Radford University Undergraduate Catalog for 1999-2000 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INFORMATION Radford University's emphasis on international education can be seen in its curriculum, its student body, and its off-campus programming and outreach. The University's commitment to international awareness and competence is evidenced in its focus on the needs of students from the Commonwealth and the U.S., international students, and the southwest Virginia community in general. The Office of International Student Services, the International Programs Office, and the International Trade Center are primary areas of international activity for Radford University. FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND STAFF International Student Services Office 0001 Stuart Hall (540) 831-5939 The International Student Services (ISS) Offices assists international students with their transition to the Radford University environment. Located on the first floor of Stuart Hall, the ISS Office provides information, services and programs to assist international students with cultural adjustment concerns. Specific services include international student orientation programs in the fall, spring and both summer sessions and annual and special programs. Annual programs are designed to provide international students with the opportunity to share their culture with others and address basic concerns. They include the International Speakers Bureau, International Coffee hours, the International Friendship Program, and Worldfest. The ISS staff understands the special concerns of the university's international student population and encourages students to utilize the office's resources. To make an appointment, students may stop by or call (540) 831-5939. The office is open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. All international students are required to present proof of adequate health insurance coverage. Prior to enrollment, students should contact the ISS office if they have questions or need more information concerning various health insurance policies. International Programs Office 302 International Education Building (540) 831-6200 The International Programs Office is housed in 302 International Education Building -- International Programs Office and its staff includes the Immigration Counselor, Teresa Underwood, as well as the International Tax & Program Budget Manager, Rhonda Mah. Both Underwood and Mah work with internationals before their arrival at Radford University and during their stay to facilitate all immigration and financial issues. The International Programs Office works closely with all offices on campus on matters affecting the international community at Radford University. The immigration counselor is the coordinator of the International Issues Committee which brings together all offices working with international students and faculty. To make an appointment with the Immigration Counselor, Teresa Underwood, please call (540) 831-6200. To make an appointment with Rhonda Mah, the International Tax & Program, Budget Manager, please call (540) 831-7020. INTERNATIONAL ADMISSION Admission To apply to Radford, applicants should fill out the international application for admission form and mail this along with the non-refundable application fee to: Office of Admissions P. O. Box 6903 Radford University Radford, VA 24142, U.S.A. Students may complete applications online at http://www.runet.edu/Admissions/OnlinApp.html Students planning to enter Radford in fall semester must apply by April 15 and have all credentials submitted by June 1. Students entering in spring semester must apply by Oct. 1 and submit all credentials by Oct. 15. For summer school, students must apply and have all credentials completed by March 1. Applicants must take the TOEFL or the SATI (Student Assessment Test I) and have the results mailed directly from the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ, to the Office of Admission. Either a TOEFL score of 520 (paper-based) or 190 (computer-based), a score of 500 plus 135 hours of training at an approved ELI (English Language Institute), or successful completion of a college-level English course at a U.S. institution is required for admission as a degree seeking student. Applicants who receive a minimum verbal score of 480 on the SATI do not have to submit a TOEFL score. If the TOEFL is below 520 (paper-based) or 190 (computer-based), the applicant is required to complete English language training and is encouraged to attend Radford's English Language Institute (ELI). (For more information, see the following ELI catalog section or visit the ELI web site at http://www.runet.edu/~eli-web/) A notarized letter of sponsorship and an original and certified bank statement from a sponsor or parent certifying that the student has enough money for the first year of attendance at Radford is required. See the Fees and Financial Aid section of this catalog for more information about university tuition and fees. Applicants must forward high school or secondary school official records to the Admissions Office. If the applicant has taken any university or college courses, he/she must have each college or university attended send official records to the Office of Admissions. All records must be certified and translated into English. Applicants wishing to receive transfer credit from any university or college outside the United States must submit an official and translated syllabus listing the content of all courses for which credit is sought. Only courses with the equivalent of a U.S. "C" average grade or above will be considered for possible transfer credit. An I-20 Form, used to obtain a FI student visa, will be prepared for the student after the application and all necessary information have been received and the Office of Admissions has made a decision to accept the applicant as a Radford student. The I-20 Form cannot be prepared before the application is officially reviewed and the applicant has been accepted. Applicants who have been out of school for any period of time, other than school breaks, must write a letter telling about activities during the time when they were not in school. This letter of activities should accompany the application form. International students needing application assistance may contact the International Admissions Counselor, Penny Helms White, Associate Director of Admission, 209 Martin Hall, Box 6903, telephone: (540) 831-5371, (800) 890-4265; e-mail: pwhite@runet.edu Language Tutoring Tutors