February 2023 Newsletter

Amy Edmonson, a notable Harvard Business School professor, observes that three kinds of failure exist. First, preventable failure is caused by straying from a known and proven process. Students who fare well in college learn to adapt their academic skills and abilities from the known and proven techniques they used in high school. Fear or concern about straying from typical high school study behaviors can prevent them from learning new and proven processes for excelling in college – often taught by their faculty and staff instructors.

Complex failure occurs when systems break down, such as when people working together communicate ineffectively, resulting in duplication or omission of steps necessary for success. Avoiding complex failure in college means that students have sound knowledge about navigating systems associated with college, such as financial aid, managing meal plan dollars, and tracking their progress to graduation. Students who avoid complex failure utilize campus resources to get answers to their questions. Along these lines, campus systems are responsible for clearly articulating resources and pathways students can use to navigate campus systems.

Finally, intelligent failure occurs when students plan thoughtfully and carefully but do achieve their desired outcome. In college, intelligent failure can happen when a student takes a challenging class, studies diligently, meets with the professor, and gets regular tutoring, yet, still earns a low final grade in the class. Nonetheless, students who fail intelligently analyze their behaviors (e.g., what went well and what did not), apply what they learned from this situation, and meet their tasks better prepared and ready when faced with similar challenges in the future.  

We know that failure is inevitable, but failure can also be overcome. Thoughtful consideration of the three types of failure can establish pathways for identifying solutions and incorporating campus faculty and staff input to overcome failure and proceed forward in college. 

A timely message from Radford University Chief of Police, Eric Plummer, Ph.D.

As we are approaching Spring Break, it always helpful to remind our Highlanders of safety tips before they travel away from campus.

Before They Leave

• Secure your residence hall room or apartment.
• Unplug appliances.
• Make sure all windows are closed and locked.
• Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with someone back home.

Travel

• Keep track your baggage and personal belongings at all times.
• Keep those with whom you are traveling and someone back home informed of any changes to your itinerary.
• If you travel out of the USA (that includes Canada and Mexico), make sure you have an up-to-date passport, proper visa, and know the rules and regulations for transporting perfume, food, animals, cigarettes, alcohol, and other drugs across borders.  Also, take time to sign up for the Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Traveler’s checks are always a good idea. Leave credit and ATM cards locked in a secure place or within an RFID protector.
•  If you are taking prescription medication, be sure to pack enough to last the length of your trip

Drinking

• Know the laws regarding possession of alcoholic beverages and drugs. Outside of the United States blood alcohol content (BAC) levels used to determine DUI (Driving Under the Influence) are set at lower readings than in the United States (fewer drinks = higher risk = arrest).
• Do not get involved in illegal drugs; the penalty in some countries is severe.
• If you are of legal drinking age and you do decide to drink – do so responsibly 98% of spring breakers injured were intoxicated.
• Keep your drink in sight at all times. Leaving it unattended gives anyone the opportunity to “slip” something into your drink -- acid, “roofies,” or other dangerous substances.
•  DO NOT DRIVE AFTER DRINKING. Use a designated driver or choose public transportation.
• Should members of your group become intoxicated, never leave them alone. If they pass out, make sure they sleep on their side to prevent choking, and if their level of consciousness is too low to get a response, call 911 or the local emergency number.

Hotel

• Lock your door and use the peephole before opening your door.
•  Don’t leave valuables in your hotel; most hotels have a safe you can rent.
• Know where the emergency exits are located.
• DO NOT climb on balconies or sit on balcony rails. This can be fatal!

Events

• When you get to the venue, keep track of where the exits are located. In an emergency, the closest exit might not always be the best one to use.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Don’t stand near or climb on temporary structures; these could collapse and fall.
• Don’t go to a crowded event alone. A helping hand in a crush can mean the difference between life and death if you’ve fallen or become injured.
• Always have your ID and any special medical information, but DO NOT flash your hotel key or let strangers know where you are staying.

Personal Safety

• Always walk, talk, sit, and act with confidence. Avoid looking like you’re lost.
• There’s safety in numbers. Try your best to stay around your friends.
• Outside the USA, never drink local water, no matter how clean it looks.
• Beware of pickpockets. Robbery and acquaintance rape top the list of crimes committed against college students on spring break.
• The most important spring break safety tip is to use common sense. With these safety tips in mind, stay safe, and enjoy your sun-filled spring break….with sunscreen, of course!

Download and Use the Radford Safe App

Radford Safe is the safety app used as an essential tool to enhance safety for Radford University students, faculty, and staff.  The app provides instant access to safety resources on campus or off.

One of the key features which can be used while traveling is "Friend Walk!"  Send your location to a friend through email or SMS on your device. Once the friend accepts the Friend Walk request, the user picks their destination and their friend tracks their location in real time; they can keep an eye on them to make sure they make it safely to their destination.