The Wing

Take flight with Student Programs' premiere program for first-year students, the Wing. This living/learning program is located in a traditional-style, co-educational residence hall and is designed to acclimate first-year students to the university environment, and helps with the transition from high school to college. The Wing focuses on developing skills to enhance students' academic success and to reinforce a variety of essential life skills.

The following components of the first-year experience program bring together a variety of campus resources and services targeted at academic success and personal growth:

• Special residence hall programming
• Trained live-in staff
• Resident computer consultants
• Required first-year seminar course (fall semester only)
• Traditional-style rooms
• Resource room
• Residence hall study groups
• Frequent contact with faculty, Student Affairs staff, and undergraduate Student Teaching Assistants (STAs)

Residence Hall Programs:
Frequent programs will be held to introduce you to university services including Newman Library, Career Services, and health services. Social programs, including movies nights and intramural sports games, will provide opportunities for you to meet and interact with other students.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a loft in the Wing?
No. Due to the fire codes, it is not safe for lofts to be erected in the Slusher Wing residence hall rooms.

What are the benefits of living in the Wing?
The required three-credit course and living experience combined are designed to provide academic and transitional support to new students. The additional staff and course are not offered to other first-year students.

I am planning on majoring in Engineering or Biology—can I still participate in the Wing?

Yes, the Wing program is open to all first-year students at Virginia Tech, regardless of academic major. Some Wing participants are currently University Studies students and others have declared a variety of other majors. The Wing program is available to students pursuing any major.

Is the First-Year Seminar Course required?
Yes, it is an elective three-credit course required of all Wing residents. The course covers topics like academic success strategies, decision making, campus resources, wellness, career planning, roommate relationships, etc.

What is the course number for the First-Year Seminar Course?
UNIV 1704, Special Study: First Year Seminar Course. The course request number for this course changes each year, so please e-mail Theme Housing if you need the CRN for a specific section.

For more information please contact Theme Housing Programs at themevt@vt.edu or (540) 231-6205.

Course Requirements

If you are chosen to live in the Wing, you will also take a class with your fellow residents. The First-Year Seminar Course, UNIV 1704 [PDF 60KB] is required for all Wing Residents during the fall semester. You will attend two class sessions per week; both are small group discussions co-taught by faculty and upperclass students. Topics include a variety of study and life skills topics: time management, choosing a major, test-taking tips, diversity, alcohol and drug awareness, and how to live successfully with a roommate.

For additional information about the First-Year Seminar Course contact the Course Coordinator, James Penven, associate director of Residence Life at (540) 231-6205 or e-mail Theme Housing.

Student Teaching Assistants

Student Teaching Assistants (STAs) are an integral part of the First Year Seminar Instruction Team for the Wing. STAs support the overall purpose and objectives of the Wing Program and provide assistance to the assigned course facilitator in the First-Year Seminar Course. STAs serve as positive role models, mentors, or peer leaders to first-year students, and become another person with whom these students can identify on campus. STAs are not required to live on-campus or in Slusher Wing.

Position Description

The selection process for Student Teaching Assistants is held during the Spring semester. Contact Theme Housing or call (540) 231-6205, for more information.

Contact Information

For questions about the Wing program or housing and assignment, contact Theme Housing.

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