trained in teaching English as a second language are available to help international students through the University's Writing Center . To make an appointment or for more information, call (540) 831-6035. The International Student Affairs Council (ISAC) The International Student Affairs Council (ISAC), a branch of the Student Government Association, addresses international student concerns and issues. ISAC plans and coordinates international related activities and programs for the campus and community to facilitate understanding and appreciation of the rich variety of culture represented by our international student body. ENGLISH LANGUAGE INSTITUTE 302 International Education Building (540) 831-5403 Janet Wagner, Director The English Language Institute (ELI) is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students for noncredit instruction in the English language. English Language Proficiency Requirements The ELI evaluates the English language proficiency of non-native applicants to undergraduate or graduate degree programs and makes recommendations to admission officials. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is the primary evaluation tool. English language proficiency for undergraduate students is demonstrated by: 1) TOEFL 520 (paper-based); 190 (computer-based) or higher; 2) TOEFL 500 (paper-based); 173 (computer-based) plus 135 hours of training at an approved ELI*; 3) possession of a degree from an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction. 4) successful completion of college-level English at a U.S. institution. * Students at Radford University's ELI must achieve a TOEFL 500 (paper-based) and a minimum grade of 80% in their ELI courses or a TOEFL 520 (paper-based). The institutional TOEFL test is administered at the ELI to applicants for admission and ELI students at the beginning and end of each academic session. Noncredit English Courses The ELI offers noncredit English language courses to applicants who are academically qualified for admission to either degree programs or ELI programs. Full-time courses at the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels are offered each academic session. Applicants who have been admitted to undergraduate programs and possess a TOEFL 480 or higher may be allowed to enroll in semi-intensive, half-time English courses combined with two academic courses during the fall and spring semesters. INTERNATIONAL CURRICULUM Study Abroad Radford University, as part of its mission to serve the education needs of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia, is dedicated to strengthening the international and intercultural dimensions of its programs and activities. The University believes that a study experience in a different country is important in fostering awareness of other cultures, deepening one's awareness of one's own culture, and developing future career paths. Consequently the University encourages study abroad and facilitates program planning for those students who wish to earn academic credit for studies accomplished in other countries. Radford has developed several foreign study opportunities which can accommodate the needs and interests of students in virtually any field. A full range of strong academic programs in choice locations throughout the world are available. Exchange agreements and institutional affiliations provide opportunities for study at leading universities in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Radford University sponsors study abroad opportunities in England, France, Costa Rica, and Greece. Course work is supplemented by numerous excursions and cultural and historical experiences complement formal classroom work. With planning, students can usually participate in foreign study programs without delaying their expected graduation dates. Foreign study through any Radford programs qualifies for full university credit. Participating students are eligible to apply for grants and loans through the Radford University Office of Financial Aid. Because special application, registration procedures, and deadlines are required for participation in foreign study programs, interested students are encouraged to contact Jane Wemhoener, Director of International Programs, 302 International Education Building, (540) 831-6200, for additional information. Program size is limited, and early application is recommended. INTERNATIONAL STUDIES MINOR (INST) 103 Young Hall (540) 831-6200 Charles W. McClellan* and Jane A. Wemhoener, Co-chairpersons Committee on International Studies Prahlad Kasturi*, Raiza Kolia, Mary B. LaLone*, Halide Salam*, Philip D. Sweet, Karma Castleberry*, Hsin-Ming Tong* * Graduate Faculty UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM The International Studies Minor has two main purposes. First, it permits a student whose major does not have an international or intercultural focus to gain a broad overview of international issues and, through a final project, to apply that understanding to a topic in his or her major field of study, or to another topic with an international or intercultural emphasis. Second, it allows a student whose major does have an international dimension to broaden and deepen that international understanding with a regional or thematic focus. The student accomplishes these objectives not only through a flexible selection of coursework, but also through direct engagement; experience in the target culture; language learning which emphasized the skills the individual student needs; and a final project which connects international and intercultural understanding with a topic of interest to the student. In additional, through the introductory seminar and the presentation of senior projects to other International Studies Minors, the program seeks to create a community of students with international interests who can support each other in their personal and professional intercultural learning. Minor in International Studies (18 semester hours) The International Studies Minor is administered by the International Programs Office and the Faculty Committee on International Studies (FCIS). In consultation with the Director of International Programs, students tailor their International Studies Minor to focus on a geographical area, an international topic, or a discipline, pursuing the minor under the direction of an appropriate faculty member. Study abroad is an important component of this minor and students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the many overseas opportunities provided by Radford University