My Compass Points to SW Virginia

My Compass Points to SW Virginia

I’ve just spent the better part of two days being oriented, indoctrinated, educated, and barraged regarding, about, with, and to Virginia Tech. You see, starting August 12, my son will enter Virginia Tech as a History major and member of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets with a focus on Marine ROTC programs.

Over the last two days, my wife, son, and I have attended numerous sessions with students and parents. The first day, we shuttled over to Squires through a free BT from the Lane stadium South parking lot to Squires. Once there, we were herded into an exhibit hall where we were able to collect magnets, pens, and candy. While our son was whisked away to be photographed and to watch movies about things he doesn’t remember, my wife and I were faced with several hours of down time. With that in mind, we decided to seek out an old professor who served as kind of a "Marryin’ Sam" for us. You see my wife and I met while student-teaching at a Roanoke elementary school our senior year. This professor, Dr. Jerry Niles, ran the program that we were both entered, and we both have always felt the greatest respect and regard for Dr. Niles. These days, Dr. Niles is serving as the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences (CLAHS), the second largest college at the university. Dr. Niles was around, and we were able to have a wonderful chat for twenty seconds that turned into almost an hour. Of all the people I ever met at VT during my school days, Dr. Niles was one of my favorites. Back then, he made a point to know his students and to care deeply about their progress. Even after not seeing him for 25 years, he remembered both my wife and me; perhaps because we were the only couple he ever had get hitched after being in his classes.

After a marvelous lunch at SubStation II, my wife and I attended various parent sessions, while our son learned the words to “Old Hokie” and how to treat members of the opposite sex properly. Throughout it all, alcohol and drugs were repeated talking points for both parent and student groups. It sounds as if the university is really serious about cracking down on under-aged drinking and illegal drug use. It will be interesting to see if that perception is a reality…not that my son is planning on testing the “Zero Tolerance Policy.”

Whenever my wife and I are involved in groups like this, we are always amazed by our parent peers. We’re by no means a super parents with answers to all questions, but we do possess a lot of common sense and a decent capacities to reason. Have you ever heard a group leader say to the group, “There’s no such thing as a stupid question…” Well, I’m here to tell the world that there really IS such a thing as a stupid question.

Yesterday, a discussion erupted over university/student privacy issues. When the leader of the session mentioned that the University really can’t share information over the phone with parents regarding their child’s progress, a low, sonic murmuring storm erupted from 300 seats. Then the session leader said that while parents can't get information on their children, the university can share certain personal information with outside interests. It was then that the murmuring storm became a cascade of angry hands reaching for the sky. A particularily angry looking man shot his hand up and demanded to know exactly who the University was planning to sell delicate, private information. The man seemed to be one of those types that can never be pleased no matter what you answer. So the session leader responded that the university isn’t out there peddling student information. This, predictably, didn’t calm the rage of the man. It must be very difficult for people who know that guy to have to watch him living with all that bottled anger.

As just about every reasonable question had been asked regarding just about everything, a mother with an "overly-productive-too-much-time-on-her-hands-voice" boldly raised her hand. “You said that students can move in over a four day period. If they wait to move in until the last day, what kind of important bonding experiences will they miss? Will that impact their ability to become vital members of the school community?”

Of course, the session leader had to take a deep breath and his reply was, “Your child can move in on any of the four days that are open for moving. Your child will be fine no matter when they move in.”

Later, after touring my son’s temporary room near the “Virgin Vault” (old Hokies might remember that AJ place), my wife and I headed home.

Day two of orientation proved to be a marathon. On the surface, it looked easy. General session. Schedule classes. Get fitted for Corps uniforms. Visit with the Corps Commandant.

The opening general session was very interesting to me because it was run by the lady who ran the student teaching program when I was at VT, Dr. Mary Ann Lewis. After her talk, I spoke with her and had an excellent chat.

Then we went into one of the new labs for "Hokie SPA" time with our History leader. "Hokie Spa" is what the university calls the computerized ecommunication system. Students are able to check on their university life through their passport account. They can also register for classes. That was our goal on day two. Our time there was wonderful, yet a bit frustrating. My son discovered that entering college with many dual enrollment credits can be a bit of a handicap. Basically, he needed classes at the 2000 level (second year) and most of those sections were already filled by people who attended the university last year and already registered back in the Spring session. Hence, selection was limited. In the end, we found some classes that he can take, and we were assured that he can keep looking to see if new sections of his favorite choices open up. I’m sure we asked our share of stupid questions during this session.

After hours working on his schedule, we moved on to the Corps building for uniform fitting and general information. I must say that the people we met there were so very helpful and knowledgeable. The day ended by gobbling a Substation meal and then heading to a session with the Commandant.

After picking up his Hokie Passport, we headed home to collapse. Well in my case to recount our adventure.