Radford University
Graduate Catalog
for 1999-2000
Fees and Financial Aid
Graduate Student Expenses 1999-2000
12-18 hrs. per sem.
In-state student Tuition & Fees
Per Semester $1,848
Per Year $3,696
Out-of-state student
Tuition & Fees
Per Semester $3,630
Per Year $7,260
1-11 hrs. per sem.
In-state student
Tuition & Fees $154/credit hr.
Out-of-state student
Tuition & Fees $303/credit hr.
*A student taking more than 18 credit hours per semester will be charged for the additional hours at the credit-hours rate for part-time students.
Expenses (1999-2000)
Typical Budget for an In-state Graduate Student Per Year
Tuition & Fees, Room & Board Allowance $8,466
Books & Supplies $650
Personal Expenses $1,400
Transportation $600
Total Budget for Academic Year $11,116
Typical Budget for an Out-of-state Graduate Student Per Year
Tuition & Fees, Room & Board Allowance $12,030
Books & Supplies $650
Personal Expenses $1,400
Transportation $800
Total Budget for Academic Year $14,880
Optional Meal Plans for Students Living Off Campus**
Any 5 Meals Per Week
$418 Per Semester
$836 Per Year
Any 7 Meals Per Week
$552 Per Semester
$1,104 Per Year
Any 12 Meals Per Week
$1,008 Per Semester
$2,016 Per Year
Any 15 Meals Per Week
$1,052 Per Semester
$2,104 Per Year
Any 20 Meals Per Week - Full
$1,078 Per Semester
$2,156 Per Year
RU Flex Plan
$1,025 Per Semester
$2,050 Per Year
Any 90 Meals
$388 Per Semester
$776 Per Year
Any 65 Meals
$280 Per Semester
$560 Per Year
**Bonus Dollars are associated with the 5, 7, 12, 15 and 20 meal plans. For information, call the Campus Card Office at 831-5054.
Every effort is made not to change fees after they have been published; however, if this should become necessary, public notice will be given prior to the semester in which the increase goes into effect.
Virginia Educators Reduced Tuition Rate
Full-time Virginia educators (K-12) can qualify to pay a reduced tuition rate for Radford University courses offered on and off campus. Educators (teachers, administrators, supervisors, etc.) can be enrolled for a graduate degree, additional endorsements or for re-licensure. Radford University has implemented this policy as recognition of the importance for Virginia educators to enhance their professional knowledge and skills. The reduced rate for 1999-2000 is $131 per semester hour.
The following eligibility guidelines apply:
1. Kindergarten through grade 12 public and private school teachers, counselors, administrators, supervisors, librarians, and coaches. A baccalaureate degree is required. Admission to the Radford University Graduate College as a matriculated or non-degree student is required.
2. Eligible personnel must be full-time contractual employees of a public school division or private school within the Commonwealth of Virginia.
3. Individuals on official leave from their assignments are eligible for reduced tuition.
4. There is no restriction on the number of hours that can be taken.
5. Courses for which educators request reduced tuition must be for professional development, not for planned career changes outside of education.
For more information or to receive application forms, please call the Graduate College at (540) 831-5431.
In-State Tuition Eligibility
All students who wish to apply for in-state tuition rates must submit the appropriate application form prior to the first day of classes for the term they are seeking in-state status. The form is available in the Graduate College office. Copies of Section 23-7.4 of the Code of Virginia, the law governing eligibility for in-state tuition, are available in the Reserved section of McConnell Library. Additional information is available from the Graduate College office. It is the responsibility of the student to apply for a change in domiciliary status.
Overload Fee
An overload fee will be charged for each additional hour over the full-time academic load. Afull-class load at Radford, for purposes of tuition payment, is no more than 18 hours per semester.The overload fee is based on the semester-hour charges for part-time students.
Application Fee
A nonrefundable application fee of $25 must accompany each application to the Graduate College. The application fee for non-degree and transient students is $10. All application fees must be paid in U.S. currency.
Summer Session Fees
The cost for summer sessions will be based on the semester-hour charges for part-time students. Room and board will be available.
Commencement Costs
All students participating in the hooding and commencement exercises must wear appropriate academic regalia, which is available through the campus bookstore. The charge for a cap, gown and hood is approximately $33.
Parking Fee
Students may park motor vehicles and motorcycles in university parking lots if they have obtained a parking decal from the Parking Services Office located inWalker Hall.The cost of a parking decal for one academic year is $50. The registration of a vehicle does not assure the registrant of a parking space. Overflow parking is available for all students at the Dedmon Center.Time-limited parking (two-four hours) is permitted on city streets adjacent to the campus. Detailed information regarding parking and traffic regulations may be obtained at the Parking Services Office in Walker Hall or at the University Police Department in Russell Hall.
