The liberal arts curriculum at Randolph-Macon College aspires to develop the mind and character of each student by cultivating lifelong love of learning, informed perspectives, self-reflection, and an ability to synthesize ideas. The collegiate requirements, the major, and electives are intended to realize the following goals:
Curriculum Goals
- Students should acquire depth of knowledge in a major field and breadth of knowledge in the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
- Students should synthesize and integrate knowledge to develop interdisciplinary solutions to open-ended questions.
- Students should be able to access, analyze, evaluate, and use information effectively and ethically.
- Students should be able to reason critically, historically, scientifically, quantitatively, and logically.
- Students should engage in the creative process.
- Students should be able to communicate effectively in writing and speaking, across differences of language and culture, using traditional and new media.
- Students should appreciate diversity and the ethical and environmental responsibilities of local and global citizenship.
- Students should respect the mental and physical well-being of self and others.
The Collegiate Requirements
The collegiate requirements are those courses all students must successfully complete in order to receive a degree from Randolph-Macon College1. The requirements comprise four groups: Effective Communication, Pillars of the Liberal Arts, Cross-Area Requirements, and Wellness.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Effective communication courses provide a foundation in writing and speaking necessary for success in college and beyond. The requirement consists of five courses from four areas.
Written Communication
Critical Reading and Writing (ENGL 185) is a four credit-hour course providing an intensive introduction to skills essential to good writing: critical reading, framing arguments for different audiences, mechanics, style, and research. All students must successfully complete ENGL 185. The course is taken in the student’s first year. A student who does not complete successfully ENGL 185 must repeat ENGL 185 during its next offering.
ORAL COMMUNICATION (OC)
All students must successfully complete one approved course that strengthens the connection between knowledge of a subject and effective oral communication by assigning diverse oral communication tasks and providing opportunities for practice and improvement.
Communication in Context (CC)
All students must successfully complete one approved course that explores topics and practices that introduce students to the varieties of inquiry, research, and forms of communication characteristic of a field or discipline.
Foreign Language Communication (FL)
All students must successfully complete two approved consecutive courses in a foreign language, or complete a foreign language through the intermediate level. The intermediate level is normally defined as completion of the 211 – 212 sequence or through a single accelerated course, 215. A student whose native language is not English may satisfy the collegiate requirement by receiving proficiency in a foreign language in consultation with the Registrar’s Office.
PILLARS OF THE LIBERAL ARTS
The Pillars provide exposure to broad areas of knowledge that students will encounter throughout their lives. All students must successfully complete one approved course from each of six areas.
Aesthetic Expression (AE)
These courses explore art forms or texts produced by individuals, groups of people, or cultures; these courses may involve performance and production. Students will learn how formal and thematic qualities create meaning, recognize the interplay of the creative impulse and trained discipline, and attend to the ways aesthetic expression communicates complex human experiences.
Civic Life (CL)
These courses address the social, economic, and political structures that pattern how individuals engage collectively in public life at the community, national, and international levels. Students will learn to identify and analyze structures appropriate to a course’s focus and assess patterns of change and development of those structures. Civic Life courses will require students to reflect on their personal engagement in civic life through classroom and/or experiential learning activities.
Global Experiences (GE)
These courses examine the interconnectedness of human communities and diversity of cultural traditions that have shaped the world in the past and present. Students will learn to observe, describe, and analyze human cultures and societies in their variety.
The Human Condition (HC)
These courses explore what it means to be human, delving into topics such as growth, development, human nature, consciousness, mortality, our lives as individuals and in relationships, belief systems, and ways of knowing. Students will reflect on aspects of the human condition through classroom and/ or experiential learning activities.
Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning (QS)
These courses focus on solving problems within quantitative or symbolic abstract structures. Students will learn to translate real world problems into the language of these structures, perform and interpret quantitative or symbolic manipulations, employ abstract methods of analysis to develop conclusions, and create and communicate logical arguments based on this analysis.
The Scientific Process (SP)
These courses will examine the role of scientific inquiry, including how the relationships among hypotheses, theories, and predictions provide the context for making observations and drawing conclusions. Students will execute and analyze experiments, including the development of hypotheses, collection and analysis of data, and drawing of conclusions as appropriate to the discipline.
Randolph-Macon is dedicated to the full development of a student’s skills in written communication. Therefore, all students must successfully complete at least one course that is designated as writing attentive (WA).
To ensure a breadth of knowledge, a single course cannot be used to satisfy more than one Pillar requirement, nor may a student use more than one course on a major to satisfy the Pillar requirements.
From among the courses used to satisfy the Pillar requirements, all students must successfully complete at least one course designated as arts/humanities (HU), at least one designated as social/behavioral science (SS), and at least one designated as natural science/mathematics (NS).
