Frequently Asked Questions
- Application and Admissions
- Housing, Dining, Insurance
- The non-credit option
- Scholarships and Virginia Pre-paid Education Program
- For International Students
Is it possible to take just half of the SLI?
The SLI is a cohesive 9-week program that does not lend itself to being parsed into separate courses. Individual language classes are offered through the regular summer session in a somewhat less intensive format. Please consult the Summer Session course listings (www.virginia.edu/summer/courses/) to see if the language and level you require is offered through the regular summer session. If this does not provide a solution, you may contact the SLI program director of the particular language program to inquire about her/his policies. Please be aware that when exceptions are made, priority admission is always given to students who wish to enroll in the entire 9 weeks.
When can I expect a decision after submitting my application?
Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. You can expect a reply from us approximately 10 days after all the application materials have been received by our office. Decisions will be promptly emailed to the applicant as soon as they have been made.
The application states that some applicants may be considered “overqualified.” What does this mean?
The SLI is designed for beginning-level students. If an applicant has had considerable background in the language of study, s/he likely would be considered "overqualified" for the SLI.
Is admission competitive, or can I reasonably expect to be admitted?
Admission is granted on a rolling basis. If you are in good academic standing, submit your application early, and have clearly stated motivations for studying the target language, then you stand an excellent chance of being offered admission. The two most common reasons for being denied admission are over qualification (i.e. if the student has previously studied the language) and lack of room in the program.
What are the residency requirements for the SLI?
All applicants who are unsure about their eligibility for in-state tuition should complete the in-state tuition educational privileges portion of the summer session application. If there is any question about a student's status, the application is referred to the Committee on Student Status. It is this committee, and not the SLI office, that makes decisions regarding eligibility for in-state tuition.
I am not currently enrolled as a student at another institution. Which application should I fill out?
All applicants who are neither currently enrolled UVa students nor high school students should fill out the application for visiting students. UVa students who are graduating in May should fill out the application for visiting students as well.
I am out of the country. Can I submit my application electronically?
Since your signature is required in one or more places on the application, we cannot accept emailed applications unless they are scanned. Faxed applications are fine. Our fax number is 434-924-1483.
Should my transcript and letter of recommendation be mailed under separate cover from my application?
If you are a current UVa student, we will pull your transcript in our office. For visiting students, it is fine to include the transcript with your application. The letter of recommendation can either be included in your application packet OR mailed separately OR emailed by the recommender to uvasli@virginia.edu.
If I take the SLI as a non-credit option, will it show up on my transcript?
Your transcript will indicate that you completed the SLI for 0 credits. At the graduation ceremony you will also receive a certificate of completion.
Do you need both my undergraduate and graduate transcripts?
You need only send a transcript from the last institution you attended.
Is there a form or specific guidelines for the letter of recommendation?
There is no form or specific guidelines for the recommendation letter. The person recommending you should assess your ability to succeed in a rigorous intensive summer language program like the SLI.
Should we wait to apply for on-campus housing until after we have been notified of admission?
You can reserve a room and then cancel if you need to. Contact conference services about how to bypass certain categories on the on-line reservation form if you have not yet been admitted into the SLI.
Does the price of tuition include the price of the housing? Will this include meals?
The price of tuition does NOT include housing or meals. Housing rates for 2009 were $20 per person per night for a double room in the regular summer session dormitory. All on-campus housing-related questions should be directed to Conference Services at: www.virginia.edu/housing/conferences/ Office Phone: (434) 924-4479 Email: conferenceservices@virginia.edu
The Conference Services website can be accessed through the SLI homepage. Alternatively, you may also want to explore off-grounds housing options. The off-grounds housing director is Vicki Hawes at vlh4n@virginia.edu. Meal plans are offered by university dining. Please see the UVa Dining website at www.virginia.edu/dining. Phone: 434-982-5110. Email: dining@virginia.edu. Participants may wish to sign up for a meal plan through the Off-Campus Dining Network (OCDN) (www.ocdn.com). Please note there is no relationship between the OCDN and UVa.
How can I find out further information about purchasing insurance for the summer session?
Health insurance coverage is mandatory. It may be obtained through either the
University's preferred insurance provider, "The Chickering Group,"
or from an insurance carrier of your choice. Information on the UVA/Chickering health insurance plan is available at: www.virginia.edu/studenthealth/insurance.html
The Student Health Center will be available to participants. In case of an emergency, participants will be treated at the emergency room of the University of Virginia Health System Center, which is located near Central Grounds.
If I apply for the non-credit option, can I switch into the credit option before the start of the SLI?
You only have until the first day of class to make such a change (June 14). Switching from non-credit to credit is NOT the same as changing your grading option, which can be done up until the course midpoint.
Can you give me more information on the non-credit option and any advantages/disadvantages it might have over taking the courses for credit.
In practice, there is absolutely no difference between the credit and non-credit option. Non-credit students are expected to attend all classes and complete all assignments. The differences lie in the cost of tuition and credits conferred. Non-credit students pay reduced tuition, and their transcripts indicate that they completed the SLI for zero credit. Students who want credit to transfer back to their home institution or who are trying to meet a major/minor/elective requirement should choose the credit option.
Scholarships and Virginia Pre-paid Education Plan (VPEP)
How do I pay my tuition with a scholarship?
You should contact Naomi Crawford in Student Financial Services to arrange for third party payment of your tuition. She can be reached by email, nrc9e@Virginia.EDU, or phone, 434-924-4256.
How do I pay my tuition through a Virginia Pre-paid Education Program (VPEP)?
You should contact VPEP directly (1-888-567-0540) and inform them you would like to pay your SLI tuition with your VPEP. A representative from VPEP will notify Student Accounts at the University of Virginia of your plans. Student Accounts in turn will inform our office. Registration must be completed IN-PERSON so that a delay can be placed on your account until the payment from VPEP has been received.
Are there any scholarships I can apply for to help pay for SLI tuition?
Financial aid is only available for currently enrolled, degree seeking students. See www.virginia.edu/summer/finaid.html.
For visiting students, it may be possible to apply for a FLAS through your home institution. You might also consider researching online for additional information on sources of funding.
For International Students
How do I pay the institute fee and tuition from abroad?
Tuition and fee can be paid by credit card online.
Can I use my overseas health insurance to cover me while studying at the SLI?
Overseas insurance is fine, but it is your responsibility to verify with your insurance company that you are covered during your stay in the US. Please be aware that medical services, even for minor illness or injury, can be quite costly in the United States.
How do I obtain the forms required to apply for my F1 Visa?
The financial guarantee form and other visa-related documents can be obtained through the International Studies Office:
208 Minor Hall, P. O. Box 400165, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4165 Phone: (434) 982-3010; web: www.virginia.edu/iso; e-mail: issp@virginia.edu.