Thesis Binding Fee
Students may request the library to bind personal copies of theses at a charge of $9 per copy. Fees are not collected for the two copies submitted to the Graduate College.
Applied Music Fee
An applied music instruction fee is charged at the rate of $250 per semester for two credits or $130 per semester for one credit. Applied music fees may be waived with the approval of the dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts for students majoring in music, dance or theatre, and students registered in Department of Music ensembles who are studying a performance medium relevant to their major or the ensemble participation.
Residential Student Agreement
When new applicants have been notified by the Graduate College that they have been accepted for admission and plan to be residential students, they must sign a residential student agreement and pay a $200 room deposit fee. The deposit is credited toward charges for room and board for the fall semester and is not an extra charge. It will be refunded upon request before May 1. After May 1, the deposit is forfeited.
Currently enrolled students who expect to return to Radford University as residence hall students for the next fall semester are required to sign a residential student agreement and pay a $200 deposit according to procedures published during the spring semester. The deposit is credited toward charges for room and board for the fall semester and is not an extra charge. The residential student agreement and the Radford University Student Handbook outline procedures for partial refund of the room deposit fee for returning students.
Responsibility for Payment of Tuition and Fees
Payment of tuition, fees and other charges owed to Radford University is the responsibility of the student. Billing statements will be mailed to the student at the permanent address on file with the university. If a student wishes to designate a billing address he/she may do so with the Registrar's Office.
Failure to pay tuition, fees, and other charges owed to Radford University could result in administrative withdrawal from the university. The Code of Virginia allows the university to recover all reasonable administrative costs, late fees, collection fees, and attorney's fees incurred in the collection of funds which are due Radford University. The university reports past due accounts to a credit reporting bureau.
Tuition Payment Plans
Highlander Choice Monthly Payment Plan: In a continuing effort to assist with the payment of educational expenses, Radford University offers the Highlander Choice Monthly Payment Plan as an alternative to standard payment arrangements.
If you would like further information concerning the plans available:
- Call the Highlander Choice customers' service number at (540) 831-6698;
- E-mail stuacct@runet.edu;
- Write Highlander Choice c/o Student Accounts, Box 6922, Radford, VA 24142.
- Highlander Choice is also available on-line at: http://www.runet.edu/~stuacct/
then follow the link into the Highlander Choice home page.
Unpaid Fees or Fines
The university will hold transcripts and block registration for future semesters for students who fail to pay fees, fines or damages. Collection agencies also may be used by the university to collect unpaid fees or fines.
Refund of Charges
A student who officially withdraws from the university by the census date will be refunded all tuition and fees less a $100 administrative fee; all campus housing charges less a $200 administrative fee; and a pro rata board fee. After the census date, refunds will be made only for a weekly pro rata share of the board fee. Refunds for students with Title IV Federal aid (Federal Stafford, Federal Work Study, Federal Perkins, Federal Plus) who withdraw from school will be calculated in compliance with federal regulations. A student must withdraw from the university prior to the first day of classes in order to receive a full refund.
Exceptions to the withdrawal procedures may be granted upon recommendation of the Center for Counseling and Student Development in cases of documented medical or other non-academic reasons.
It is university policy to hold the enrolled student liable for charges incurred; therefore, refund checks will be issued in the name of the student.
New applicants who decide not to enroll as boarding students can receive a refund of the $200 room deposit fee upon request before May 1. After that date, the deposit is forfeited.
Banking Facilities
Three banks are located near the Radford University campus: Crestar Bank, Wachovia Bank and First Virginia Bank - Southwest. In addition, the city is served by First National Bank of Christiansburg, Blue Ridge Bank, First American Federal Savings Bank and NationsBank. Crestar Bank, Wachovia Bank and First National Bank of Christiansburg operate automatic teller machines on campus.
Student Check Writing Policies and Procedures
Checks presented by Radford University students are accepted/cashed by the university subject to the following limitations and policies:
- The university accepts checks for tuition/fees, room and board, the exact amount of goods or services or to pay fines owed to the university. The Post Office accepts checks and RU Express for the amount of postage.
- The university bookstore will cash checks between $5 and $25. A service charge of 50 cents will be assessed for each check cashed.
- Checks written directly to a student by the Commonwealth of Virginia or by Radford University may be cashed at the bank indicated on the check or at a bank where the student has an account.
