Winter Weeks of Welcome begins Jan. 13
Events coordinated by New Student and Family Programs give opportunities for students to find their communities.
Transitioning to a new school can be daunting, but Winter Weeks of Welcome makes it easy for first-year Hokies to find their home at Virginia Tech. Winter Weeks of Welcome is a personal, extended orientation experience that offers incoming students exciting events and social opportunities from Jan. 13-26. The initiative serves as a transition into university life and a hub for students to find their places at Virginia Tech.
Events across campus created or coordinated by New Student and Family Programs are tailored to new and returning students looking to have fun and create community with their peers.
Each event is different, giving students a chance to find something that fits their interests. From recreational events to cozy socials with complimentary food and entertainment, there’s something for everyone. A few of this year’s highlights include a trip to the Blacksburg Farmers Market on Jan. 13 and Rec Sports’ Free Fitness Week at McComas Hall from Jan. 16-22. Some events include giveaways and prizes, such as Mugs Marshmallows and Games Galore, an evening of fun, games, and hot chocolate at the Breakzone in Squires Student Center on Jan. 20.
“Winter Weeks of Welcome is a great way for new students and transfer students to feel welcome and to feel like they’re getting the new Hokie experience,” said Heidi Klockenbrink, assistant director of communication and marketing for New Student and Family Programs.
Choose your own adventure
Winter Weeks of Welcome provides paths for Hokies to explore Virginia Tech and all their campus community has to offer. Students are encouraged to choose their own adventures by attending events that speak to their interests and personalities or by stepping out of their comfort zones to try something new.
The full schedule and event descriptions are available in the New Hokie Guide in the Hokies On Track app.
Many events are planned and put on in partnership with other campus organizations so that students can meet one another, be introduced to resources they may want to utilize, and learn about student groups they may want to join. For example, on Jan. 24, New Student and Family Programs and El Centro, the Hispanic and Latinx Cultural and Community Center, are hosting Comida y Comunidad: Welcome to El Centro! On Jan. 25, the Pride Center is holding an open house to celebrate the beginning of the spring semester.
“There’s a little bit of everything at Winter Weeks of Welcome,” said Klockenbrink. “Each event has great opportunities for students to find commonalities between them. Even if the event doesn’t interest you, maybe the group of people there will.”
The itinerary spans almost two weeks, allowing students ample time and plenty of opportunities to find what piques their interests. Events will last through the end of January, with plenty of fun for everyone.
“Students don’t always find their home in their first semester of school,” said Maeve Marley, program coordinator for New Student and Family Programs. “Winter Weeks of Welcome provides new Virginia Tech students the opportunity to connect with one another and find community on campus. It serves to welcome new spring admits and is a part of the transition experience for continuing first year and transfer students."
The goal for Winter Weeks of Welcome is for new Hokies to begin the spring semester with a sense of belonging in their new Virginia Tech community. Whether they attend a single Welcome Week event or all of them, New Student and Family Programs hopes they begin the semester feeling welcomed and excited about the beginning of their Virginia Tech journey.
