Tech Fundamentals

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presents

June 24, 2016

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solutions.collegemedia.com advertising@collegemedia.com The Collegiate Times, a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, was established in 1903 by and for the students of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Collegiate Times is published every Tuesday through Friday of the academic year except during exams and vacations. The first copy of the Collegiate Times is free, any copy of the paper after that is 50 cents.

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ontents

ANDRÉA PAPPAS editor-in-chief

Managing Editors: Lewis Millholland, Zack Wajsgras

Assistant News Editors: Caleb Govoruhk, Matt Jones

PAGE 2 June 24, 2016

ditor’s

Welcome to Virginia Tech, your new home for the upcoming four years.

While orientation will be the start of your college experience, there is simply too much to learn about Tech and Blacksburg within the next two days.

The Collegiate Times staff has created “Tech Fundamentals,” an A-Z guide for everything you may need to know before settling into your new home this fall. From events that take place the first week of school to how to navigate Hokie Spa (as a rising senior, I still have trouble with this), the CT has got you covered.

While Tech can seem immense and intimidating, if there is one thing to take away, let it be this: get involved.

At a school of 30,000 people, there is something for everyone so do not be afraid and be ready to leave your mark.

menities.............. 2

uzz for Buzz.......... 3

ommunity............ 4

xercise.................. 4

uente...................... 6

obblerFest.......... 7

okie Spa.............. 8

ntramural.............. 10

obs...................... 11

ickoff................. 12

emorials .......... 12

ightlife............... 15

utdoors............. 16

arking................. 18

uiz!.................... 18

esidence............. 19

tudy Abroad........ 20

t Prosim............ 21

-pectations........ 23

menities: From studying to writing to jobs SAMANTHA SMITH AND EMILY MCCAUL lifestyles editor and assistant lifestyles editor

When it comes to amenities, Virginia Tech has several services, comforts and conveniences to offer to its students on campus. The staff works hard to provide direction and structure for students seeking a bit of guidance. If you would like to know more about the amenities made available to students, when and where to seek out help, check out the following locations.

Student Success Center The Student Success Center is located on campus and dedicated solely to undergraduate students. Its services include programs ranging from tutoring to courses on college success strategies. All of these programs are free. For a full list of programs, visit their website.

Location: 110 Femoyer Hall Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact: 540-231-5499

Writing Center Struggle with writing? You are not alone. The Writing Center helps students with writing or reading assignments from any course offered on or off campus.

This is not only restricted to undergrads. Graduate students can also receive help for their thesis, dissertation or any other project. Starting this fall, they will also offer services in Spanish, French, Mandarin and Arabic. This service is open to all Virginia Tech students, staff and faculty.

The Writing Center does accommodate walk-ins, however it is suggested that all students make an appointment on the website.

Location: Second floor of Newman Library Hours: Sunday from 7 to 10 p.m., Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact: 540-231-5436

Career Services This one is kind of self-explanatory.

Career Services offers advising, provides resume workshops and even helps you find the right job after graduation. Not only does it offer in-person services, but it offers plenty of information right on the website.

Location: Smith Career Center, corner of Washington Street and West Campus Drive Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact: 540-231-6241 Whether you are seeking help with an introduction to a research paper in the writing center, information about relevant internships at the career center or tutoring from the Student Success Center, the members of the staff at Virginia Tech will be available, willing and ready to push you towards success. For more information about physical amenities offered on campus at Virginia Tech, check out the Virginia Tech amenities page.

FAIZAN HASNANY sports editor

Flash back to the first summer team meeting of the 2015-2016 offseason, where Virginia Tech men’s basketball head coach Buzz Williams stood before his team and presented this paramount message, “#getBETTER.” It would not be fair to call the hashtag just a trend, as it became a consistent theme that has carried over beyond just last season to the present.

“

We have a goal for today. That is to be better than we were yesterday.”

Buzz Williams Men’s Basketball Head Coach

see BUZZ / page 9

The College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences celebrates the many roles its students embrace: creative thinker, world explorer, collaborative futurist, impassioned innovator, service idealist.

BEN WEIDLICH / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Head coach Buzz Williams breaks down a play being run by the team.

June 24, 2016 PAGE 3

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So what does “#getBETTER” look like for the Hokies, who you will often see sporting personalized shirts with unique quotes on the front, but that all have that same slogan on the back?

It’s easy to point to this past March,

when Tech concluded its historical bounce-back season that marked the most drastic single season turnaround for a lastplace team since the ACC was founded in 1953. However for Williams, who spoke earlier this year at the Spur Leadership conference in Austin, Texas, the end result is more of a culmination of the day-in and day-out process that the slogan implies.

“We have a goal for today,” said Williams at the conference. “That is to be better than we were yesterday.”

Last season, Tech found itself initially lacking an identity on both sides of the ball, and with an 8-5 non-conference record that matched its start to the 20142015 season. Yet as the season went on, the Hokies, who had roughly 63 percent of their minutes coming from players who had never played a minute in a Tech jersey prior to this season, started to mesh and developed strong habits along the way.

“The best results are always results that come from great practices,” Williams added at the April 15 conference. “We

Welcome to the Hokie Nation!

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uzz for Buzz: Best is yet to come for men’s basketball

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ommunity: Letter to new Hokies If you have never stepped foot on Virginia Tech’s campus, you would not know or understand what our Hokie Community is all about. The U.S. has seen it on the news. The entire world has heard of the massacre that took place on our grounds. That does not define who we are, but it showed everyone a glimpse of the Hokie Community.

Now it is time for our new freshmen to witness this first hand.

Being a freshman on a huge campus having to take classes with 500 to 1,000 students is quite frightening. I remember my first day vividly. I do not remember the fear or the anxiety. I remember the smiling faces of fellow students. I remember the Hokie Bird riding on the golf cart. I remember the older students helping me and showing me where I needed to go for each class, where the best food on campus was and more.

Through my years at Tech, I learned the Hokie Community was everything.

Honestly, we should not even term it as “Hokie Community.” All freshmen are entering the most wonderful thing of all: the Hokie Family that encompasses the campus, Blacksburg, the surrounding counties and all the people in it! You will feel it once you step foot on campus, if you have not already.

Do not rush these years you have in front of you at your new school.

Embrace the campus. Embrace the community. Embrace your new family!

You have so much to do and so much to experience. Take in every moment. You are now family. Welcome!

Your Hokie Big Sister, Chelsea Stallworth Fall 2013 Graduate

xercise: Why Tech was named the fittest college in America SIERRA HUCKFELDT assistant sports editor

Named the fittest college in America in 2015 by “The Active Times,” Virginia Tech offers a variety of options for students to stay active and healthy throughout the school year. Whether you like to lift weights, swim laps, take fitness classes or get in miles on the treadmill, Tech’s two gyms allow Hokies and the surrounding community to stay fit and have support while doing it.

McComas Hall sits on the residential side of campus, diagonal from Lane Stadium and next to Thompson Field.

