A letter from Mark Sikes, dean of students

Dear Hokies,

Over the weekend we have followed news reports of the violence in the Middle East related to the Israel-Gaza conflict. The conflict has caused many losses of life, and we recognize that this may directly impact many members of our Virginia Tech community.

For our students directly or indirectly impacted by the recent violence, the Dean of Students Office and Cook Counseling Center has dedicated team members that are committed and ready to provide care and support. We also encourage you to speak with friends, dialogue with mentors, and/or seek guidance from a trusted faculty or staff member or use virtual resources, such as TimelyCare.

I also encourage all of us within the community to reflect upon our Principles of Community during this time, through which “we affirm the value of human diversity because it enriches our lives and the university and together, our community will respect our differences while affirming our common humanity."

As a community, we want to advance any effort that promotes peace, practices civility, and allows differences to thrive. Any act that crosses the threshold towards violence, intimidation, or harassment will have no place in our world, locally, or on our campuses.

With hope,

S. Mark Sikes,
Dean of Students

Those in the Virginia Tech community who need assistance or counseling support may contact:

• Cook Counseling Center at 540-231-6557
• Cranwell International Center at 540-231-6527
• Dean of Students Office at 540-231-3787
• Employee Assistance Program
  • Anthem at 855-223-9277
  • Aetna at 888-238-6232
  • Kaiser Permanente at 866-517-7042
  • Optima Health Vantage HMO at 866-846-2682
• Graduate Life Center at 540-231-6691
• Hokie Wellness at 540-231-2233 (students) or 540-231-8878 (employees)
• Housing Services at 540-231-6205
• Office of Inclusion and Diversity at 540-231-3811
• Interfaith Initiative at interfaith@vt.edu
• Residential Well-being
• TimelyCare
• Women’s Center at Virginia Tech at 540-231-7806