November 2022 Newsletter
Self-Care and Student Success
According to the American Institute of Stress (2022), today’s college population is experiencing stress at unparalleled levels. Eight out of ten students report dealing with stress frequently. Over time, that continued strain can contribute to significant issues related to both physical and mental well-being. There is no doubt that prioritizing self-care in college is critical to a student’s success. But this may be easier said than done for busy students who are inevitably juggling a number of different responsibilities in addition to their studies.
Regardless of whether your student is enrolled full-time or part-time, they are taking their classes online or on campus, or they are in an undergraduate or graduate program, nearly all students experience periods of stress. Worth noting, the steepest increase in stress and anxiety for traditional students typically occurs during the initial transition to college. A recent study revealed that anxiety, depression and stress levels among college students rise steadily during their first semesters of college and remain elevated thereafter (Conley, Shapiro, Huguenel, & Kirsch; 2018).
How can you help your student combat their stress?!
Typical self-care behaviors that your students can and should engage in to regulate their mood, particularly when coping with stress, include healthy eating, consistent exercise and adequate sleep. Beyond these basic practices, however, there are a few key choices you can encourage your students to make to keep their stress in check while they pursue their education at Radford University:
Prioritize time management. One of the most effective forms of self-care is a preventive measure. Getting a handle on time management skills early on in their college experience will help your student establish long-term success. If they know what’s coming in their often-chaotic schedule, they can prepare accordingly. Scheduling and protecting designated time to study and making and maintaining to-do lists can help students stay on top of their school work (and other responsibilities) before things get too stressful. Prioritizing sleep and setting a consistent bedtime makes it easier to cope with stress when it is inevitable.
Surround themselves with supportive people. Maintaining strong connections with others can become particularly important when juggling numerous tight deadlines. Keeping in touch with the people in their support system can turn into a consistent source of motivation for students as they work through rigorous college courses. When they find themselves struggling, loved ones can help point them back toward their why in a way that helps them persevere. In addition to reaching out regularly to those in their circle, it can also be a good idea to encourage your student to connect with some of their classmates. Talking with others who are going through the same experience as they are can help them feel more supported and less alone.
Conduct regular mental health check-ins. The American Institute of Stress (2022) reported that stress was ranked fourth by 5.9% of university mental health clinics as one of the primary mental health issues among college students; anxiety is first at 23.5%. While there are numerous things students can do on their own to address their mental well-being, encourage your student to seek help at the Radford University Counseling Center. Connecting with a professional who can guide and support them can be an excellent way to manage any stressors before they become too much to handle.
Connect with the Highlander Success Center
It is clear that self-care is one of the primary ways to balance stress and ensure overall wellness as a busy student. Be sure to encourage your student to make their well-being a priority. Here at Radford University, we want your student to thrive, and the Highlander Success Center, home to academic advisors, career coaches, and peer academic coaches, is always ready to help. We want to support your student’s academic success as well, by helping them keep their stress in check and persist in their education!
References:
American Institute of Stress (2022). Stress in College Students. Retrieved from https://www.stress.org/college-students.
Conley, C., Shapiro, J., Huguenel, B., & Kirsch, A. (2018, August 26). Navigating the College Years: Developmental Trajectories and Gender Differences in Psychological Functioning, Cognitive-Affective Strategies, and Social Well-Being. Emerging Adulthood, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/2167696818791603
Winter Commencement
Radford University’s 2022 Winter Commencement ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 9, and Saturday, Dec. 10. For all the information you need for your family’s special day, go to www.radford.edu/winter-commencement.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Understanding Fraternity & Sorority Life
Greetings!
At this time ofyear, some students are considering membership in a fraternity or sorority. This is an exciting opportunity and one that you should be discussing with them. Continue reading to gather more information about the fraternity and sorority experience!
A significant aspect of the fraternity and sorority experience is the recruitment or intake process. This is the process by which chapters bring in new members to the organization. There are both similarities and differences to the recruitment and intake processes. Both have informational meetings where students who are interested in joining can learn more about the organization and eligibility requirements. Both processes include an educational period where candidates or new members are learning about the organization’s history, values, and missions.
