Message to Students, Faculty, and Staff from President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:

In the past few weeks, we have experienced a great deal of change due to COVID-19. That change has disrupted nearly every facet of our society and our work. In a world of uncertainty, there is comfort in seeing the compassionate nature of the Highlander spirit, as well as the resiliency of the Radford family. Without question, we are in this together as the global pandemic continues to grow in terms of the number of confirmed cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in our country and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

As we engage in modified campus operations and comply with social distancing requirements, I write to provide a holistic update on what this evolving situation means for our University now and moving forward.

FOR STUDENTS
Earlier today, you began your online journey in your existing courses. That journey will continue for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester as this pandemic grows in both scope and size. We have made this decision as your health, well-being, and safety are more important than anything else.

In the prior announcement regarding modified campus operations, the online delivery of course content was set through April 17, 2020. That date is now May 8, 2020, which represents all activity through the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester. You are encouraged to visit the Keep Learning webpage at www.radford.edu/keep-learning for tips on being successful in your online courses and access to online services.

Campus Access and Building Updates: All students are encouraged to contact offices before coming to campus. Although the University remains open, several areas are only available by email or phone rather than in-person visits. At this time, the Student Recreation and Wellness Center on the main campus remains closed to visitors. The Dedmon Center, the Hurlburt Student Center, and McConnell Library, all on the main campus, are also closed to visitors.

Clinical and/or Field Placements: Students who are unable to complete required clinical and/or other field placements will be provided the opportunity to complete those requirements at a later date and as soon as possible. Please contact your academic college and department or school for additional information.

Work Study Programs: Based on recent guidance by the U.S. Department of Education, Radford University work study students will continue to receive bi-weekly payments between Monday, March 23, 2020 and the end of the semester. Individual student payments for the Federal Work Study (FWS) Program and the Institutional Work Scholarship Program (IWSP) assignments will reflect the average hours worked prior to the regular and extended weeks of Spring Break. For questions regarding the FWS and IWSP, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 540-831-5408 or finaid@radford.edu on the main campus and 540-985-8267 or rucfinancialaid@radford.edu at Radford University Carilion (RUC).

Housing and Unused Dining Plans: The University will provide credits and/or refunds for housing and unused dining plans. Direct communication will be sent to students with housing and dining plans by noon tomorrow (Tuesday, March 24, 2020). This communication will provide the detailed process regarding next steps.

Access to On-Campus and Off-Campus University Housing: The above referenced communication will share the process for accessing any and all personal belongings located in on-campus and off-campus University housing. That process will begin later this week and remain open for a three-week period.

Grading System: For the Spring 2020 semester, the University will honor the traditional grading system. However, at the same time, an opt-in mechanism will be available for students who want to receive a pass or fail grade in one or all of their courses. By the end of next week, students will receive a direct communication with a link in order to identify their preferred grading system for each of their courses.

FOR GRADUATING SENIORS
Twice a year, the Radford family comes together in a very special way to celebrate the academic achievements and significant milestones reached by the graduating class. At Radford, Commencement is truly a capstone to the Highlander experience, a community celebration, and a sight to behold. This year, we must take unprecedented action and reschedule the May Commencement to an anticipated time in which the public health threat to our graduates, our guests, and our community has passed.

As a result, we are making the difficult, but right, decision to move May Commencement activities to December. Ceremonies will be held as follows: December 11, 2020 for RUC at the Berglund Center in Roanoke and the College of Graduate Studies and Research on the main campus in Radford; and December 12, 2020 for Radford University in the Dedmon Center in Radford.

You have worked so very hard throughout your educational journey to make your individual dreams a reality. I ask you to remember that you have made your dreams come true, and no one can take this achievement away from you!

Radford University pledges to celebrate you during a time in which your health and that of your guests will not be at risk. Please know that your degree will be conferred and mailed shortly following the conclusion of the Spring 2020 semester.

FOR FACULTY
Faculty members will continue to deliver course content online and engage with students remotely. Faculty are encouraged to work from home or other remote locations that have adequate network connectivity. For some faculty members, working from their on-campus offices and practicing social distancing may be the best course of action. This decision is left up to individual faculty in consultation with their department chair or school director. For additional support during this period, please visit the Keep Teaching and Keep Working webpages at www.radford.edu/keep-teaching and www.radford.edu/keep-working.

FOR STAFF
Staff members, both classified staff and administrative and professional faculty, will continue to work either on-campus or remotely as appropriate given their respective positions. This decision is left up to individual supervisors in consultation with the appropriate vice president. For additional support during this period, please visit the Keep Working webpage at www.radford.edu/keep-working.

This is a difficult time for every student, faculty, staff, and community member. I ask for your continued patience and understanding as Radford University pledges to do all that we can. This is not an ideal situation for our University, but we continue to do our best in making decisions quickly and thoughtfully and communicating broadly and openly. We will make it through this together as one Radford family!


Sincerely,


Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
President