Randolph-Macon College will welcome more than 400 incoming freshmen for fall 2016, with an overall enrollment of more than 1440 students. This number includes nearly 40 transfer students. This is the second consecutive year that enrollment numbers have exceeded 1,400. Athletes returned to campus beginning August 15, freshmen will move in on September 1, and all other students will return on September 2. Classes begin on Monday, September 5.

“We extend a heartfelt welcome to the Class of 2020,” says President Robert R. Lindgren. “The Randolph-Macon College community is happy that our newest Yellow Jackets are joining the family. Our enrollment numbers underscore the attraction to this great school and its reputation for preparing our students to succeed in life.”

Class of 2020
The Class of 2020 represents 15 states and six foreign countries; 48 percent of the students are male and 52 percent are female. In addition, 21 percent are ethnically diverse. Many are Presidential Scholars, recipients of RMC’s signature scholarship that recognizes students who demonstrate the highest levels of academic achievement and leadership.

Legacy Students
Seven percent of all new students (eight percent of freshmen) are Legacy freshmen—Yellow Jackets with family members who are either current students at RMC or who are alumni of the college. Family connections have long been an important part of the success of Randolph-Macon College. The Alumni Office, which supports the Legacy Program, will welcome the Legacy Freshmen with special “goodie bags” when they arrive on campus. Included in each bag will be an invitation to attend a Legacy Tailgate Luncheon that will be held on October 8, 2016, during Family Weekend.

The Edge
During New Student Orientation, which was held during the summer, incoming freshmen were introduced to The Edge, a distinctive, personalized four-year career preparation program that’s integrated with their academic experience. With help from dedicated staff at The Edge Career Center and RMC’s extraordinary faculty, students acquire a competitive advantage in reaching their career or graduate school goals. Some of the many resources provided to students include workshops, advising, internships and access to RMC’s engaged, global alumni network.

Staff from The Edge will meet with new arriving students in small groups during Welcome Week (September 1-4). Students will be introduced to The Edge in more detail, and will take their first assessment using a tool called Focus 2. They will also become familiar with The Edge Career Connector, a virtual hub where students can schedule appointments with Edge staff; build a résumé; and search for jobs and internships. Cindy Szadokierski ’81, executive director of The Edge, says the program helps students begin thinking about their future from the moment they set foot on campus.

“For four years, students receive an outstanding education and are offered numerous opportunities, from internships and résumé development to preparation for job interviews and graduate school,” says Szadokierski. “The Edge helps students discover their potential, gain valuable real-world experience, and build the confidence they need to succeed.”

Four-Year Degree Guarantee
The Class of 2020 and their parents signed RMC’s Four-Year Degree Guarantee during a series of orientation sessions held during the summer. This agreement pledges that students who meet all necessary requirements will graduate within four calendar years, or RMC will waive tuition costs for RMC courses needed to complete the degree. Lindgren and other representatives from the college met with each student and family to discuss and jointly sign the Four-Year Degree Guarantee.

About RMC
RMC has a stellar reputation for its extraordinary faculty, global alumni network, national and international internships, study abroad and undergraduate research opportunities as well as The Edge and January Term programs.

Randolph-Macon’s pre-med program continues to flourish. RMC has a Guaranteed Admission Agreement with the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Nursing Program and the George Washington University School of Nursing, and an Early Assurance Program with the Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) Physician Assistant program. In addition, the college has medical school partnerships with George Washington University, EVMS, and VCU.

RMC also has an exceptional program for transfer students. RMC has a Guaranteed Admissions Agreement with Reynolds Community College and with Richard Bland College. In addition, Randolph-Macon invites transfer students from all colleges and universities to visit campus, sit in on classes, engage with faculty, staff, and students, and meet with our transfer admissions counselor.

The college offers students a wealth of leadership and service organizations and a full calendar of campus events throughout the academic year. Seventeen Yellow Jacket athletic teams compete in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference and are in the NCAA Division III. Founded in 1830 in Boydton, Virginia, Randolph-Macon is the oldest United Methodist Church-affiliated college in the nation. RMC received recognition from the Phi Beta Kappa Society for having the most outstanding chapter at a liberal arts college in the United States.