First-year students have a new opportunity to jump-start their college experience with Virginia Tech Summer Academy
High school seniors across the country are finalizing their decision on which college to attend in the fall. But for those who were accepted to Virginia Tech, they have a new opportunity to take advantage of that could put them on campus by this summer.
University Summer Sessions, within the Division of Undergraduate Education, is launching the Virginia Tech Summer Academy. It will allow first year students to transition more seamlessly into the college experience.
“Students who participate in summer academy will move to campus in July,” said Michael Herndon, director of University Summer Sessions. “They will get a jump-start by taking a couple classes as well as engaging in workshops, Hokie Camp, orientation, and early residence hall move-in while getting familiar with campus and meeting friends before thousands of students return in the fall.”
Virginia Tech Summer Academy offers 13 different learning tracks for students to choose from, coupling two university courses together. Some tracks include courses that fulfill general education requirements, while others satisfy requirements for specific majors.
“The tracks include courses that frequently fill up fast in the fall and spring,” said Wanda Hankins Dean, assistant vice president for enrollment management and university registrar. “This academy can provide students the chance to complete some requirements, often with a smaller class size than normal.”
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions sent accepted students information about summer academy. Interested students have until May 15 to register.
“The entire campus community has rallied together to make the Virginia Tech Summer Academy a reality,” said Daniel Wubah, vice president and dean for undergraduate education. “Faculty members have come on board to teach the courses. The Division of Student Affairs arranged special housing, Hokie Camp, and other activities. The Student Success Center and University Libraries will offer workshops to equip students with skills to help them succeed throughout their college career. The Department of Recreational Sports is keeping its facilities open for summer academy students to work out and unwind.”
Total cost is based on the summer session tuition for six credits of enrollment, plus the summer room and meal plan rates. Information on rates is available through the University Bursar. Seminars, workshops, and other activities are included at no additional charge. Students interested in financial aid must complete the 2011-12 FAFSA form. University Scholarships and Financial Aid can help guide students.
Space is limited so students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. “There is a lot of excitement surrounding the academy,” said Herndon. “We can’t wait to see the students who take advantage of it.”
For more information or to register, visit the Virginia Tech Summer Academy website.
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech takes a hands-on, engaging approach to education, preparing scholars to be leaders in their fields and communities. As the commonwealth’s most comprehensive university and its leading research institution, Virginia Tech offers 240 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 31,000 students and manages a research portfolio of $513 million. The university fulfills its land-grant mission of transforming knowledge to practice through technological leadership and by fueling economic growth and job creation locally, regionally, and across Virginia.