CROSS-AREA REQUIREMENTS
Randolph-Macon’s curricular goals emphasize the college’s intention to provide students with an education that encourages them to see connections and relationships among various academic disciplines. The Cross-Area requirements reinforce cross-disciplinary connections and the recognition that curricular goals are not unique to a particular discipline or a single pillar. All students must successfully complete at least one course that satisfies each of the following requirements.
Experiential Learning (EL)
These courses may be a part of a student’s major or may be an approved curricular project. Courses that satisfy this requirement include: a semester- or year-long study abroad program, a travel-centered course, a Bassett Internship, an approved field study, an approved directed research project, a student teaching assignment, or an approved service-learning course.
Non-Western Culture (NW)
These courses will enable students to begin developing a critical understanding of the non-western world. The scope of human endeavor encompasses a wide range of responses to a shared set of universal challenges, and the responses of western civilization exist alongside and in interaction with the traditions and institutions of other cultures.
Diversity and Inclusion (DI)
These courses address the characteristics of diverse cultures in the United States. Courses focus on the struggles for full inclusion of underrepresented populations and non-dominant cultures and/or the challenges and benefits of diversity in American institutions.
Capstone Experience (CS)
These courses must widely integrate knowledge and skills from either the student’s overall program or the student’s major program.
A single course cannot be used to satisfy more than two cross-area requirements.
WELLNESS
Each student must satisfactorily complete two courses in physical education at the 100 level. These courses do not affect a student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA); the courses are taken for 0 hours of credit. A student physically or medically unable to participate in activity courses is encouraged to meet the physical education requirement by enrolling in PHED 104.
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Courses which satisfy the current collegiate requirements may be identified via the "C21" codes in the course descriptions.
- 1
General education requirements for students who enrolled at Randolph-Macon College prior to Fall 2021 are available in the Academic Catalog of the student's year of enrollment. Prior catalogs are archived online. A list of courses approved to satisfy pre-2021 general education requirements may be found on the Registrar's Office website.
Requirements for Academic Major
All students must complete successfully the requirements of a major program of study in order to receive a degree from Randolph-Macon.
A major program consists of at least 30 semester hours, satisfying the requirements of the department or interdisciplinary council under whose direction the program is being pursued. In no case may a major require more than 42 semester hours of course work in one field of study. Students should select their major fields by the end of the sophomore year. A student must receive a grade of C- or higher and attain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher on all work counting toward the major. Any transfer course counting on a major is calculated in the major GPA. Students have the option of completing additional majors. Of the courses of three or more semester hours that a student uses to satisfy the requirements of any one major, no more than half may be courses that the student counts toward another major. Of the courses of three or more semester hours that a student uses to satisfy the requirements of any one major, no more than half may be courses brought in through transfer credit.
Requirements for Academic Minor
Students have the option of completing a minor program in addition to a major program. A minor shall consist of no fewer than 15 semester hours and no more than 20 semester hours in one discipline or in an interdisciplinary program. Courses taken to satisfy collegiate requirements or requirements for major programs may be counted for academic minors where appropriate. A student must receive a grade of C- or higher and attain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher on all work counting on the minor. Any transfer course counting on a minor is calculated in the minor GPA. No major may require a minor program. Of the courses of three or more semester hours that a student uses to satisfy the requirements of any one minor, no more than half may be courses that the student counts toward another minor. Of the courses of three or more semester hours that a student uses to satisfy the requirements of any one minor, no more than half may be courses brought in through transfer credit.
Degrees Offered
Randolph-Macon College confers three undergraduate degrees: the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Science, and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree
All candidates for a degree must (1) complete successfully at least 120 semester hours* and at least two courses in physical education at the 100 level, (2) attain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher on all work undertaken at the college, (3) satisfy all collegiate requirements, and (4) satisfy all requirements for a major that is designated as fulfilling the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree
All candidates for a degree must (1) complete successfully at least 120 semester hours* and at least two courses in physical education at the 100 level, (2) attain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher on all work undertaken at the college, (3) satisfy all collegiate requirements, and (4) satisfy all requirements for a major that is designated as fulfilling the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree
All candidates for a degree must (1) complete successfully at least 120 semester hours* and at least two courses in physical education at the 100 level, (2) attain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher on all work undertaken at the college, (3) satisfy all collegiate requirements, and (4) must complete successfully the nursing major and 25 semester hours (8 courses) outside of the nursing major as follows:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 251 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| BIOL 252 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BIOL 311 | Microbiology | 4 |
| MATH 111 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| or MATH 113 | Introduction to Statistics | |
| NUIP 115 | Nursing Profession & Health Systems | 3 |
| NUIP 315 | Pathophysiology-Pharmacology I | 3 |
| NUIP 325 | Pathophysiology-Pharmacology II | 3 |
| NUIP 375 | Population Health Immersion | 3 |
| Total Hours | 27 | |
All students must complete successfully the requirements for a major program of study in order to receive a degree from Randolph-Macon. Students who complete more than one major and satisfy the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science are only awarded one degree. Such students may elect either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science. Students completing the requirements for the nursing major may only elect the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
*The 120 semester hours requirement was implemented upon the start of the 2023-2024 academic year and effective for incoming students of Fall 2023 and onward. Students that matriculated prior to that semester remain under the 110 semester hours and 34 (3-4 credit) courses requirement.
