What do I need to get placement or credit based on my AP, GCE A-Level, and/or IB examination scores?
Normally, entering students with scores of “3” on AP examinations or “4” on IB Higher Level Subject Examinations are considered for advanced placement in college courses. However, most departments require a minimum score of “4” (AP) or “5” (IB) before granting credit. For GCE A-Level examinations, no grade below C is considered. You should plan to bring syllabi from your subject areas and examples of written work to assist in the evaluation process. If you have not made arrangements to have an official score report sent to the College, you should do so immediately.
Will I receive credit for college-level courses taken while I was in high school?
Dual enrollment courses are considered for transfer credit. To initiate an evaluation, you must provide the Admissions Office with an official transcript from your host college/university. Don’t delay.
Read the Academics Guide FAQ to Learn About Registering for Fall Classes >>>
What size are the mattresses in student rooms?
The majority of our mattresses are standard twin size. We have purchased extra long twin mattress that will be mainly used for the men.
Are lofts permitted?
No loft beds are permitted on campus. Beds may only be raised using risers built expressly for that purpose, such as the type for sale at stores such as Bed, Bath & Beyond.
May students have pets on campus?
The only pets permitted on campus are tropical fish.
May students bring microwave ovens?
The only microwaves permitted in student rooms are those that come with the Microfridge units available for rent through the Melvin Corporation. However, community-use microwaves are available in all residence hall kitchens.
Will Guests be able to visit me on campus?
Yes, we do allow guest visitation in residence halls within certain guidelines. You and your roommate will negotiate what level of visitation is acceptable in your own room -- within the guidelines of our visitation policy, of course. We also have Guest Housing available for a very low cost per night for guests who may wish to stay there.
May I bring my Health Form and Immunization Record with me in August?
No. The Health Center Staff needs time to process your record and document your immunizations. Completed Health Forms are due July 20 for students enrolling in the fall and January 5 for students enrolling in the spring.
Is there a charge to be seen at the Health Center?
There is no charge to be seen by a nurse, mid-level practitioner, or physician. There is a charge for laboratory tests, immunizations, medications, inhalation treatments, physical exams, gyn exams, medical supplies such as an ace wrap.
The Health Center does not bill insurance. However, the Health Center can file all laboratory procedures that are sent off campus with your Health Insurance Plan.
Is it important to have Health Insurance?
Yes. Health Insurance is required for all full time students while attending Randolph College. Evidence of coverage must be received by July 20 (January 5 for spring) or you will be enrolled in the College Plan and the fee billed to your student account. All students are urged to review their existing health insurance policy to determine whether the coverage will be available in Lynchburg. If not, apply for the College Plan.
What if I can’t find my immunization record?
Check with your school, physician, or local health department. Request a copy of your records. If you have no available record on file, go to your local health department to receive your required immunizations.
Why does Randolph College require immunizations?
Randolph College complies with the American College Health recommendations and the Virginia State Requirements for entry into school. Communicable diseases as an adult can be far more serious and have debilitating consequences.
My doctor is unable to get the meningitis vaccine. I want the vaccine, what shall I do?
A special vaccine clinic will be held during Orientation Weeks. Immunizations will be available for a fee during that time. Complete and sign the meningitis waiver form and indicate that you want to get the vaccine during the vaccine clinic.
How can I be seen at the Health Center and still make it to class on time?
Please call and schedule an appointment to be seen. Avoid just stopping by without an appointment. Students are seen on an appointment basis. Walk-ins are accommodated as possible.
Our extension is 8130.
I have a chronic illness or medical condition. How can this be managed while at Randolph College?
Please ask your physician to include a plan of care and follow-up needs while you are at college. When you arrive on campus, please schedule an appointment with the Health Center to discuss your situation and needs.
May I have a car on campus?
All students are permitted to have a personal car on campus if they wish. Student vehicles must be registered through our Security Office for a cost of $40.00 per year.
I don't have a car, and don't expect to get one. How will I get around?
The College offers a weekly Saturday Shopping Shuttle free of charge. The Shuttle stops at most of the major shopping locations (Target, Wal-Mart, The River Ridge Mall, Candler's Mountain Station, etc.). There is also city bus service available right in front of campus. The city bus can take you to most other locations you might want to visit. If you have a bicycle, that is another great form of transportation (please wear a helmet!). You will also be likely to develop close friendships with other students who own cars, and you should have little problem getting around.
How much does it cost to use the services of the Counseling Center?
There is no cost for counseling services on campus.
Can I get psychiatric medications on campus?
Our physician assistant and college physicians can prescribe some medications; in some cases it is necessary to see a psychiatrist for more specialized care (see next question).
Can I see a psychiatrist for services if necessary?
The Counseling Center staff makes referrals off campus at the Piedmont Psychiatric Center if further assessment or medications are needed; students use their insurance or pay out of pocket for these appointments.
What accommodations are possible for me if I have a learning or physical disability?
We make accommodations on a case by case basis. You simply need to contact Tina Barnes, Director of the Learning Resources Center. She will review your documentation and will advise you on the types of accommodations we can make for you.
Are students required to own a computer?
