Incoming Exchange Student
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration
Q. Where do I find information about which classes will be offered during the semesters that I am at RU?
A. You may go to the following web address: https://campusonline.radford.edu/radsubmenu1s.html and access the complete schedule list or the open classes list.
Q. What if the class I want to take is not listed on the open class schedule but it is on the complete schedule list?
A. This means that the class is either full or has been cancelled for lack of enrollment. If the class is “full” many times we can contact the professor and Chair of the department and if they agree, you can be “force added” to the class. This just means that they will make a seat available to you even though the numbers show it is full.
Q. Can I take the 200 and 300 level classes offered at RU?
A. In most cases the answer is yes, however if you are not sure it is best to check with your advisor at your home university to be sure that the 300 level classes are correct for you. Generally 100 level classes are freshman (1st year) classes, 200 level are 2nd year, 300 level are third year, 400 level are Final year undergraduate and 400-600 are Graduate Master’s degree courses.
Q. Is there special help or advising for registration or class questions or concerns?
A. For questions or advising in the English Department you can contact the chair of the department Dr. Guruswamy rguruswa@radford.edu and she will be able to help you choose the right English classes for you. Dr. Guruswamy can also help with special placement for specific help with strengthening English skills.
For all other classes you should contact Holly King hnking@radford.edu in the International Education Center with your selection of courses and she will register you.
Q. What information will be available to me on registering for classes upon my arrival to the RU campus?
A. Undergraduate students will attend an Orientation session on Friday before classes, receive help from an academic counselor and will be registered for classes. Sometimes the International Education center can register classes for exchange students prior to arrival.
Q: Is there a web page available where I can review the syllabi for courses that I am interested in?
Registration (continued)
Q. I am a graduate student, what is the registration process for me?
A. Graduate students, especially MBA’s are usually registered by their college. They are not pre-registered when they arrive on campus. You will need to consult with the Graduate College for help in advising and info on who, where and what to do. For more information you can contact Sharon Gunter of the Graduate College at sgunter@radford.edu.
Q. I want to take the ENGL 101 class but they all show not available, is there anything else available in place of this class, what should I do?
A. Beverly Cook bcook2@radford.edu in the Multicultural office can do an over-ride for this class and get you registered. Beverly Cook is also teaching a UNIV 100 course that is geared for international students. The UNIV 100 is a one-semester course that focuses on helping new students make a successful transition to Radford University.
Transcripts:
Q. Does Radford University automatically send a copy of my transcript to my home university at the end of my semester there?
A. No, You must complete a transcript request form and submit it to the Registrar’s office in Martin Hall, in order for a copy of your transcript to be sent to your home university. You can complete this form by going to the following link: http://www.radford.edu/~registra/Forms/students/ and clicking on the “transcript request” link.
You will input all of the required on the form and print it. You can then fax it to 540-831-6642 or mail to Registrar’s office- PO BOX 6904- Radford, VA 24142
If you do not complete this form and submit it to the Registrar’s office, your final transcript will not be sent to your home university.
Tuition:
Q. As an exchange student, I know I only pay tuition to my home institution. However, I did get a bill in the mail stating that I owe tuition to Radford University. What do I do with this?
A. We make every effort to notify Student accounts with a list of our exchange students prior to the billing cycle. Sometimes bills are inadvertently sent to the exchange students. If you receive a bill for tuition, please notify Holly King hnking@radford.edu in the International Education Center and she will have the bill corrected. You will need to make sure that you pay your room and board.
Housing:
Q. Is there housing available for couples on campus?
A. No, there is no mixed gender housing available on the RU campus, There is private housing available off campus, that student(s) arrange on their own. Upon arrival to RU the Multicultural office provides international student orientation. Off-campus housing assistance is available during orientation. .
Q. Is on-campus housing available during the university breaks?
A. Pocahontas Hall is the only resident hall opened during University breaks. Exchange students needing break housing should request to be housed in Pocahontas Hall for your semester(s) here. However, there is housing in Pocahontas hall available to students who live in other dorms during the semester, if they require break housing; for a small nightly fee.