Degree Conferral
Randolph-Macon College holds one graduation ceremony each year at the end of the spring semester. The college also confers degrees during the first faculty meeting of the fall term, to accommodate those students who complete requirements by the end of summer, and during the first faculty meeting of the spring term, to accommodate those students who complete requirements by the end of January term. Students who have an approved degree application for spring or summer completion may take part in the graduation ceremony.
Four-Year Degree Guarantee
The College guarantees that full-time freshmen students entering the College who meet the Four-Year Degree Guarantee conditions stated in the Randolph-Macon College Academic Catalog will graduate with a major within four calendar years or Randolph-Macon will provide the required course(s) on campus free of tuition charges.
These conditions include:
- Complying with the academic requirements related to course load, satisfactory academic progress, major and cumulative GPA;
- Declaration of major(s) in a timely manner, appropriate to the major selected;
- Satisfactory completion of Yellow Jacket Success Strategies (YJSS 101);
- Meeting at least once per semester with the academic advisor and following his/her advice;
- Participating in The Edge Boot Camp, preferably in your sophomore year;
- Selecting and registering for courses on the first day of the student’s registration window and in pursuit of timely completion of graduation requirements;
- Submitting a completed degree application by the deadline applicable to your anticipated completion date;
- Continuous enrollment across fall and spring semesters across four academic years. Suspensions due to academic separation, academic integrity, or conduct, and/or deferral of graduation for athletic participation will invalidate this guarantee.
The College reserves the right to withhold its free tuition guarantee if the student does not comply with one or more of the above conditions.
The Four-Year Degree Guarantee will be reviewed with freshmen students and families during Summer New Student Orientation sessions, and a partnership agreement will be signed at that time by the President or a designee, the student, and their parent/s or guardian/s.
Process and Appeals
When a student believes that they are eligible for the free tuition guaranteed by the Four-Year Degree Guarantee, they must make a request to the college’s Provost via email at provostoffice@rmc.edu. The Provost will consult with the Registrar, who will review the student’s transcript and academic records for compliance with the guarantee criteria and identify coursework necessary to complete any remaining requirements. The Provost may also consult with the student’s academic advisor or other informed parties.
After reviewing all documentation, if the Provost concludes that the conditions of the Four Year Degree Guarantee were met, the Provost may recommend to the President that the student be approved to take remaining required course(s) at RMC without a charge for tuition. If the President concurs with the recommendation, the student will be notified in writing and will be eligible to enroll for the required course(s) without a tuition charge.
If the Provost determines that the conditions of the Four-Year Degree Guarantee have not been met, the student will be notified in writing and with an explanation of the decision. If the Provost finds that the conditions of the Four-Year Degree Guarantee have not been met, students may appeal to the President for reconsideration of the initial decision. To appeal, the student must submit any/all evidence to support their position and draft a detailed letter to the President responding to the explanation offered by the provost. The President will review the appeals letter and documentation and issue their decision. The President’s decision is not appealable.
Academic Year
Each academic year consists of three terms, two of 14 weeks divided by one of four weeks. As a supplement, there are one or more summer sessions.
Fall Term
The fall term commences about the first week in September and concludes before the Christmas recess. Thirteen weeks are devoted to classes, with one week allowed for final examinations. Each student usually registers for four or five courses during this term.
January Term
This four-week term is held in January each year. Enrollment in the January term is standard and a required component of the four-year degree guarantee, but it is not mandatory for maintaining enrollment into spring term. Students who enroll in the January term may enroll in no more than seven semester hours of academic credit during the January term and no less than three semester hours.
Spring Term
The spring term commences about the first week in February and concludes in late May. Thirteen weeks are devoted to classes, with one week allowed for final examinations. Each student usually registers for four or five courses during this term.
Summer Session
The college offers one or more summer sessions in which Randolph-Macon students may enroll. Students in good standing at other colleges and universities may enroll; so may individuals who are not enrolled at a college or university but possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. Admission to a Randolph-Macon College summer session does not imply admission to the college. However, courses successfully completed during a summer session would be applicable to a Randolph-Macon degree program should a student subsequently be admitted to the college.