Built in 1998, this building houses the Department of Recreational Sports, along with Thomas E. Cook Counseling Center and the Charles W. Schiffert Health Center. As a whole, the building receives more than 30,000 visits per year. The multi-level gym portion has three volleyball/gymnasium courts, a cardio deck, weight training center, swimming pool, track, locker/changing area and lounge. During the school year, the gym is open from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 12:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, giving students plenty of time to fit in a workout throughout the day.

The second gym on campus, located in War Memorial Hall, sits on the Drillfield also on the residential side of campus. In addition to being used for exercise, this building is home to the School of Education and the Human, Nutrition, Foods and Exercise Program.

Built in 1926, this building has a cardio and weight training center, a pool, four basketball courts, 12 racquetball courts, three wallyball courts, two squash courts, a dance/aerobic room, four volleyball courts, a gymnastics room and locker/shower facilities. During

ZOE SCOPA / COLLEGIATE TIMES

the school year, the gym is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Both McComas and War Memorial offer group exercise classes, ranging from Zumba, to spinning, to bodypump and much more. These classes are free for the first and last weeks of the semester to give students a chance to test them out. During the remainder of the semester, access to these classes are an additional fee and multiple packages are available.

“My favorite thing the gym offers is definitely all of the Group X classes,” said senior and McComas employee Matt Johns. “The variety of programs that Recreational Sports has really makes fitness accessible to everyone.

Whether you are a yogi or a cyclist, beginner or advanced, McComas has an activity that you can get involved with.

Plus our staff is world-class.”

If you are looking for more personalized attention, personal training is

offered at both gym locations for a fee and can be one-on-one or in a small group setting. All personal trainers are nationally certified and help to guide the client to reach his or her fitness and health goals.

Fitness events and wellness programs are offered throughout the year, giving students a chance to get involved and stay motivated throughout the semester.

Some popular events in the past have been Ladies Night in the McComas weight room, the bench press competition and partner yoga.

“Advice I have for new students is to really be open and aware of all of the aspects of Recreational Sports. Whether it is physical or mental wellness you are looking to maintain or improve, the Rec Sports department prides itself in having a plethora of programs to grow students in any health-oriented capacity,” Johns said. “The rule of thumb is to get involved in what interests you and to always be on the lookout for new events that may pop up throughout the year.”

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uente: Field is set for Fuente in his debut season with Tech KYLE COOKE assistant sports editor

The Virginia Tech Hokies kick off at Lane Stadium in under 75 days, and while recruiting news has dominated most of the football headlines, one question can not seem to be asked enough, “What should fans expect from new head coach Justin Fuente?”

Offense is usually the answer. The Hokies have not had an offense to write home about since the days of David Wilson, Danny Coale and Jarrett Boykin. Even then, Bud Foster’s defense was the team’s best feature.

With Fuente being able to retain Foster as the defensive coordinator (not an easy task when you consider the departure of long-time head coach Frank Beamer and the plethora of job offers at Foster’s feet), that will surely take a load off his shoulders and give him some

room to do what he has done best, dating back to his days as a quarterback coach at Texas Christian: score touchdowns.

Before being hired by Hokie athletic director Whit Babcock, Fuente was the head coach of the Memphis Tigers, where he completely breathed new life into their offense, thanks to the help of under-the-radar talent like quarterback Paxton Lynch. The existing players on Virginia Tech’s roster, along with an impressive recruiting class, should give Fuente the raw materials to do what he did with Memphis, in Blacksburg.

First, there’s Isaiah Ford, the all-ACC wide receiver who set a Virginia Tech record last season for single-season receiving yards (1164) and touchdowns (11). Zohn Burden was the Hokies’ wide receiver coach last season, but he has since been moved to running backs as a result of Fuente bringing in Holmon

Wiggins as the new receiver coach. This will be Ford and company’s third receiver coach in as many years, but the lack of consistency has not seemed to hurt them yet.

Fuente is known for spreading out the offense — something he did tremendously well at Memphis, especially last season.

Players like tight end Bucky Hodges and running back Travon McMillian, not to mention the reliable receiving duo of Ford and Cam Phillips, will surely make that an easier task.

Fuente’s biggest sell is his track record with quarterbacks, which should be exciting for Hokie fans who have been starving for consistent QB play since the early days of Logan Thomas. However, they will have to curb their enthusiasm just a bit, as there has been no announcement as to who will start under center for the Hokies this year. It is not due to a lack of options, that is for sure.

Most signs are pointing to JUCO transfer Jerod Evans to become the next starter. He has the make-up of the quintessential Virginia Tech quarterback. He’s big for his position (6’4” and 230 lbs.), has a strong arm and has amazing play-making abilities with his legs.

The most exciting part of his game, at least for Hokie fans far too accustomed to seeing opposing defenses picking off errant throws, is his lack of turnovers. At Trinity Valley Community College last season, Evans tossed

38 touchdowns and only threw three interceptions. He also added four touchdowns on the ground.

Brenden Motley is still on the roster, though, and someone with his experience in Lane Stadium, along with raw athletic abilities not dissimilar from Evans’, should not be counted out of the QB competition just yet. After all, the two quarterbacks mostly split time with the first-team offense during spring practices.

Finally, that leaves us with Dwayne Lawson, the Florida high school standout who saw very limited playing time last season. Lawson is reportedly faster than Evans and Motley and has a bigger arm, but unfortunately has not shown that he is ready for the big stage just yet.

Still, it should be encouraging to Hokie fans that, for once, they have options.

The Hokies’ season kicks off Sept. 3 at Lane Stadium against Liberty University, and after that first game, Fuente will have his work cut out for him. He will have to take on the Tennessee Volunteers the following week at Bristol and has tough match-ups down the stretch against the University of Miami and an away game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

If Fuente can live up to his reputation as an offensive guru and combine this existing roster chocked full of ACC talent with the reliable defense of Bud Foster, then Hokie fans might just have a real reason to start jumping.

PAGE 6 June 24, 2016

BEN WEIDLICH / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Coach Justin Fuente observes practice during the spring.

CARSON BARTLETT opinions editor

see GOBBLERFEST / page 13

FILE 2014

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When you first arrive as a student at Virginia Tech, it is exhilarating. There are so many different people to meet and experiences to have. However, it is difficult to hit the ground running.

You will probably spend the first few weeks hanging out with the people you meet at Hokie Camp or who live on your floor in the residence hall. Maybe they will become your best friends, but in order to find out, you have to start reaching out. That is where Gobblerfest comes in.

With more than 900 registered student organizations, there is no shortage of opportunity to become involved in activities or causes that you care about during your time at Virginia Tech.

No matter what your interests are, there is an organization at Virginia Tech that is passionate about the very same things that you are, and attending Gobblerfest is the first step in making your mark as a college student.

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obblerFest: The ultimate club fair to get involved on campus

June 24, 2016 PAGE 7

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okie Spa: A brief overview to a vital service CALEB GOVORUHK assistant news editor

Managing academic, financial and personal records is a big task. The secure storing of all of those records for the over 100,000 people affiliated with Virginia Tech is a big task. Luckily, the university uses an information system known to most students as Hokie Spa to organize all of that important information.

Though Hokie Spa may look like it is just a sad, forgotten website left over from the 1990s, a profusion of important services are provided and accessed there. Hokie Spa runs on a platform called Banner, which is a software that is developed and licensed by Ellucian and used by most universities in the United States for data management.

