July 2022 Newsletter

Welcome President Bret Danilowicz

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Wellness Tips from Brian Lusk, Director of Student Counseling Services

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Dimensions of Student Wellness at Radford University

Don’t look now, but it is already July, which means a new academic year is fast-approaching. A new academic year brings with it many new and exciting opportunities and possibilities. At the same time, it also brings a new set of challenges and struggles in and out of the classroom. These challenges and struggles are not uncommon, and they will look different for each student. The question then is how can you, the family, help to support and enhance your student’s ability to persist through these not yet encountered issues?

            Encouraging your student to be proactive, as opposed to reactive, with regards to their wellness can make a significant difference in their ability to overcome challenges. Wellness is a term we often hear used, so it is important to define what we mean by “wellness.” The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes wellness as having purpose in life, active involvement in satisfying work and play, joyful relationships, a healthy body and living environment, and happiness. SAMHSA also includes eight dimensions of wellness, each with some variation: (a) emotional, (b) social, (c) occupational, (d) financial, (e) environmental, (f) physical, (g) intellectual, and (h) spiritual. Each of these dimensions are intertwined and play a vital role in helping individuals maintain their wellbeing.

Maintaining balance in each dimension helps to build resiliency, which is a vital characteristic for contending with difficulties. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines resiliency as “the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences.” Resiliency provides the ability for an individual to be mentally, emotionally, and behaviorally flexible in order to adapt and respond to external as well as internal demands.

As students encounter new demands in their academic and social lives, they need to be able to cope with the stresses on their cognitive and emotional resources.  This is why being proactive when it comes to wellness is vital to their success. Proactive wellness strategies can include

·       Maintaining a normal routine

·       Practicing health habits and self-care – getting plenty of sleep, eating well, regular exercise

·       Taking mental breaks and time for self – going for walks, watching a movie, etc.

·       Implementing mindfulness and meditation – these practices reduce cortisol and decrease stress

·       Stay socially connected – make concerted efforts to build and maintain healthy relationships

·       Limit exposure to sensationalized media and news events – stay aware of what is happening, but only in small, structured segments of time

The professionals in Student Affairs can assist your student with implementing these strategies into their daily life. Implementation of these strategies will assist your student with increasing their wellness and building resiliency to handle the challenge they will inevitably face. A proactive approach to wellness helps to shield your student from experiencing significant struggles related to their mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. This in turn increases their ability to perform well in their personal as well as academic life at Radford University. And, if your student does begin to struggle with their wellbeing, encouraging them to access available campus resources - such as Student Counseling Services (SCS) - at the onset of the issue versus weeks or months down the road will pay tremendous dividends. 

New Student Opportunity - Higher Ground

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Higher Ground is a 5-day intensive orientation program designed to break down barriers and help dissipate the anxiety of students entering college for the first time.  Each group is led by two current Radford students who are tasked with having real conversations about college experiences and the resources available on campus. Higher Ground activities are designed to take individuals out of their comfort zones to increase openness and communication. Over the course of the program teams of students will spend their time doing a variety of activities including: biking, camping, rock climbing, paddling, caving and participating in numerous teambuilding events. Higher Ground introduces the inter and intrapersonal development that is critical to success in a college environment.

REGISTER HERE

Supplies and Treats for Your Residence Hall Experience

Before and After

Before and After

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Care Packages

Preparing for college is quite an involved process and identifying and accumulating all the necessary items can be a somewhat daunting task.  To help with that task, we have created a partnership between SWAK University Services and Residence Hall Association at Radford University.

Our store includes over 1000 products for their room, all of which fall within our school guidelines. All our bedding products can stand up to regular washing and will not bleed or fray.  Furthermore, they are guaranteed to fit our Twin-XL beds and to last until graduation. 

The deadline to order is July 22nd, but order early for the best selection of linens and other popular products. All items purchased can be sent to your home address for a $12 flat fee.  

Our room outfitting program is a service to parents and students and a portion of this purchase is returned to RHA for the support of academic success and community development.  You may access our store using the following link. swaku.com/radford-room

Please call us at 800-929-8184 or email service@swaku.com if you have any questions. 

Additionally, the Residence Hall Association at Radford University in partnership with SWAKU has designed a great set of care packages and package plans for you to choose from.  Don't forget to fill out the free encouragement card; your card will be the first thing your student sees when they open their care package. 

All care packages will be delivered directly to campus on your behalf. Your student will receive a notification to pick up their care package from Housing & Residential Life Office. You may access our care package store using the following link.  swaku.com/radford   

Don't wait...Order a care package for your student TODAY!  Please call us at 800-929-8184 or email service@swaku.com if you have any questions. 

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Upcoming Dates to Remember

Tuesday, July 5thHousing assignments emailed to students, includes link to sign up for move-in slotHousing & Residential Life
Monday, July 11thFirst round of bills sent for student enrolled for Fall 2022Financial Aid Office
Friday, July 15thPriority deadline to submit a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal to be reviewed prior to the fall 2022 bill deadlineFinancial Aid Office
Friday, July 22ndPriority deadline for Radford University to receive your 2022-2023 FAFSA to help with fall semester chargesFinancial Aid Office
Friday, July 29thPriority deadline for Radford University to receive verification documents for your 2022-2023 FAFSA to help with fall semester chargesFinancial Aid Office
Monday, August 1stFamily Weekend 2022 registration and ticket sales openDivision of Student Affairs
Monday, August 1stStudents will recieve email to complete EverFi courses (AlcoholEDU and Sexual Assault Prevention). Must be completed by August 21st.SAVES
Friday, August 5thPriority deadline for the Financial Aid Office to receive a Private Education loan certification request or Parent PLUS loan application to assist with fall chargesFinancial Aid Office
Wednesday, August 10thFall 2022 Payment DeadlineBursar's Office
August 18th and 19thResidence Hall Move-InHousing & Residential Life