Orientation Schedule 

 

Arrival

New international students should make plans to arrive on campus by Monday, August 18, 2008 to give yourself ample time to check-in and complete university procedures before orientation begins.

 

Transportation from Roanoke Airport

Smartway Bus Service: available Monday-Thursday from 6:35AM - 7:05PM; Friday-Saturday from 6:35AM - 8:35PM, no bus service on Sundays. Cost: $3.00. See bus schedule at www.smartwaybus.com

Cranwell Airport Shuttle: If you arrive at Roanoke Airport later than the last Smart Way bus departure, you may arrange for an airport shuttle from the Cranwell International Center. You will need to contact our office in advance with your exact flight details including arrival date and time, flight number and the number of people arriving with you. You may email bpauley@vt.edu or call 540-231-6527.

If you arrive late to Roanoke Airport, you may wish to stay in Roanoke for the night at one of the local motels and arrive the following day using the Smartway Bus Service. A list of motels/hotels in Roanoke is attached.

Taxi Service: You may take a taxi to campus which can be quite expensive.

• Blacksburg Taxi: 540-552-6671
• Christiansburg Taxi: 540-382-8037
• Blacksburg Hooptie Ride: 540-449-3748

 

Temporary Housing

If you need a place to stay in Blaksburg until your dormitory opens or until you can locate permanent housing, you may stay at:

• Red Carpet Inn
• 1615 South Main Street, Blacksburg, VA
• Telephone: 540-552-4011

  The Red Carpet Inn offers the following accommodations:

• A room with one bed will cost $40.26 per night,
• A room with 2 beds will cost $44.75 per night.
• One bed in a 2 bedroom will cost $23.00.

 

Mandatory Check-In

All new international students MUST report to the Cranwell Intenational Center upon their arrival to campus. Bring your immigration documents to check-in and receive vital information. Students MUST Check-in prior to Orientation. 

Assistance given with:

• Completing university procedures
• Locating housing
• Meeting basic needs
• Assisting with adjustment issues

 

Social Security

• Tuesday, August 26, 2008
• 9:00AM - 1:00PM
• Cranwell International Center

Applicants must bring passport, I-94 card, I-20 and/or DS-2019 form, letter of employment and letter from Designated School Official.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mandatory Orientation - All New International Students and International Transfer Students (Both Graduate & Undergraduate)

• Thursday, August 21 , 2008
• 9:00AM-12 noon
• Colonial Hall, Squires Student Center

 

Mandatory International Undergraduate Orientation

• Friday, August 22, 2008
• 9:00AM - 12 noon
• Brush Mountain Room, Squires Student Center

 

English Placement Test Dates (Graduate Students Only)

• Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 9:30AM, Graduat Life Center
• Monday, August 18, 2008 at 6:30PM, Graduate Life Center
• Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 6:30PM, Graduate Life Center
• Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 9:30AM, Gradaute Life Center

• All incoming graduate international students are required to take the English Placement Test (EPT) unless they have both a TOEFL score of 260/620 or higher and a Test of Written English score of 4.5 or higher or a score of 26 or higher on the written section of the IBT.  Those students who have obtained either a bachelor's or a master's degree from an accredited university in a country where English is the native language are not required to take the EPT.  There is no charge for this examination.

• Questions: email Don Back at dback@vt.edu

   

 

SPEAK/TEACH Test Dates (Graduate Students Only)

August 14-15; 1-5PM; Graduate Life Center

August 20-22; 1-5PM; Graduate Life Center

 

Note to all Test-Takers:

1. You MUST be a GTA with teaching duties (either now or in the future) to take the test; check with your academic department before taking the test. Test takers must have responsibilites in teaching, conducting labs or recitation sessions.

2. You may take either the SPEAK or the TEACH test (your choice, unless your department tells you to take one or the other). Please follow the direction on the respecitive description sheets on the office door.

3. Those who fail the test must take English 0014 in the spring semester.

4. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Don McKeon at email address: dmckeon@vt.edu