Plan a Visit
You’ve got to come experience this place
Choosing the right college happens with your heart as much as your brain. It’s important to do your research and get the facts about admission and finances, but visiting the campus is the best way to get a feel for life as a Hokie.
You also need to feel the vibe for AAD’s distinctive learning environment. We are the makers of Virgina Tech, and you’ll see creativity and artistry happening daily in the ever-changing gallery that is our college.
Schedule your info session and tour
Virginia Tech and the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design welcome prospective students and families throughout the year, so choose the visit experience that best suits where you are in the search process. Make sure you register in advance!
I am interested in a specific AAD major
Attend a school info session and tour to learn more about the curriculum, tour facilities and makerspaces, and meet students and faculty.
I want to learn more about all AAD majors
If you are interested in several majors or want to ask general questions before scheduling a tour, email Associate Dean Susanna Rinehart.
I want to learn more about Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech offers in-person info sessions (30 minutes) and campus tours (60-75 minutes). You can also access the virtual tour 24 hours a day.
Schedule a tour for visual or performing arts
School of Visual Arts contacts
- Art and art history: James Jewitt, program chair
- Creative technologies: Nate King, program chair
- Graphic design: Rachael Paine, program chair
- Studio art: Michael Borowski, program chair
School of Performing Arts contacts
- Music: Derek Shapiro, recruitment chair
- Theatre and cinema: Stacy Blackburn, recruitment chair
Step into our spaces. Tour the tools. Meet the makers.
If you’re considering AAD, you know that we’re about places. Architects and designers build and shape them to inspire and serve. Artists and performers fill them with energy and meaning.
When you tour, you’ll see not only our buildings and performance venues, but also makerspaces filled with the media, materials, and equipment that allow students to experiment, execute, and innovate. We have everything from 3D printers and drill presses to laser cutters and lathes.
You’ll also experience the community of students and faculty who work side-by-side in studios and shops, learning and practicing by getting hands-on together.
CHECK OUT SPECIAL VISIT DAYS
Virginia Tech offers Fall and Spring Open House programs with sessions on admissions and financial aid, academic opportunities, and student services. Hokie Focus is an exclusive spring event for admitted students.
On campus? Enjoy a performance or exhibition
If you’re traveling to Blacksburg and making a day or two of it, plan to attend a musical or theatre performance or an ongoing art exhibit. There is a full slate of events throughout both the fall and spring semesters, and a Summer Arts Festival in June and July. Many events are free.
If you’re a prospective music major, you can schedule a lesson with a faculty member prior to auditioning. If interested, email a faculty member in your area of study.
Choose Virginia Tech and you get Blacksburg, too
Remember that college is more than just the campus, and Blacksburg has a cool, college-town vibe. It’s the right mix of big-time college energy on game days and low-key restaurants and fun the rest of the time.
While you’re walking around Blacksburg, check out Blacksburg staples like Bollo’s Coffee and Bakery, Cabo Fish Taco, Joe’s Diner, and the eclectic shops. Looking for the arts? Catch a film at the Lyric Theatre or look for First Friday Art Walk. If you like the outdoors, Southwest Virginia is the place. Hike to the Cascades or McAfee Knob, or try tubing or kayaking on the New River.
