Remote Access to Services

Our advisors are virtually here to meet with you. Schedule an appointment to talk with an advisor.

If you are a Roanoke City CCAP student looking for assistance, find how to contact Success Coach Jim Agnes here.

Tutoring & Coaching

Online Academic Coaching: by appointment. Schedule your own appointment using Navigate by following the steps at this link. You can also email us at tutoring@virginiawestern.edu for help making an appointment.

One-on-one online tutoring: by appointment. Schedule your own appointment using Navigate by following the steps at this link. You can also email us at tutoring@virginiawestern.edu for help making an appointment.

Online STEM Center: visit our Zoom room for help when you need it! You can find the link and hours in Canvas in the Student Resources section.

Online Writing & Research Center:  submit your paper for review by following the instructions at this link. After we complete our review, if you would like a follow-up Zoom session to discuss your paper, email writingcenter@virginiawestern.edu.

Cyberlab: visit our Zoom room for help when you need it! You can find the link and hours in Canvas in the Student Resources section.

24/7 Online Tutoring using Brainfuse

Current students can also receive free online tutoring for all subjects 24/7 through Brainfuse. Log into the MyVWCC portal and choose the option for Brainfuse to sign in. Then, choose the topic & subject you need help with and you’ll be matched with an online tutor. Click Connect to begin working with your tutor right away. Brainfuse also includes flashcards, practice quizzes, and study guides that can be accessed 24/7 online.

Library Services

All library article databases and eBooks can be accessed off-campus 24/7 by logging in with your MyVWCC username and password when prompted. Visit the library’s homepage to search or use the online chat/instant messaging service. Simply click on “Ask a Librarian Chat” for help: https://www.virginiawestern.edu/library/.

Anatomy models will be available on the first floor of the library. Models will be spaced apart and accessible whenever the library is open for BIO 141 & 142 students to use. Students will be expected to use the models one at a time, maintain 6 feet distance at all times, and reassemble and sanitize models they manipulate.

Current VWCC students, staff, and faculty may use the Library Catalog to search for main collection books & DVDs and place holds. Users will click “sign in” to sign into their account and choose the option to “request” the desired item. Library staff will pull the book or DVD from the shelf, check it out to the user, and have it available at the first floor desk for pickup. Laptops are also available for semester-long checkout at the first floor desk.

Because they have short loan periods and are unable to be sanitized between uses, reserve textbooks and reference books will not be circulated.

If you need more in-depth help, librarians are available to conduct research consultations via phone, email, or Zoom. Email us at library@virginiawestern.edu to make an appointment.

Open Computer Lab

The Academic Link’s open computer lab on the first floor of Brown Library is open whenever the library is open. Space is limited and campus policies apply, such as those regarding face coverings and the daily health self-check.

Normal hours of operation are as follows:
Monday 9AM-8PM
Tuesday 9AM-3PM
Wednesday 9AM-3PM
Thursday 9AM-8PM
Friday 9AM-1PM
Saturday 9AM-1PM

Note: The library will be closed whenever the campus is closed, including all holidays and inclement weather or emergency closures.

Testing Center

Beginning Tuesday, January 19th through the end of the Spring Semester, Saturday, May 15th, the Testing Center will be open on a limited basis and by appointment only.

We will only be proctoring tests for currently enrolled Virginia Western students who are unable to take their tests at home, or for Va Western students who have certain testing accommodations that cannot be accomplished at home.

If you need to take a test on Campus at the Testing Center, please let your Instructor know, and they will provide you with the link to make an appointment.

The Testing Center will be open as follows:
Monday 9AM-8PM
Tuesday 9AM-3PM
Wednesday 9AM-3PM
Thursday 9AM-8PM
Friday 9AM-1PM
Saturday 9AM-1PM

Note: The Testing Center will be closed whenever the campus is closed, including all holidays and inclement weather or emergency closures.

