Other Programs and Courses

Credit Courses

The School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers a broad range of credit courses to help adult learners meet their educational objectives. These courses, some listed elsewhere in this Record under the appropriate schools and others developed by the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, carry the same credit as similar courses taught on-Grounds. The school’s regional centers distribute class schedules before the beginning of the fall, spring, and summer sessions that list the courses being taught in their areas, the class locations, and times. Most credit courses meet in the evening or on weekends. Course offerings are primarily at the graduate level. Within the limits prescribed by the residential faculty of the University and stated in the policies of each academic school and the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, qualified persons may apply credit courses taken at regional centers toward degree requirements.

Many students transfer course credits earned through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies to programs at other colleges and universities. Students also use credit courses for renewal of teaching licenses and other professional certificates. Students should consult their school superintendent and the Virginia Department of Education or other certifying bodies for licensure requirements.

Noncredit Programs

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Noncredit programs are designed for individuals who want substantive intellectual activities but who do not need additional credit or degree study. Such programs often explore complex issues in formats that best suit each offering’s distinctive educational agenda.

The flexibility of noncredit programming also permits faculty from different disciplines to share their insights on subjects in a way that would not be possible in a traditional class format.

Noncredit programming fosters collaboration between University of Virginia faculty and renowned scholars from other institutions; political, cultural, and business leaders; and noted artists and authors. Program developers work closely with other University faculty and frequently with representatives of the client audience in designing these programs to ensure that the University extends its teaching and research resources productively to the citizens of the Commonwealth and the nation.

Organizational representatives and individuals are encouraged to discuss their education and training needs with program developers from the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, who can respond rapidly and effectively to such needs. For further information, telephone any of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies centers or program offices, or view offerings online at uvace.virginia.edu.

Community Scholar Program

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The Community Scholar Program is a non-degree program offered by the University of Virginia’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Through this program, adults can enroll in the regular, on-Grounds credit courses of the University. Community Scholars may enroll for an unlimited number of semesters, but may take no more than two courses per semester, along with any dependent laboratory or discussion sessions, for a maximum of 8 credits. Pre-professional students, i.e., pre-med, may exceed the maximum 8 credits (but still may only take two classes) by obtaining the permission of Gordon Stewart, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, at (434) 924-3672. Participants have the opportunity to study with renowned faculty of the University of Virginia, enjoy the same intellectual challenges as students enrolled in degree programs, and earn college credit for their work.

Community Scholars bring a broad range of experiences and backgrounds to this program and their reasons for participating are similarly varied. Enrolling in undergraduate courses through the Community Scholar Program allows participants to meet these varied needs whether or not a college degree has been previously earned. Interested participants who hold a college degree may enroll in either undergraduate or graduate level courses.

This program serves many purposes for the adult learner. Community Scholars pursue both professional and personal objectives. Some are advancing their careers by studying recent developments in their fields. Others are working to satisfy prerequisites for advanced study in medicine, engineering, or education, or exploring a graduate department’s course offerings prior to applying to its formal degree program.

The Community Scholar Program does not grant degrees. A part-time bachelor’s degree program, the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS), is offered by the University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Those who wish to earn a degree full-time at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville must apply to the Undergraduate Office of Admissions or the appropriate graduate school of the University.

Community Scholars may choose courses from departments and schools throughout the University with the exception of the Schools of Education, Law, and Medicine. Faculty members reserve the right not to admit a Community Scholar to a class based on class size or lack of prerequisite education. While this is an unusual occurrence, special circumstance may lead to such a decision.

Community Scholars must obtain permission of the instructor to enroll in each class. Instructors may be reached by referring to the Course Offering Directory at www.virginia.edu/cod. Permission forms can be obtained online at www.uvacommunityscholar.info or by visiting the University Center. For students interested in enrolling in graduate level courses, proof of an undergraduate degree will be required at the time of registration. Participants that wish to enroll in the McIntire School of Commerce, 300-level and above Engineering courses, 700-level and above English courses, or Nursing courses with course mnemonics beginning with NUIP, will need to provide actual transcripts of all previously completed college credits to the University Center several weeks prior to the start date of classes. This information will be forwarded to the appropriate department to assure that the needed prerequisites have been completed for your desired course(s).

Community Scholars enrolling in University courses agree to abide by the University Honor Code. As well, students assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner that is civil and compatible with the University’s function as an educational institution. It is clear that in a community of learning, willful disruption of the educational process, destruction of property, and interference with the orderly process of the University, or with the rights of other members of the University cannot be tolerated. In order to fulfill its functions for imparting and gaining knowledge, the University has the authority and responsibility to maintain order within the University and to exclude those who are disruptive of the educational process. Community Scholars do not pay the required fees (which include such items as Athletic Tickets, Intramural Access, Student Health, University Transit, Student Legal Services and University Union Tickets) expected of full time students. As such, they are not eligible to use the services of the Department of Student Health or purchase the University endorsed Student Heath Insurance Plan, nor will they received the above-mentioned services while taking classes through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Students are urged to make other healthcare arrangements.

Contact the Community Scholar office at (434) 982-4789 or by e-mail at communityscholar@virginia.edu for additional information. A comprehensive Web site for the Community Scholar Program can be found at www.uvacommunityscholar.info.

Part-time Degree-Seeking Students are able to complete their degree requirements by enrolling in the Community Scholar Program: College students may take up to two courses each semester in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies; there are no exceptions to this rule. Credit-bearing laboratories or discussions are not counted as separate courses. Students are normally limited to eight semesters of full-time study in the College. Transfer students have proportionally fewer semesters. Enrollment in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies does not count against the number of full-time semesters allotted. A maximum of 16 credits from the School of Continuing and Professional Studies may apply to the B.A. from the College. All grades become part of the student’s permanent record and factor into College GPA. Courses in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies are not included in the determination of Intermediate Honors.

Students enrolling in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies do not pay the required fees (which include such items as Athletic Tickets, Intramural Access, Student Health, University Transit, Student Legal Services and University Union Tickets) expected of full time students. As such, they are not eligible to use the services of the Department of Student Health or purchase the University endorsed Student Health Insurance Plan, nor will they receive the above-mentioned services while taking classes through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Students are urged to make other healthcare arrangements.

Special Students

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College students, for purposes of advising and academic oversight, remain in their Association and are referred to their Dean in Garrett Hall for questions relating to their academic programs. Questions concerning degree applications should be directed to the College Registrar, Judy Updike (Garrett Hall 102, 924-8867, jgu2k@virginia.edu).

Fifth-year B.A.-M.T. students should direct inquiries about enrollment to JoAnne McNergney, Assistant Dean of the Curry School of Education (Ruffner Hall 102, 924-0757, jmh8j@virginia.edu).