
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, June 17, 1995                   TAG: 9506210085
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: ALLISON BLAKE
DATELINE: RADFORD                                LENGTH: Short

MEANWHILE, ANOTHER RU PROJECT IS TAKING SHAPE|

First off, a message from Radford University's chief academic officer: The school's looking for a new name for the initiative replacing the aborted New College of Global Studies.

But, as unveiled this week, it's called the Consortium for Southwest Virginia Regional Development and International/Multicultural Education, says Charles Owens, vice president for academic affairs.

The draft, compiled by faculty members who've met for months, outlines a broad project based on existing and newly grown Radford programs. About $100,000 is available to help fund the program this year, money taken from an appropriation that paid salaries for New College faculty and which helps launch a master's degree in social work.

Some new programs already are under way, including an effort with Roanoke's Virginia Western Community College to offer degree programs there. In addition is a technology training effort to go into the public schools, and distance learning.

Also to be developed: more lifelong learning programs and computer training. The school will expand international studies.

Some faculty from the New College say they have not been consulted about the program, despite public proclamations from the university that it would "infuse" the RU curriculum with the best aspects of the aborted experimental college.

Douglas Covington, Radford's new president, said he expects to tap the four remaining New College faculty members for input and insight into the new initiative.

"I don't think we should simply dismiss or abandon it," he said of the $2.2 million and years invested in the college.

by CNB