The Hall Associates Career Center offers a full range of online services that are available to students 24/7! Take advantage of valuable career resources for planning, preparation, and career connections. Need one-on-one career advising, resume writing, or job search assistance? Career specialists are available for remote appointments Monday through Friday from 8am until 5pm. Students may schedule Zoom/Phone/Email appointments through your online Career Connections/CCN portal account. (If you have not already activated your account, create a new one, or activate your account through the email invitation in your school inbox from College Central Network.

All Online Career Center Resources Are Mobile Ready!

Career Connections/CCN
Students and alumni can use the Career Connections/CCN to search for jobs, internships, resume help, interview tips, career podcasts, and much more! You can also upload your resume for review.

CareerSpots
Tune into your CareerSpots video dashboard to discover the keys to being Career Ready, gaining experience with Internships, managing your social media image, launching your Job Search. 

Career Coach
Do you have questions about your career direction? Take our online Career Coach assessment and explore programs and careers that fit your interests! (Hint: Take the detailed assessment.) Make sure you follow up with us for career advising.

Big Interview
Ace your next interview! Access interviewing video lessons and practice your interviewing skills with a virtual mock interview using our Big Interview platform. Register and create your account using your VWCC email address.

For more information, email careercenter@virginiawestern.edu. Call and leave a message by phone Monday –Friday from 8am-5pm. We will return your call.

540-857-7298 – Main Number
540-857-6124 – Shonny Cooke, Career Services Manager
540-857-6825 – Cathy Ferguson, Career Development Specialist

*Please leave a detailed message including your name, number, and inquiry.

We continue to employ multiple avenues for our students and families to speak with a financial aid advisor, submit documents and receive timely information. Your requested documents should be submitted via our 24/7 Support Center. These documents are electronically sent to the Virginia Western financial aid office for processing. The Student Support Center is also ideal for getting quick answers and guidance for your next steps wherever you are in the financial aid process. You may also schedule a telephone appointment with a Virginia Western financial aid advisor through https://www.virginiawestern.edu/advising/schedule_an_appointment.php.

Social distancing does not mean you need to give up on fitness.  Chad Heddleston, our Recreation Coordinator, will be delivering these services to you online.

One-on-one online consultation

Contact Chad at CHeddleston@virginiawestern.edu to set up an online Zoom meeting. Chad can assist you with individual questions about fitness, nutrition, tips for getting outside, and more.

Join the Virginia Western Facebook Fitness Facebook Group

Chad will be posting daily videos for fitness, nutrition, mental health, and more. Follow along for weekly contests!

Get outside

Getting outside can be a way to both de-stress and get in fitness. Chad’s online info guide is a great way to get started: https://infoguides.virginiawestern.edu/c.php?g=961172&p=6944229. More regional resources are available online at https://www.roanokeoutside.com.

Free Trials for Fitness Apps

• Peloton has extended the Peloton App free trial to 90 days: www.onepeloton.com/app (You do not need to own Peloton equipment to use the app).
• Daily Burn offers at 30 day free trial: www.dailyburn.com
• Down Dog is offering free access to its 5 apps (Yoga, Yoga for Beginners, HIIT, Barre, 7 Minute) for students and eduators until July 1. Download the app and sign up for an account with your @email.vccs.edu or @virginiawestern.edu address.

Healthy Nutrition Information

• The American Heart Association has a COV-19 website that includes tips for exercise, shelf-stable food recommendations and recipes to use your pantry food.
• Budget Bytes provides pantry recipes and other ways to stretch your food budget.
• Checkout Downshiftology for healthy food with simple , whole ingredients. The host’s videos provide step by step cooking instruction.

YouTube

Chad suggests the following YouTube channels for additional fitness options:

• Dance along with Virginia Western’s J/K Pop Dance club: Arcane Impulse. Their YouTube channel has many dance routine videos for you to follow along!
• Athlean-X takes a deep-dive into many workout areas with a science-based approach that has earned him 9.5 million subscribers.  His Perfect Home Workout (published 3/15/20) takes on the challenge of building and keeping muscle while at home. With sets and reps included, this may be your perfect quarantine workout!
• Popsugar Fitness offers a huge catalog of great full-length fitness videos of different types.
• You cannot help but smile and have fun when dancing along with The Fitness Marshall.  Hit pop songs and good times make this channel a go-to for those that like to dance!
• Yoga With Adriene has relatable yoga.  This link will take you to a 30 days series of at-home yoga from her channel.
• Roberta’s Gym  does not have the personality of any of the others on this list but she always gets the count right.  The animated bot offers counters, reps, and targeted workouts.

