Overview
Welcome to the University of Virginia's Rodman Scholars Program! Each one of you has been chosen because you have demonstrated the potential for success as an engineer of the University of Virginia. The Rodman Scholars program is the University of Virginia's honors engineering program. Rodman Scholars (or "Rodmans" for short!) are chosen from the top five percent of each year's incoming applications and are placed into a special first-year curriculum that will allow them to expand and develop their talents, building and learning from each other. Enjoy what the University and your classmates have to offer, and you will gain the most from the time you spend here.
Several features of a Rodman Scholar's life differentiate him or her from a regular engineering student:
Rodman Scholars live in special dorms designated for Rodman Scholars and Echols Scholars (The Echols Scholars Program is the honors program for the College of Arts and Sciences). Webb and Maupin dormitories house the first-year scholars along with a mix of other students. You will be living with a great group of people, many of whom will become your good friends for the rest of your University experience. Webb and Maupin are also in a prime location - close to O'Hill dining hall and perfect for last minute dashes to class (less than 5 minutes).
Rodman Scholars are placed into an accelerated first-year curriculum in lieu of many of the regular first year engineering requirements. They receive instruction from some of the engineering school's most animated and sought-after professors who teach classes reserved only for Rodman Scholars, and in addition they receive hands-on learning that instills in them a deep understanding of what it means to be an engineer. For a description of the first-year classes, see the course description page.
Special first-year classes also do an amazing job of making the University feel like a small school. For several of your classes your first year, you will be with thirty to forty of your friends. Group dynamics and interaction are enhanced because of this, which make the learning process truly unique and encompassing.
You may not realize it now, but this is a HUGE deal! Rodman Scholars, along with Echols Scholars, receive priority registration for their classes at the beginning of each semester. While other students sometimes have to worry about class enrollment caps and hard-to-get-into classes, you will be able to reserve your spot early and not have to worry about the enrollment process. Some first-year students are forced to make 3 or 4 alternatives course schedules due to their inability to enroll in all of their first choice classes. The ability to choose what time your classes meet is also a great benefit when trying to personalize your schedule to match your lifestyle.
During your stay at the University, you will have the opportunity to take Rodman Seminars (you are required to take at least four). RodSems are courses taught each semester to the Rodman Students as a collective such that Rodmans of all years can get to know one another in a relaxed classroom atmosphere. Seminars meet a few times throughout the semester and are taken as a pass/fail credit. Rodmans decide each semester what the topic for the next RodSem will be and invite professors in the College of Arts and Sciences to teach in their respective specialties. RodSems are a great chance for Rodman Scholars to gain exposure to subjects that they have always wondered about but have never had the time to delve into. In addition, these seminars are just another way to ensure that all Rodman Scholars graduate with a wider perspective that break the bounds of standard engineering curricula.
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