Most incoming students are first

acquainted to Hokie Spa when enrolling in classes during their visit to campus for orientation, though some students may not complete this process if their classes are selected for them by an academic adviser.

Hokie Spa can be accessed by the quick link on the Virginia Tech home page. Users authenticate to the system by using their PID and PID password.

On the main page, users have the option to manage guest access to their academic and financial records, register or drop classes for an upcoming semester, view grades and request official transcripts, approve disclosure of records to third parties (such as a student’s parents or spouse), view new student information (such as the orientation schedule) and view university account information.

One of the most used services for current

students is the course registration tool.

Before being permitted to register for classes, students must first ensure that they have an emergency contact confirmed and that there are no holds preventing them from registering. Some common examples of holds are unfulfilled immunization requirements from Schiffert Health Center or an unpaid balance on a university account. Once cleared to register, students can search for classes by department, section (also known as ‘general education requirements’) number or CRN number.

Another frequently used service is the financial aid award tab. Here, students can view their award information, apply for financial aid or modify previously-submitted information. Information about scholarships is also provided here.

For new students living on campus, the

selection of housing and dining plan preferences can be an exciting step. Through this tool, students can complete their housing contract and purchase a dining plan. Later in the summer (usually in mid-August), students can view their housing and roommate assignment on this page.

There are also tools for exploring student organizations on campus, such as fraternities and sororities, honor societies and more.

For student employees, there is a tab called “Hokie Team” where students can view their pay stubs, enroll in direct deposit, print tax forms, update veteran status and view or submit leave reports.

Hokie Spa is a service that students will use throughout their journey at Virginia Tech and knowing how to navigate through it properly is one of the first steps to a successful experience in Blacksburg.

from page 3

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don’t win because we showed up and just everything worked. We win from our preparation.”

The Hokies would eventually go on to win 20 games in the season for the first time in five years, including a fivegame win streak to end the regular season, and first round victories in both the ACC Tournament and the National Invitation Tournament.

With nearly every key rotational player returning this season, along with the return of Ahmed Hill and Ty Outlaw who sat out last season due to injuries and medical concerns, and the addition of 2017 recruits Khadim Sy and Tyrie Jackson, on paper, there is no reason to believe that the Hokies will not improve next season.

That renewed roster, in conjunction with the team chemistry and experience

gained from last season, has the faithful Tech fan base more optimistic about this season than any college basketball season in recent memory.

Virginia Tech’s potential coming into this season has not gone unnoticed outside of Blacksburg either, as several major media outlets including ESPN, CBS Sports and USA Today have mentioned Tech in their early considerations of top 25 teams in the nation for next season.

The day by day “#getBETTER” mentality has already paid dividends on the court, but it has also made it apparent that the best has yet to come for the Hokies, who seem to be on their way to qualifying for Tech’s first NCAA Tournament appearance in a decade.

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BUZZ: Men’s basketball team looks to improve

June 24, 2016 PAGE 9

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ntramurals: Stay involved with sports at a division one school MIGUEL PINEDA sports staff writer

There are many ways to get involved at Virginia Tech and as a freshman it can be challenging to figure out exactly what you want to do. Intramural sports are one of the best ways to get involved, meet people and get plenty of exercise.

In order to sign up for intramural sports, you can go online to recsports.vt.edu and register for $20.00. This membership gives you access to all intramural sports for the rest of the year and can even match you up for a team sport if you do not have one. After signing up you also must participate in the General Membership Presentation, which is required for all participants of intramural sports.

Numerous people worry about not being able to participate in intramural sports because they think it is only big-name sports like football and basketball. This is not the case, as a variety of different sports are offered at Virginia Tech. With over 30 intramural sporting events to choose from, it makes it a little easier to find something you might like, or something that would fit your skill level.

Bailey Angle, a senior multimedia journalism major and the winner of the sports trivia championship the past three years said, “I think a lot of people think about intramurals

and they think about football and basketball and what not, but there’s a lot of great options out there that a lot of people don’t realize.”

While it may seem time consuming to sign up or look for different sports, it is actually very easy. You can register to receive the intramural sports email from the website and then find a sport to participate in.

“A friend of mine who was on the intramural email list got an email about an upcoming sports trivia type contest and that was right up my alley. I signed up that day and the preliminary rounds of trivia were the next week. So, they have the qualifying quizzes, and I would say probably, at most, only 15 to 20 people show up,” said Angle. “And then the final round — which is jeopardy style — only has three contestants. I see a lot of the same people there every year.”

Another interesting aspect of intramural sports is the Hokie Grail. This award is given to the All-University Intramural Champion, which is based on a point system. Whoever does best as an organization across multiple events wins the Hokie Grail.

It may seem intimidating to go and sign up for intramural sports, but with an easy registering process, multiple sports to choose from and the opportunity to meet new people, it might be one of the best things you do at Virginia Tech.

PAGE 10 June 24, 2016

FILE 2013

In 2013, Virginia Tech held an intramurals world cup.

FILE 2011

EMILY MCCAUL assistant lifestyles editor

Though it may not be the first thing on students’ minds as they settle into their dorms, class schedules and budding social lives this fall, eventually questions concerning internships will materialize amid the students’ introductions and conversations.

After the initial hype and hustle of “the college transition” subsides, students will find themselves operating on both a more natural and functional schedule. Delving into major-specific courses, dinners with new friends and experimental trips to the gym will grant students the time they need to adjust.

will in turn establish a sense of self, and leave a lasting impression on those looking to hire.

Balance your time and organize Managing classes, an internship, a normal sleep schedule and a social life can prove to be demanding at times. However, it is manageable. Past students have been able to maintain internships, school, work and play through organization, strategic scheduling and intentional goal-seeking.

When you begin your internship, job or student leadership position, it is important to have a goal in mind. Walk away with more experience and understanding than when you arrived.

Carry that knowledge with you and apply it to your next task or opportunity. If you are passionate about the work you are doing, you will notice smaller details, put forth more effort and walk away with more hands-on experience that will put you in a position to appeal to employers, sparking a personal initiative of your own to “Invent the Future.”

June 24, 2016 PAGE 11

And once submerged in the college culture, acquainted with their new schedules, students will recognize that more can be taken on in a day than just classes.

The focus of a student’s morning will no longer be “to find an unfamiliar academic building” or “to introduce himself to the student sitting one seat from his desk.”

Rather, the focus will shift towards goals that challenge students to become more involved, dedicated and experienced within their choice fields of study. This is often achieved through internships, student leadership positions and jobs (found both on and off campus). These opportunities typically coincide with the students’ majors, thus preparing them for a paid internship or job in the future.

The classes and community found at Virginia Tech work together to provide a positive structure during that process, offering students direction, resources, encouragement and opportunities to gain hands-on experience within their respected fields of study.

However, amid all the newness, often the question is still raised, “Where do I start?” If looking to take on an internship,

or even graduate school planning.

Showcase your individuality In order to set yourself apart from other distinguished students, capitalize on your individuality. Talk about things unique to you: your passions, your past experiences, previous lessons learned. Online resources allow you to do this in a way that markets your strengths and expands your reach to future employers and co-workers.

