WELCOME

This is the University of Virginia's contribution to the State Policy on Transfer endorsed by the State board of Community Colleges and the State Council of Higher Education. It is designed to inform community college academic counselors and prospective transfer students about our transfer policies.

We understand fully that no course transfer guide can answer all questions in advance, and also that no single policy can meet the needs of all students. Consequently, the University maintains a flexible policy with regard to transfer issues. We do not conceive of this transfer guide as a professional description of what actually happens in the transfer process. Our separate faculties (and there are six individual schools that enroll undergraduate students) set their own transfer standards. The Office of Admission can interpret and explain the standards, and can often intervene in instances where the standard seems to deal unfairly with the record submitted by a particular student, but the Office of Admission cannot itself set the standards.

We update this course transfer guide annually. In addition, we are eager to receive suggestions from community college academic counselors about our policies with regard to transfer students.

Office of Undergraduate Admission

ADMISSION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The University welcomes and encourages properly qualified transfer applicants from the Virginia Community College System. Since the inception of the Virginia Community College System in 1966, the University has seen a steady growth in interest from community college students. In recent years, community college students have comprised more than 30 percent of the entering transfer class. In 2006 the University established a guaranteed admission program for students graduating with an Associate's degree from any VCCS institution. Specific information about admission criteria for the guarantee plan can be found here.

Degree Programs
The University offers programs of undergraduate instruction leading to the bachelor's degree in the liberal arts, in the sciences, and in the professional fields of architecture, commerce, education, engineering, and nursing. These programs are contained in six undergraduate schools, which include the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Architecture, the School of Commerce, the School of Education, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the School of Nursing. All of the undergraduate schools are distinct divisions within the University; each has specific admission requirements. Prospective transfer students should familiarize themselves with these requirements as early as possible in their collegiate careers. All schools require a minimum academic residence of two years to receive a degree.

The Committee on Admission
Admission decisions are made by the Committee on Admission, comprised of members from the professional admission staff and faculty members from the undergraduate schools. Each admission officer holds a faculty appointment.

Selection Criteria
In every case, an applicant for transfer must be in good standing at the institution from which the student wishes to transfer. With the exception of the programs in education, engineering and nursing, decided preference is accorded those students who have completed two years of college-level work, an associate degree program, or both.

The Committee looks carefully at the applicant's academic performance at all previously attended institutions, with special attention given to distinguished academic work, the applicant's progress toward completing the published prerequisite courses for admission as a transfer student into the program desired, the applicant's domiciliary status with a commitment toward admitting qualified Virginians, and other factors including standardized testing, non-academic achievements, and the ability to write concise, correct English prose.

The Committee is charged to admit students who can complete the University's degree program on time. This charge means that applicants should make every effort to complete all required courses for transfer prior to enrolling at the University. In the case of students who have begun their educational careers badly, and eventually corrected their deficiencies by doing well, the Committee generally prefers two years of successful work before allowing entry into the University. In the past, the Committee has been interested in the special circumstances of adult students, particularly persons who have returned to higher education after several years of work, homemaking, or other non-academic endeavors.

Secondary School Credentials
Community college transfer students who were not enrolled in a college preparatory curriculum in secondary school may be deficient in the secondary school units required for admission to the University. Specifically, 16 entrance units are required. These must include four units of English, two units of a foreign language, four units of mathematics (algebra I and II, plane geometry and a fourth unit in advanced math such as trigonometry, functions, calculus, etc.), two units of science (from among biology, chemistry or physics), one unit of social studies, with the remaining units to come from additional course work in the above areas. The School of Engineering and Applied Science does not require a foreign language, but does require three units of science, to include chemistry and physics. Deficiencies should be removed by taking appropriate community college courses.

State Policy on Transfer
The University supports the State Policy on Transfer, which is designed to facilitate transfer between state-supported community colleges and senior colleges and universities. Endorsed by the State Council of Higher Education and State Board of Community Colleges, the policy contains a set of proposals to make transfer both easy and routine. The complete policy is published in this guide.

