Spouses, Partners, and Children
Many graduate students have spouses, partners, and/or children and the Graduate School recognizes that they need additional supports and services. We list several references and resources below, including childcare and babysitting opportunities.
Little Hokie™ Hangout
Little Hokie Hangout is a an early childhood education program offered by the Graduate School.
Child Care Providers
Virginia Tech’s Hokie Wellness office provides lists of family day care providers, child care centers, and babysitters, as well as tools to help you make the best child care decisions for your family’s needs.
Free Weekly Babysitting: Kids' Night Out
During fall and spring semesters while classes are in session, the Virginia Tech Women’s Center sponsors Kids' Night Out, a free weekly drop-in child care program, on Thursdays between 6:30-8 p.m. The center, at 206 Washington Street provides care for children ages 2-12 (must be toilet trained). Please check the Women’s Center website womenscenter.vt.edu every Monday afternoon for a link to the sign-up page.
The program provides children with games, toys, books, crafts, homework help, and plenty of fun. Child care is provided by volunteers of Chi Delta Alpha sorority.
For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu or 231-7806.
Career and Professional Development
The Virginia Tech Career and Professional Development resource center, which includes job-searching tools, is available to spouses and partners of students. Spouses and partners may also use the center's computer lab to work on their resumes and process online employment applications.
Virginia Tech Human Resources
Jobs at Virginia Tech are listed here.
Roanoke Times
Employment opportunities in the New River Valley, Roanoke Valley, and surrounding areas are advertised through this newspaper.
Bringing a Spouse or Children to the U.S.
International students in F-1 or J-1 visa status may request an I-20 or DS-2019 form for a dependent (spouse or unmarried minor child). Contact the Cranwell International Center to learn more.
The Hokie Wellness website offers a list of vets, pet health services, pet day care, boarding, and training services in the New River Valley area.
Information about public schools in Blacksburg and the surrounding area.
In Virginia Tech’s continuing effort to address the growing concerns among faculty, staff, and graduate and undergraduate students regarding the availability of affordable quality child care and early education and adult care, the university has created a new caregiving resources website. Use the link below to access the site. Virginia Tech established a working group to develop a vision and strategy for the future of caregiving in support of the university community. While the initial focus was child care, the scope has been broadened to include infant care to elder care. This is a living website, which will be updated to include new information and caregiving options as they become available.
Graduate student spouses and partners face unique challenges – isolation, financial stresses, difficulty finding work and/or childcare, and adjusting to life in Blacksburg. A social group can give spouses and partners a chance to come together for camaraderie and support.
If you are interested in establishing a program for spouses and partners, contact grads@vt.edu for information.
The federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act became law in June 2023. Virginia Tech has information about the law and about resources and accommodations women can request. Visit this website to learn more.