It can. What happens in the Montgomery County courthouse and what happens on campus are two separate processes, and resolving one does not automatically resolve the other. Virginia Tech addresses alcohol violations through its student conduct system under the policies in the Hokie Handbook, and the university can open a conduct case based on an off campus charge, especially for incidents downtown or in the neighborhoods around campus.
University sanctions have their own range, from alcohol education classes and probation up to suspension in serious or repeat cases. Radford University runs a similar process. The standards of proof are lower than in criminal court, the timelines are faster, and things you say in one proceeding can surface in the other. That last point is important. A written statement you give the university can be used against you, so it is wise to get advice before you respond to a conduct notice.
Handled well, the two tracks can actually help each other. Completing alcohol education, community service, or counseling can support a favorable outcome both in court and on campus. Handled poorly, an offhand admission in a campus hearing can undercut a strong defense in court.
Joel is one of the few lawyers in the area who handles both sides of this situation. He defends the criminal charge in court and also provides student conduct representation for Virginia Tech and Radford students. If you are facing an alcohol charge and a conduct referral, call Joel at 540-961-5297 before you respond to either one. You can read more about Minor in Possession charges in Blacksburg on his site.