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Lost and Found

Looking for an Item?

Student Engagement and Campus Life (SECL) at Squires Student Center is one of the main hubs on campus where lost items are brought to help people retrieve their lost items across campus. We get items every day from the Hokie community members who are looking out for their fellow Hokie!

SECL utilizes the web app Pixit to manage our large lost and found inventory. The Pixit database is a live, searchable site showing our full inventory of lost items that lets you file a claim at any time and can be done from any device. You can come to the Squires Information Desk, or even the Information Desk as Johnston Student Center or the Graduate Life Center, anytime the building is open and our student staff there can help you in person too!

If needed, be sure to check with Newman Library or Athletic Gameday Operations if you believe the item was lost in/around those areas first. More information is on Pixit!

How to Find & Claim Lost Items

  1. Search & Claim Online: Search the Pixit database for your item. Utilize the “categories” button on the left side of the screen to help refine your search. If you think you found your item, click "Claim Item" below the image and complete the claim form with as much detail as you can give. If you do not see your item, submit a general claim using the “File A Claim”.
  2. Wait for Verification: A SECL Operations staff member will review your claim within 1 – 2 business days. Your claim will be rejected if insufficient information is submitted to show the item belongs to you.
  3. Pick Up Your Item: Once matched, collect your item at the Squires Information Desk. If you are out of town, you need to contact us over the phone to discuss the next steps.

Important Rules

  • ID Required: You may be asked to present a photo ID matching your claim form information to pick up items, so be prepared.
  • High Value Items (IDs, wallets, cash, credit cards, passports): These items are only available for pick up Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM from a SECL Operations Professional Staff member.
  • No In-Person Browsing: Physical inventory cannot be searched in person; you must either submit a claim online or provide a full description/answer questions about the item successfully to show it belongs to you.

Lost and Found Information for Departments

The Squires Information Desk will accept lost and found items from other areas/buildings on campus only if the following is met:

  • The item was found within the last 14 days.
  • The department turns in 5 or fewer items per 7-day period.
  • Use a Lost and Found Inventory List to fully log the items being given to SECL Lost and Found.
  • Items must be dropped off/delivered Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and all verified with a SECL Operations Staff before leaving the desk.

If a department has more than 5 items per week/at one time, or brings items found over 14 days ago, they must manage them internally. SECL suggests working directly with the Virginia Tech Surplus Property Office to surplus them. SECL reserves the right to refuse items if the department does not meet the expectations given.

Departments must drop items off in person or send them via campus mail (campus mail is only allowed if the item has no personally identifiable information like IDs, wallets, or credit cards). SECL does not pick up items from departments/buildings.

Departments with questions regarding lost and found should reach out directly to the Squires Information Desk at 540-231-6906.

Items not accepted by Lost and Found

  • Prescription/over the counter medication.
  • Perishable items, food items, and items related to perishables (used plates, cups, pans, etc.)
  • Water bottles or any drink containers.
  • Toiletries or powders.
  • Wet or soiled items.
  • Alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes, etc. of any kind.
  • Anything received that could cause potential harm or health risk to SECL employees or property
  • Weapons of any kind will be sent to the Virginia Tech Police Department.
  • E-scooters/Bicycles will be sent to the Virginia Tech Police Department.

If you want to see our full Standard Operating Procedures for our Lost and Found, please refer to the pdf below:

SECL Lost and Found Policy
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