Aug. 9, 2024

Join us on Friday, Aug. 16, at 9 a.m. in Kyle 340 as Dollywood President Eugene Naughton '89 visits for a kickoff keynote address and “Ask me anything” session.

Naughton, who is one of Radford University’s most accomplished alumni, will share his insights on how Dollywood has built a positive and welcoming culture for guests and employees. 

Faculty and staff can join us in person, or participate via Zoom. Lunch will be provided for in-person attendees immediately following the event.

Everyone who RSVPs will be entered to win raffle prizes that include: tickets to Dollywood; a one-night stay and dinner at The Highlander; faculty/staff season tickets for 2024-25 Radford men’s and women’s basketball games; and additional prizes to be announced. In-person attendees will also receive “Find Your Place. Here.” t-shirts to wear during Convocation activities on Aug. 23.

RSVP by Aug. 12.

Please mark your calendars and save the date for the Artis Center building dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 5. The event will begin with welcome remarks at 4:30 p.m. in the Artis Center courtyard, followed by light hors d’oeuvres and tours of the building led by CVPA Ambassadors. A formal e-mail invitation is coming soon!

President Bret Danilowicz and Provost Bethany Usher invite all faculty and staff to celebrate Radford University’s recent successes and the accomplishments of your colleagues and to hear the vision for the upcoming year at University Convocation on Friday, Aug. 23 from 3-4:30 p.m. at Bondurant Hall.

Make plans to stay immediately following convocation to give a spirited welcome to our incoming Highlanders and to enjoy a faculty/staff reception with new student families. 

Faculty and staff are encouraged to wear their "Find Your Place. Here." t-shirts to convocation to welcome the new students and their families and participate in the annual class photo on Moffett Lawn.

As a reminder, the inaugural Radford Community Fest will take place on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Main Street between Tyler Avenue and Third Avenue.

Students, families, community members and visitors are invited to join us for a day of live music, entertainment, vendors, food trucks, a beer garden and a kids zone play area.

Traffic will be redirected during this time. Radford Community Fest is free to attend. Food, drinks and crafts will be available for purchase. The Radford Community Fest is a new event proudly co-hosted by the City of Radford and Radford University.

It will take many volunteers to ensure a great event. Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt to wear during their shift. Students, faculty, staff and community members are welcome to be volunteers!

Students will be moving into the residence halls between Wednesday, August 21 and Friday, August 23. We’re looking for volunteers to join us in offering students a warm #RadWelcome to their #HighlanderHome. Volunteering is a great way to begin building connections with new students and their families. At the same time, you will get the chance to engage with our many student volunteers.

There are two opportunities to make a difference: You can volunteer to pass out carts and help families get belongings from their car to the residence hall room as a “Highlander Hauler,” or you can pull a “Welcome Wagon” with cold water and Radford swag. Highlander Haulers will receive a shirt to wear during their shift!

You can sign up for both or either! A commitment by Aug. 16 is most appreciated. Student volunteers are also welcome to use this link. If you have questions, please reach out to Jen Rentschler, director of Student Involvement, at jrentschler@radford.edu or 540-831-7276.

Each fall semester, the first month is intentionally designed to help all students transitions to (or back to) life as a Highlander student. We call these welcome weeks our #RadWelcome!  This year we will host our #RadWelcome between August 21 and September 27.  Your department, program, office and organizations are invited to submit events to be included in the #RadWelcome calendar being sent to students. The planning calendar will allow you to view current submissions and those programs in development. The published calendar is available on our website. To have your events included, please email details to Tricia Smith at pssmith1@radford.edu.

Expenses submitted for reimbursement through your healthcare flexible spending account must be incurred during the coverage period of July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024. Your healthcare FSA also includes a run-out period, which is July 1, 2024-Sept. 30, 2024.

During this time, you may file claims for expenses incurred during the coverage period. Claims and documentation must be received before the reimbursement deadline. After the run-out period ends, you will lose any unused dollars left in your healthcare FSA.

