Psychology major Lexi Mandarakas talks about her Summer Research project on best practices in teaching and learning with professor Beth Schwartz.
The project will result in published work, which puts Mandarakas at an advantage as she applies to graduate school and seeks future employment.
Watch more Randolph College videos > > >
Monday, September 14, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Randolph College Celebrates Environmental Sustainability, Strives to Reduce Carbon Footprint
Randolph College continues to operate on the forefront of environmental responsibility and education.In addition to fielding an outstanding Environmental Sciences program, Randolph has made institutional commitments toward operating in an environmentally sustainable manner including...
- Signing on to the Talloire Declaration Nearly Two Decades Ago
- Establishing Environmental Issues Council in 2000.
- Charter Member of AASHE and STARS
- First College in Virginia to Sign President's Climate Change Commitment
- Developing a Green Master Facilities Plan
- Developing an Environmental Sustainability Plan
- Sustainable Food and Dining Services
- ...and more.
A Year of Sustainable Living
This 2009-2010 academic year will be devoted to Sustainable Living, with various events and speakers highlighting awareness, education and action in reducing our carbon footprint and promoting environmentally sustainable lives. Colin Beavan, author of No Impact Man, will visit campus on October 2. Learn more at www.randolphcollege.edu/sustainableliving
Study Abroad in England with Randolph College Abroad: The World in Britain
For more than 40 years, the College has sent students across the pond to spend an academic year at the University of Reading, England. The program has earned a reputation as one of the best study abroad programs in Great Britain for U.S. students.
Students stay in houses owned by Randolph College across the street from the University of Reading campus and can study for a semester or the full academic year. Participants can take full advantage of all the classes, experiences, and activities that the University offers.
World in Britain Welcomes New Director, Bloggers
This year, the we bid farewell to Randall Ivy who retired as director of the program and welcomed new director Lars Franke.We also welcome four new bloggers — Alex Ostrowski (Randolph ’11), Nick Marshall (Randolph ’11), Anneka Freeman (Randolph ’11), and Katie McKinney (James Madison University) — who will share their adventures and experiences the 2009-2010 academic year from Reading.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Physics Professor Peter Sheldon Wins Larew Award
Physics professor honored for distinguished teaching.
 Professor of Physics Peter Sheldon |
Professor of Physics Peter Sheldon is the 2009-10 recipient of the Gillie A. Larew Award for Distinguished Teaching.
The honor was announced during Randolph College's Convocation ceremony on September 1, 2009.
The award is given annually to a member of the Randolph faculty who has demonstrated excellence as a classroom teacher.
In presenting the award, Dennis Stevens, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, praised Sheldon for his commitment to teaching in and out of the classroom. "He challenges students to see the world around them in new perspectives. His students talk about the excitement of seeing the practical application of theory."
Sheldon is active throughout the campus - from building a human-sized hamster wheel with the Society of Physics Students to launching projectiles across the quad during class. He is active in the College's Summer Research Program, working with a student on a book about the physics of roller coasters, as well as other projects.
An avid runner, Sheldon serves as assistant coach to the men's and women's cross country teams and in August 2009 finished his first Ironman Triathlon.
Classics Professor Amy Cohen Wins Davidson Award
Professor recognized for bringing distinction to Randolph College.
 Associate Professor of Classics Amy Cohen |
Associate Professor of Classics Amy Cohen is the 2009-10 recipient of the Katherine Graves Davidson Award.
The honor was announced during Randolph College's Convocation ceremony on September 1, 2009.
The award is given annually to a full-time member of the Randolph faculty who has been outstanding in bringing distinction to the College.
In presenting the award, Dennis Stevens, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, praised Cohen for "her passion and energy" in producing the Greek Play as well as her dedication to teaching and contributions to campus culture and social life.
During the summer of 2009, Cohen took a group of students to Greece to perform the centennial edition of the Greek Play, "Alcestis," in a classic Athens amphitheatre.
Learn more about the Greek Play...
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Unique College Traditions: Senior Robes
Academic regalia is a common site at college and university ceremonies such as Convocation and Commencement - from the richly colored velvet robes of the professors to the simple cap and gown of graduating students.
Randolph College seniors personalize their robes, a proud tradition going back to the early days of the College's history as Randolph-Macon Woman's College.
The robes are worn at special events throughout the year including Convocation and Pumpkin Parade.