Building a “personal brand” online can lead to successful networking, job offers and conversations with employers (similar to yourself) in the future. So, start talking now.

At Virginia Tech, students are encouraged to use online resources such as LinkedIn and personal websites to present their credentials, connect with future employers and showcase their individuality.

Both in-person and online, it is important to remember that authenticity is a trait to be sought-after. Showcase your authenticity to others, along with unique and desirable skill sets, through professional biographies, resumes and one-on-one interviews. This

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“

The quality of work you put out has a lot to do with the mindset you foster while pursuing the goal, so do not limit yourself.”

student leadership position or job this fall — consider the following.

Be proactive Look to establish a community with people who are interested in achieving goals similar to your own. This will provide you with ample opportunity to receive support and encouragement from experienced upperclassmen, peer advice and direction, as well as personal experience and credibility.

With over 700 clubs and organizations on campus, there are, quite literally, hundreds of opportunities to get plugged in at Virginia Tech. From Best Buddies to the BOLT Design Team, Virginia Tech offers an array of diverse and active clubs, each designed to grant students the opportunity to foster and explore their passions alongside other fellow students.

Let yourself dream The quality of work you put out has a lot to do with the mindset you foster while pursuing the goal, so do not limit yourself.

When you are passionate about what you study, the work you are completing or the progress you are making, people notice. Let yourself dream big. Pursue the opportunities and jobs that are attainable, but do not forget to pursue the ones that scare you as well: the difficult jobs, the daunting jobs, the dream jobs. Someone, somewhere, will one day hold the position of your dream job — so why can’t it be you?

At Virginia Tech, the motto engraved upon countless signs, embroidered across maroon and orange T-shirts, and listed at the top of each freshman welcome packet is, “Invent the Future.” This is what the Hokies are built on and what they set out to do each day, in their classrooms, amid clubs, even while creating makeshift umbrellas between the unanticipated downpours on campus. Live out that motto, and it may just change lives.

Contact Career Services Virginia Tech’s Career Services team offers structure, guidance and assistance to students interested in learning more about their future career paths. Undergraduate and graduate students will assist students in creating, reviewing and altering resumes for future employers, offering self-assessment plans and additional information regarding internships. One-on-one advising is also made available to students seeking employment, experience, major exploration

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obs: Navigating your first steps to employment and experience

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collegiatetimes.com PAGE 12 June 24, 2016

ick off the semester the ‘Hokie-hi’ way AMANDA TINKLEMAN lifestyles staff writer

With a new school year comes an abundance of activities to welcome new students to Virginia Tech. From concerts to movies to free food, there are plenty of opportunities for freshmen to become acquainted with Tech’s campus and make some new friends.

Known as the Hokie Hi Welcome, this kickoff for freshmen is a long-standing tradition, with a new fun and exciting activity each day of move-in.

Although the official dates of some activities are currently tentative, the events will start on the first day of move-in, Aug. 17. One evening there will be a movie on the Drillfield, while on another you can enjoy a show in Burruss Auditorium by hypnotist Doug MacCraw, who is usually a hit among students. Dakota Farquhar-Caddell, assistant director of New Student and Family Programs, believes that MacCraw’s event will again be a hit with Virginia Tech students.

“It’s open to everyone and it’s free,” Farquhar-Caddell said. “It’s always very interactive for audience members and people enjoy that a lot.”

In addition, there will be a kickoff event sponsored by Residence Hall Federation (RHF) and the Department of Recreational Sports. It will be a celebration where students can enjoy food, new activities and engaging games (and receive a free t-shirt).

Sunday afternoon is the much-anticipated Hokie Hi Welcome Picnic at Lane Stadium — one of the most popular events for new students. Walk through the same tunnel the Hokie football team uses during home games, enjoy some delicious food from VT Dining Services and listen to your favorite Hokie athletes talk about the upcoming season. The picnic is free for all dining plan holders.

This year, the Office of New Student and Family Programs is working with

emorials: Understanding campus roots ALY DE ANGELUS news staff writer

CATIE CARRERAS / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Delta Rae performs at the Welcome Back Kickoff Concert on August 28, 2015. two new partners to include a number of new, interactive events.

“In collaboration with the Center for Arts, they’re going to put on some life-size art exhibits on the Drillfield,” Farquhar-Caddell said.

These life-size art exhibits are unlike anything Tech has seen before. After touring through Europe, Architects of Air will fill the Drillfield with its amazing exhibit. This particular work, “Arboria,” is a luminarium designed by Alan Parkinson. The interactive walk-in sculpture will feature a maze of winding paths and sounds from the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest Reserve, recorded by Alice Eldridge.

The exhibit is free and will be on display Aug. 17-21.

Another new collaboration will be with the Student Success Center.

Virginia Tech students will be able to participate in seminars geared towards study skills and career services — both needed to prepare for the next four years.

“I hope students will take advantage of the new stuff we’re doing with the Center for the Arts and the Student

Success Center,” Farquhar-Caddell said. “I think those are going to be huge opportunities for students.”

There will also be a Welcome Back Kickoff Concert and Spirit Rally to start the year off right. This free event is not one to miss — bands like The Band Concord and Delta Rae have played at Squires Plaza in the past.

The kickoff events culminate in Gobblerfest — an annual festival where you can check out any and every available organization on campus as well as local businesses and Virginia Tech departments. There will be plenty of freebies, flyers and food to enjoy while walking around the Drillfield.

“It takes a lot of courage to jump out and do these activities your first week in a brand new place,” Farquhar-Caddell continued. “So I just hope that upperclassman students and new students encourage each other to engage in the activities.”

For more information, check out the Hokie Hi web page. Information will be updated throughout the Summer.

As the new freshmen find their footing at Virginia Tech, many veteran Hokies suggest touring the campus memorials for a lesson on the university’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

“I don’t think that there is anything that a freshman will have to do in order to earn the title of Hokie, but I do think that there are certain aspects of the university’s history that will help a new freshman identify as a Hokie themselves,” said Adam Joslin, Class of 2015 alumnus. “The more that a freshman learns about those sorts of traditions, the more likely they are to feel a part of the community even though they are Hokies from day one.”

Among the many campus memorials that Virginia Tech has to offer, two are the most recognizable — War Memorial and the April 16 Memorial.

Ask any Hokie and they will tell you the same thing — War Memorial holds a special place in his or her heart, especially the pylons. Each pylon represents one of the eight core values of Virginia Tech: Brotherhood, Honor, Leadership, Sacrifice, Service, Loyalty, Duty and Ut Prosim.

During World War II, VPI (Virginia Polytechnic Institution) lost many men who courageously took a stand with the United States on the battlefront. These Virginia Tech students and graduates are now remembered for their altruism in the name of freedom for the nation and their names are etched in stone, beginning with those lost in World War I. Depending on what qualities these men of war exemplify in combat, a pylon is chosen in their names.

Through devastating loss and countless requests from alumni to develop a suitable memorial, Roy F. Larson was elected architect of the project in August of 1945. The construction of the War Memorial took nearly 15 years to coordinate, construct and tweak to perfection, see MEMORIALS / page 14

from page 7

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Gobblerfest is the ultimate introduction to the endless possibilities available to you at Virginia Tech. From Scuba Club to Greek Life, every organization you could think of will have a booth set up on the Drillfield.

