Recruiting Philosophy
The recruitment philosophy of the Virginia Tech Athletics Department is to identify young men and women who possess the intellectual, athletic and personal attributes necessary to succeed in a highly competitive collegiate environment. The university seeks both to recruit for, and to nurture, personal character, with an emphasis on honesty and lawful behavior. An assessment of personal character is fundamental to predicting a prospect's potential to contribute and succeed academically and athletically. Coaching staff members must be committed to understanding a prospect's background, and determining if he/she has the character, academic skill and athletic talent to graduate and compete athletically at Virginia Tech.

As stated in the Virginia Tech Comprehensive Action Plan, student-athletes make an enormous contribution to the institution as a consequence of their athletic performances. It is entirely appropriate that the university work tirelessly to provide an environment in which they can mature as individuals, succeed in achieving their educational goals, and also participate in their sport. The university can mount successful athletic programs with student-athletes of high moral character by striving together across the institution to set and enforce ethical, moral, and legal standards. This includes a set of clear expectations, strong support services, and clearly-understood sanctions for misbehavior. Student-athletes must understand that there is a standard to be met on and off the field. If they do not meet that standard, they will not have the privilege of participating in their sport or representing Virginia Tech.

Development of Recruiting Visit Policy
In response to NCAA and ACC initiatives in the area of on-campus recruiting visits, the policies outlined below to address Official Visits build on existing departmental expectations and procedures. Developed and approved in the summer of 2004, these policies represent an extension of the mission statements of the university and athletics department. Additionally, the department's Comprehensive Action Plan - created in 1997 to enumerate a clear code of conduct and consequences for student-athletes - provides a solid framework of behavioral standards and expectations that could be readily applied to the issue of recruiting visits.

Description of Educational Component
The promotion of dialog and evaluation between the prospect and Virginia Tech regarding academic compatibility is paramount during the recruiting visit. A major goal of the recruiting process is to expose the prospect to faculty and academic staff who can convey the standards and expectations of the university's academic community. It is the prospect's responsibility to determine whether Virginia Tech provides the academic program of study and level of academic support they desire. During each recruiting visit, Virginia Tech will facilitate interaction with the appropriate faculty, academic advisors and/or academic support staff members, and provide full opportunity for prospects to have their academic questions answered.

Responsibilities of the Student Host
When a prospect makes an Official Visit to campus, he/she is assigned a team member as host. This student host serves an extremely important role in the recruitment process. Often, it is the job of the host to fill the unstructured time in the schedule of the prospect while on a recruitment trip. The following options are strictly prohibited activities for the host to employ in the entertaining of the prospect:

• The use of alcohol.
• The use of drugs.
• The use of sex as a recruiting tool.
• The use of strippers or attendance in "gentleman's clubs" or equivalent.
• Gambling or gaming activities.
• Any activity that violates criminal law.

These specific prohibitions are delineated on the Virginia Tech Official Visit Form , which is signed at the time that the hosting guidelines are reviewed with, and the entertainment money is distributed to, the host. Applicable NCAA Bylaw 13 recruiting rules governing Official Visits and host actions are also included on the form.

Communication of Policies and Expectations to Prospects and Parents/Guardians
Upon the determination that an Official Visit will occur, a letter from the Director of Athletics summarizing Virginia Tech's approach to recruiting visits will be sent to the prospect and his/her family. Attached to the letter will be a listing of Virginia Tech's guidelines and expectations concerning recruiting visits. The letter and guidelines will be the prospect's to keep.

Following a prospect's arrival on campus, relevant policies will be explained to the prospect (and parents/guardians) by the head coach, recruiting coach, or other coaching staff member designated by the head coach. This verbal communication of policies and expectations by a coaching staff member is required for every prospect. It is strongly recommended that it be conducted by the head coach, where possible. Following this verbal communication, the prospect will read and sign the Virginia Tech Official Visit Form , indicating his/her understanding of the guidelines and expectations.

At the start of each visit, the prospect will receive the "Prospect Version" of the Virginia Tech Official Visit Wallet Card, with a statement of expectations and prohibited hotel services. The reverse side will include important contact information and phone numbers.

Communication of Policies and Expectations to Hosts
As stated previously, the student host serves a major role in any Official Visit. With this in mind, each host should be chosen carefully, and have a clear understanding of his/her responsibilities. During a team meeting prior to the start of the recruiting season in each sport, the respective head coach is responsible for instructing the team regarding Virginia Tech recruiting policies and expectations. All team members should be included, since the possibility exists that they will interact with prospects on campus or in Blacksburg during the course of the academic year.

Prior to hosting a visit, all student hosts will receive a personal briefing from a member of his/her coaching staff regarding policies and behavioral expectations concerning recruiting. Virginia Tech expectations, relevant NCAA regulations, and specific prohibited activities will be listed on the Virginia Tech Official Visit Form . Each host will be required to sign this form, indicating that he/she is aware of - and will abide by - these guidelines. Additionally, the recruiting coach (or designee) will also sign the form confirming that he/she has discussed the information with the host.

At the start of each visit, the student host will receive the "Host Version" of the Virginia Tech Official Visit Wallet Card, with a summary of expectations and a listing of prohibited activities. The reverse side will include important contact information and phone numbers.