Reopening of Campus for Fall Semester (Message to Students)

Dear Students:

As we enter the final week of classes and prepare for the end of the Spring semester, I am pleased to announce that, following the conclusion of Governor Northam’s temporary stay-at-home order, Radford University will reopen for the Fall semester. The semester, which begins on August 24, 2020, will include full operations, such as on-campus housing, dining services, and face-to-face instruction. Please note that all Summer Session courses will remain online.

The health, safety, and well-being of you and your fellow Highlanders remain our top priority. As a result, we are working diligently on contingency planning to account for continued developments based on analysis and research by public health experts. Additionally, we are examining policies and procedures regarding social distancing protocol; personal protective equipment, or PPE, utilization; testing availability; classroom configuration; event size; etc.

Despite our current environment, I am confident that each and every one of you will finish the current semester strong. Your perseverance in the face of adversity and understanding in this time of uncertainty have been nothing short of amazing. You have driven to parking lots of local establishments in search of internet access. You have taken on additional responsibilities for teaching your children or siblings. You have entered the workforce or taken on a second job to support your families due to loved ones being out-of-work. Your stories of overcoming barriers and obstacles have inspired the Radford family.

To our graduating seniors, we are so excited to see where you will go and what you will do with your Radford education and Highlander experience. We cannot wait to celebrate you as part of the December Commencement and in a variety of other ways! I am pleased to share that, on Commencement Saturday, which will occur on May 9, 2020, a special tribute to you, the Radford University Class of 2020, will be released.

For our returning students, please consider your active engagement during Summer Session, which represents a great opportunity to continue your journey online, and register for Fall classes. We look forward to welcoming each and every one of you back in August as all locations will be completely open and all services fully available. We will overcome this unprecedented challenge together as one Radford family!


With Highlander Pride,

Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
President