Academic Life
- What are the advantages of a liberal arts education?
- Which courses are required of all students?
- How does a student know which courses to choose?
- How challenging is the academic program at Randolph-Macon?
- What are the academic standards?
- Where do students study?
- Are there any "special programs" available to students?
- What exactly is the Internship Program?
- Can you tell me more about the study abroad programs?
- What special assistance is available to students who experience academic difficulty and who seek help?
- What type of computer facilities does Randolph-Macon have to offer?
Q. What are the advantages of a liberal arts education?
A. The goal of the liberal arts is not only to provide students with a broad range of knowledge in the humanities, arts, and sciences, but also to develop individuals who think critically, who speak and write effectively, and who constantly question and explore the world around them. These skills are essential for success, regardless of the career path one chooses to pursue.
A liberal arts education is especially important and valuable in today's world. Statistics show that an individual graduating from college today will change careers - not merely jobs - at least three times before retiring. The flexibility and variety of a liberal arts education enables one to meet these changes with confidence and success. This is why many employers today seek the liberally-educated individual. That person is one who possesses the necessary skills for relating successfully to other people, who can analyze information and make decisions effectively, and who can adapt to the changing roles of the position.
Q. Which courses are required of all students?
A. Randolph-Macon has the most comprehensive core-curriculum of any college in Virginia. In order to graduate, all students must complete the following requirements (two courses in each):
- English Composition
- European History
- Mathematics
- Laboratory Science
- Literature
- Social Science
- Philosophy or Religious Studies
- Fine Arts (one course only)
Beginning in Fall 2005, all new students must complete the First-Year Experience. This includes a two-semester-long First-Year Colloquium (FYC) course that will be taught by two faculty members from different disciplines, and there will be about a dozen FYC topics offered. The FYC courses will focus on engaging topics that cross disciplinary boundaries and will meet Areas of Knowledge requirements in the appropriate discpilines. A four-credit one-semester companion writing course is also required in conjunction with the FYC.
In addition, each student must fulfill a computer literacy requirement, two speaking-intensive courses, and demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language through the intermediate (second year) level. The physical education requirement is completed by taking two one-semester courses or through participation in varsity athletics for two seasons. Naturally, they must also successfully complete requirements for their major(s)/minor(s).
Q. How does a student know which courses to choose?
A. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor before arriving on campus in the fall. Normally, the student will keep this advisor until the time when an official choice of academic major is made, usually at the end of the sophomore year. A student's choice of courses depends upon personal preferences, placement tests taken during Orientation, and advisor's suggestions. A typical freshman's schedule includes courses in English composition, mathematics, history or laboratory science, foreign language, and physical education.
Q. How challenging is the academic program at Randolph-Macon?
A. Randolph-Macon's academic program is rigorous and demanding. Our faculty set high standards for their students, especially in the areas of written communication and classroom participation. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 and an average class size of 15 students, the College actively involves students in the educational process, and this involvement naturally requires hard work and self-discipline. Successful Randolph-Macon students are those who are highly motivated and eager to learn. The remarkable success of Randolph-Macon students in graduate and professional schools and in a wide range of careers is one clear indication that the College's challenging curriculum pays real dividends.
Q. What are the academic standards?
A. A cumulative average of "C" (or 2.00 based on the 4.00 system) is required for a student to graduate from Randolph-Macon. A grade point average below this is allowed during the first two years of a student's college career. However, continued unsatisfactory performance usually results in probationary standing or suspension. Notification is sent to parents concerning official College action in the event of academic deficiencies or when a student is suspended from the College.
Q. Where do students study?
AMany students study in their rooms; others study in the College's McGraw-Page Library. The library is open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. until 1 a.m.; Friday 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. until 1 a.m. Other specially designated study areas are located in classroom buildings, some residence halls (open all night), and in the Copley Science Center (open extended hours). In addition, students have access to the LEAPS (Learning Environment for Academic and Personal Success) Center, which provides meeting and group study rooms, academic support materials, computers, study snacks, and supplies for projects and student organization activities.
Q. Are there any "special programs" available to students?
A. Yes. In addition to offering 30 academic majors, the College has extensive internship and field study programs (in Richmond, Washington, D.C., and other locations); an honors program for outstanding students; pre-professional training for medicine, dentistry, law, and the ministry; cooperative programs in engineering and forestry; cooperative master's degree program in accounting with Virginia Commonwealth University; certification in elementary and secondary education; transfer programs in health science fields; independent study and senior project options; a seven college exchange program; and study abroad opportunities in France, Spain, England, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Japan, China, and Korea.
Q. What exactly is the Internship Program?
A. One way to test an education is to put it into practice. For Randolph-Macon students, this means gaining work experience through the College's extensive Bassett Internship Program or the summer internship program. Students in all majors can get on-the-job experience in a range of fields while earning academic credit or financial compensation. With the help of their faculty coordinators and the Internship Director, students work in Richmond, in Washington, D.C., or in such places as Baltimore, New York, or Dallas. Most internships take place during January Term and summer terms, although internships during the fall or spring semester can be arranged.
In recent years, Randolph-Macon interns have worked in investment firms, banks, major corporations, newspapers, museums, hospitals, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the Virginia General Assembly, and a variety of other locations.
Q. Can you tell me more about the study abroad programs?
ARandolph-Macon has established study abroad programs in Paris, France; Salamanca, Spain; Wroxton, England; Rome, Italy; Lancaster, England; Tubingen, Germany; Ireland; Japan; China; and Korea. Our study abroad programs enable students to experience first-hand the language, culture, literature, economics, and politics of Europe. Other travel options are available as well and have taken students to Russia, China, Mexico, and a variety of other countries.
Q. What special assistance is available to students who experience academic difficulty and who seek help?
A. The first source of assistance is (and should be) the professor in the course concerned. One of the special advantages of a small teaching-oriented undergraduate college is the availability of the faculty to students seeking help after class. It is the student’s responsibility, however, to approach the faculty member, not the other way around.
In addition, the Higgins Academic Center (HAC) provides academic support for all students. Peer tutoring is free to all students and is available in most subjects. It can be received on a drop-in or appointment basis. Mentoring is also free to all students and is available upon request, through referral, and through the Dean's Probation program (for freshmen). Mentors work with individual clients and also offer group presentations on topics including time management, goal setting, study strategies, writing skills, and test preparation.
The HAC also provides assistance to students with disabilities. In compliance with Federal law, the College is committed to offering an equal educational opportunity to all qualified students with disabilities. Since these students often need special accommodations to be successful, reasonable accommodations are provided for eligible students. To be eligible to receive accommodations, a student with disabilities must register with the Office for Disability Support services in the HAC. Students are encouraged to register if they anticipate the need for accommodations at any time during attendance at the College.
Q. What type of computer facilities does Randolph-Macon have to offer?
A. There are computer laboratories throughout the campus intended for instruction. They are usually available for student use when classes are not in session. Hours for many labs are posted and the Computer Learning Center labs and the Library Computer Room are open extended hours (evenings & weekends) for student convenience.
Computer Learning Center: Copley 200 & 201
Computer Science Room: Copley 213
Library computer Room
Economics/Business Computer Room: Fox 106
Pysch. Computer Room: Smithey 132a
Butler Language Lab: Haley Hall
Higgins Academic Center
Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Education Labs
LEAPS Center
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