Randolph College believes that bringing a computer to campus is purely a personal decision. The majority of our six student computer labs are open 24 hours a day, so it is quite possible for you to get along well without one.
However, we have found that not only do most students find it easier to work in the privacy of their own residence hall rooms, they also appreciate having easy access to our campus-wide network for high-speed Internet access, multimedia resources and instant communication with professors, fellow students, friends, and family. So, even though we do not require students to own a computer, the fact is that the majority of our students do, and survey results over the past several years have shown a steady increase in that percentage.
What if I do want to bring one?
We recommend that incoming students who choose to bring their own computers do so according to the specifications outlined within this page.
If you are buying a new computer, we strongly recommend the purchase of a three-year, enhanced on-site warranty contract. Randolph College Information Technology is unable to support student hardware issues; however, there are local companies that support computers for a fee.
Although Randolph College does not sell computers to students, we do have a partnership with Dell and Apple that provides a discount through the Web.
What is Dell’s warranty policy?
If you have a problem with equipment purchased from Dell, you may call their toll-free number (1-800-WWW-DELL) for technical support. Their standard is a three-year, on-site warranty for desktops—defective hardware will be replaced on campus for three years but warranties are specific to your individual purchase. Please check with your vendor to verify details of your warranty.
Why shouldn’t I buy a discounted or "homemade" computer?
It’s tempting to spend as little as possible on a computer, particularly when it seems to have the same processing speed, storage capacity, and basic hardware options. We strongly recommend that you consider other implications of the investment, such as reliability, warranty, life span, technical support, customization, and compatibility. We feel that a purchase from a reputable vendor will provide all of this, as well as the knowledge that your computer is guaranteed to fit into the Randolph College environment.
We will not turn our back on you if you bring another brand of computer, but our ability to help you may be somewhat limited. If you do plan to purchase a computer from another vendor, please check the specifications listed on this page to make sure that it will be compatible with our network.
Should I buy a notebook or desktop?
The choice between a notebook and a desktop system depends solely on your needs. Most notebook screens, processing power, and peripherals now match desktop systems and, while you may pay more for a notebook configuration with the same configuration as its desktop equivalent, the mobility and convenience is, in many cases, well worth the price.
Can I use an Apple Macintosh at Randolph College?
There are students who prefer Macs over PCs and we will continue to provide support for Apple Macintosh systems. We also have Macs in the LRC available for student use.
Do I need a printer?
All computers are configurable with a printer. However, a printer is not required; as every public lab has laser printers for student use. You will be given a print subsidy—a specified number of pages you can print each semester for free. Print costs in excess of your subsidy will need to be paid at the IT Help Desk. Unfortunately, we cannot charge your college account.
Do I need an Ethernet interface, a modem, or both?
All residence hall rooms have a direct Ethernet connection to the Randolph network. To take advantage of that connection, your computer will need an Ethernet network interface card (NIC). Newly purchased systems from Dell and Apple come with this feature already included. If you have an older system you will need to check to see if this feature is installed and that you have the software properly installed. The Help Desk cannot assist with the installation of NIC cards.
What sort of network account will I have?
All Randolph College students have accounts on our network servers. These servers handle all student e-mail, network printing, web browsing, network storage of files, and sharing of data and information. New students are required to attend a computer orientation class during Orientation Week in order to learn about Randolph College network policies.
Who can answer questions and solve problems?
The Help Desk is available year-round to assist students, faculty, and staff with their computing needs. To reach us, call 434-947-8103, e-mail us at helpdesk@rmwc.edu , or visit our office on the fifth floor of the Leggett Building. Help Desk hours can be found by clicking here .
What is R-MWCnet?
Information Technology offers you the ability to connect your computer to the Randolph College network (R-MWCnet). This service allows access to electronic mail and other Internet resources from the comfort of your room.
R-MWCnet will provide the software needed to access on-line information such as the Lipscomb Library, the World Wide Web, telnet sites, and to send/receive e-mail.
In order to connect you to the network, the Information Technology staff will spend one hour installing and troubleshooting network software. After one hour, if the system fails to work properly, you will be required to seek assistance from an outside vendor.
What are your computer system requirements?
PC DESKTOP / LAPTOP
Pentium 4 or equivalent AMD Processor
Windows XP or any version of Vista (Required no exceptions)
512 MB RAM or 1GB(Recommend for XP)
Recommend 2GB of RAM for Vista
1.5 GB free space on hard drive
PC users have the option of providing their own anti-virus or Randolph College can provide the latest version of Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition to them free of charge. Our server will keep the virus definitions updated on a continual basis.
MAC DESKTOP COMPUTER / LAPTOP
G4,1.00GHz or better
512 MB RAM
OSX
1.5 GB free space on hard drive
Virus Protection software (latest version)
If you do not meet ALL of the above PC or Macintosh requirements, we will still attempt to connect your computer but cannot guarantee that it will work on our network.
What software is used on campus?
Randolph College is standardized on the use of Microsoft Office 2003 for Windows XP and MS Office 2004 for Macintosh OSX. All students write and revise papers using MS Word and manipulate spreadsheets using MS Excel. Randolph College provides its users with the latest in Internet browser software on both Windows and Macintosh platforms.