Transfer from the Virginia Community College System
The Committee on Admission strongly recommends that prospective transfer students complete either the Associate in Arts (AA), the Associate in Arts and Sciences (AA&S) or the Associate in Science (AS). Students holding one of these degrees are given third year standing in the College of Arts and Sciences. Generally, all courses (typically 300 and 400 level) in the major field of study must be completed at the University. The Committee discourages transfer students from entering the occupational or technical programs which normally award the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Application Procedures
Application forms may be obtained from the Office of Admission, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400160, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904. Complete applications must be on file in the Office of Admission no later than March 1 for the fall term. For students applying to enroll in January in the College of Arts and Sciences, RN to BSN Nursing program, or Architectural History, application materials must be submitted by November 1. The secondary school transcript, the results of the SAT I or the American College Test (ACT), and the Virginia community college transcript must be provided. Students whose native language is not English should submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). In the event the applicant has attended other institutions of collegiate rank, transcripts from those schools must also be provided.

Transfer of Credit
Official evaluation of transfer credits is the responsibility of the individual academic deans of the six undergraduate schools. Although there are minor differences among the six schools, common policies are the general rule. Transfer credit is normally allowed for general education or lower-division courses corresponding to those in the University curriculum. Courses required for a major or upper-division courses are generally not acceptable for transfer. In an unofficial capacity, the Office of Admission assists prospective transfer students in the determination of transfer credits.

Students enrolled in college parallel transfer programs have the least difficulty in transferring credits. Since these programs are designed for transfer, credit is rarely (if ever) lost. Students enrolled in the Occupational-Technical, Diploma, Certificate, Developmental, and similar programs frequently encounter difficulty in transferring credits.

Credit is allowed only for those courses in which a grade of a least C or better has been earned. Courses in which a grade of "Pass" is received must be certified to be the equivalent of C or higher to be accepted. No credit will be allowed for work passed by reexamination.

For exemption or credit by examination, the University uses only the SAT II Subject Tests, the Advanced Placement Program, and the International Baccalaureate Higher Level examinations. The College Level Examination Program (CLEP), courses taken through the armed services, credit gained through institutional examinations which do not correspond to those used by the University are not acceptable for transfer.

Courses and hours are transferred, but previous grade point average is not recorded. A student's grade point average is calculated only from courses taken at the University.

Non-discrimination Statement
The University does not discriminate in any of its programs, procedures, or practices against any person on the basis of age, citizenship, color, handicap, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. The University operates equal opportunity and affirmative action programs for faculty, staff, and students. The University of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

The Equal Opportunity Programs Office is responsible for the enforcement of the University nondiscrimination obligations. An applicant for admission or employment or any student or employee may file a discrimination complaint with the Equal Opportunity Programs Officer, Washington Hall, East Range, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, (804) 924-3200. Complaints are to be submitted in accordance with and are subject to the standards of the "University of Virginia Discrimination Complaint Procedures."

The University's Section 504 and American Disabilities Act Coordinator is Bradford K. Holland, Jr., University Ombudsman, Equal Opportunity Programs Office, Washington Hall, East Range, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, (804) 924-7819. The Title IX Coordinator is Karen E. Holt, Equal Opportunity Programs Officer, Washington Hall, East Range, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, (804) 924-3200.

FINANCIAL MATTERS

Fees and Expenses
The estimated average costs for an undergraduate student at the University of Virginia for the academic year 2005-2006 are listed below. All students should prepare and keep a budget in order to learn to utilize their resources effectively while living within their means. Although the amount of money spent in meeting the cost of housing and personal expenses at the University will depend largely upon the resources and tastes of the student, these estimates will be a helpful guide in the preparation of a budget. The estimates given here do not include expenses for clothing, travel, or membership in organizations.

All students must carry year-round hospitalization insurance. This cost should be included in all estimates of expenses.

* First-year cost is shown, which includes the student activity fee required of all full-time students and the $190 orientation fee for first-year and transfer students. School specific fees, if they apply, are not included in this cost.

University tuition, fees, and rents are subject to change by action of the Board of Visitors without prior notice. Changes in the annual fee structure are customarily announced in the spring.

Financial Aid
Through a comprehensive program of grants, loans, and student employment, the University helps students with limited funds meet their college expenses. The Office of Financial Aid to Students administers the University financial aid program. Student financial aid awards are based on a careful assessment of the applicant's ability to meet educational expenses.

