Summer Orientation
We are so glad you've chosen our college
And we can’t wait to see the impact you’re going to have.
Some of your most important steps toward having a successful transition to college are next on the agenda. As you probably know, the university’s orientation program is hybrid and includes summer virtual orientation and fall in-person Weeks of Welcome activities.
You’ll also be participating in virtual academic advising and course registration, meeting one-on-one with your academic advisor, and registering for classes for the upcoming semester.
Make sure you read the information that follows closely so you know how and when virtual summer academic advising and course registration will occur, as well as what steps you need to take to prepare for and sign up for your virtual academic advising appointment.
Questions? Contact Susanna Rinehart, associate dean for academic and faculty affairs.
Graduate student orientation information is available through the Graduate School.
Stay on track for virtual academic advising and course registration
We know you have a lot to do this summer, but make sure you prioritize meeting with your advisor and registering for classes. These are undoubtedly the two most important things you can do to set yourself up for academic success for your first semester.
Make sure you note the information specifically for first-year or transfer students.
- First-year students only: Review the welcome email from the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design with important advising information. This communication will be sent to your Virginia Tech email address, so check your university email account frequently throughout the summer.
- Prepare for academic advising and course registration by completing the required modules for virtual orientation.
- Complete the AAD pre-advising form.
- Complete all university advising checklist action items (list is below).
- Create your Virginia Tech username (PID). Allow 24 hours before completing the remainder of this checklist.
- Enroll in 2-Factor Authentication with Duo. Download the Duo Mobile app on your personal smartphone and enroll the device.
- Access, read, and use your Virginia Tech email daily. This is how the college and your academic advisor will communicate with you. Add your Virginia Tech email to your personal smartphone.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you wish to apply for financial aid.
- Complete and submit the immunization history form.
- Complete the housing/dining contract (requirement for first-year students).
- Send your official high school transcript(s) to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions once you have final grades. The mailing address is: Office of Undergraduate Admissions, 925 Prices Fork Rd., Blacksburg, VA 24061.
- Send all AP, IB, CLEP, and Cambridge scores to the University Registrar. Official AP and CLEP scores must be sent from the College Board (they will not process copies of scores). Send scores to: Virginia Tech Registrar, Student Services Bldg., Suite 250, 800 Washington St., Blacksburg, VA 24061. The school code is 5859.
- Send official transcripts for dual enrollment courses or courses taken at other colleges and universities to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Virginia Tech will not process transfer credit for dual enrollment courses on high school transcripts; we must receive official copies from the college or university where the course was taken. Virginia Tech can receive official transcripts through mail or electronic transfer (for example, through Parchment). If sent by mail, the address is: Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Virginia Tech, 925 Prices Fork Rd., Blacksburg, VA 24061.
- Look up how AP, IB, CLEP, and Cambridge scores may transfer to Virginia Tech, as well as how transfer or dual enrollment credits can be earned from other colleges.
- Complete the virtual orientation modules by the July 31 deadline.
- Set up Zoom. All advising appointments for summer virtual academic advising and course registration will be held on Zoom.
- Transfer students only: Review the welcome email from the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design; it contains important advising information. This communication will be sent to your Virginia Tech email address, so check your university email account frequently throughout the summer.
- All students: You’ll receive a welcome email from your academic advisor on June 6 with information on the advising process, including how to schedule your individual academic advising appointment.
- You’ll be added to a new student Canvas site (see the info below) for your major, which will require you to complete modules on how to register for classes, what classes to register for in your major, and what other important information you need to know about your major.
- On June 11, the course registration system will open for all incoming students. This is when you can add classes and build your fall course schedule. Pay attention to the instructions provided in the new student Canvas site. Register early, because classes will fill up!
- Sign up for and attend your virtual academic advising appointment with your academic advisor. You should register for classes before attending your virtual academic advising appointment.
What to know about your academic advising appointment
On June 6, your academic advisor will contact you by email with information about how to schedule your virtual academic advising appointment. This communication will be sent to your Virginia Tech email address.
Advising appointments will take place over Zoom between June 11 and July 31, 2025 (exact dates will vary based on major). Sign up early and download the Zoom app in advance of your appointment using the link in your email. You won’t be able to schedule your advising appointment prior to June 6.
Before your appointment, make sure you:
- Complete the virtual orientation modules.
- Review information in Canvas about course registration and classes required for your major.
- Register for classes.
When you meet with your advisor, they will review your fall course schedule, answer any individual questions you may have, and help you make any necessary course schedule edits.
Get connected before you get to campus
While you’re packing your stuff for move in, you can also start looking for your people and making plans to get involved on campus. Here are some ways to learn about events and opportunities, and meet people who share the same interests and passions.
Access the New Student Canvas Site
Also on June 6, you’ll receive an invitation sent to your Virginia Tech email to join a new student Canvas site for your major. Canvas is a learning management system that is used by your advisors and many of your professors.
You will be required to accept the invitation to join the Canvas site and then review modules on how to register for classes, what classes to register for, and what you need to know about your major. If you miss the email from your advisor on how to make a virtual appointment, this information will also be available on the Canvas site.
It’s important to review this information before you register for classes and meet with your academic advisor.