employee's job causes him or her to miss work, the employee may be entitled to compensation to help offset the loss of wages during the period he or she is unable to work.

World – a housing option, located in Newman Hall, which offers a unique living environment to domestic and international students. It is designed to foster relationships among students of various cultures and provide a home-away-from-home during academic break periods.

World AIDS Day – this is one occasion during the year, December 1 st, when we remember on an international level those who have died from or are living with HIV/AIDS.

WUVT – the student radio station.

X,Y,Z

Y . E.S. Program – a nutrition education program including personal counseling, residence hall programs, a website (www.studentprograms.vt.edu/yes), published information, and the "Ask the Dietician Program."

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