Q. Is there housing available on-campus for Graduate Students?
A. No. Only Undergraduate housing is available on-campus. The University owns some apartments rented by grad students or students can rent from other off campus apartments. For info on University, owned apartments contact Keith Nunn at kbnunn@radford.edu in the Residential Life office.
Q. How much is my housing deposit?
A. Your housing deposit amount depends on whether you are staying 1 semester or 2 semesters. For 1 semester your deposit is: $200.00 and for 2 semesters it is: $400.00.
Q. What is the best way to pay my housing deposit?
A. You can pay your housing deposit with Travelers Checks or A personal check from an American Bank. You may also pay by credit card online. To access the online instructions please go to http://www.radford.edu/~stuacct/InfiNET.html
You cannot pay your housing deposit by wire transfer. Your deposit check needs to be sent by Registered mail to RU. Checks must include students Name and RU ID # on the check to make sure it is credited to the right account.
Activating your RU Email and Log-in:
You will need to go to https://www.portal.radford.edu/ on the left side bar click on “New account user activation” from there you can follow the onscreen instructions to activate your email and set up your login and password.
Arrival at RU
Q. How do I get from Roanoke airport to the RU campus?
A. You must complete your pre-arrival form, and send it to the Multi-Cultural Office. They will arrange your transportation from Roanoke. If arriving late at night it may be best to stay in a hotel in Roanoke and come to Radford the following morning. For information about arrival and transportation, contact Jay Willard at jwillard@radford.edu or Beverly Cook at bcook2@radford.edu
Q. I need to arrive early (before the scheduled arrival date). Will I be able to stay on campus upon my arrival?
A. This situation is reviewed on a case by case basis by the Multi-Cultural office jwillard@radford.edu or bcook2@radford.edu is the contact for this issue. In most cases if a student has to arrive early they can be housed on-campus through Conference services at a small fee per night. Students can stay here until the Friday before classes start; at that time they will be able to move into their dorm rooms.
Immigration
Q. Can I only take 1 or two classes for the semester(s) that I am attending RU?
A. No, Immigration requirements for J-1 (Exchange student) Visa holders, states that an Exchange student is required to take 12 credit hours per semester to be able maintain legal status. Most of the classes at RU are 3 credits, so you would need to register for 4 classes that total at least 12 credit hours.
Q. Who is the RU contact for Immigration questions?
A. Teresa Underwood, tunderwo@radford.edu; phone- 831-6574
General Questions
Q. Are work-study jobs available for exchange students?
A. Yes, on a competitive basis. Once offered an on-campus job, you must you must apply for a Social Security Number. Once you apply, you can get a statement from Social Security that you have applied and will be able to begin work before you officially get your number. RU frequently uses native speakers as conversation assistants in their language lab through the Foreign Language Department. The language lab is located in room 222 in Cook Hall. Find out about other on-campus job opportunities by accessing the Financial Aid office web site at http://www.radford.edu/~finaid/work.html
Q. How can I get health insurance for my time at RU?
A. You must obtain health insurance when you arrive on campus. This is mandatory for all international students. Jay Willard jwillard@radford.edu or Beverly Cook bcook2@rdaford.edu in the Multi-Cultural office is the contact for all health insurance questions.
General Questions: (continued)
Q. Do I have to fill out my health forms even if I am only staying one semester?
A. Yes. Health forms must be filled out and sent to the address listed on the form upon your arrival. If you do not turn in your health form, your transcripts for the semester you attend RU will be withheld.
Q. Is there a web site where I can review the academic calendar for the year?
A. Yes, please go to the following link:
http://www.radford.edu/%7Eregistra/final/calendar.html
Q. Are there clubs and organizations I can join as an international student to get more involved and meet new people on campus?
A. Yes, International students are eligible to join any club or organization. Membership in a variety of social and action clubs and organizations at RU can enhance your cultural experience in the US. The office of Multicultural and International Student Services will introduce these during the International student orientation before classes start.
Q. What is the best way to pay for meals on campus?
A. All students can purchase a meal plan per semester from RU through the RU Express office. More information is available on-line at:
http://www.radford.edu/~ru-exprs/intro.html Click on the meal plans tab. Forms are available online to print and send.