Frequently Asked Questions

When do I declare a major?

If you are very interested and excited about a specific field then we would encourage you to start exploring your major. However, we are advocates of being a Pre-major student during your first semester. Get a few general education classes under your belt and explore your options, Radford provides many opportunities for new experiences and ideas, therefore you may find yourself attracted to something different than you first thought.

Who advises us at orientation? Do I have an advisor during the year?

During Orientation you will be advised by a Faculty Assistant (FA) and your Orientation Assistant (OA). During the advising session you will learn everything you need to know about what classes to take when, and set up a list of classes for this semester before you go to register. During the year, you will have an advisor! (An advisor is similar to a guidance counselor.) Your advisor will help you stay on track for your major and make sure you are taken a well-rounded achievable course load.

How do I find out who my advisor is?

Call the office of you major! They will help you get set up with your advisor and you can make an appointment from there. Please see list of Numbers to Know Around RU to find the right College to contact (located on page 49)

Can I switch majors?

Absolutely! On average, students change their major four times while in college. We highly encourage you to try new things and find the right fit for you.

How many credits are needed for each major?

It depends, major to major but overall about 110 credit hours (or 55 classes). That number includes general education, major and degree requirements, as well as electives. This will be specified in the advising meeting with your group, don't worry the average course load is about 15 credit hours, and you'll be fine to get it all done as long as you stay focused and work hard!

What is Gen Ed and why do I have to take them?

General Education is a wide range of courses designed to give you a strong foundation of over-all education. Fortunately, it is a requirement at Radford to have these classes which provides a strong liberal arts groundwork and allows every student to broaden their understanding of different subjects.

How are there "colleges" in a College?

At Radford University there are six "colleges" within a college. These different colleges allow students to more specifically indulge into their choice of study. It also provides an Academic Advising Center applicable to the classes the student in that college needs to take.

Are there tutors on campus?

On campus we have a tutoring program called the Learning Assistance Resource Center (LARC) (located downstairs in Walker Hall). Student can set up weekly appointments, ask questions online, or come in for a single scheduled appointment. The tutors are Radford students that have already taken these classes with the same professors. They are hired following a competitive interview process, highly trained, and motivated to help you! Also, in the science labs Graduate Assistance (GAÕs) can help you from the resource room (located on the first floor in Reed/Currie Hall). If you need help naming rocks in Geology, show them your ID card and they will hand you a box of rocks along with their expertise and assistance.

Is college a lot harder than high school?

As you will hear over and over again, College is what you, the student make it. There is so much more free time then in high school, but it is up to you to decide what to do with it. Although more is expected of you in college, I would not necessarily say that it is a lot harder.

Is the faculty/staff nice?

Although some of your classes may have around 100 students in them, you will quickly find that the teachers and staff are always willing to help you in any way they can. Professors will have office hours where they will be available to meet with, as well as email and phone connections.

Are the professors understanding?

Professors at RU are more than willing to go the extra mile, as long as you the student are willing to do the same. Prof.s will make exceptions to rules if you show that you have a valid reason for whatever you are doing. It is also your job to seek any help and assistance, not the faculty's.

Are the classes hard?

The key to all classes at this level of education is to GO TO CLASS. Even though some may be early, or very long, there is no way to make your life easier then to attend. Some teachers will not have attendance policies, but by going anyway you get the information firsthand.

Will we always have professors?

No, not all of the time. Some classes, mainly the lover level ones, are sometimes taught by a graduate assistant. This instructor is a graduate student still attending the university. Don't think that these courses will be any easier though!