Information, Rules, and Regulations for Participants

Below is general information about the STEP program.  Detailed information will be provided directly to participants and families prior to start of program. Please read the information carefully.  If you have questions, please reach out to Christina Martin (chsmit21@vt.edu), STEP Program Director, or step@vt.edu.

Check-In

The official check-in time is between 11:00 am and 12:30 pm on Sunday, June 21, 2026. If you must arrive earlier or later, you must email Christina Martin (chsmit21@vt.edu) to make arrangements. During check-in, you will be assigned a room and issued a room key.

Welcome Meeting

We will hold a welcome meeting for parents and participants at 12:45 pm on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Location to be announced at check-in. Pizza will be provided for families and participants. During our welcome meeting, the STEP director will go over the general program layout, expectations, and activities. You will have the opportunity to meet all faculty and staff involved in the program. If you have special dietary needs, please let us know by sending an email to step@vt.edu.

Hokie Passports

For 2026-2027, Hokie Passports (Virginia Tech's student identification cards) are being mailed to students prior to the academic year. STEP participants are asked to bring their Hokie Passports to campus with them to access their residence hall room and the dining hall. If a student forgets their Hokie Passport, they will be required to visit Hokie Passport Services on Monday, June 22, to obtain a new Hokie Passport. Students must provide one form of identification that includes their social security number. For example, a driver's license (if your social security number appears on it) or a social security card would be appropriate.

If lost, you will be responsible for replacing your Hokie Passport at a fee of $25.

Engineering Orientation

Engineering orientation for incoming freshman is completed virtually. Orientation includes virtual academic advising and course registration through a series of modules, events, and meetings. STEP staff will be available to assist participants with orientation requirements as needed. 

Residence Hall

STEP 2026 participants will be given their residence hall assignment prior to program arrival.  Participants will reside in double-occupancy rooms. Full-time student Residence Hall Assistants will live with students. Each room contains furnishings, including two bunked beds, two desks, two set of drawers, two closets, two sinks, and ceiling lights.

Meals

All meals will be eaten at D2. The campus also has vending machines located in most buildings, in addition to a variety of fast-food restaurants near campus.

Classes

A final class schedule will be given to you at check-in time. The first class is at 8:00 am on Monday, June 22. In general, classes and seminars will be held from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm each day with 15-minute breaks and a one-hour lunchtime provided. You must arrive to every class on time.

Computer

Once you are accepted into STEP, you need to purchase your computer immediately.  It takes 2-3 weeks to receive it, so if you order right away, you will have it in time for the program.  If you have financial issues or concerns, please contact step@vt.edu.  College of Engineering computer requirement web page.

Campus Activities

Squires Student Center has a recreation center with a bowling alley, pool and ping-pong tables, and pinball/video games. Naturally, these things cost money, but you are encouraged to visit and use them during your free time. Squires also shows movies and hosts other special events on campus during the summer. In addition to the recreation center, Squires offers abundant lounge areas, various restaurants, a credit union, theaters, and an art gallery. You may check at the Squires information desk for summer hours and events. In addition, the Residence Hall Assistants will post upcoming activities.

McComas Gym and War Memorial Gym are available for STEP participants for a Conference and Guest Attendees membership fee of $55/per person for the entire duration of STEP. Day or Weekly passes are available as well. Valid membership to VT Rec Sports facilities includes access to both indoor gym facilities on campus, McComas Hall Gym, War Memorial Gym and the Rec Sports Field House, as well as unlimited use of various outdoor recreational facilities that VT Rec Sports oversees. *All Conference and Guest Services attendees who are interested in purchasing a membership must be 18+ years of age to access our facilities. If you would like to purchase a membership each VT Conference and Guest Services attendee should visit the VT Rec Sports administrative office in 142 McComas Hall during normal business hours with their issued ID/access card to purchase access.

Transportation

It is okay to drive your own car to campus. If you choose to bring your car, please let us know by providing information on the appropriate portion of your pre-arrival form so that we may arrange for your parking permit. You are not permitted to drive while participating in the program, so you will have to leave your keys with the Program Director.  You will be required to purchase an on-campus parking permit if you choose to bring your car.

Feel free to bring a bicycle for leisure riding if you wish, however also bring the appropriate equipment (chains, locks, etc.) to secure it. The bicycle must be stored outside, not in the residence hall.

Blacksburg is a small town - you can get almost everywhere you need to by walking. In addition, the BT, a public bus system, goes just about anywhere you would want. You must show your Hokie Passport to ride the bus. Blacksburg is a relatively safe community; however, we recommend you always walk in pairs during the evening, even on campus. For the field trips and special events, we will provide necessary transportation.

Medical Facilities

The Charles W. Schiffert Health Center is the campus infirmary (a more detailed description of both the health center and local hospital are provided below). You may take advantage of this facility if the need arises. If you have any special medical problems, we need to know about them in advance. This includes allergies to food and other things, and anything else you wish to bring to our attention. Allergy medicine for injections, etc. may be stored and administered at the campus infirmary. Please let us know if this is necessary, and we will make arrangements. All participants will be given home phone numbers of program faculty and staff. Do not hesitate to call the staff if you need any kind of help. Please do not forget to bring any required medications.

Schiffert Health Center Summer Hours: 8:00 am to Noon & 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

LewisGale Hospital Montgomery is located on Route 460 on the southern edge of Blacksburg. It is a fully-accredited, 146-bed general acute care facility providing medical, surgical, obstetrical, pediatric, emergency and outpatient services. Montgomery Regional Hospital's commitment to quality health care is enhanced not only by modern technology, but also by its skilled medical staff. More than 100 physicians on the active, courtesy, and consulting staffs represent specialties ranging from cardiology to immunology, obstetrics, ophthalmology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, pulmonology, and urology.

Check-Out

Student must be packed and checked out of the residence hall between 9:00AM am - 11:00AM, Saturday, July 18, 2026. An awards ceremony will be held immediately after check-out (room location to be announced). Further information about the ceremony will be communicated to parents through the students.  Parents and family are encouraged to attend.

STEP

220 Gilbert Street (MC 0275), Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061
540-231-1579  |   Email STEP