More than 240 organizations and businesses are set to participate in Gobblerfest this fall, a number that will only grow until registration closes in August.

Gobblerfest hosts organizations of every kind. Want to service your community?

There are clubs that fight cancer, help grieving classmates and even help local animal shelters. Passionate about environmental sustainability? There are organizations dedicated to everything from providing clean water to creating hybrid electric vehicles. Just looking for a hobby? There are clubs for everything from salsa dancing to sailing. Whatever your niche may be, Gobblerfest is the place to find it.

Gobblerfest is not just a display of clubs, organizations and businesses in Blacksburg.

It is a festival that attracts everyone in Blacksburg to come and enjoy the food, games and activities and celebrate the community at Virginia Tech.

Any Virginia Tech student who has attended Gobblerfest will say that the most enticing part is the free stuff (and there is a lot of it), but even if you attend Gobblerfest for the goodies, you are sure to leave with much more than that.

Take the flyers, put your name on the email lists and talk to people. Every organization you come across is there because they want you to join them. They want you to find something that you care about in the same way that they have.

Taking a chance and hearing more about an organization could make all the difference in your time and in the lifelong friends and experiences you will keep long after graduation. Make sure not miss it.

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GOBBLERFEST: Take time to explore Tech’s clubs

June 24, 2016 PAGE 13

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MEMORIALS: Tech’s tradition and past immortalized from page 12

but many students have expressed their gratitude for Larson’s devotion.

“War Memorial is just as iconic to the VT campus as Torg Bridge or Burruss Hall. To remove this building would be to remove a landmark that has stood the test of time and to cut ties with an anchor to our school’s rich past,” said Luke Mazzu, Virginia Tech class of 2017 computer science major. “I use War Memorial daily as a meeting location for running club. Without it, where would me and my fellow runners be left?”

Underneath War Memorial court lies a chapel that has kept students’ intrigue for hundreds of years. Joslin recalls being taken back by the chapel’s uniqueness.

“It’s quite fundamentally shaped like a

coffin — it’s buried underground, underneath the Pylons and it’s got battle flags on the walls,” Joslin said. “The whole chapel is an acknowledgement of the greatest sacrifice that Hokies have made before us in the field of battle and I thought that was something remarkable, especially because too often the chapel itself is the celebration of life.”

On the other side of the Drillfield, the April 16 Memorial rests in front of Burruss Hall.

Approaching 10 years since the Virginia Tech Massacre, 32 Hokie stones continue to remind the Blacksburg community of the classmates, teachers and neighbors who were victims. In spite of this unfathomable loss, the university is determined to direct attention towards the safety of the campus and the unity amongst Virginia Tech students.

“I have had several family members and

well-meaning friends ask whether I am concerned about the safety of campus,” Joslin said. “You know, I even had someone ask if I was afraid of getting shot on my way to class. The frank answer is that I felt safer in Blacksburg than I have anywhere else in the world.”

As students walk across the Drillfield, they are able to catch a glimpse of the semicircle of stones. This campus memorial was modeled after a charitable gesture made by Hokies United, placing 32 Hokie stones on the Drillfield just hours after the shooting stopped.

Each stone weighs 300 lbs. and a single center stone was added to honor all victims of the April 16 tragedy, both injured and fallen.

In addition to the Hokie stones, a plaque was dedicated in the summer of 2007, and the campus distinguishes these grounds as a “testimony of the Hokie spirit and sense of community that arose within all members of the Virginia Tech family, and, more importantly, in remembrance of the 32 inquiring minds and inspiring lives that will forever be treasured.”

Virginia Tech’s webpage, “We Remember,” includes biographies, remembrance events and other pertinent news such as live footage from Burruss Hall and Main Eggleston Hall entrances. Virginia Tech has even created an Office of Recovery and Support to help friends

and family members with the grieving process.

“When a community faces a tragedy, such as the one Virginia Tech faced on April 16, each community is given the choice to either turn against themselves, turn against one another or we lean on each other when it’s hard to stand on your own,” Joslin said. “That’s literally what the community did after April 16th and I think that spirit of caring for your Hokie neighbor beside you, whether or not you actually know their name, is something that has transcended through the generations.”

Although War Memorial and the April 16 Memorial hold high merit to Virginia Tech’s communal value, many other memorials can be found on campus such as the April 16 benches, the Day of Remembrance Exhibit in Newman Library and additional donations to the university.

For students like Mazzu, campus memorials are a special place to congregate with friends and bond over Tech’s traditions.

“Spend time around the memorials in as many situations as possible. Laugh in War Memorial, relax by the pylons and reflect by the April 16th memorial,” Mazzu said. “Do all this surrounded by your fellow Hokies. In the end you won’t remember exactly what was said or done, but how those experiences made you feel. That is what you will carry with you far after you leave Virginia Tech.”

PAGE 14 June 24, 2016

ZACK WAJSGRAS / COLLEGIATE TIMES

SAMANTHA SMITH lifestyles editor

For Tech students who are over the golden age of 21, downtown Blacksburg can be a world of possibilities — not so much for underclassmen. However, just because younger students are not able to drink yet, does not mean they should be exempt from the fun that downtown has to offer. Here is a list of all the places — from live music to laughs — where you can go to have a night out with friends.

TOTS If you have been to downtown Blacksburg, you know that TOTS is absolutely slammed on the weekends. However, just because the weekend comes to an end does not mean the fun does at this classic Blacksburg watering hole.

Every Wednesday throughout the semester at 9:30 p.m., TOTS is home to comedians from near and far. This event is open to anyone over the age of 18 and costs $6.

Where: 217 College Ave. Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday Contact: 540-953-2837

ZACK WAJSGRAS / COLLEGIATE TIMES

CineBowl & Grille If you are a freshman, this may be a bit more difficult to get to than the others. Do not worry, it can be reached by bus (or by car if you are one of the lucky ones).

The CineBowl & Grille is relatively new to Blacksburg, but has quickly become one of the main hot spots for underclassmen.

Complete with an IMAX theater, arcade and bowling alley, it is not hard to spend an entire night (or an entire week’s pay) at the CineBowl.

Where: 1614 South Main St. Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Thursday through Saturday Contact: 540-750-4588 June 24, 2016 PAGE 15

She-Sha Cafe & Hookah Lounge Looking for a mellow night out? Well, She-Sha is definitely your place. Lined with cozy couches and some tables, She-Sha has a very relaxed atmosphere. The hookah lounge is home to plenty of easy-going events, from WUVT jam sessions to vinyl nights and hip-hop showcases. All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Hookah isn’t your thing? Don’t worry.

Visitors can also play board games with friends or order some food.

Where: 211 Draper Rd. NW Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday

Gillie’s T h is veget a r ia n-m e et s -s e a fo o d restaurant hosts plenty of acoustic singersongwriters throughout the school year.

These events usually take place Thursday through Saturday.

Where: 153 College Ave. Dinner Hours: Monday through Thursday 5 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 to 9:30 p.m.

