Frequently Asked Questions
Academics
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 core classes under your belt and explore your options! Radford University provides many opportunities for new experiences and ideas, so 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 Quest Assistant (QA). During your advising session your QA will tell you about your major, help you pick out a list of classes for the fall, and then assist you in registration. 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 taking a well-rounded achievable course load.
Where do I find the undergraduate catalog?
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 120 credit hours (or 40 classes). That number includes our new CORE classes, major and degree requirements, as well as electives. This will be specified in the advising meeting with your group. Try not to worry about the average course load being 15 credit hours. You’ll be fine completing your major as long as you stay focused and work hard!
How are there "colleges" in a College?
At Radford University there are six "colleges" within the university. These different colleges allow students to indulge more specifically 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). Students 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!
Teachers/Faculty/Classes
Is college a lot harder than high school?
As you will hear over and over again, college is what you, the student makes it. There is so much more free time than in high school, but it is up to you to decide what to do with it. Although more is expected of you in college, that does not necessarily mean 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 you, 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. Professors will make exceptions to rules if you show that you have a valid reason for whatever you are doing. It is also your responsibility to seek any help and assistance, not the responsibility of the faculty.
Are the classes hard?
The key to all courses 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 than 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!