Beware of Health Fraud Scams! The FDA is currently issuing warning letters to companies claiming to sell products to prevent or cure coronavirus. Read more about tips for spotting Health Fraud Scams here: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/bioterrorism-and-drug-preparedness/how-spot-health-fraud

This service is available by appointment and by phone. Please click here for information. If you have food insecurity that can’t be met through our services, please contact Sheri Meixner at SMeixner@virginiawestern.edu or by phone at 540-857-6711 to talk about community resources.

Things are stressful right now so it’s important to know that you have support available to help you through this! If you need to talk about what’s happening with you, please get in touch with me. You can email me at smeixner@virginiawestern.edu or call me at 540-857-6711. We’ll schedule a time to talk.

Remember that it’s important to work on relieving stress every day! Get in touch with me to discuss ways you can accomplish this.

We will continue to support our students with accommodations as outlined in their Accommodation Access Plan. To ensure accessibility, accommodations may be delivered differently, and Access Plans may need to be revised– Please connect with Disability Counselor, Hillary Holland with any of your questions or concerns- hholland@virginiawestern.edu

Students should continue to check CANVAS for any important updates from ODS.

CONNECT WITH US – We are here for YOU!
disabilityservices@virginiawestern.edu
540-857-7286

We will continue to support your requests as we move to online/remote learning. Please reach out to us at records@virginiawestern.edu with any questions or concerns.

If you …

Want to request an official transcript and don’t have access to VWCC	Academic Transcript Request Instructions & Form (PDF)
Want to change your program of study	Request an online meeting with your faculty advisor, program advisor, or your new student advisor.
Need to substitute a course that you have received credit for and would like it applied to your major	Request an online meeting with your faculty advisor, program advisor, or your new student advisor.
Need to change your address/phone number	How to Change Your Address How to Change Your Phone Number
Are changing your name	Notification of Change Form (PDF)
Want to release information on your behalf to an organization, parent, spouse or other party or to have an instructor write a letter of recommendation	Information Release Form (FERPA) (PDF)
Believe you have met the eligibility requirements for Academic Renewal	Petition for Academic Renewal Instructions & Form (PDF)
Would like to order a duplicate diploma	Duplicate Diploma Request (PDF)
Need an enrollment verification	Enrollment Verification (PDF)
Need to add your social security number	Notification of Change Form (PDF)
Are a curricular student and need your VCCS transcript evaluated	Request for VCCS Transcript Evaluation (PDF)

As most of our classes are taught in a virtual format, reading your Student Bulletin every week is more important than ever.  The Student Bulletin is a weekly newsletter that is sent to all currently enrolled students.  It is an important source of campus information for students, including things like upcoming events, registration and payment deadlines, and special activities.

Please check your student Google email through your MyVWCC portal to get your Student Bulletin email.

Please visit the Student ID information page for detailed information regarding student ID card requirements and procedures for the current semester.

Our Student Activities department is offering a variety of virtual and socially-distant student activities. Check our current events calendar for a full list.

