Residential and Dining Programs (RDP) is introducing a new dining opportunity called the Dine with Faculty Program that allows students to invite Tech faculty members to breakfast, lunch, or dinner, free of charge. Dine with Faculty was created to encourage student and faculty interaction outside the traditional classroom.

"It is our hope that this program will help foster a true living and learning community, help participants develop a deeper connection to Virginia Tech, and encourage a richer relationship between faculty and students through informal interaction and co-curricular activities," says Edward Spencer, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, and Director of Residential and Dining Programs. "This is an opportunity for students to meet with faculty on their own turf, away from the classroom in a more informal setting. Students and faculty can discuss academic issues, career opportunities and other mutual interests to enhance the overall educational experience.

Students will be encouraged to initiate the invitation with faculty, but faculty can also take advantage of this program to get to know their students. "This is a great opportunity for students to meet with their professors one-on-one, outside of the classroom," said Sean Blackburn, Residence Hall Federation president. "This program will allow us to get to know one another better."