Hokie Passport Services launches interactive Information Station to welcome first-year students
In a new addition to Virginia Tech's move-in festivities, Hokie Passport Services debuted the Information Station event, welcoming new students, their parents, and other family members with a wealth of essential campus resources and insights.
Located on the lawn of the Student Services Building, students were invited to navigate a series of interactive tents, each offering information on services critical to their successful transition into Hokie life.
The event was scheduled during move-in week, ensuring that every first-year student — who must validate their Hokie Passport within the first few days on campus — had the opportunity to engage with representatives from key divisions and units that fall under the Office of the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. These divisions include auxiliary and business services, public safety, and information technology. Specific units highlighted during the event included Hokie Passport Services, Mail Services, Parking Services, Sustainable Transportation, the Virginia Tech Police Department, the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad, Emergency Management, Environmental Health and Safety, and information technology.
"We were thrilled to introduce the Information Station this year to ensure our students receive and retain the critical information they need. This event allowed us to provide direct, face-to-face interactions where students could ask questions and receive the guidance they need in an engaging and personal way," said Joe Griffitts, director of Hokie Passport Services.
Lynsay Belshe, vice president for Auxiliary and Business Services, said the event was designed to be comprehensive. "The sheer volume of information that first-year students receive can be overwhelming, and it’s easy for some crucial details to get lost," Belshe said. "The Information Station was designed to ensure that every student had access to the full range of resources and support available to them as they begin their journey at Virginia Tech."
The Information Station offered students and their families the chance to learn about a wide range of topics to help them navigate their first weeks at Virginia Tech. Among the many things they could explore were how to properly address a package, register a bicycle, and understand their parking permit options. They also could gain insights into campus safety programs, tips on avoiding phishing scams, opportunities to get involved with the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad, and how to manage their university ID card-based accounts.
Parents gave positive feedback, saying they were happy to have all this information in one area. The event also saw students returning as moral support with friends within the week, who provided additional positive feedback about the event.
