RADFORD, VA (11/01/2023) Radford University and Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) have reached a transfer agreement granting SWCC Honors students guaranteed admission to Radford’s Honors College, beginning with the fall semester in 2024.
A Memorandum of Understanding will be signed by officials from both institutions, including Radford University President Bret Danilowicz and SWCC President Tommy Wright, on Friday, Nov. 3 at 2:30 p.m. in a ceremony inside Martin Hall on the Radford main campus.
The transfer agreement provides SWCC associate’s degree graduates with an advanced educational opportunity in Radford’s Honors College. Eligibility is open to SWCC students who complete credit hours within the Honors core curriculum, conduct a capstone research project, participate in community service, and have earned a 3.5 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) at SWCC and any other institution.
Students who transfer to Radford’s Honors College will enjoy the full benefits of participation in an academic program and Living-Learning Community (LLC) defined by intellectual curiosity and active educational engagement. Individuals who complete the 27-credit hour honors curriculum graduate as Highlander Honors Scholars, the highest academic distinction for Radford undergraduates. Those who complete the 15-credit honors curriculum graduate with the Highlander Honors Distinction. Both achievements appear on the student’s diploma and include special regalia at graduation.
Along with academic programming, Honors College students have a dedicated residence hall in Floyd Hall and uniquely tailored scholarly and social opportunities within the LLC. In addition, Honors College students gain access to advising from the college’s faculty fellows and receive priority course registration.
President Bret Danilowicz, Radford University
“At Radford University, we strongly believe in creating opportunities for students from Virginia’s community colleges and we are proud to partner with Southwest Virginia Community College and its Honors College. This new agreement allows high-achieving students to find a perfect fit for their educational and career goals within one of Radford’s richest and fastest-growing learning environments. The unique experiences of the Honors College are more accessible than ever, as transfer students who are Virginia residents can now benefit from the Radford Tuition Promise, which covers tuition costs for those with household incomes of $100,000 or less.”
President Tommy Wright, Southwest Virginia Community College
“We are excited to partner with Radford University to provide a pathway for Southwest Virginia Community College Honors College students to smoothly transition into the Radford Honors College. This partnership will open doors for students at both institutions to access a world of opportunities and reflects our commitment to empowering our students for success in their academic and personal journeys.”
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Bethany Usher, Radford University
“Providing a seamless transfer between the two honors programs allows SWCC students to create important connections before they transfer to Radford. This partnership enhances the abilities of SWCC Honors students to be immediately involved with our notable undergraduate research and other programs when they arrive here. Radford University benefits from having these bright and curious students enrich our campus.”
Vice President of Academic and Student Services Robert Brandon, Southwest Virginia Community College
“The Honors Program at Southwest Virginia Community College prepares students to be future leaders in our communities and provides opportunities to accelerate their education through experiential learning activities. Having a pathway for these talented and motivated students to continue their journey at Radford University ensures that there will be no gaps in their quest for excellence. The sky is the limit for these students.”
About Radford University:
Radford University is a comprehensive public university that has received national recognition for many of its undergraduate and graduate academic programs, as well as its sustainability initiatives. Well known for its strong faculty/student bonds, innovative use of technology in the learning environment and vibrant student life on a beautiful 211-acre American classical campus, Radford University offers students many opportunities to get involved and succeed in and out of the classroom. With over 300 clubs and organizations, Radford University offers many opportunities for student engagement, leadership development and community service. In addition to robust academic offerings and engaging student experiences on the main campus located in Radford, Virginia, Radford University also offers a clinical-based educational experience for some 1,000 students living and learning in Roanoke, Virginia as part of Radford University Carilion, a public-private partnership focused on the cutting-edge delivery of health sciences programming, outreach and service.
About Southwest Virginia Community College:
Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) is a two-year institution of higher education serving primarily the residents of the counties of Buchanan, Dickenson (partial), Russell and Tazewell. SWCC offers a wide range of academic programs and also provides workforce training incorporating industry-recognized credentials. For more information, please visit http://www.sw.edu.