- A student who knowingly writes a check with insufficient funds in his or her checking account may be charged with an honor code violation and may be prosecuted under the criminal law of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
- If a student writes two "bad" checks to the university in an academic year, the student's check-cashing privileges at all university facilities may be suspended for one full year.
- If a check written for tuition/fees or room/board is returned from the bank due to insufficient funds, future tuition/fee or room and board payments may be required to be made with cash, money order, certified check or cashier's check and the student may be administratively withdrawn from the university. In addition, the student will be assessed a service charge of $20.
- A $20 service charge will be applied to all other checks returned from the bank for any reason.
Student Financial Aid
Helping qualified students who would be unable to attend the university because of a lack of funds is the aim of Radford's financial aid program. During the 1998-99 academic year, Radford provided some form of aid for approximately 71 percent of its students. Funds for education must first be the responsibility of the student. The difference between the student contribution and the cost of attending the university determines the financial need of the student.
The criteria used for selecting student aid recipients involve both the computed need and the academic grade standing of the individual student. Top consideration for awarding financial aid dollars will be given to those who demonstrate the greatest need and who apply by the deadline.
After a student has been admitted to Radford and has demonstrated financial need, the university tries to meet that need by offering a financial aid package which may consist of a scholarship grant, loan and/or on-campus job.
A number of graduate assistantships are available to graduate students.
In addition to awards based on demonstrated financial need, scholarships based on leadership, character and academic achievements are offered at Radford. Sources of financial aid include loans and grants from the federal and state governments, as well as a number of private funds established through the Radford University Foundation. Students can find more information about programs by visiting the RU Financial Aid Web Site at: http://www.runet.edu/~finaid
Applying for Financial Aid
To determine need in a consistent way for aid applicants, Radford suggests that students seeking financial aid submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1. Forms and further information about the needs analysis system may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office. The financial statement for renewal students also should be filed by February 1.
Radford awards financial aid separately for the academic year and the summer terms. Students who plan to be enrolled during the summer must submit the Summer Student Financial Aid Application. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, however, needs to be completed only once annually and is effective for both the academic year and the following summer sessions.
Students can find out the status of their application, documents that are missing from their application, and awards that have been offered to them by using the Radford University Voice Response System (ACCESS). The ACCESS number is (540) 831-6550. A Financial Aid ACCESS brochure is available in the Financial Aid Office or students may follow the instructions as they are using the ACCESS system. The ACCESS system is generally available from 8 a.m.-midnight, seven days a week.
Disbursement of Financial Aid
All types of financial aid are credited to the student's account at the beginning of each term with the exception of graduate assistantships, work study and some loans.
These financial aid funds first must be used to pay the required university charges outstanding at that time. Except in rare cases, all awards will be disbursed equally over the course of the two academic semesters. Financial assistance awarded for the summer terms will be divided equally between the terms.
Radford University began participating in Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) of Federal Family Education Loan funds (Stafford and Unsubsidized Stafford) during the spring semester of 1995. This option of disbursing loan proceeds was an additional service that the university was able to offer its students. Stafford borrowers will again be able to participate in the EFT process for the 2000-2001 academic year. Financial aid applicants will receive information with their award package regarding this service.
Satisfactory Progress
Financial aid awards are conditional on students maintaining satisfactory progress in their course of study according to the academic standards of Radford University. Satisfactory progress for financial aid purposes parallels the grade point average (GPA) necessary to avoid probation. For additional information, refer to the academic probation and suspension information in the Academic Policies section of the catalog.
The academic progress of students who fail to meet the minimum standards will be reviewed each semester of the school year. At that time, financial assistance may be awarded, if available, to those students who improve satisfactorily.
Length of Financial Aid Eligibility
Establishing a maximum length of financial aid eligibility is necessary in providing equal and consistent treatment to all eligible students. A graduate student will be allowed a total of four semesters of financial assistance at Radford University. Exceptions to this policy will be made on an individual basis.
A student who wishes to appeal the denial of financial aid due to unsatisfactory academic progress must first have his or her case reviewed by the Director or Associate Director of Financial Aid. Appeal forms are available from the Financial Aid Office in Martin Hall. If the student is not satisfied with the decision, a further appeal may be made to the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Rights and Responsibilities of Student Recipients
As a recipient of state or federal aid, each student has certain rights and responsibilities. Knowing what they are will place the student in a better position to make decisions about educational goals and how they best can be achieved. If at any time there are questions about financial aid, students should come to the Financial Aid Office where there is additional information available concerning their legal rights and responsibilities.