Many community organizations and museums are offering socially-distant activities, and we also encourage you to participate! Some of our suggested organizations include:

• Play Roanoke (Roanoke City Parks and Rec): https://www.playroanoke.com/
• Roanoke County Parks and Rec: https://www.roanokecountyparks.com/
• Roanoke Outside: https://www.roanokeoutside.com/
• Five Points Music Sanctuary (socially distant, outdoor live music!): https://www.5pointsmusic.com/

If you are interested in expanding your social awareness or learning new things, we suggest checking out these websites:

• The Washington Post – Your Life at Home series: Features content about cooking, gardening, technology, exercise, and entertainment.
• Talking About Race  (A virtual exhibit from the National Museum of African American History and Culture)
• The New York Times – Smarter Living series: “Stories to help you understand the world – and make the most of it”
• Smithsonian Museum’s Virtual Events: https://www.si.edu/events/online

As we continue in a world with limited opportunities for social interaction and activities, we encourage you to emphasize your self-care.  Many people are still feeling tired and stressed due to the ongoing pandemic, and this is a normal feeling.  Our virtual and socially-distant activities and fitness programs are available to help you feel connected to our community and fellow students – and help you lift your spirits.

Healthy coping skills are really important during times like this. If you find you are having difficulty finding healthy coping skills, or are engaging in harmful behaviors, please contact Sheri Meixner, our Intervention Counselor, so she can talk with you.  Contact Sheri at SMexiner@virginiawestern.edu or 857-6711.

Student Organizations/Clubs

Many Virginia Western clubs are meeting through Zoom this semester. Please see the Student Events calendar for meeting information.

News

Make sure you are getting your news from reputable news outlets – not social media rumors. Some examples (but certainly not a complete list) of reputable news outlets include:

• Local : WSLS10 (NBC), WDBJ7 (CBS), ABC 13 (ABC), WFXR (Fox), The Roanoke Times (Roanoke.com)
• State: The Richmond Times Dispatch (Richmond.com)
• National: The Washington Post, The New York Times, NPR Radio, The Wall Street Journal, National NBC/CBS/ABC news

The Student Life Center 3rd Floor is open for students who are already on campus for classes, but need a place to take a break, use WiFi, or eat between classes. 

Seating is available on a drop-in basis, but you must sign in/sign out with the attendant on duty.

Hours:   Monday – Friday (10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.).  Please contact Natasha Lee with questions at NLee@virginiawestern.edu.

Open Computer Lab

The Academic Link’s open computer lab on the first floor of Brown Library is open whenever the library is open. Space is limited and campus policies apply, such as those regarding face coverings and the daily health self-check.

Normal hours of operation are as follows:
Monday 9AM-8PM
Tuesday 9AM-3PM
Wednesday 9AM-3PM
Thursday 9AM-8PM
Friday 9AM-1PM
Saturday 9AM-1PM

Note: The library will be closed whenever the campus is closed, including all holidays and inclement weather or emergency closures.

Have your textbooks, supplies and more shipped to your home. The Bookstore is ready to support learning regardless of where it takes place. Shipping charges for online purchases are eligible to be covered by financial aid or any assistance funding, such as scholarships.

In order to facilitate the learning process and make your eLearning experience more dynamic, our campus store is offering three options to supplement and support your efforts.

• Access to eBooks AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE: Visit the campus store website https://www.bkstr.com/virginiawesternccstore to gain access to eBooks at no additional charge with your .edu email address. You can access up to 7 eBooks for the designated period free of charge.
• FREE Access to Lumen Learning OER Courseware: Lumen Learning, our OER partner, is offering FREE access to courseware to help supplement content, and offer additional resources to faculty, click here for the Lumen offer.
• Free Shipping on Rental Returns & Deadline Extensions: The campus store is offering free shipping return labels and is also extending the non-return period without penalty to assist with increased returns by mail. Click the COVID-19 message on the home page of the campus store website https://www.bkstr.com/virginiawesternccstore

Virginia Western Students can receive a discount on standard document printing at Staples Tanglewood or Valley View. Students can use the email service below and pick up their documents at the store.

Include that you are a student in your email to receive the discount.

• Black and White Printing $.13 per page
• Color Printing $ .51

Valley View – print.marketing0639@staples.com 

Tanglewood – print.marketing0321@staples.com

For 24/7 help with Admissions, Registration, Records, Financial Aid, and Student Accounts, you can go to 24/7 Student Support or call 855-874-6690.

The Help Desk is available to assist students with technology-related questions. Please call 540-857-7354 or email helpdesk@virginiawestern.edu if you need assistance.