Family and Friends
We know you are a key resource and support for your student’s success at UVA Wise! As a member of our extended Cavalier family, we invite you to join us on campus for a range of events showcasing the student experience, and we hope you’ll follow along with the College’s stories as the student you love grows and flourishes.
UVA Wise Family Weekend
September 30 - October 2, 2022
Thank you so much for your interest in Family Weekend. Unfortunately, we have made the tough decision to postpone Family Weekend for this upcoming weekend as we are expecting heavy rainfall all weekend. We are in the process of assessing the viability of rescheduling Family Weekend and will be in touch when that is finalized.
Are you looking to get a first-hand understanding of many of the events and moments the UVA Wise student you love has been experiencing in college? Join us for UVA Wise Family Weekend where you can become an active member of the UVA Wise community, check out regional amenities and cheer "GO CAVS GO" at Highland Cavalier athletics competitions!
Family Weekend Schedule
September 30, 2022
9:00 a.m. - Open Lecture
Introduction to Interpersonal Communication with Rachel Tighe, Ph.D., Zehmer Hall 109
This course provides students with a theory-based examination of one-on-one communication starting with the impact of self-concept and perception through communication in various relationships.
10:45 a.m. - Open Lecture
Classroom Management/Discipline with Elizabeth Dotson-Shupe, Ed.D., Library 211
This course presents various alternatives for classroom management and the development of classroom management plans for students at both the elementary and secondary levels. Students will be presenting small group projects.
2:00 p.m. - Open Lecture
Reading and Language Arts Content Area with Elizabeth Dotson-Shupe, Ed.D., Darden Hall 132
The content of this course is designed to provide information on various approaches and techniques for utilizing and teaching reading/writing strategies within grades 6-12 content areas (i.e. literature, history/social science, mathematics, science, etc.). Emphasis is placed on procedures for evaluating textbooks, strategies to help students develop comprehension and study skills, and methods for teaching vocabulary and concepts. This course requires 30 hours of field experience in a 6-12 school setting.
3:00 p.m. - Open Lecture
Laboratory Methods In Biology with Steven Shell, Ph.D., Science Center 122
Get a glimpse into your student’s UVA Wise classes by joining this course, which is an introduction to core technologies utilized in the biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry laboratories.
5:30 p.m. - Chancellor's Welcome Reception, David J. Prior Convocation Center
7:00 p.m. - CAVS Volleyball vs. Wingate University, David J. Prior Convocation Center
October 1, 2022
9:00 a.m. - Run for the Arts 5K and 1-Mile Walk (Separate registration fee)
9:30 a.m. - Enjoy a Campus Nature Walk or Local Hike
Nature Walk with Ryan Huish, Ph.D., Departs from Leonard W. Sandridge Science Center
Ethnobotanist Ryan Huish will teach you all about our fascinating plants, their traditional uses, and how they have drawn the attention of outside researchers for our rich genetic resources.
Our region is one of the most biologically diverse temperate areas in the world. In fact, we have several hundred acres on campus of native and altered ecosystems that support local plants, fungus, invertebrates, vertebrates, and other important organisms, including at least six endangered species. The variety of organisms on campus represent important connections to biocultural heritage of the Appalachian region. For example, students have performed ethnobotanical analyses of the more than 350 plant species on campus and have found that half of the native species have been used by Indigenous and other cultures in the region for food, medicine, and other purposes.
It is recommended to visit Flag Rock and High Knob in Norton, VA on Sunday due to the High Knob Hellbender 10K on Saturday, October 1.
12:00 p.m. - CAVS Volleyball vs. Coker University, David J. Prior Convocation Center
1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Annual Lelia Maude Richmond Day Pre-Game Tailgate, Carl Smith Stadium
(If you plan to attend this event, please register or email rsvp@uvawise.edu so we can plan to treat you to brunch.)
2:30 p.m. - Campus Tour, Departs from David J. Prior Convocation Center
3:00 p.m. - CAVS Football vs. Lenior-Rhyne University, Carl Smith Stadium*
7:00 p.m. - Enjoy the Town of Wise
October 2, 2022
10:30 a.m. - Family Brunch, Smith Dining Commons*
Other activities:
- Visit the UVA Wise Campus Store located in the Slemp Student Center or the Convocation Store (during the Volleyball game) or the Stadium Store (during the football game)
- Enjoy a game of putt putt at Gap Golf in Big Stone Gap (voucher included)
- Visit the Forbidden Fairgrounds (Wise County Fairgrounds). “Toxic Terror” is this year’s theme, telling the tale of “strange happenings in and around Wise County from infections by toxic waste being dumped deep into our coalmines by nefarious forces.” Spooky horrors as well as family-friendly haunts will be available. The Box Office opens at 7:30 p.m. each night, and the entry fee is $15. Designed by UVA Wise students and community members.
- Participate in #uvawisefamily photo contest: Share pictures of your family with your student at their favorite UVA Wise spot!
*The $50 registration fee for Family Weekend covers the cost of your attendance and experience at this event.