College Student Inventory Recommendations

The College Student Inventory (CSI) is an instrument developed by Ruffalo Noel Levitz.  It is designed to identify the leading non-cognitive indicators of student success.  Freshmen are administered the CSI at Quest or prior to the opening of the fall semester.  Through the 100-item survey, they self-report their academic motivation, coping skills, and receptivity to assistance.  In their UNIV 100 classes, they learn about the CSI and receive their personalized CSI reports, which include both information about where they rank nationally on 16 dimensions (e.g., study habits, sense of financial security, receptivity to academic assistance) and recommendations to help them succeed. 

UNIV 100 instructors use the CSI to design interventions for students who are especially at risk.  However, all UNIV 100 students receive an assignment to reflect upon their CSI and use it to develop a plan for improvement.  The information below is posted on the “Student Resources” tab on this website.  It provides them with an out-of-class resource directing them to offices at Radford University offering assistance as they address the concerns identified through the CSI.

If you have any questions about the CSI or the way it is being utilized to help students find success, please contact Brianna Ruggles, Assistant Director of New Student Programs, at bruggles@radford.edu or (540) 831-5923.

Academic Concerns

Get help with exam skills.
Get help with study habits.
Get help with writing skills.
Get help with basic math skills.
Get tutoring in selected areas.
Get help with reading skills.

Making a good academic transition to college is frequently challenging, even for the best of high school students.  At Radford University, there are numerous resources you can access if you have concerns about your ability to earn good grades.  Your individual faculty want you to succeed, and they can provide course-specific tips about note-taking and studying for tests.  The Learning Assistance and Resource Center (LARC), at (540) 831-7704, offers tutoring in a wide variety of disciplines, with particular strengths in tutoring in math and the sciences and with critiquing written work. 

Career Concerns

Discuss the qualifications for occupations.
Get help in selecting an academic program.
Discuss job market for college graduates.
Get help in selecting an occupation.
Discuss advantages/disadvantages of occupations.

Get help in finding a part-time job.If you seem to be without academic direction, talk to your academic advisor; if you don’t know which career might be a good one for you to pursue, make an appointment with the Career Center at (540) 831-5373.

 

Emotional Concerns

Discuss attitude toward school with counselor.
Discuss any unwanted habit with counselor.
Discuss personal relationships and social life with counselor.
Discuss any family problems with counselor.
Discuss any emotional tensions with counselor.
Discuss any unhappy feelings with counselor.

Even as they are coping with a more rigorous academic environment, new freshmen are also adjusting to a living situation that may be very different from the one they left at home.  They are also dealing with many new pressures and experiences: making friends, maintaining long-distance relationships (and sometimes managing breakups), understanding those of different backgrounds and cultures, getting involved in the life of the campus, coping with financial stress, etc.  Do not let these issues and others like them get in the way of your success!  If you live in a residence hall, speak with your RA or RD.  Student Counseling Services (540-831-5226) can also help you reduce stress; if you have a documented disability, don’t hesitate to contact the Center for Accessibility Services at 540-831-6350. 

Social Concerns

Get help in meeting new friends.
Get information about student activities.
Get advice from an experienced student.
Get information about clubs and social organizations.

Adjusting to college life can be much easier with friends! There are many opportunities at Radford University to get involved, meet new people, and often make a difference in the community. Resolve to get involved in at least one of over 250 RU clubs and organizations.  You need to have a life outside of the classroom.  It will make your RU experience much richer!

Financial Concerns      

Get help in obtaining a loan.
Get help in obtaining a scholarship.
Get help in finding a summer job.

If you are experiencing hardship due to financial concerns, contact the Financial Aid office for suggestions.  There are many campus employment opportunities at Radford University that can provide you with experience and income while making your academic schedule a priority.