Photo: Randolph Macon College
Randolph-Macon College is passionate about equipping students with the skills required to succeed after graduation. This includes much more than just providing a good education, but also offering experiences where students can develop critical thinking skills and apply their in-class knowledge, plus creating personalized career plans that guide students to explore careers and develop a resume that will help them find the perfect job. Randolph-Macon College staff and faculty strive to maintain an atmosphere where students can discover who they are and strengthen core life skills. For this reason, most of the activities you will find on campus engage students and encourage them to get involved with their peers, their teams and their community.
The Randolph-Macon College curriculum focuses on the liberal arts foundation while also providing students with the skills they need to effectively use modern technology. Appreciating the arts is something the majority of students have in common; however, the Randolph-Macon curriculum also provides students with a strong introduction to technological tools that will help them excel professionally. At Randolph-Macon College, students will discover their passions while earning a top-notch education and forming friendships that will last a lifetime. The college’s mission is to prepare undergraduates for successful lives, which includes offering a broad academic foundation with active learning, cultural understanding and a focus on skill and character development.
School History
The idea to create Randolph-Macon College originated in the 1820s when clergy members of the Virginia Conference of the Methodist Church agreed that the future clergyman should bear a strong education that incorporated the English language with geography and history – helping them with the ministry exams. The surrounding cities were developing better educated congregations, which in turn, were able to reach out to more community members. By 1830, Randolph-Macon College received charter from the Virginia legislature to establish a liberal arts college to help prepare potential clergyman for their life in the ministry, focusing on teaching them strong communication skills to reach out to the urban community members.
Randolph-Macon College was named in honor of Virginia statesmen, John Randolph, and North Carolina statesmen, Nathaniel Macon, who were to develop the sectarian school. Although neither of these men held ties to the Methodist church, they developed the school to prepare students for life in the Methodist ministry. In 1868, the school (then situated in Boydton) was moved to the Ashland campus because the railroads in Boydton were destroyed in the Civil War; it remains in Ashland today. This changed the structure and exposure of Randolph-Macon College, as the move was challenging but showcased the student’s ability to get involved with a cause. Funds for the new campus were raised by the students. In fact, Washington and Franklin Hall was built entirely with student raised funding. This building still remains and is the oldest building on campus.
Randolph-Macon College is accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools but also holds several other accreditation honors for individual course programs.
Academics
Photo: Randolph-Macon College classroom
Randolph-Macon College offers over 50 different programs of study, including art, English, history, physical sciences, social sciences, business, and a variety of foreign languages. Classes take place in 12 main academic buildings. Overall, the program is designed to allow students to explore their interests while giving them the support they need to succeed.
One example is the innovative First Year Program (RMCS101) designed to help incoming freshman transition to college life and learn valuable competencies that will help them along their journey, such as note taking and research skills. They also offer academic support services for both students and parents, including tutoring, mentoring and special services for disabled students and first generation college students. Randolph-Macon College is so dedicated to helping its students graduate, that they even offer a Four-Year Degree Guarantee, which guarantees that if a student does not complete all of the coursework within four years, tuition on the remaining courses will be waived.
In-class academics are boosted by many hands-on, real-life experiences that are available at Randolph-Macon College. The Edge Career Center offers career preparation by creating a personalized Four-Year Career Plan that helps students plan for life beyond graduation in a structured manner from Day 1. For example, in the first year students will explore majors and start creating a resume. In later years, career counselors help guide students to internships and study abroad programs that will help them reach their goals. Sophomores, juniors and seniors are also invited to attend an intense two-day Career Boot Camp and given opportunities to network with alumni. By the senior year, students are ready to polish their resumes and apply to jobs or graduate school.
Campus Life
Photo: Randolph-Macon College – Day Field
Campus life at Randolph-Macon College keeps students engaged and involved at all times with the wide array of activities, organizations, events and social groups that students are encouraged to participate in. The College believes that students involvement in campus activities can bolster their skill set and help them understand how classroom knowledge can be applied into their daily lives. Most of the organizations are student established and operated, which offers students the perfect opportunity to develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills in addition to having a good time with peers.
The campus is located on history-enriched land that is just outside of two major cities: Richmond and Washington D.C. This atmosphere gives students the ability to travel short distances to enrich their education, visit historical landmarks and enjoy the scenery and entertainment that the surrounding communities have to offer. If you’ve never seen campus before, you can start with a virtual tour. On-campus tours are also available each day, or you can participate in one of the many open houses.