The student has a right to know:
- the cost of attending Radford University for an academic year, including tuition and fees and estimated costs of personal expenses, books and transportation;
- the due dates for mandatory fees and the payment procedures for those receiving financial assistance;
- the deadline for submitting applications;
- how the financial need was determined;
- how much of the estimated financial need has been met;
- the types of financial aid offered by Radford University and the terms of those types of aid which were received;
- how satisfactory academic progress is measured; and
- the university refund policy for students who withdraw.
The student is responsible for:
- submitting honest and accurate information concerning enrollment and family financial circumstance. Full-time status is assumed (9 semester hours) unless indicated otherwise;
- adhering to all agreements signed in the course of applying for and receiving financial assistance;
- reporting a change to less than full-time enrollment during the award period;
- promptly reporting to the Financial Aid Office the receipt of scholarships, grants or loans awarded by organizations or agencies other than Radford University;
- becoming familiar with the deadlines for application, the terms of your financial aid received and refund policies for students who withdraw;
- signing a statement of educational purpose/registration compliance stating that student assistance will be used solely for expenses related to attendance at Radford University;
- repayment of any over-awarded grant, scholarship or loan monies;
- knowing the loan, repayment responsibilities and abiding by the terms of the promissory note, and
- performing any student employment in a satisfactory manner. An unsatisfactory performance may result in removal from the work program; and
- reporting a change in dependency and/or marital status.
Loans
Federal Perkins Loan
The Perkins Loan is funded by the federal government but is administered directly by Radford University. Graduate students may borrow a total of $30,000 which includes any amount borrowed under NDSL or Perkins for undergraduate study. Students begin paying back these loans nine months after they either complete their education or leave school. No interest is charged until repayment begins, and then a five percent charge is applied to the unpaid balance.
Federal Stafford Student Loan
TThe Federal Stafford Loan enables graduate students to borrow as much as $65,000 in subsidized Stafford not to exceed $138,500 in both subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford cumulative for both undergraduate and graduate work. Graduate students may borrow up to $8,500 per year subsidized Stafford with a maximum of $18,500 in subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loan. All students will be required to pay a three percent one-time origination fee and may be required to pay a one percent guarantee fee as required by the specific state guarantee agency for each loan.The interest rate for new borrowers is variable with a 8.25% cap. The interest rate for Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans is subsidized by the federal government until six months after the student guarantees or leaves school, when repayment begins.For Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans, the borrower makes interest payments or capitalizes interest.
Information on these loans is available from State Guarantee Agencies, local banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions and other lending institutions, and at the Office of Financial Aid. Federal Stafford Loans require a family or student to establish financial need for Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans. Those students not eligible for Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans or partial Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans will be eligible for Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans. Therefore, all students applying for Federal Stafford Loans must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, to establish eligibility. Included in the student's Financial Aid Notification Award Letter, if eligible, the student will receive the loan application. Please note that Out-of-State Federal Stafford Loans, as well as loans guaranteed by any other agency must follow procedures as outlined in this publication. Federal Stafford Loan checks are made copayable to both Radford University and the student. Some lenders deliver Federal Stafford funds electronically. Students will be notified regarding fund delivery. Generally, half of the proceeds of the loan will be available in the fall and the remaining amount available in January for the payment of Spring Semester fees.
Radford University Graduate Grant (RUGG)
This program is a graduate grant program established for the first time in the 1995-96 academic year. Awards average $1,500 per academic year. Priority is given to those students with the highest need and must apply by March 1. Students may receive other aid in addition to the Radford University Graduate Grant, if eligible, with the exception of other grant/scholarship recipients. Applicants for this program must submit the FAFSA by the March 1 deadline.
Work Programs
Federal Work-Study Program
This is a federal program that provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A student is assigned to work a specified number of hours per week in a campus location.
The Financial Aid Office will notify all work recipients of their positions approximately one month prior to the start of the academic semester during which they are to work. Students are paid once each month for the preceding pay period.
Residence Hall Assistantships
The Resident Director (R.D.) position is a graduate assistantship with a two year commitment. The R.D. is responsible for the total operation of a residence hall housing 130-375 students. Qualifications for the position include effective interpersonal and communication skills, a strong commitment to working with a diverse student population, and relevant experience. Compensation includes tuition and fees, furnished one bedroom apartment (can accommodate R.D.'s who are single or married), full meal plan, and a monthly stipend for nine months. Additional information and application materials are available through the Office of Residential Life, or at http:www.runet.edu/~stuafair/reslife/
Graduate Assistants
* Graduate Teaching Fellow (GTF): A first -or second-year Graduate Assistant who will teach one or two classes during the semester. There are two classifications of GTF's: (1) those who are the primary instructor as well as the official professor of record and (2) those who are the primary instructor but are not listed as the official professor of record. Graduate Teaching Fellows may teach no more than two freshmen or sophomore courses in any one semester. GTF's may not teach upper division or graduate courses.