Need Determination
The University expects each applicant or the applicant's family to use a portion of its current income and available assets for college expenses. In addition to these contributions, students are expected to use a part of their accumulated savings each year and to contribute from their earnings in the summer.

The Office of Financial Aid to Students looks at numerous factors in determining the amount that the applicant or the family can contribute. No two cases are alike; it is not possible to establish a rigid formula to be applied to all. If the amount to be contributed by the student is less than the amount needed to meet the academic year expenses, the difference becomes the student's financial need.

Money available to the applicant from other sources (veterans' benefits, scholarships from outside organizations, state awards, etc.) is considered when the applicant's financial need is determined. If new resources become available after an award offer has been made, the applicant must notify the Office of Financial Aid to Students. No applicant can receive funds in excess of demonstrated financial need.

Application Procedures
In order to apply for all programs of financial aid at the University of Virginia, entering students will be required to file both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as the University's own Financial Aid Statement.

The FAFSA should become available from any secondary school guidance office or college financial aid office by December. Applicants must indicate University of Virginia (Code 003745) in the appropriate section of the form.

The institutional Financial Aid Statement is included in the admission application. It should be completed at the same time as the FAFSA but must be mailed directly to the Financial Aid Office.

Both the FAFSA and the Financial Aid Statement should be submitted prior to March 1, 2006. Students will be notified about their financial aid eligibility shortly after being notified about the admission decision. Students must not wait until being notified of the admissions decision to apply for financial aid. Students who submit their forms after the March 1 priority filing date will probably receive very limited financial aid. In addition, a financial aid transcript is required from each post secondary school attended by the transfer student.

Renewals
Financial assistance is not automatically renewed from year to year. The amount of financial aid will be reviewed each year, and if necessary, will be adjusted up or down based on an evaluation of the financial statements submitted each spring by candidates and their families. Should unusual circumstances necessitate an immediate review, the facts would be brought to the attention of the Financial Aid staff. Necessary adjustments will be made where justified.

VETERANS' BENEFITS

The Office of the Registrar is the University's liaison with the Veterans Administration in matters concerning educational benefits available to veterans and war orphans under the provisions of Chapters 34 and 35 of Title 38 USC (Cold War G.I. Bill). This office provides information and furnishes on request application forms for benefits. Inquiries regarding educational benefits available through the Veterans Administration should be addressed to the Office of the Registrar, Carruthers Hall.

SERVICES TO STUDENTS

Academic Advising
Academic advising for undergraduates is the responsibility of the Dean and the faculty of each individual school. For students choosing an area of concentration or major field, faculty members from these departments serve as advisors. Specific advising procedures in the six undergraduate schools are outlined in the sections dealing with the schools.

African-American Affairs (Luther P. Jackson House, 4 Dawson's Row)
This office has been created to improve the environment for African-American students at the University and to assist them in becoming a part of University life. The office works with other offices, officials, and the academic schools of the University as well as the African-American students to increase students' achievement, participation, adjustment, and to increase the sensitivity of the University community to black students.

The Luther P. Jackson House, located at 4 Dawson's Row, provides liaisons with the University Union, student organizations, social programs, and cultural activities, and houses literature on the African-American experience.

The Office of the Dean of Students (Peabody Hall)
The Office of the Dean of Students, an adjunct of the Division of Student Affairs, directs the orientation program and the residence staff program, and also oversees student organizations, activities, and conduct. A transfer student program is designed to meet the needs of new students transferring to the University from other institutions.

University Career Services (1815 Stadium Road, Bryant Hall)
This office provides career/graduate study counseling and coordinates interviews for business and government. As placement liaison between University students and employers, the University Career Services serves both students and graduates of the University. Counseling and career testing services are coupled with a comprehensive library of educational and employment literature.

Counseling and Psychological Services (Elson Student Health Center)
Several experienced counselors and psychologists assist students in resolving personal conflicts or making decisions. Opportunities for small group experiences are available, as are individual appointments with a counselor. Appointments can be made by contacting the receptionist at the Counseling Center.

International Studies Office (Minor Hall)
This office and the International Student Center serve the international student community. International students and research personnel must register at this office upon arriving in Charlottesville as part of their immigration procedures. I.S.O. provides information on immigration policies and advice on immigration problems.