Regarding the differences between the two processes, students entering the recruitment process do so after clearing the eligibility checks (grades, enrollment status, and conduct) and students who enter the intake process do so after submitting an application that is reviewed and approved by the national office of the organization. Another distinction between the two processes, is the new member reveal. Those potential new members who complete the recruitment process are revealed during an event called Bid Day and candidates who complete the informational meeting, application phase, and educational period of the intake process are introduced to the campus during a new member presentation.
Recognized organizations have successfully completed the University club application process and have been approved by the Student Clubs and Organizations Committee and the Fraternity and Sorority Life office. As a recognized student organization, members must uphold their constitution, comply with university policies, and remain in good standing with the University. If an organization does not meet one of these standards or receives the sanction of suspension by the Office of Student Standards and Conduct, they will no longer be recognized by the University. To learn more about the status of a student organization, please visit the Office of Student Standards and Conduct.
If your student is interested in learning more about or joining a fraternity or sorority, we encourage you to have a conversation with them. The following are some potential areas you can explore with your student during this discussion.
Questions to ask your student who may be considering joining a fraternity or sorority:
- What are the eligibility requirements to join?
- Is this group a recognized student organization on campus?
- How much does it cost to join?
- What are the values of the organization?
- What is it about the organization or members that makes you want to join?
Questions to ask your student during the recruitment/intake or new member process:
- What types of events is the chapter holding to meet new members?
- What are the requirements for initiation?
- What types of activities are you doing as part of the new member process?
- What are you learning about the organization or the members during your new member process?
- In what ways is the chapter helping with your classes and supporting your physical, emotional, or mental health?
If you ever have any questions about the fraternity or sorority experience, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or my team at fslife@radford.edu or 540-831-6534.
Go Highlanders!
Dr. Nicole Cronenwett
Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life
Celebrating Veterans
On November 11, 2022, Radford University students, faculty and staff will join with members of the Radford community to honor those who served. The Military Resource Center will host this event at 10:00 am in the Hurlburt Student Center Auditorium. Guest speakers include Lieutenant Colonel Jason Ballard, who is a U.S. Army veteran, current U.S. Army Reservist, trial lawyer, representative in the Virginia House of Delegates, and a recipient of the Bronze Star. Our faculty speaker is Roberto Santos, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Co-Director of the Center for Police Practice, Policy and Research, and Coordinator of Graduate Program for Certification in Crime Analysis. Our student speaker is Sarah Schafer, USAF Veteran and Senior majoring in Criminal Justice.
On Veterans Day and every day, we honor and celebrate those who have served. Thank you to those parents and family members of Radford students who have served!!
Spotlight on Career Development
No matter where your student is in their college experience, they should be engaging with Career and Talent Development. Check out this helpful checklist to see what they should be up to!
Important Dates
Find events to engage your Highlander at https://calendar.radford.edu/
| Date | Item | Links |
| Now - Tuesday, February 5, 2023 | Radford University's Foundation scholarship application is open. The application will close on Sunday, February 5, 2023. Now is the time to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to be considered for multiple scholarships by our generous donors! Approximately $3 million in scholarships will be awarded from nearly 500 scholarships for the 2023-24 academic year! | radford.academicworks.com |
| November 19th - 27th | Thanksgiving Break - (most) Residence halls are closed | Housing & Residential Life |
| Friday, December 2nd | Last day of classes | |
| December 5th - 8th | Fall Exams | |
| Friday, December 9th | Graduate Hooding Ceremony | |
| Friday, December 9th | Multicultural Congratulatory | Center for Diversity and Inclusion |
| Saturday, December 10th | Undergraduate Commencement | www.radford.edu/winter-commencement |
| Tuesday, January 3rd | Priority deadline for the Financial Aid Office to receive Private Education loan certification requests or Parent PLUS loan applications to assist with spring charges. | Financial Aid Office |
| Monday, January 16th | MLK Day of Service | Center for Diversity and Inclusion |
| Tuesday, January 17th | First day of spring semester classes | |
| Wednesday, February 1st | Priority FAFSA deadline for 2023-2024 school year | Financial Aid Office |