Contact: 540-961-2703

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Sycamore Deli Known for its sandwiches by day, Sycamore hosts a variety of different events open to various ages by night. This laidback venue hosts a number of local bands throughout the semester, some of which are open to those over 18.

Its most popular event for underclassmen is its “Salsa Night.” These take place every Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. and include lessons as well as just a place for students to let loose and show off their moves. For those under 21, Salsa Nights usually requires a $2 cover charge.

Where: 211 B Draper Rd. NW Hours: Monday and Tuesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 1:45 a.m.

Contact: 540-951-9817

and Saturday, 5 p.m. to midnight on Sunday Contact: 540-961-9100

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ightlife: Surviving your very first Friday night in Blacksburg

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collegiatetimes.com PAGE 16 June 24, 2016

utdoors: Where and how to enjoy nature at Virginia Tech MATT JONES assistant news editor

Binge watching Netflix is great, but so is getting outside. Virginia Tech’s location in the scenic New River Valley puts it in close proximity to many beautiful locations. There are also many places to go just in Blacksburg to enjoy the great outdoors.

Outside Blacksburg The Cascades, one of the most scenic waterfalls in western Virginia, is less than 30 minutes from campus by car. A four-mile roundtrip trail takes hikers up to a nearly 70-feet tall waterfall.

During warm months, the Cascades is very popular with students looking to cool off. But the waterfall is also popular in January and February, when the Cascades sometimes freezes over, setting the scene for beautiful pictures. Either way, it’s worth the drive and $3 parking fee to cross this hike off of the Hokie Bucket List.

Northwest of campus near Roanoke are two more popular hiking spots, Dragon’s Tooth and McAfee’s Knob. Dragon’s Tooth, located along the Appalachian Trail, is named for a large rock that looks suspiciously like — you guessed it — a dragon’s tooth. It is considered one of the more difficult hikes in the area, but the views at the end are worth the hike.

McAfee’s Knob, located a short distance away from Dragon’s Tooth, is even more popular. The unmistakable rock ledge at the top of the mountain is the most photographed location on the Appalachian Trail. The hike is a little longer than that to Dragon’s Tooth, but the trail is not nearly as steep.

A popular activity is to arrive at McAfee’s Knob early in the morning and watch the sun rise over the mountains. If you choose to do this, remember to bring a flashlight and get to the trailhead well before sunrise. Another place to stop at after hiking at Dragon’s Tooth or McAfee’s Knob is The Homeplace Restaurant in Catawba, famous for its family-style cooking.

Two more hiking spots include Mountain Lake and Pandapas Pond. Mountain Lake

Lodge is most famous as one of the locations used in the 1987 film “Dirty Dancing,” but there are miles of hiking trails nearby.

Pandapas Pond, located on U.S. 460 just west of Blacksburg, also has trails that go around a scenic pond and up into the surrounding mountains.

In Blacksburg There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors close to campus as well.

Students can visit the Hahn Horticulture Garden, located on campus near the university greenhouses on Washington Street.

Also located on campus near Lane Stadium is Stadium Woods, a rare oldgrowth forest. Fans of comedian Steven Colbert might want to visit “Quercus Omnipotens colberticas,” a 300-year-old oak tree located near the tennis courts off of Washington Street. The name, which translates to “almighty Colbert oak,” was given to the tree by activists as a publicity stunt in 2012 to save the woods from construction.

Students up for a long hike or bike ride can walk out to the Huckleberry Trail. Built along the path of an old railroad, the paved path connects campus, Foxridge Apartments, downtown Blacksburg and Christiansburg.

However, probably the most famous outdoors location on campus is the Duck Pond. The pond is beautiful in all seasons: when leaves change in autumn, when the water freezes over after a snow or when fuzzy ducklings hatch in spring.

Virginia Tech also helps students organize outdoor adventures through Venture Out, located at 205 West Roanoke St. Venture Out provides advice and equipment rentals to students looking to get outdoors. The office also organizes group trips ranging from caving to whitewater rafting.

There are many more adventures near Virginia Tech just waiting to be discovered.

Southwest Virginia and the New River Valley have a lot to offer students willing to step away from their computers and go outside.

ZACK WAJSGRAS / COLLEGIATE TIMES

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June 24, 2016 PAGE 17

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uiz! Do you have what it takes to be a Hokie?

MEGAN MAURY CHURCH lifestyles staff writer

This is a pre-test for first-year students meant to gauge your baseline knowledge of all things Virginia Tech.

This test will not be graded. There will be an identical test administered at the end of the semester to gauge student growth and the effectiveness of the course materials. The questions are a combination of short answer, fill in the blank and multiple choice.

Each of these questions is worth one point, except the bonus questions which are worth three points. The highest possible score is 26. Take the quiz again after you finish your first semester and try to beat your previous score. Good luck and enjoy your first year as a Hokie!

Section 1: FOOD 1. What is the name of the dining hall on the academic side of campus?

2. Keep your coffee receipt from Au Bon Pain (pro tip: avoid sounding like a freshman by calling it “ABP”) and you can get endless refills all day for free and at any location. In what buildings are the three ABP cafés located?

3. Where on campus can you get food after midnight?

4. Is the mile-long Qdoba line worth waiting through?

Section 2: CAMPUS LIFE

Section 3: VT BASICS

1. Who do you go to first with academic questions?

2. How many exits does McBryde Hall have?

3. Circle the event(s) that you plan to participate in: Big Event Relay For Life 4. Once a year, every campus organization sets up on the Drillfield to recruit new members and give out free stuff. What is the name of this event?

5. Where is the most romantic date spot on campus?

6. How many Krogers are in Blacksburg?

7. Where are the Greek houses located?

8. What makes good sleds for snow days?

9. How will you find out if the university cancels classes due to snow/inclement weather?

1. What is Virginia Tech’s full name?

2. Fill in the blank: ONE TWO, ONE TWO Hokie Hokie Hokie Hy Tech Tech V.P.I. ______, _______ Polytech Vir-gin-ia Ray Rah V.P.I. Team! Team! Team! *gobble noises* 3. In which conference of the NCAA does the Virginia Tech football team play?

4. When was Virginia Tech founded?

5. Select the correct spelling: Burruss Hall Buruss Hall Burrus Hall 6. What’s a Hokie?

arking: Policies in plain English RICHARD CHUMNEY news editor

Vi rg i n ia Te ch’s Pa rk i ng a nd Transportation services operates lots and parking decks that can, at any one time, hold over 16,400 vehicles. As the campus continues to grow, some lots will be built over, others replaced and new ones constructed.

info on the go Daily permits are available for purchase for $5.

PAGE 18 June 24, 2016

see ANSWERS / page 22

Many incoming first-year students choose not to bring a vehicle with them to campus, however the option to purchase a parking permit is available. Resident permits allow for students to park on the right side of the Duck Pond Road Resident Lot and the resident section of the Stadium Lot.

According to parking services, parking in the Stadium Lot is often restricted during football and basketball games, meaning residents must move their cars.

For the 2015-2016 academic year, parking services offered a year long resident permit for $367 and a semester long resident permit for $195.