There are over 80 organizations to participate in at Randolph-Macon College, with activities that take place on campus and in the surrounding community. Students can stay up-to-date on organization activities via the BUZZ Student Organization and Involvement Portal and prospective students can learn about each of them in the Organizations Directory. The college has a Fraternity and Sorority System that includes 12 chapters.
Randolph-Macon College is a member of the Division III NCAA and plays in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Sports teams are known as the “Yellow Jackets” or “Jackets” for short. Many opportunities are available for both men and women, including basketball, baseball/softball, soccer, swimming, lacrosse, golf, tennis and more. There are also several intramural sports offered each year.
The Office of Student Life is highly involved in all student activities including the events held for National Hazing Prevention Week. Students are entitled to a safe environment to focus on developing their individuality as well as their education. The Office of Student Life is dedicated to helping students maintain the most comfortable experience possible while attending Randolph-Macon College. This means providing a safe environment where students are able to grow spiritually, culturally and ethically.
Many students live on campus in one of the many dorms, housing and apartment complexes as well as the fraternity and sorority houses around campus – including 8 residences for freshman, 9 residences for upperclassman, and townhouse-style living for graduating seniors. Living alongside fellow classmates means Randolph-Macon students can form lifelong friendships, enjoy engaging experiences, and further develop life skill. Also on campus you will find the Brock Commons student center, the McGraw-Page Library, the Brock Sports and Recreation Center, and three dining areas, including the Estes Dining Hall, Birdsong Cafe, and Greenberry’s Coffee.
Financial Aid
Photo: Randolph-Macon College – Frank E. Brown Fountain Plaza
Randolph-Macon College understands that paying for college can be an overwhelming experience for students, as well as the families that support them. For this reason, the Office of Financial Aid is available to assist students and families in obtaining the proper forms of financial aid that best suit their individual needs. Randolph-Macon College helps students to obtain loans, grants and scholarships that can assist with not only tuition, but also the cost of books and supplies in some cases as well.
Randolph-Macon College is no stranger to financial aid. In fact, more than three-quarters of students that attend the College have some form of financial aid helping them afford their college experience. Merit-based scholarships and awards are granted to students who showcase high scores and academic achievements in high school. Additionally, the various placement tests that each student is required to take upon admission may also warrant merit-based awards as well.
Randolph-Macon also offers students a well designed and in-depth work study program with employment opportunities on and off campus that help students maintain a cash flow to pay for expenses. Financial aid advisors and staff are available by appointment, by email or on a walk-in basis to assist students with any questions or concerns they may have regarding their financial aid options.
What Students Say about Randolph-Macon College
Photo: Randolph-Macon College – 2016 Graduation
“Everyone here wants to see me do well, from my lacrosse coaches to my fraternity brothers.” – Davis, RMC Freshman
“I’m getting a great liberal arts education at R-MC, and I’m also making great memories along the way. I am so proud to be a Yellow Jacket.” – Kayla, RMC Sophomore
“R-MC gives students the opportunity to discover what they love and who they are. I’m grateful to have discovered my passions here.” – Farah, RMC Junior
“Randolph-Macon is the perfect size. I can walk around campus and always see someone I know. And I love that I have real relationships with my professors, who care about my future. I’m thankful every day that I’m part of the Randolph-Macon family. Randolph-Macon is my home away from home.” – Taylor, RMC Senior
“Each day, students are encouraged to expand their horizons through a wide variety of classes, study abroad opportunities, research fellowships, and professors who take the time to get to know their students.” – Alicia, RMC Senior
“The first visit I made to Randolph-Macon College was during a Homecoming football game. Everyone was friendly and made me feel like I was already a Yellow Jacket. I felt pure happiness—and very positive about the culture at R-MC. That’s ultimately what helped me make my decision to choose R-MC.” – Lauren, RMC Senior
“Take advantage of all that Randolph-Macon College has to offer–socially, academically and especially regarding to career development.” – Mark, RMC Senior
“We are given so many opportunities, and alumni absolutely love to help us, from internships to job opportunities to networking. We are such a strong community!” – Kristin, RMC Senior
“The best thing about life as a Yellow Jacket is being part of the international community on campus and identifying with others from different places all over the world. I also know that after I graduate, I will be joining a network of alumni who realize the significant impact R-MC made in their lives and who are always willing to give back to this community.” – Nana, RMC Senior
Want to Learn More?
Interested in learning more about Randolph-Macon college? Simply complete this form to receive additional information and access to the Randolph-Macon VIP page.
