Frequently Asked Questions
Who is my advisor?
As a first-year student, you will be assigned a professional first-year advisor upon admission to the College. You will meet regularly with your advisor to build a relationship and gain access to important information, resources, and key steps such as pre-registration.
How often will I meet with my advisor?
Before the start of your first semester at Roanoke, you will be introduced to your first-year advisor via email. You will then meet with your advisor via Teams to register for classes before the semester begins.
In your required First-Year Experience (FYE) course, you will connect with your advisor on a weekly basis. This time allows you to stay on track, ask questions, and adjust to life at Roanoke College.
What is the First Year Experience (FYE)?
FYE is a required extended orientation course during your first semester here at Roanoke. The course is designed to support your transition from high school to college. In this course, you will learn:
- Study strategies and time management
- How to navigate campus resources
- The importance of career exploration through PLACE (career services)
- How to engage in service learning
- What it means to embody the Marks of a Maroon
- How to use the College’s systems, including Inquire, Self-Service, and Navigate
- The pre-registration and course selection process
What can my advisor help me with?
Your advisor can help you:
- Build a class schedule that fits with your goals and needs
- Understand Roanoke’s Intellectual Inquiry (INQ) curriculum and substitution rules
- Explore majors and career interests
- Navigate academic challenges common for first-year students
- Connect with campus resources
Do I have to know my major right away?
No. Many students begin exploring different interests during their first year. Your advisor and FYE course will support you as you explore options and make informed decisions.
What is a “unit” and how many credits is it?
At Roanoke College, courses are not measured in traditional credit hours. Instead, we use a unit system. The most important thing to know is that units carry the same weight as traditional credit hours, but:
- 1 unit = 4 credits
- Units transfer to other institutions as standard college credits
Full-time students take anywhere from 4-5 units per semester (16-20 credits).
How many units do I need to graduate and stay on track?
Students must complete 33.5 units to graduate from Roanoke College. Student-athletes must only complete 33.25 units to graduate. This is because a full academic year of varsity sport participation counts as a student’s activity course (.25 units) here at Roanoke.
To graduate in four years, you should plan to take and pass at least 4 units per semester. Taking fewer than 4 units may require summer coursework or an additional semester to stay on track.
How many units can I take each semester?
Students may take up to 5 units in a semester without additional tuition charges.
To take more than 5 units, you must:
- Receive permission from the appropriate academic office
- Pay additional fees for each additional course
For questions regarding course overload fees, please contact the Business Office at (540) 375-2255.
What is required to be a full-time student and to play sports?
To be considered full-time at Roanoke College, you must be enrolled in at least 3 units (12 credits).
Student-athletes must remain enrolled in at least 3 units to maintain eligibility for athletic participation. Dropping below 3 units may impact your ability to compete.
How do transfer credits work?
Roanoke College accepts a wide range of transfer credit, including:
- Coursework from other colleges and universities
- AP (Advanced Placement) credits
- Dual enrollment credits
However, once you have begun classes at Roanoke:
- You cannot transfer in credit towards Intellectual Inquiry INQ curriculum
- You may only transfer in up to 3 units of elective credit with permission
- You may only transfer in up to 3 units toward your major with permission from the Dean of your school
It’s important to talk with your advisor before taking courses elsewhere to ensure they will count toward your degree.
How do I register for classes?
For your first semester at Roanoke, your first-year advisor will work with you one-on-one to guide you through the registration process, including how to pick the right courses and how to use Self-Service.
For your second semester, you will continue working with your advisor through your First-Year Experience (FYE) course and in individual meetings as needed. During this time, you will learn how to select courses independently and will register yourself during your designated advising period.
What should I do if I’m struggling academically?
Reach out early. You can talk to your advisor and professors, visit the Student Success Center, and access free tutoring or academic life coaching. Asking for help is an important part of being a successful student. Your advisor will also check in with you regularly to provide support as needed.
What is the Student Success Center (SSC)?
The Student Success Center (SSC) is your hub for academic support, advising, and personal growth. It offers free tutoring, academic life coaching, and many other resources to help you succeed both in and out of the classroom.
How does advising connect to my future career?
Your first-year advisor works alongside Roanoke College’s career services center, PLACE, to help you explore careers, build experiences, and connect your academic choices to your future goals.
During your First-Year Experience (FYE) course, you will have several opportunities to work with a PLACE representative to create a resume, ask questions, and receive valuable career guidance.
What should I bring to my advising meetings?
Come prepared with:
- A laptop, tablet, or other electronic device that allows you to easily access Self-Service
- Any questions or concerns you may have
- Ideas about courses, majors, academic interests, or career interests
- Notes about your academic progress
- An openness to brainstorming, feedback, and planning
Where can I get help outside of advising meetings?
You can access help through:
- The Student Success Center
- Faculty office hours
- Free tutoring and writing support services through the Tutoring Center
- Free academic life coaching
- Free career services support through PLACE
- Other campus support services