As of June, permits are not required on campus after 5:00 p.m. except in the Owens Lot, Hahn Hurst Lot, Basketball Practice Facility Extension Lot and Dietrich Lot. Parking on the Drillfield is restricted to faculty/staff permit holders from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. From 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. the Drillfield is reserved for faculty/staff and graduate student permits.

Parking lots are distinguished between three permit types with signs marking the permitted permit holders. In addition to resident permits and faculty/staff, commuter and graduate permits are available.

The Squires Lot is a popular place for drivers to park after 5:00 p.m. and on see PARKING / page 22

RICHARD CHUMNEY news editor

Hall all contain small fitness rooms with workout equipment.

Only a single mini-refrigerator, no larger than 4.5 cubic feet, is allowed in a dorm room. One microwave is permitted as long as it does not exceed 1,000 watts of power. Coffee pots, hot plates, toasters and slow cookers are not allowed.

Student mailboxes are located in either the resident’s building or in one of three centralized areas. Most mailboxes are accessed through traditional keys, though some use a combination lock.

All residence halls are staffed by student residence advisers, who are either sophomores or upperclassmen.

For students interested in becoming a resident adviser, 10 info sessions are offered beginning in late October and continuing into early December.

Applications are often due in early January.

As the fall semester begins in August, on-campus students should prepare see RESIDENCE / page 22

TREVOR WHITE / COLLEGIATE TIMES

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Over 9,300 residents live in 47 on-campus residence halls at Virginia Tech. Most residence halls are located on the southern side of campus, commonly referred to as the residential side of campus.

Check-in begins on Wednesday, Aug. 17 and ends on Saturday, Aug. 20. Resident check-in information is available on Hokie Spa in late July.

Dining Halls also open on Aug. 17, classes begin on Aug. 22. Most residents must move out for winter break by Dec. 16. Residents can return anytime after noon on Friday, Jan. 13.

First-year Corps of Cadets check-in begins on Saturday, Aug. 13 and is scheduled by the commandant’s office.

Residence halls are accessible through a student’s Hokie Passport 24 hours a day. Most residence rooms use traditional keys, however Housing and Residence Life has indicated that it plans

to transition to electronic Hokie Passport access for rooms.

Four dining halls are located near residence halls including; West End Market at Cochrane Hall, Dietrick Hall, Hokie Grill & Co. and Owens Food Court.

Only two residence halls have complete wi-fi coverage, though the University is working to expand its wi-fi infrastructure. All rooms have an ethernet port for the use of routers.

Virginia Tech’s all-digital cable system is also available to residents.

Most rooms are not air-conditioned, though seven residence halls are airconditioned. Laundry rooms can be found in all residence halls. Students can pay for machine use with coins or their Hokie Passport. The university offers a “Laundry Web” service for residents to track their laundry process through the internet. Residence halls also contain small kitchens which usually have a stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator and sink. Ambler Johnston Hall, Miles Hall, New Residence Hall East and Pritchard

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esidence Halls: A quick guide to your new home

June 24, 2016 PAGE 19

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tudy Abroad: The ‘Dos and Don’ts’ of being abroad SAVANNAH WILSON lifestyles staff writer

Whether you are studying abroad for a semester, a summer or even just going to another country, traveling can fly by. There is nothing worse than finishing your time abroad wishing you had done things differently. However, if you prepare and make your own lists of ‘do’s and don’ts,’ it can be the most incredible experience of your life. Here are some of mine: Do: Read up on the country you’ll be visiting This way you will know how to respect that country’s culture and learn more about the new country you’re about to call your new home.

Don’t: Overpack It’s so easy to think you’ll be needing half of

your closet when you go, but I cannot say this enough — don’t overpack! You aren’t going to wear half the clothes you pack, and you’ll end up having to buy another suitcase for all of the goodies you’re going to bring back, not to mention all of the new clothes you’re going to buy abroad.

Do: Be open Things are going to be different; whether it’s the living style, the food or the atmosphere, things will be different from what you’re used to. Because of this, you have to be open and accepting, so that you’ll get the most out of your time abroad.

Don’t: Let homesickness get the best of you It’s not easy being away from home and the people you love the most, but don’t let this feeling keep you from exploring your city or

COURTESY OF JENNA PARKER

spending hours on Skype when you could be enjoying new places.

Do: Lose yourself in the experience Make sure to try new things and make these moments the most memorable ones of your lifetime. You may never get another chance to study abroad as a college student and meet other college students around the world, so make the most out of your time abroad.

Don’t: Only hang out with other American students Don’t be afraid to make friends with locals or other world travelers. Locals can provide insight into the culture you are being immersed in and show you all that your new home country has to offer!

Do: Manage your budget It’s easy to get overwhelmed by new things, and you’ll want to buy everything you see (all the little trinkets and souvenirs in the tourist shops), but try to get something unique from every place you visit. If you go to Morocco, get a hand-woven rug, signature of Marrakesh. If you go to Ireland, get a Claddagh ring - and make sure to understand the meaning and story behind the ring.

Don’t: Rely on your credit card A lot of places around the world, especially Europe, deal mainly in cash. If you go out to a restaurant or want something from a café, make sure you have cash with you; most places won’t take credit cards. Remember that cash is your friend!

Do: Travel

Don’t feel confined to your host country — get out there and see as many new countries and cultures as you can!

Don’t: Leave your home country every weekend It is really nice to travel around to see other countries, but make sure to spend some time in your home country and plan trips to see it — know the country you’re going to call home.

Do: Have a plan Plan what you want to do while abroad, so you won’t miss anything! So many students leave thinking they’ll do ‘A, B and C,’ but when they get home, they regret not doing what they really wanted to do, all because they didn’t have a plan. For example, maybe you wanted to see a festival that’s specific to your host country, but you never took it into account when planning what to do.

Don’t: Miss the moment It’s easy to get wrapped up in traveling across different countries, getting the perfect photo for Instagram or writing everything that happened in a journal, and you forget to enjoy the moment. Recording the moment is important, but the experience itself is what will ultimately last in your mind.

Being in a different country will automatically ensure you’re going to have an experience to brag about and a series of memories that will be irreplaceable. So don’t hesitate if an opportunity comes your way; carpe diem, right?

CARSON BARTLETT opinions editor

ZACK WAJSGRAS / COLLEGIATE TIMES

that thousands of Hokies participate in, in order to give back to Blacksburg.

Living out Ut Prosim is all of those events, all of those large-scale commitments to a better world or community, and it is all of those small acts of kindness that we offer every day.

Ultimately, though, Ut Prosim is a promise.

It is our motto because it signifies the commitment that we make as Hokies to serve others. As students at Virginia Tech, we have the ability to make a difference in the world.

We are gifted with that opportunity during our time here, and with the ability to improve the lives of others comes the obligation to serve.

collegiatetimes.com

What does Ut Prosim mean to you? For many new and returning Hokies, this question may seem familiar. Three years ago, I submitted an answer as part of my application to Virginia Tech. I wrote about the importance of volunteering one’s time to serve the community.

Today, I see that the scope of Ut Prosim stretches beyond my hours of community service in high school. It transcends the simple acts of lending a hand or tutoring children after school, the simple servitude that so many high school students are accustomed to.

