Summer programs will educate, inform, and entertain thousands

14 May 2008

Lazy, hazy summer days will be few and far between at Virginia Tech from June through mid-August as the university welcomes more than 12,000 visitors from 87 groups and organizations to campus for a variety of educational, professional development, athletic, cultural, and summer fun programs.

These events and activities will take place during the university's First Summer Session, which runs from May 19 through June 26, and Second Summer Session, with classes scheduled from June 30 through Aug. 7.

In addition to students, faculty, and staff normally on campus for the summer sessions, some 5,000 incoming freshmen and 800 transfer students, along with parents and other family members, will be in Blacksburg over the summer to attend one of the required orientation sessions, which run from July 7 through July 25. Orientation provides an opportunity for students and their parents to learn about Virginia Tech and prepare for college experience. Both parents and students will stay in residence halls on campus and eat in D2 dining center. Details relating to the 2008 orientation program are available through the Orientation website.

Concurrent with regular summer session classes and the orientation program, a variety of special programs are being offered to participants from around the state and nation. A long list of scheduled conferences, sports camps, conventions, and other events includes the following:

Intensive Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery Conference: This course, which consistently attracts veterinarians nationwide includes three sessions with clinical faculty, course materials, breakfast and lunch each day as well as an introductory dinner on the first evening. The conference will be held from May 27 through May 29. The 80th Virginia State FFA Convention, which is expected to draw some 1,200 participants to the campus, will be held June 19-27. Groups of middle school- and high school-age participants from across the state, along with their advisors and guests, will attend workshops and compete in career development events, such as public speaking and livestock judging competitions. For more information, visit the conference online.
Mechanics Conference: Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, this conference is planned for May 29-30. All interested mechanicians are invited to submit one-page abstracts related to any aspect of fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, materials, dynamics and control, and biomechanics, as well as emerging areas in mechanics. For more information, visit the conference details webpage.
Summer Arts Festival 2008: The Summer Arts Festival 2008, a joint effort by Virginia Tech School of the Arts and the Town of Blacksburg, is celebrating its 17th year bringing the joy of the arts to Blacksburg summers. The festival's events, enjoyed by some 50,000 people last year, begin on May 30 and end in late August. They are completely free and provide New River Valley residents; tourists; and Virginia Tech faculty, staff, students, and conference attendees with a wide array of arts attractions. Learn more about the festival.
29th Annual Campaigning with Lee event: This June 15-21 gathering will mark the 30th year of the nation's oldest summer Civil War program. We are particularly happy that the seminar is coming to Virginia Tech. Read more about program on the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies Website.
College Bound 2008: College Bound is a college transition program for high school juniors, seniors, rising college freshman with disabilities, their parents, and professionals in the fields of education and transition services. Learn more about College Bound at Virginia Tech.
North American Forest Soils Conference: This conference will take a fresh look at how forest soils research has changed in the last 50 years, how technology has changed our understanding of forest soils processes and how do we continue to maintain functioning healthy soils. This conference is an opportunity for researchers, government professionals, forest industry personnel to interact and learn about forest soils research and where it may take us in the next 50 years. Read more about the conference.
Explore Your Dream Kitchen: Learn about planning and designing a kitchen that really meets your needs and explore the Center for Real Life Kitchen Design’s five complete kitchens. Read more about this workshop.
Master Gardener College: The Virginia Master Gardener Association will hold its 21st annual Master Gardener College on campus from June 17-22. Participants will attend numerous horticultural workshops, training sessions, tours, and meetings. For more information, visit the Virginia Master Gardener Program website .
4-H Congress: From June 23-26, the Virginia 4-H will hold its 88th State Congress at Virginia Tech. The congress will bring more than 700 4-H members, volunteer leaders, and Virginia Cooperative Extension agents to campus. The 4-H Congress is an annual statewide event offering educational experiences and competitions for outstanding 4-H members and adult volunteer leaders. All of their activities are associated with their guidelines of Head (clearer thinking), Heart (greater loyalty), Hands (to larger service), and Health (better living). More information is available at the Virginia 4-H website.
Computers and Technology Camp: Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering is holding a program called C-Tech², “Computers and Technology at Virginia Tech.” A primary focus of the program is to help develop and sustain the interests of women in engineering and the sciences. The program allows you to explore applications of engineering, math, and science in a way that is fun and exciting. You will spend the majority of your time involved in hands-on activities designed to increase your interest in and knowledge of applications of engineering, math, and science to real world situations. The target population for the program is rising junior and senior high school girls. For more information, visit the camp webpage.

A detailed list of summer activities coordinated by the Office of Student Programs can be found at the 2006 Guest Calendar webpage.

A comprehensive list of summer events coordinated by Continuing Education can by found on the Continuing & Professional Education Calendar and the University Event Calendar.

Fall classes begin at Virginia Tech on Monday, Aug. 25.