Academic Advising and Counseling
Academic advising is paramount to the holistic support Randolph-Macon College provides for all students. Faculty and staff at the college share in the endeavor of helping students to address both long-range decisions and immediate concerns. Recognizing that students could navigate a number of academic, career, and/or personal challenges during their time at RMC, the college has a number of advising programs designed to offer specialized support for a variety of concerns.
On entering RMC, all students are assigned to an academic advisor. Transfer students are assigned advisors in their declared area of academic interest. Advisors provide counsel and assistance on general academic questions. They are specifically concerned with students’ selection of courses and their completion of degree requirements. These advisors discuss with the students their courses of study, prospective majors, and progress toward graduation. Advisors are also notified regularly regarding the academic progress of each of their advisees. Consultation with the advisor should precede any registration or course change. Students beginning pursuit of major programs usually identify faculty advisors within their intended field of study; a student wishing to change their advisor may do so by submitting a change of advisor form through MyMaconWeb.
Academic advisors can also facilitate support as students navigate challenges, referring to appropriate resources on campus or within the community. Advisors are often among the first relationships students establish as they begin their experience at RMC. Many students form very valuable connections with their advisors that are maintained throughout their college careers and beyond. A conversation with a trusted advisor can clarify concerns and yield invaluable guidance as students continue toward graduation and beyond.
Additional counseling services provided by the college are located in Counseling Services and in the Chaplain’s Office.
McGraw-Page Library
The McGraw-Page Library provides resources and space for research, study, and collaboration. All of the services described below are available on-demand or by appointment and are free of charge to all students.
The first floor is a busy service center that houses interlibrary loan, circulation, printing, and reserves. Librarians are available to provide support on any element of a research project, from honing a research question to finding high quality sources and organizing them into a literature review.
Also on the first floor are two book collections: popular reading (POP) selections, and Children’s Literature containing Newbery, Caldecott, and Printz award-winning books collected to support students majoring in elementary education. The Abernathy Room provides 24/7 study space complete with a printer, vending machines, and restrooms.
A variety of seating options are available on both the first and second floors to facilitate individual study and group projects, including reservable study rooms, booth-style seating, collaboration and media viewing technology, and large tables.
Instructional Design & Technology supports a Makerspace located on the first floor that includes a 3D printer, virtual reality equipment, laser cutter, Legos, and more. It also loans equipment and offers support for students incorporating technology into their academic assignments. Instructional design support is available for faculty.
The second floor contains the library’s collection of over 130,000 print books and the entire floor is designated as a quiet study area. Additional resources are available online, including more than 200,000 online journals and 500,000 e-books, over 110,000 streaming media items, and 204 research databases. The Oliver Classroom is used for regularly scheduled classes, while the J. Rives Childs Room is used for library instruction and staff meetings during the day and is available evenings and weekends as a student study space. Special Collections and Archives is also located on the second floor, housing unique collections such as Virginia Methodism, Casanova, and Henry Miller, in addition to the College Archives
A limited number of desktop computers are available, and laptops are available for short- and long-term loans. Both desktops and laptops provide access to the software needed to complete most academic projects.
Academic Support Services
Through the Higgins Academic Center, Randolph-Macon College demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence by providing academic support for all students. All services described below are free of charge to all students.
Tutoring is available in most subjects and can be received on an appointment basis. Students can book an appointment or find the current tutor schedule on the HAC homepage. Tutoring is offered in person; virtual options are also available when needed.
Academic Coaching is available for all students seeking additional support in academic skills. Coaching sessions offer practice and guidance on note-taking, time management, organization, and study skills. Academic Coaches can work with individual students once for a single session, weekly throughout a semester, or as needed during the academic year. During individual sessions, Academic Coaches may assist students with academic concerns; when appropriate, Academic Coaches will refer students to other campus resources for additional social or emotional support as well. Coaching sessions can be scheduled by appointment through the HAC.
Academic Writing and Speaking provides peer writing and speaking support and offers practice spaces and one-on-one or group consultations and feedback for writing and oral communication assignments. The trained peer tutors can provide student workshops at the request of faculty, and the director is available to work with faculty one-on-one or as a group to support writing in the curriculum.
Disability Services - Randolph-Macon College is committed to equal opportunity for all academically-qualified students and does not discriminate on the basis of disability. Accommodations are available to support students with disabilities in taking full advantage of the college’s educational, residential, social, and cultural opportunities. The Office of Disability Services (DS) is responsible for the coordination of these accommodations, and the office staff determines eligibility for services and reasonable accommodations. Students are strongly encouraged to contact DS prior to the beginning of the term if they wish to disclose a disability/disabilities and discuss appropriate accommodations. Medical and/or other relevant documentation may be required. The most up-to-date information concerning policies and procedures relating to support for students with disabilities may be obtained by contacting the Office of Disability Services.