Officially, that is what Ut Prosim means.

It is not until you interact with Virginia Tech community members that you realize that it means so much more than that. It is not just about helping others when you can. It is about dedicating everything you have to the betterment of others.

Ut Prosim translates to “That I May Serve.”

The language of the motto treats service as an ultimate goal, not an action. “That I May”

sounds more like an intention than it does a single action or offering. It means that you continue to build with others, raise your voice and use what you learn to better the lives of others.

Every day on campus, you have the opportunity to live out Ut Prosim. Whether it be holding doors open for other students, handing out cookies to the neighbors in your dorm or offering kind words to strangers.

Living out Ut Prosim is so much larger than these small kindnesses. Ut Prosim can be lived out through study abroad opportunities, fundraising for charity or attending philanthropy events.

Ut Prosim is running the 3.2 for 32 in April, to celebrate the lives of those taken from us in 2007.

It is walking during Relay for Life, in step with hundreds of survivors and their loved ones as you raise funds to end the fight for good.

It is raking a Blacksburg family’s lawn or painting a house all day with a group of friends, as the entire Hokie community comes together for the Big Event, a community service event

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t Prosim: Just one small part of what it means to be a Hokie

June 24, 2016 PAGE 21

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PARKING: Finding the best spot on campus from page 18

weekends due to its proximity to downtown Blacksburg and major Virginia Tech buildings, including Newman Library and the university bookstore.

Daily permits are available to purchase for $5 and allow residents to park in the Duck Pond Road Resident for a single day. Visitors can also purchase visitor permits from the Virginia Tech Police Department.

Some street parking is available on campus, however the university often shuts down roads due to inclement

weather or other events. Parking services will send out alerts asking motorists to move their vehicles during a certain time period.

Most tickets carry with them a $35 fine, however parking in one of the many bus or fire lanes on-campus mandates a $65 fine. Parking services accepts appeals within 10 days of a ticket being issued.

Parking services operates its own Twitter account, intended to alert commuters about roadway and parking lot closures. The account can be found @VTParking. Urgent parking alerts are also commonly distributed to students via email.

ANSWERS: Check out how well you know Blacksburg from page 18

Section 1: FOOD 1. Turner Place (other acceptable answers: Turner’s or Lavery Hall) 2. Squires, Goodwin Hall and the Graduate Life Center (GLC) 3. DX stays open until 2 a.m.

4. Definitely. You can also bypass the line and order chips, queso, guac and quesadillas at the express lane.

Section 2: Campus Life 1. Your academic adviser. They have or can get all the answers you need, and building a relationship with them will be beneficial when you need letters of recommendation in the future.

2. Nobody actually knows, but the popular answer is seven.

3. Student must participate in at least one event or they will be deducted points.

4. Gobblerfest 5. The Duck Pond, at least according to

the Hokie Ambassador tour guides.

6. Two. Bonus points will be awarded to students who can locate the superior Kroger.

7. Oak Lane 8. All kinds of things. Dining hall trays are great, but you didn’t hear it from me.

9. You may find out by email, phone alerts, desktop alerts, checking the VT homepage or the weather emergency hotline. You will likely learn about closing immediately as there is a resounding cheer all across campus as soon as the news goes out.

Section Three: VT Basics 1. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 2. Sol-a-rex, Sol-a-rah 3. ACC 4. 1872 5. Burruss Hall 6. Answers will vary

RESIDENCE: Making your new dorm room a home from page 19

PAGE 22 June 24, 2016

to secure housing for the following fall.

On-campus housing is not guaranteed for sophomores, juniors and seniors. Instead, available rooms are offered through a lottery. As the incoming freshman classes continue to grow, less rooms will be available. The Office of Housing and Residence Life estimates that only 55 to 65 percent of lottery participants will be offered on-campus housing in early 2017.

Students have until January to enter the lottery.

Some students also have the option of living in the Oak Lane community, which houses students primarily in Greek organizations.

For students interested in off-campus housing, dozens of student apartment complexes exist in Blacksburg with varying levels of price, rooms and amenities. Most leases are signed in the late fall semester and early spring semester.

LEWIS MILLHOLLAND managing editor

for the big adventures to fall into my lap, not these small fry activities to pass the time.

“

What did I expect from college? “Van Wilder” taught me it was a series of parties.

“Monsters University” taught me to love my major. “Animal House” was… basically a what-not-to-do manual. What I expected was a series of adventures.”

There were a solid couple of months when each day was identical. Instead of a series of life-changing experiences, I ate hamburgers at D2 and played Smash Bros. in a friend’s room. I showed up tired to classes and stayed up late watching Netflix.

Mike Wazowski would have been ashamed.

Then one day I walked into the Collegiate Times office with a transcript of a story I

had written, titled “Brief and Unsatisfactory Encounters with Women”, and asked if they would print it. The girl there said no, we don’t do that, you can talk to people with the Silhouette across the hall, but while you’re here can I get your email to add you to our ListServ? (That’s what we used in the Stone Age before Google Groups).

Once I started writing for the CT, the adventures rolled in. I’ve toured the campus coal plant. We broke national news.

Governor Terry McAuliffe shook my hand.

I’ve received hate mail, as well as a few phone calls. There’s a cabinet in the office with the label “Lewis’s Tea Cabinet.”

What can you expect from college?

You get out what you put in. Don’t write off anything before you try it, try everything and remember there’s more to do on a Saturday night than drink blond beer in a sticky basement. Don’t push your parents away when they drop you off. And if your mom really wants your desk in the southwest corner, let her do it, you can always change it later. You’ll have plenty of time in college to find your adventure.

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There were tears in my mom’s eyes when I pushed her out the door on move-in day, freshman year. Someone at orientation had told me you had to send a clear message to your parents, “This is my space now, you need to leave and let me do my thing.”

When we hugged, I slowly angled them closer to the door.

I carried the light things when we unloaded the van — the microwave, the lamp, the suitcases. My parents carried the thought that 18 years of their work was being released to the world. The heavy stuff.

What did I expect from college? “Van Wilder” taught me it was a series of parties.

“Monsters University” taught me to love my major. “Animal House” was … basically a what-not-to-do manual. What I expected was a series of adventures. I was going to be the star of my own movie, I expected to grow as a person through the people around me. I expected every day to

bring something new. And with my parents finally gone, there was nothing in my way.

Except myself, of course.

My roommate and I went to Gobblerfest together, the day each year that the Drillfield becomes a hive of clubs marketing themselves to new recruits and handing out free swag. These may not be the exact words of our conversation, but it went something like this: “Where do you want to go first?”

“Not the Greek Life section. There’s no way I want to be a frat bro.”

“The scuba diving club?”

“Probably too expensive.”

“We could check out the intramurals.”

“They’re probably way too into it, I bet they don’t have lives outside of sports.”

“How about the robotics team?”

“We don’t want to be nerds.”

“We could just go get dinner. I bet there are no lines anywhere right now.”

“Good idea.”

Virginia Tech has nearly 1,000 extracurricular organizations. That day I found an excuse to not try any of them. I was waiting

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-pectations: College is what you make of it

June 24, 2016 PAGE 23

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