and other institutions. REQUIREMENTS: INST101 Introduction to International Studies (3 semester hours). In years when this interdisciplinary course is not offered, students may substitute one of the following: ANTH 121 Cultural Anthropology, HIST101 World History to 1650, HIST102 World History After 1650. Experience in the target culture or cultures.These experiences could include:traditional study abroad, an internship, service-learning, home stays, or other pre-approved options Core Requirements (12 semester hours).These courses may have a thematic or regional focus, or may be intended to broaden the student's overall perspective in international studies. Senior Project (3 semester hours) This senior project may be thesis, a work of art or multi-media presentation, a film, a series of articles, etc. Students are required to present their research to a forum of other International Studies minors and community members. Pre-approval required: Student must submit a written proposal to the Director of International Programs one semester in advance of enrollment. Recommended: SPCH 200. Intercultural Communication Foreign Language Study is strongly encouraged, whether as part of an abroad experience or through on-campus instruction. Examples of possible student programs: A History major's individualized program: Title: The Colonization of Africa: Francophone Africa INST 101 (3) School for International Training: Semester in Cameroon: (12) Language Study Sociology of Cameroon Independent Study: Religion and Politics Senior Project: Presentation of Field Research on Religious Ritual and its Political Significance. (3) An Economics major's individualized program: Title: Women and Economics in the Third World INST 101 (3) RU Costa Rica summer program (Spanish) (6) Latin American Cultures (ANTH 451) (3) Gender Roles (SOCY 226) (3) Women and Economics Development (SOCY 436) (3) Senior Project: Written thesis and presentation on Women and Economics in the Third World: A Latin American Perspective (3) Course Descriptions and Study Abroad Opportunities for International Studies follow. INTERNATIONAL STUDIES INST 101. Introduction to International Studies. Three hour lecture (3) An introductory survey of international issues, emphasizing the cross-disciplinary nature of International Studies. INST 488. International Studies: Senior Project (3) Three hour research. Prerequisites: Senior standing and approval of the project by the Committee on International Studies. Students research and present a senior project appropriate to their particular area of concentration, supervised by a faculty adviser. Student must earn a grade of "A" or "B" to graduate with the minor. INST 489. Seminar in International Studies (3) Three hour seminar. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and, for non-minors, approval by the course coordinator. Students concentrate on an area of international studies which varies each semester depending upon the individual instructors. Course is cross-disciplinary and team-taught. INST 489A. International Study Abroad Program: International Communications (Salzburg, Austria). (3-18) Format of course varies. Prerequisites: Consult Director of International Programs. Open to all majors. Courses taken in this program must be taken for letter grades, and will affect student GPA's unless prohibited by their RU program requirements. INST 489B. International Study Abroad Program: London (England). (3-18) Format of course varies. Prerequisites: Consult Director of International Programs. Available summer only. Open to all majors. Courses taken in this program must be taken for letter grades, and will be used in calculating student's GPA unless prohibited by their RU program requirements. INST 489C. International Study Abroad Program: Middlesex University (England). (3-18) Format of course varies. Prerequisites: consult Director of International Programs or Program Director. Available each Fall Semester only. Open to all majors. Credits taken in this program are not used in calculating GPA at Radford University, but all courses must be taken for letter grades.* Faculty Director: C. Hayes INST 489D. International Study Abroad Program: Kansai Gaidai (Japan) (3-18) Format of course varies. Prerequisites: consult Director of International Programs. Open to all majors. Generally a fall semester option. Credits taken in this program are not used in calculating GPA at Radford University, but all courses must be taken for letter grades.* INST 489G. International Study Abroad Program: Spain (3-18) Language instruction. Prerequisites: Consult Director of International Programs or Spanish faculty. INST 489H. International Study Abroad Program: Greece (3-18) Format of course varies. Prerequisites: Consult Director of International Programs. Courses taken in this program will just be taken for letter grades, and will be used in calculating student's GPA unless prohibited by their RU program requirements. INST 489I. International Study Abroad Program: France (3-18) Language instruction. Prerequisites: Consult Director of International Programs or French faculty. Faculty Director: E. DuPlessis INST 489Z. International Study Abroad Program: Non RU Programs (Variable) Format of courses vary. Prerequisites: Pre-approval required. Consult Director of International Programs for information and resources. Course grades are not used in calculating student's GPA at Radford University. *Letter grades for these courses will be translated as Pass or Fail on the Radford University transcript. A "Pass" will not affect a student's GPA but a "Fail" will affect the GPA. A letter grade of "D" will translate as a "Fail." INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH International Trade Center International Trade Building (540) 831-6734 Director: Victoria Peterson Part of the Business Assistance Center of Radford University's College of Business and Economics, The International Trade Center of western Virginia is committed to improving the economic vitality of the region by assisting small- and medium-sized businesses to broaden their activities to an international level. This assistance is available through counseling services; access to international trade databases and international trade library; and through the following programs and activities: International Trade Certificate Program International Workshops and Seminars Small- and medium-sized business mentoring programs Training programs for U.S. and International executives

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