A message from Vice President for Student Affairs Frances Keene
At Virginia Tech, we believe in the power of conversation to shape understanding and community. Universities are places where ideas are shared, tested, and debated — and as a student, engaging in these conversations is a vital part of your educational journey.
Civil discourse and respectful disagreement are not only welcome, they are an important part of our mission. In times of controversy and division, our university community has a special obligation to listen, engage with respect, consider differing perspectives, and ensure that everyone feels safe doing so.
This is the Hokie way and essential to who we are.
These hallmarks are memorialized in our motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), and through our Principles of Community which state: “We affirm the right of each person to express thoughts and opinions freely. We encourage open expression within a climate of civility, sensitivity, and mutual respect.”
Our principles provide a framework for how we treat each other and care for our community.
Freedom of speech is a foundation of our democracy. As we recently affirmed in our Statement on Freedom of Expression and Inquiry, it is essential at our university. It is equally important to exercise it in a way that embodies our principles.
In today’s digital world, where online expression is constant, we must be mindful of the impact our words can have — whether to elevate dialogue or to sow fear and uncertainty. As members of Hokie Nation, our words and actions set the tone for our campus and beyond. They show what it means to respect one another and create a welcoming environment where every voice matters.
With our Principles of Community as guidelines, our actions as individuals contribute to the shared experience of every member of Hokie Nation. Thank you for your continued commitment to making Virginia Tech a place where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
If you have experienced discrimination, harassment, or bias for your beliefs or viewpoints, please contact Virginia Tech’s Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Prevention Education at civilrights@vt.edu or 540-231-2010.
Frances B. Keene,
Vice President for Student Affairs