1. GTF's as professor of record. This category will be very limited with assignments given only in circumstances where (1) there is a compelling reason for needing the GTF as the professor of record, (2) the student assigned must have successfully completed a minimum of 18 hours of graduate coursework in the field to be taught, and (3) the student can teach without direct mentoring or supervision. GTF's teaching as the professor of record will be considered as full-time students and must take six or more credit hours of graduate coursework. Pay will be $12 an hour working for 10 hours per week (one course @ $1,860/$3,720 per semester/year) or 20 hours per week (two courses @ $3,720/$7,440 per semester/year).
2. GTF's not professor of record. A detailed mentoring plan and supervision schedule must be provided for each GTF position. Each semester, all GTF's must have a student evaluation for each course taught as well as a post-course evaluation by the supervisor/mentor. GTF's teaching will be considered as full-time students and must take six or more credit hours of graduate coursework. Pay will be $11 an hour, working for 10 hours per week (one course @ $1,705/$3,410 per semester/year) or 20 hours per week (two courses @ $3,410/$6,820 per semester/year).
* Graduate Teaching/Research/Administrative Assistant (GTA/GRA/GAA):
(1) A student who will be assigned to one or more faculty to assist in developing classroom materials, grade papers, work on syllabi, and assist in the classroom but will have no significant teaching responsibility; (2) a student who will be assigned to one or more professors or to a department to assist in scholarly research; or (3) a student who will be assigned administrative tasks within a department or administrative office. Each semester all GTA/RA/AA's must have a performance evaluation by his or her supervisor. All GTA/RA/AA's will be expected to take a minimum of nine credit hours of graduate coursework. Pay will be $10 an hour working for 10 hours per week ($1,550/$3,100 per semester/year) or 20 hours a week ($3,100/$6,200 per semester/year).
* Graduate Office Assistant: This assistantship provides a student with work or employment opportunities and is funded from Commonwealth Funds for "Student Financial Assistance for Higher Education." Allocations made directly from this fund may not be awarded to international students. Pay will be $10 an hour working for 10 hours per week ($1,550/$3,100 per semester/year) or 20 hours a week ($3,100/$6,200 per semester/year).
Academic Support Assistants
A limited number of graduate learning skills assistantships are available to graduate students in the fields of psychology and human services. Information and applications for these positions are available from the Center for Counseling and Student Development, Box 6902, Radford University, Radford, VA 24142.
Senior Citizens Higher Education Act of 1974
The Commonwealth of Virginia allows senior citizens who meet certain requirements to take courses at state colleges or universities free of charge.
To be eligible, persons must have reached 60 years of age before the beginning of the semester in which they wish to enroll and must have had legal domicile in Virginia for one year prior to the semester in which they plan to enroll.
Senior citizens may register for and enroll in courses as full-time or part-time students for academic credit if their federal taxable income does not exceed $10,000 for the year preceding the year in which enrollment is sought. Senior citizens may register for and audit courses for academic credit regardless of their federal taxable income. In all cases, senior citizens are entitled to register for courses only after all tuition-paying students have been accommodated. Applications are available in the Graduate College.
Virginia War/Public Service Orphans Education Program
Section 23-7.1, Code of Virginia, provides for tuition-free educational benefits at any state-supported college or university for children of permanently and totally disabled veterans or for children orphaned by an act of war. Both tuition and fees are covered by this program.
Eligibility is determined by the Director of the Division of War Veterans' Claims upon submission of an application. To be eligible for assistance, the applicant's parent must have been a resident of Virginia upon entry into the service; the applicant's parent must have been a resident of Virginia for at least 10 consecutive years prior to the date of the application; the applicant must be between 16-25 years of age; and the applicant must verify admission to a state college or university. Eligible applicants are entitled to a maximum of 48 months of tuition assistance and must be progressing toward a clearly defined educational objective.
In addition, an amendment to Section 23-7.1 now allows for tuition-free educational benefits for orphans and spouses of certain law enforcement officers, correctional and jail personnel, sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, firefighters, members of rescue squads, and alcoholic beverage control agents who have been killed in the line of duty while serving or living in the Commonwealth.
Eligibility for this benefit is determined by the chief administrative officer of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, emergency medical services agency, law enforcement agency, Superintendent of the State Police or other appropriate agency.
Returning students need to submit a letter to the Veterans Administration Office in Roanoke. If first time enrollment, FAD or the VA Office in Roanoke has applications.
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