Dear Virginia Tech community,

Welcome to the 2026–27 academic year! For many of us, myself included, fall is the most exciting time of year — sweatshirts, old friends, fresh perspectives. But the same newness that brings highs can also bring lows, whether for us or our friends. I encourage you to take a moment and consider this: For ourselves, sometimes the best we can do is to breathe, remember what brought us here, and recognize when we need support. For our fellow Hokies, oftentimes the best we can do is to be present and listen.

By choosing Virginia Tech, we have invested in certain basic values and principles, including respect for one another’s civil rights. Together, we play an important role in maintaining learning and living environments free from discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment and violence. To become better Hokies, we should all take time to consider and internalize the concept of consent. We should also take a moment to become familiar with the network of policies, people, and programs that represent the tip of the iceberg of the university’s efforts to maintain spaces where students can grow, learn, and create free from disruption and distraction.

First, consider policies. Our commitment to nondiscrimination and opposition to harassment can be found at every level of the university. Worth highlighting here: the Student Code of Conduct, the Policy on Title IX Sexual Harassment and Responsible Employee Reporting, No. 1026, and the Policy on Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Assault, No. 1025. All of these policies prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and bring meaning to our shared principles.  

Second, consider our people and programs, beginning with Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Prevention Education (CRCPE), which houses teams and campus experts dedicated to civil rights and sexual violence prevention education. Beyond CRCPE, the Division of Student Affairs offers almost endless opportunities for students to seek support, including many that are confidential. We encourage you to review the list of resources on the SVPE website. 

Lastly, please know that as Virginia Tech’s interim Title IX coordinator and director of Civil Rights Compliance, I am dedicated to my role in ensuring that the student experience reflects the university’s commitment to equal opportunity. 

If you need help, please let us know. I hope you have a great semester.

Harrison Blythe 
Interim Title IX Coordinator 
Director of Civil Rights Compliance 
Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Prevention Education
civilrights@vt.edu 
540-231-2010

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