University supports students affected by fire at Foxridge Apartments
Editor's update | Friday, Jan. 31, 9 a.m.: A total of 25 students were displaced by Thursday's fire at Foxridge Apartments. The Dean of Students Office will continue to work with these students to address their academic, housing, and other needs in the aftermath of the event.
Friday, Jan. 31, 5 p.m.: University officials said late Friday the number of Virginia Tech students displaced in the Foxridge Apartment fire has been lowered from 25 to 23. One former student who used to live in the complex has reportedly taken a job out of state and does not plan to return to Blacksburg. Another is a past student still living there, but has not been enrolled for over two years.
Virginia Tech Dean of Students Tom Brown met Friday morning with many of the 25 students displaced in the Foxridge Apartment fire. A cross section of university representatives was on hand to share recovery information with the students, including details about housing, textbooks, computers, food and meals, and counseling.
Additionally, representatives of the Cranwell International Center were on hand to provide information about lost passports and visa information for international students affected by the fire.
No one was injured in the blaze, which broke out at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.
Most of the students spent the night at a nearby hotel, and some were expecting to do so again Friday as they review their housing options. Representatives of the Foxridge Apartments were on hand to discuss the availability of open units in the complex for the students. Virginia Tech’s Housing and Residential Life staff provided information regarding on-campus alternatives.
Computers from the College of Engineering were going to be available for students to check out by midday Friday. Lost and burned textbooks were to be replaced at the University Bookstore.
The Cook Counseling Center presented information on services it provides on campus to help deal with stress or trauma.
Brown told the students that his office is open, now and weeks from now, to help address anything connected to their recovery. “We want to make it clear. Virginia Tech is ready to support these students as they get back on their feet. The resources of this university are available to support them as they recover and move forward.”
BLACKSBURG, Va., Jan. 30, 2014 – Virginia Tech and other agencies are supporting students affected by the Foxridge Apartment fire today. No students were injured during this event.
Students affected are asked to come to the Squires Student Center information desk at 10 a.m. Friday.
In addition to the university, Foxridge Apartments and the American Red Cross are currently assisting those affected.
For more information, contact the Dean of Students Office at 540-231-3787.