Student Health Service (Elson Student Health Center)
The Department of Student Health provides general outpatient medical care, including specialty services in gynecology and mental health, to regularly enrolled students. When necessary, Student Health will refer patients to consultants in other specialties. Students requiring hospitalization will be admitted to the University of Virginia Hospital.

HOUSING

The University maintains housing for single and married students. Though it is not possible to guarantee housing, University housing is able to accommodate a great majority of the transfer students planning to enroll. Off-Grounds accommodations are plentiful, and meet the demand of students who do not gain University housing.

Accommodations for Single Students
LAMBETH FIELD APARTMENTS. Located northeast of the University, there are 102 two-bedroom apartments and 72 three-bedroom apartments. Each two-bedroom apartment will accommodate four students, double occupancy in each bedroom. Each three-bedroom apartment will accommodate six students, double occupancy in each bedroom. Each apartment is furnished with a sofa and chairs, dining table and chairs, refrigerator and stove, single beds, wardrobes (each with a built-in chest), desks, chairs and study lamps.

MARY MUNFORD AND ROBERTA GWATHMEY HOUSES. These residence houses contain 81 double rooms and 63 single rooms. Space and facilities for recreation are unusually attractive and complete.

583 BRANDON AVENUE APARTMENT COMPLEX. This consists of 39 two-bedroom and 24 three-bedroom apartments. Each two-bedroom apartment has double occupancy. Each apartment is furnished with a sofa, two chairs, and dining table with chairs, refrigerator and stove. Each bedroom contains two single beds, two wardrobes, two desks, and two chairs.

COPELEY III AND IV. These apartments are located northwest of the Central Grounds. The complex has accommodations for 96 upper-class undergraduates in two-bedroom apartments, with double occupancy in each bedroom.

DILLARD AND GOOCH HOUSES. The nine structures comprising this complex house approximately 650 undergraduate residents in suite arrangements. Student bedrooms are almost exclusively single rooms. Each suite consists of a central living room, shared bath area and, in most cases, six single bedrooms. A laundromat and postal box are provided.

HOXTON AND LEWIS HOUSES. Located adjacent to Mary Munford and Roberta Gwathmey houses, the facilities accommodate 100 students in a variety of settings. Suites, double rooms, and single rooms are available. Lounge facilities, kitchenettes, laundry room, and postal boxes are provided.

HENCH, YOUNGER AND MITCHEL HOUSES. This complex houses approximately 200 students. The majority of accommodations are five-person furnished apartments comprised of: living room, kitchen, one double bedroom, three single bedrooms, and bath area.

THE LAWN. Rooms on East and West Lawn are part of the original Jeffersonian quadrangle. Undergraduate degree applicants in their final year receive priority for these accommodations. Certification for assignment is made by the Director of Housing on the basis of the student's scholastic and extra-curricular standing in accordance with established priorities. All rooms are single.

BROWN COLLEGE AND HEREFORD COLLEGE. Brown College can accommodate 288 students in 144 suites. Hereford College offers both single and double rooms for 500 students. Both of these complexes are part of the University's residential college program.

Student Family Housing Accommodations
UNIVERSITY GARDENS. The University Gardens is an eight building apartment complex north of the University on U.S. Route 29. This complex contains 41 one-bedroom apartments and 28 two-bedroom apartments. Each apartment is furnished with a refrigerator and stove.

COPELEY I AND II APARTMENTS. These accommodations, located northwest of the University Grounds, consist of 112 one-bedroom apartments, 112 two-bedroom apartments, and 30 three-bedroom apartments.

DINING AND SNACKS

The University operates a variety of facilities where students may get meals. Three dining areas are reserved for students subscribing to the meal ticket plan. These are the Observatory Dining Hall, in the Alderman and McCormick Roads dormitory area, Newcomb Hall Dining, which is convenient to the Monroe Hill dormitories, the Lawn and Ranges, and Runk Hall Dining, serving Hereford College and the southeastern corner of the Grounds.

Charlottesville has a number of restaurants, on the Corner near the University, and elsewhere around the city. These range from the quick and simple to the steak house, and include Oriental, German, Italian, and Mexican foods.