September 2023 Newsletter
The end of week three. Wow! What an incredible start to the fall semester. My role on campus is to create pathways, experiences, and moments for students to find community, engage with their talents and interests, and make Radford University their home. I have been pleasantly overwhelmed with the participation from students across nearly every campus event so far this year. 700 came out to the first tailgate ahead of the women’s soccer game. 250 came out to the First Gen Center for lucky bamboo plants. 150 came out for Grocery Bingo with R-SPaCE. Karaoke nights, Escape Rooms, jam sessions at the firepits, sorority recruitment, Let’s Talk, support groups, game nights, and Yappy Hour – all buzzing with students!
As a parent or family member, this is encouraging news. If your Highlander is getting out there – great! Please keep encouraging them to take the risk and get out of their rooms. There are so many opportunities to meet folks, learn about campus, and spend quality time. The coming 3-5 weeks will be a challenge to stay motivated as the first round of tests and papers start to hit. Just like a balanced diet will help maintain physical wellness, a balanced schedule will help maintain emotional wellness.
If your Highlander hasn’t gotten out yet, no problem. You can help. And so can I! Remind them of their greatness and just how brave they are to be a college student. Small steps can make a huge difference. Make a lunch date with a floor-mate. Visit faculty office hours. Go to the free movies in “The Bonnie.” Get to the Student Recreation & Wellness Center on a regular basis. You can find an incredible list of opportunities to share at www.radford.edu/ruinvolved and https://calendar.radford.edu/.
And in addition to being a Radford employee, I’m also a Radford family member. My nephew is a student here and we’ve had to start, regroup, and start again during his years here. Each pause has been a moment for learning and isn’t that what it’s all about?! As I see him thriving I feel confident that your Highlander can feel that as well. There is not one “right way” to experience the college journey. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my team in Student Life or my colleagues in the Dean of Student office for support of you and your student. That’s why we’re here!
I hope to see you all at Family Weekend!
Campus Tradition Highlight: Radford Gives Back
Campus Traditions are a big deal at Radford University and September offers the first of many service-oriented traditions. Radford Gives Back gives students a chance to contribute directly to kids in the City of Radford. Radford Gives Back collects food items to in support of Bobcat Backpacks. The Bobcat Backpacks program was founded by three Radford University alumni and provides weekend meals to kids in the City of Radford school system.
Highlanders collect donations, pack boxes and bags, deliver to a local church and then the community members of the City take it from there to distribte to the children. Every Highlaner who participates get a t-shirt after participating in the packing event. Ask your Highlander if they plan to come out! They won't want to miss it.
Family Weekend 2023
The 2023 Family Weekend celebration is upon us! Here are some highlights and frequently asked questions to help you be prepared.
Is Family Weekend required? No, but it's super fun! The point of Family Weekend is a chance for you to come to campus and connect with your Highlander in ways that will support your entire family.
What if I didn't register? No problem! Radford University Family Weekend is free and open. Registration is not required nor offered. However, when you get to campus, come check in at "The Bonnie" Hurlburt Student Center. Each family that checks in gets two free t-shirts. Sizes available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What's actually happening? You can find a full schedule of events at www.radford.edu/familyweekend. Everything is optional. There are campus traditions and favorites: like Dog Show, Minigolf in the Stacks and McConnell Library, a Family Photo Shoot, the Festival, the Fall Fashion Show and several delicions meals. This year there is a great family-friendly Magic Show with Ran'D Shine.
What do I need a ticket for? The only ticketed items are meals (which can also be paid for on-site), the magician performance, and the planetarium shows. The planetarium shows are currently sold out but you can still show up at teh designated time in case ticket holder is unable to attend. We're usually able to accommodate folks!
If your student attends the cookout or any meal in Dalton, they will simply use a meal plan swipe. A ticket is only necessary for the Farm-to-Table dinner at Selu Conservancy.
How do I enter the Dog Show? On-site Dog Show registration begins at noon on Saturday on the Heth Lawn. Show starts at 1:00pm. You can bring your dog from home to compete or just come to enjoy the show. Prizes, certificates, and ribbons will be awarded!
Can I do University business while I'm in town? Yes, of course! All offices are open until 5:00pm on Friday, September 15th.
I'm bringing kiddos. What can they do? All events this year are very family-friendly. Of particular interest for our future Highlanders:
- Friday afternoon Scavenger Hunt
- Movie Night in "The Bonnie" (Across the Spider-verse)
- Free Game Room
- Family Weekend Festival and Cookout - inflatables, arts and crafts, candy, fun
- Minigolf in the Stacks
- Planetarium kids show
- Donuts with the Dean - catch him on campus in a golf cart!
- Magic Show with Ran'D Shine
We can't wait to see you on campus!
Campus Resource Highlight: Radford University Campus Ministers
Radford University Campus Ministers Association (RUCMA) is a council comprised of the advisors and campus ministers for the religious student organizations which are recognized by the University. Students are encouraged to care for their spiritual development as well as their intellectual, physical, emotional and social development during their college years. For that reason, we hope that many Highlanders will be active in one of the recognized campus religious organizations and/or local area places of worship during your enrollment at the University.
Affiliated Campus Ministry groups include:
- Alpha Omega Campus Ministry
- Baptist Campus Ministries (BCM)
- C3 (Christ Churg Campus) Minitry
- Catholic Campus Ministry
- Chi Alpha
- CRU
- Lifehouse Baptist College Ministry
- Red Door Collegiate Ministries - Grace Episcopal Church
- Ukirk Radford
- Wesley Foundation
Your student can get connected with these groups on RUInvolved or by visiting the Center for Diversity & Inclusion.
Move-In Feedback Welcomed
Student moves in during Fall 2023 semester.
Dates To Remember
| Date | Item | Notes |
| Friday, September 15, 2023 | Last day for undergraduate application for fall graduation | Office of the Registrar |
| September 15 - 17, 2023 | Family Weekend 2023 | Family Weekend |
| Wednesday, September 27, 2023 | Radford Gives Back | RGB23 |
| Sunday, October 1, 2023 | Deadline to receive FAFSA for any student needing financial aid for fall semester | Financial Aid Office |
| Wednesday, October 4, 2023 | Fall Internship, Career & Graduate School Fair | Career and Talent Development |
| Friday, October 6, 2023 | Fall Break | |
| Friday, October 13, 2023 | Mid-term grades due | |
| Saturday, October 14, 2023 | Radford Highlanders Festival | Highlanders Festival |
| Monday, October 16, 2023 | Humans of Radford | McConnell Library |
| October 19 - 22, 2023 | Homecoming 2023 | Homecoming |
| Friday, October 27, 2023 | Last day to withdraw from one or more (but not all) classes with a grade of 'W" | |
| Thursday, November 9, 2023 | Wicked Festival | Wicked Initiatives |
| November 18 - 26, 2023 | Thanksgiving Break | |
| Wednesday, November 29, 2023 | Payment Deadline for Wintermester | Office of the Bursar |
| Friday, December 1, 2023 | Last day of classes | |
| December 4-7, 2023 | Fall Exams | |
| Saturday, December 9, 2023 | Undergraduate Commencement | Winter Commencement |
| Wednesday, January 3, 2024 | Payment Deadline for Spring 2024 | Office of the Bursar |
Did You Know?
Does your student live on campus? Then there’s no need to purchase a streaming subscription – Stream2 is part of Radford’s Student Fees package. It includes almost 80 quality channels of live streaming 24 hours a day. Watch from any device when on campus. Use the link or QR code, sign in with your RU credentials and enjoy live sports, movies and MUCH MORE!
Radford University on-campus streaming service.