General Information

Radford University is a comprehensive public university that has received national recognition for many of its undergraduate and graduate academic programs, as well as its sustainability initiatives. The university serves the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation through a wide range of academic, cultural, human service and research programs. Well known for its strong faculty/student bonds, innovative use of technology in the learning environment and vibrant student life on a beautiful 211-acre American classical campus, the university offers its 7,800 students many opportunities to get involved and succeed in and out of the classroom.

In addition to robust academic offerings and engaging student experiences offered on the main campus located in Radford, Virginia, Radford University offers educational programming at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Virginia, as well as at the Roanoke Higher Education Center and Radford University Carilion in Roanoke, Virginia. The university also offers hybrid and online programs in a range of academic disciplines, from business, cybersecurity and criminal justice, to nursing, occupational therapy and healthcare administration.

Radford University offers curricula leading to the following undergraduate degrees: the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Business Administration. At the Graduate level, Radford University offers programs of study at the master’s, specialist and doctoral levels. These programs provide advanced and specialized courses of study, supervised practicum experiences, and opportunities for research. The university has an outstanding nationally recruited faculty, about 82 percent of whom hold doctorates or other terminal degrees in their teaching fields. While their primary focus is on the teaching and learning process, the faculty also is engaged in significant scholarly, creative, and public service activities.

Radford University is located in the city of Radford (population 16,070), 36 miles southwest of Roanoke, Va., on Route 11 and I-81 in the New River Valley, close to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The university atmosphere is residential. Most students live in university residence halls or in private apartments and houses within walking distance of the campus. The university grounds and facilities are conveniently arranged, beautifully maintained, and effectively designed to meet the academic, personal, and extracurricular needs and interests of the students.

Mission

As a mid-sized, comprehensive public institution dedicated to the creation and dissemination of knowledge, Radford University empowers students from diverse backgrounds by providing transformative educational experiences, from the undergraduate to the doctoral level, within and beyond the classroom. As an inclusive university community, we specialize in cultivating relationships among students, faculty, staff, alumni and other partners, and in providing a culture of service, support and engagement. We embrace innovation and tradition and instill students with purpose and the ability to think creatively and critically. We provide an educational environment and the tools to address the social, economic and environmental issues confronting our region, nation and the world.

History

Radford University was established by the Commonwealth of Virginia’s General Assembly as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women in 1910 and has been in continual session since its 1913 opening. The university became Radford State Teachers College in 1924 and was authorized to award the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1935. In 1944, the university was consolidated with the Virginia Polytechnic Institute as its Women’s Division and renamed Radford College.

The General Assembly severed the formal affiliation of Radford College with Virginia Tech in 1964, and an autonomous administration was established for Radford College. The college also was authorized to grant the Master of Science degree at that time. In 1972, after almost 60 years as an all-women’s college, Radford became a coeducational institution, and in 1979 it was granted university status by the General Assembly.

Today, more than 7,800 students are enrolled in Radford University’s in-person, hybrid and online programs. The university offers 75 bachelor’s degree programs and six certificates at the undergraduate level; 27 master’s programs and five doctoral programs at the graduate level; and 19 post-baccalaureate certificates and one post-master’s certificate. With over 200 clubs and organizations, Radford University offers many opportunities for student engagement, leadership development and community service. A Division I member of the NCAA and Big South Conference, the university competes in 16 men’s and women’s varsity athletics. 

University Presidents

Radford University President Bret Danilowicz, Ph.D.

Main Campus and Learning Locations

In addition to the main campus in Radford, Virginia, the university offers educational programming at several learning locations in Abingdon, Virginia, and Roanoke, Virginia.

Located in a residential section of the city of Radford, the university’s 211-acre main campus is situated on the New River and nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia, providing a stunning backdrop for learning and exploration.

The Roanoke Higher Education Center and Radford University Carilion are located in the heart of Roanoke, where students benefit from easy access to cultural attractions, dining options and recreational activities, enriching their educational experience beyond the classroom.

Radford University also offers academic instruction for several of its educational programs at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Virginia,

In addition, the Radford University Foundation owns a 376-acre tract of land known as the Selu Conservancy. The conservancy, which borders the Little River and is about 5 miles southeast of the main campus, offers a glimpse of Southwest Virginia’s distinctive landscape and resources. Facilities include conference and meeting spaces, as well as a research center and an observatory.

