Advising
Three female students pose beside each other under the Hokie Stone columns at the entrance of the Inn at Virginia Tech.
campus Resources & Advising Tools
The academic year starts in August and continues through July of the following calendar year. The Office of the Registrar maintains all important dates and deadlines.
tasks by year
The timeline identifies opportunities students should discuss and consider throughout their educational journey. While this timeline establishes the typical situation, we understand students move at different paces through their academic careers.
- Navigate Virginia Tech's websites to learn about campus resources, university policies, academic calendar and more.
- Familiarize yourself with HokieSpa (your student portal) and learn how to add/drop classes, create a mock schedule, view your financial aid, review your student account.
- Schedule an appointment with the Career and Professional Development Center for career counseling, self-assessment, discover and explore career options/majors, and strategize your career goals/values.
- Attend the Majors Fair in September/October Visit the Office of Student Engagement and Campus Life to get involved on campus by joining clubs and organizations (academic/non-academic) to develop and grow leadership and interpersonal skills, build your social network, explore personal interests and apply information learned in the classroom to real-world issues.
- Officially declare your major/minor if you haven't done so and create a plan for completion utilizing Checksheets, Undergraduate Course Catalog, and Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS).
- Discuss career goals, plan for graduation, and involvement in your major with your academic advisor.
- Visit the Office of Student Engagement and Campus Life to get involved on campus by joining clubs and organizations (academic/non-academic) to develop and grow leadership and interpersonal skills, build your social network, explore personal interests and apply information learned in the classroom to real-world issues.
- Learn about study abroad opportunities from the Global Education Office. Experience a new culture, learn a new language, expand your social network, develop skills that will benefit your personal and professional goals.
- Speak to the Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid about receiving financial aid for studying abroad. Visit the Career and Professional Development Center to make an appointment for career counseling, explore career opportunities, create a resume/cover letter, apply for internships, mock interviews, networking, attend Majors Fair in September/October and attend internship workshops.
- Declare your major/minor if you haven't done so.
- Discuss with your academic advisor post-graduation options regarding graduate/medical school or if you plan on entering the workforce.
- Visit the Career and Professional Development Center to make an appointment for career counseling, explore career information, create a resume/cover letter, apply for internships, mock interviews, networking, attend career fairs and workshops for internships and job opportunities.
- Review your degree audit with your academic advisor and apply for graduation.
- Apply for graduate schools.
- Visit the Career and Professional Development Center to make an appointment for career counseling, refine your resume/cover letter, discuss job searching tactics, conduct mock interviews, networking, and attend career fairs.
- Graduate and become an alumnus of Virginia Tech Hokies!
Meet the Science advising Team
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