About Us

ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT VISION & MISSION, Fall 2009

To assist the Radford University academic community by developing credit bearing experiences that offer opportunities to apply what is learned in the classroom through a variety of engagement options including:  internship opportunities, community based research and projects, and international internship or service options. 

• These engagement experiences will be developmental in nature and documented on the academic transcript/portfolio.
• RU engagement activities will be available during the academic year, during summer terms, and as other short term or alternative academic break options. 
• The office will develop partnerships with business, government, and community partners at the local, state, national and international levels.  
• Every Radford University graduate will be recognized for strong academic preparation combined with multiple, real world experiences and prepared to function as citizens of a global economy. 

History

1. Experiential Learning Office Created at Radford University in 1999 – Capstone internships created in most departments at Radford University.
2. Merged with Career Services in 2003
3. In 2004 developed a comprehensive plan to enrich the academic experience at Radford University with a variety of applied activities – R U Four Year Plan for Career Success (detailed brochure; Simple 4 Year Brochure)
4. Assisted thousands of students each year to engage in internships, volunteer and service activities to begin professional skill development; administered career assessments to assist students in the selection of majors that fit their values, skills, and life goals; helped students find academic and not for credit internships; and provided links to employers that were seeking talented young professionals in their senior year.
5. Summer 2009 - Radford University builds on successes and creates the Office for Academic Engagement & Community Partnerships – Develops the Highlanders in Action Internships and the Students for Positive Change Course.

Recent Highlights


• Published, Pride and Preservation – Mountain View Cemetery – A Partnership between the African-American Churches of Radford, Virginia, and Radford University with a grant from the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities
• Selected for the President’s Honor Role for Community Service by the Learn and Serve America Corporation for the Mountain View Cemetery Project work. (PDF)
• Radford University had 5 Students Selected to Attend The Nonprofit Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship Program  
  The Nonprofit Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship Program