You can submit a claim or find forms by logging in to your account at www.inspirafinancial.com or by calling customer service at 855-516-8595.

Additional questions can be directed to benefits@radford.edu.

The Radford University Department of Facilities Management will be implementing an altered service delivery schedule and reducing trash collection frequency across campus. This decision is part of an ongoing effort to enhance sustainability practices and reduce environmental footprint. By reducing the frequency of trash collection, Facilities Management aims to encourage greater recycling efforts and promote a culture of waste reduction and environmental stewardship among the campus community. This initiative will also reduce the number of plastic liners used and allow housekeeping staff to focus their time and energy on cleaning and disinfecting classrooms, restrooms and common areas.

Here are some key points:

Facilities Management understands that this change may raise questions or concerns, and the department is committed to supporting the community through this transition. If you have any questions or require assistance related to waste management, reach out to Facilities Management Work Control at facilities@radford.edu.

In the event that additional housekeeping services are necessary due to special circumstances, contact Facilities Management Work Control at 540-831-7800 or facilities@radford.edu.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to create a more sustainable campus environment. Your efforts in reducing waste and promoting recycling are vital in achieving our sustainability goals.

University Libraries is now accepting library instruction requests for fall 2024. The Radford University Libraries system is here to support course-integrated information literacy and library research learning objectives. You can request library instruction through the link below.

For more information, contact Alyssa Archer, acting head of research services, at aarcher2@radford.edu or 540-831-5688.

Visit University Libraries’ McConnell Library on the main campus to check out the expanded collection of graphic novels and manga. The collection has now moved to its new home in the Library Commons on the third floor.

This new and expanding collection includes over 200 books, and a rotating collection of new popular reading books is being added regularly. Find everything from familiar classics like Art Spiegelman’s “Maus,” Neil Gaiman’s “Sandman” series and Alison Bechdel’s “Fun Home” to graphic novel versions of Allen Ginsberg’s “Howl” and Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales,” as well as popular and new series such as “Full Metal Alchemist” and “Ms. Marvel.”

Join the Radford University New River Valley Alumni Chapter and alumni employees as we celebrate the end of summer and kick off the school year. This is a great way to celebrate our Highlander connections and say “thank you” to our supportive campus partners.

Thursday, Aug. 22, 5-6:30 p.m.
BT’s in Radford, 218 Tyler Ave.

This event is sponsored by BT's and its alumni owners, Todd '04 and Kelsi Jones '00, MSN '11. Enjoy complimentary appetizers and door prizes!

The Roanoke Radford University Alumni Chapter is offering two opportunities to participate in the Radford University Tartan 5K, A Twilight Run on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at 6:15 p.m., beginning at Tinker Creek Greenway at Fallon Park, 2116 Dale Ave. SE, Roanoke, VA 24013.

Alumni and university employees can lace up their running shoes as race participants or volunteer at a variety of stations throughout the event. 

Pre-registration is required for both racers and volunteers.

If you have questions, please contact Sandra Bond '97, MBA '00, at smbond@radford.edu or 540-831-5248.

Race participants
Embrace the spirit of the tartan as you dash through the greenway in this unique and lively event! Run in a kilt, your favorite plaid outfit or scrubs to honor the healthcare community. Runners, walkers, strollers and dogs are welcome.

Times
Pre-race party: 5:30 p.m.; race: 6:15 p.m.

Race Fees
$30 per adult. $20 per child (12 and under). Special $5 alumni discount code: RADALUMNI

Event volunteers
Volunteers are needed on the sidelines to help cheer on the racers and make this inaugural event a success. Volunteers can select the time and task that best fits their schedule. Alumni and friends are welcome!

Times
Volunteer times range from 2-8 p.m.

Tasks
Volunteer tasks include race setup, water stations, course marshals, finish line hosting, floaters and cleanup.

All employees are encouraged to update their email signature using the format shown below. In Outlook email signature settings, please make sure to make the logo accessible by right clicking the image and choosing alt text (see screenshot) and typing in “Radford University Logo with tagline Find Your Place. Here.”