April 4, 2025

The Radford University Carilion Library places small animal figurines for students to find and keep. Bunnies were the latest to welcome in spring. Follow them on social media to learn about the “Choccybara” coming for Chocolate Day on Monday, April 28.

The Office of Housing and Residential Life understands there have been many questions and concerns about housing for the 2025-2026 academic year, especially for non-obligated students. They recognize that this uncertainty may be causing stress and frustration for many students. This update provides accurate information and clarity regarding housing availability for main campus students for the 2025-2026 academic year.

For several decades, Radford University’s Residential Boarding Policy has been in place. This policy requires first-year students under the age of 21 to reside in university-operated housing for their first two years, comprising four semesters. Once a student fulfills their boarding policy obligation, they are considered non-obligated, and university housing becomes voluntary and based on availability. The residential boarding policy does not apply to students who are based in Roanoke.

Frequently Asked Questions

Housing and Residential Life appreciates the assistance, understanding and ongoing support of the Highlander community throughout this process. Together, we’ll help students as they find their place at Radford.

Students can contact Housing and Residential Life at 540-831-5375 or housing@radford.edu.

The spring 2025 Wicked Festival will be held on Tuesday, April 15, from 5-8 p.m. in the Artis Center for Adaptive Innovation and Creativity. Almost 400 students from colleges and departments across Radford University will share their solutions to the world’s toughest public problems.

New this semester will be Conversation Corners, hosted by Heather Keith, Executive Director of Faculty Development.

Guests will engage in civil conversations on polarizing topics during these sessions.

The festival will conclude with speaker Nina Schwalbe, a globally preeminent vaccine expert. All members of the Radford community are invited to attend this event.

The Center for Career and Talent Development is hosting the "Just In Time" Career Fair on Monday, April 14, from 4-6 p.m. in the Artis Center for Adaptive Innovation and Creativity.

This event will allow students to plan their next step for full-time jobs, part-time jobs and internships. It is open to all majors and students.

For more information or to participate in this event, contact Paula McGraw at pmcgraw@radford.edu.

Each fall semester, the Radford University Office of Student Life leads the campus community in welcoming new and returning Highlanders to locations in Radford and Roanoke for a four- to six-week experience known as #RadWelcome.

These welcome weeks are intentionally built to meet students where they are, invite them into the community and (re)introduce them to our community of care.

If you are interested in learning more and becoming a partner in this important process, consider joining Student Life on Zoom on Monday, April 14, from 1-1:45 p.m.

Radford University’s initiatives to develop voter education plans and increase student voter turnout at the polls have earned the institution a Voter Friendly Campus designation from the Campus Vote Project.

Campus initiatives over the last five years have included the creation of the Campus Voter Team and Highlanders Vote student organizations, both of which are committed to helping Radford students register and vote.

Radford’s efforts “to break down barriers and empower students with the information and tools they need to participate in the political process led to tremendous youth voter turnout and opened the door to lifelong civic engagement for your students,” the group said.

The Voter Friendly Campus designation program began in 2016 through a partnership between the Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project and the student affairs organization NASPA and its LEAD Initiative. The partnership became an instrument to support colleges and universities in fulfilling the requirements of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which calls for higher education institutions to distribute voter registration forms to students. 

National Library Week is April 6-12, and University Libraries want to celebrate with you.

A reception for Ken Smith’s and Suzanne Locascio’s students’ “Library Quotes” display will be held on Thursday, April 10, at noon in the McConnell Library Ross Gallery. Cake and refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome.

What makes a community healthy? It’s more than healthcare – it’s shaped by many factors, such as the air we breathe, food we eat, places we live and work, and relationships we nurture.

Everyday forces shape our well-being, determining whether we thrive or struggle with chronic disease – a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Sallie Beth Johnson, chair of the Department of Public Health and Healthcare Leadership, will present “A Picture of Health: How We Can Create Thriving Communities Together” on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22, from 7-8 p.m. at the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke.

Drawing on her 25 years in community health, Johnson will share insights from research and real-world examples of how communities in Virginia are improving health through programs, policy and partnerships.

Sallie Beth Johnson, Ph.D.

Included with the talk will be a faculty and student photo exhibit showcasing the often-overlooked ways our surroundings promote health. Admission to the event is free. 

Attendees can enter through the main museum entrance on Salem Avenue and follow signs to the room where the talk and exhibition will be held. Parking recommendations can be found on the Taubman Museum website.

The Center for Career and Talent Development is sharing the following opportunities for internship funding grants. For more information on these grants, contact Debbie Fenderson at dfenderson@radford.edu or visit the Highlander Works webpage.

The deadline to apply for all of these grants for summer 2025 is Friday, April 11.

The Radford University College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) will be hosting the following events this month:

This year’s cohort of RISE faculty are well on the way to implementing significant change ideas within their classes through participation in the Spring RISE Faculty Institute.  They’re doing the hard work of digging into their outcomes to explore who their practices are working for (and who they’re not), and what challenges or barriers are potentially preventing success. They’re engaging in constructive dialogue with each other around their own strengths and blind spots, exploring instructional and inclusive best practices and collecting data to determine key leverage points for change.

How do they have the time to do all of that? Participation in the RISE Institute comes with a full course reduction, giving them the needed time to critically examine their own practice, learn about new innovations and ideas and build collaborative, constructive relationships with faculty all over the campus.  If this sounds like something you’d like to engage in, registration for the 2026 RISE Faculty Cohort is now open. 

The RISE Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) and the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning invite the Radford University community to join fellow educators as we explore the science behind learning and the instructional practices that yield the highest results.

This event, taking place on May 14 from 9-11:30 a.m. (location TBA), will focus on the book “How Humans Learn: The Science and Stories Behind Effective College Teaching” by Joshua R. Eyler. Participants will roll up their sleeves and engage in new strategies, grapple with the latest research and collaborate with fellow educators on what really works (and what doesn’t).  This interactive workshop will leave you with plenty of ideas to consider over the summer to infuse into your practice. Those attending will receive a free copy of the book for participating.

Highlanders, it’s time to gear up for Traditions Week. Next week, we’re celebrating the moments, memories and milestones that make our community one-of-a-kind. Expect a week full of spirit, excitement and Highlander pride – you won’t want to miss it!