Highlander Theme

Radford University’s mascot, the Highlander, celebrates Southwest Virginia’s Scots-Irish heritage, which has shaped the region’s culture and history since the arrival of settlers in the 18th century who had previously settled in Northern Ireland and were primarily of Scottish descent.

Accreditation and Memberships

Radford University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Radford University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). 

Specialized program accreditation has been granted to the following programs: Undergraduate and Graduate Business Administration – by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, International; Teacher Education (all programs) – by the  Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the Virginia Department of Education; Nursing (undergraduate and graduate) – by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Computer Science by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology; Social Work (baccalaureate degree) – by the Council on Social Work Education; Interior Design – by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation; Theatre – by the National Association of Schools of Theatre; Recreation, Parks and Tourism – by the Council on Accreditation for Parks, Recreation and Tourism and Related Professions; Music – by the National Association of Schools of Music; Graduate Program in Speech-Language Pathology – by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association; Nutrition and Dietetics – by the  Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics ; Counselor Education– by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; Master of Occupational Therapy  – by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education and  Doctor of Physical Therapy – by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, School Psychology (Ed.S.) – by the National Association of School Psychologists and Counseling Psychology – (doctorate) by the American Psychological Association. 

Radford University holds membership in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the Virginia Association of Colleges, the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the National Commission on Accrediting, Inc., the Southern Regional Education Board Council of Collegiate Education for Nursing, the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools, the Council of Graduate Schools, the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders, the Association for Continuing Higher Education and the North American Association of Summer Sessions.

Academic Year

The university year is divided into three semesters, August to December (fall semester), January to May (spring semester), and May to August (summer semester). Students may enter the university at the opening of each semester. Students who wish to complete their academic careers in three calendar years are encouraged to enter in May or June and should plan to attend summer sessions for at least three years.

Academic Organization

The university is composed of seven colleges: Davis College of Business and Economics , College of Education and Human Development , College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences , College of Nursing , Artis College of Science and Technology , Waldron College of Health and Human Services , College of Visual and Performing Arts . The chief administrative officer of each college is its dean, who reports to the Provost.

Each academic department within a given college is responsible for the content and prerequisites of courses offered by the department and specifies the requirements for the department’s degree and certification programs. The chair is the chief administrative officer at the department level.

Non-credit Programs

Staff members work in close collaboration with university faculty and external groups to design, promote and coordinate a wide array of professional development learning opportunities such as workshops, conferences and non-credit programs. These programs are offered with open enrollment based on the sponsor’s program format.

Non-discrimination Policies

Radford University is committed to providing an environment that emphasizes the dignity and worth of every member of its community and is free from harassment and discrimination based on race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, against otherwise qualified persons with disabilities, or based on any other status protected by law. Per federal Title IX regulations, as well as other federal and state regulations, Radford University prohibits discrimination and harassment in its educational programs and activities, on the basis of sex or any other protected class, by individuals subject to its control or supervision. This requirement to not discriminate in the educational program or activity of Radford University extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of federal Title IX regulations may be referred to Radford University’s Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary, or both.
 
Dr. Andrea Zuschin
Director of Compliance and Title IX Coordinator
azuschin@radford.edu
www.radford.edu/compliance
Main Campus
206 Walker Hall
540-831-5307
Radford University Carilion
407 Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital
540-831-2160
 

The university has adopted policies to provide for prompt and equitable resolution of discrimination complaints. The Discrimination and Harassment Grievance Procedure describes the grievance procedure for individuals who have experienced discrimination. The Discrimination and Harassment Policy further defines sex discrimination by including examples of sexual harassment and a statement concerning consensual relationships between university employees and students. The Accommodation Procedure for Individuals with Disabilities confirms the university’s commitment to providing accessibility to its programs, services and activities for individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified and entitled to a reasonable accommodation.

Only acts of discrimination committed by university employees in connection with their university employment may be reviewed through Human Resource policies and procedures. The term “employee” refers to any faculty, staff or graduate student employee. Individuals who believe they may have experienced discrimination, but are uncertain as to whether a complaint is justified or whether they wish to initiate a formal complaint may discuss their concerns confidentially and informally with a staff member in Human Resources.  All other cases, in which the alleged violation is committed by a student, are adjudicated by the university’s student conduct system.

Students may also consult a staff member at the Counseling Center, the Multicultural & International Student Services Office or the Office of the Dean of Students.  Staff members will assist students by providing support and options for how they might resolve a concern.

Copies of the complete policy statements including procedures for resolving complaints are available in the Office of the Dean of Students and the Department of Human Resources.