Buttons, ribbons, patches and other attached memorabilia tell the story of each student's experience at the college - events they've attended, causes they've championed, countries where they've traveled, honors they've received, friends they've made, good times they've shared.
Many college events offer a collectable button and the Student Life Office keeps a button-maker on stand-by for clubs and organizations.
In addition to the robes, seniors also express themselves through unique and often outrageous headgear. From silly hats and tiaras to mardi gras headresses, the game is on to see who has the top top.
Video: The Class of 2009 Processes to Opening Convocation
Randolph College seniors personalize their robes, a proud tradition going back to the early days of the College's history as Randolph-Macon Woman's College.
The robes are worn at special events throughout the year including Convocation and Pumpkin Parade.
Buttons, ribbons, patches and other attached memorabilia tell the story of each student's experience at the college - events they've attended, causes they've championed, countries where they've traveled, honors they've received, friends they've made, good times they've shared.
Many college events offer a collectable button and the Student Life Office keeps a button-maker on stand-by for clubs and organizations.
In addition to the robes, seniors also express themselves through unique and often outrageous headgear. From silly hats and tiaras to mardi gras headresses, the game is on to see who has the top top.
Video: The Class of 2009 Processes to Opening Convocation
Randolph College's Preschool Program Rated One of Best in Virginia
Early childhood education program for Randolph's "youngest" students receives recognition under new state initiative
 Randolph College Nursery School has received four-star rating from the Virginia Star Quality Initiative. |
Randolph College’s Nursery School is one of just 31 childcare providers in the state to receive a four-star rating from the Virginia Star Quality Initiative, a new voluntary quality rating and improvement system for early learning programs. The four-star rating is the highest given to date.
“This was an intense year-long process, but the commitment was worth the time,” said Holly Layne, director of Randolph’s preschool program. “We were proud to learn we had received stars because the rating validates that we are providing a high quality early childhood experience for our children. Quality childcare is vital to ensuring that all children enter school prepared to succeed, not just academically, but in life.
“The Quality Improvement Plan is our main focus in this process,” she added. “It guides us along the path to continually improve our efforts to best serve children. All the programs in the Lynchburg area that are participating in QRIS should be commended for their commitment to quality. It has been nice to see the programs working together and supporting each other to ensure that every child in our region has access to quality care.”
The Virginia Star Quality Initiative is a system designed to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in early child care and education settings that families consider for their children.
The Initiative is a partnership between the Office of Early Childhood Development and the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation and is part of an overall state plan to improve, integrate, and evaluate all early childhood services, infrastructure, and public engagement efforts in the Commonwealth. The program provides childcare providers and preschools with resources and mentors as well as a consistent measure of program quality.
Smart Beginnings Central Virginia is coordinating the effort regionally with early childhood educators. Three local early childcare providers received either three or four stars during the first year of the program.
“We’re very proud to have three such excellent programs that are continuously working to improve the standards for early childhood education,” said Gayle Lucado, coordinator for Smart Beginnings Central Virginia. “We offer our congratulations to Randolph for being one of the first to begin this process and for being so successful. We’re excited that we are going to be working with even more early childhood educators this coming year.”
Early learning providers who participate in the Star Quality Initiative are provided with a way to continually improve the quality of their services. The Initiative has five Star levels that incorporate and build upon current regulations for early care and education programs. The highest rating given this year was four stars.
“The Virginia Star Quality Initiative is much more than a rating; it recognizes provider achievements and improvements in quality.” said Phylis Benner, special projects manager for the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation. “A program with a star rating has exceeded required standards and is on a quality improvement path; assures parents of its focus on providing high quality experiences for all children and reflects a culture of commitment to excellence among staff.”
Info about the Virginia Star Quality Initiative
- Programs are awarded from one to five stars based on achievement in each of the four standard areas. The four standard areas in the Virginia Star Quality Initiative– 1) education, qualifications and training of the teaching staff; 2) interactions among teachers and students; 3) group size and child-to-teacher ratio; and 4) learning environment and instructional practices–have indicators that must be achieved for each star level.
- Programs are assessed by a thorough documentation review and by on-site observations by trained and reliable Star Quality Raters. More than 100 programs in 13 communities across Virginia have been awarded a star rating.
For more information or to enroll in Randolph College’s preschool program , please see www.randolphcollege.edu/rcns
For more information on the Virginia Star Quality Initiative and to see a list of rated early learning programs, go to www.smartbeginnings.org/QRIS
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