Frequently asked questions

Here are the most common questions students have about the academic policies at VCU. If you have additional questions or need more information, there are two places to go:

Review the Undergraduate Bulletin

Talk to your academic advisor
Remind me: How do I find out who my academic advisor is?

Classification of students

How is student classification or standing determined?
Health science programs classify students by the program curriculum.

For academic programs, classification is determined by the number of completed credit hours, as follows:

Freshman	1-23
Sophomore	24-53
Junior	54-84
Senior	85 or more

 

Degree options

What is a major?
Your main area of study. The department or program has specific course requirements for the major.

When should I select my major?
VCU encourages students to select a major before they reach junior standing.

What is required to complete a major?

• at least 30 credits in the major, half of which are at the 300 or 400 level
• at least a 2.0 GPA in courses for the major unless requirements are higher
• additional requirements by the major

How do I change my major?
Complete and file a Change of Major Form. Before changing, check the requirements for the new major. Some programs have special requirements before being accepted.

What is the difference between a double major, a dual degree and a minor?
For a double major, one degree is awarded but the student has completed courses required in two majors. The degree is awarded in the primary major and the second will be noted on the academic record.

For a dual degree, two degrees are awarded for completing requirements for two majors at the same time. Both degrees will be noted on the academic record.

A minor is a set of approved courses similar to a major. Departments and programs have specific requirements and you must apply for the minor before graduating with a bachelor's degree.

Registration policies

What does student load mean?
The total number of credits a student is enrolled for the semester.

How many credits are required to be full time and part time?
Twelve or more credits for full-time fall and spring. Anything less than 12 is considered part time.

What is an academic overload?
More than 19 credits per semester for degree-seeking students in academic programs.

Can I audit a course?
Yes, if class space is available. Auditing a class costs the same, rules may still apply and no academic credit is awarded.

Can I take courses at another college while attending VCU?
Students in degree programs must get permission before enrolling in courses outside of VCU.

How do I cancel or withdraw from a course?
Students must cancel or drop a course during the designated add/drop period, and the course will not be noted on their permanent academic record.

Withdrawing from a course after the add/drop period but before the end of the first 10 weeks (for 16-week courses) results in a mark of "W" on the student's permanent academic record.

Students who withdrawal after the final withdrawal period must petition the Academic Regulations Appeals Committee for a waiver.

Failure to properly cancel, drop or withdraw from a registered course may negatively affect a grade recorded on the student's permanent academic record.

Grading and marking system

What is the point value of grades?
A = 4.0
B = 3.0
C = 2.0
D = 1.0

What do the following grade marks mean?

AU	course was audited
CO	course continues beyond the grade reporting time
CR	course assigned credit, no grade
H	course assigned honors, no grade
HP	course assigned high pass, no grade
I	course requirements not completed, instructor approved extension
IM	incomplete military designation
M	course assigned marginal, no grade
P	course approved for passing, no grade
PR	interim grade for approved continuing courses
W	course officially withdrawn
WM	withdrawal military designation

How is my GPA computed?
The total grade point earned is divided by the number of attempted credits. For example, if a student earns the following grades in two three-credit courses, the computed GPA would be:

Course 1          A         12.0 grade points
Course 2          C           4.0 grade points
Total                            16.0 grade points = 16.0/6 = 2.667 GPA

What if I disagree with the assigned course grade?
First discuss your concern with the course instructor. If your concern is not resolved, you can appeal the grade at the department level.

What is a transcript?
An official copy of a student's academic record with the university seal. Student unofficial copies do not have the university seal.

What do academic warning, probation and suspension mean?
Academic warning occurs when a student's cumulative GPA goes below 2.0 for one semester. Limitations are placed on enrollment.

Academic probation occurs when a student's cumulative GPA goes below 2.0 for two successive semesters. Limitations are placed on enrollment.

Academic suspension occurs when a student's cumulative GPA goes below 2.0 for more than two successive semesters. Students on academic suspension may not enroll at the university for two consecutive semesters.

MCV Campus programs may differ so check with your program advisor.

Degree requirements for all undergraduate students

What are the minimum requirements for earning a bachelor's degree?

• 45 credits completed at the 300 - 500 level
• VCU cumulative GPA of 2.0 (some programs may have higher requirements)
• 120 semester credits completed for any undergraduate degree
• Last 25 percent of the required credit hours completed at VCU

Graduation process

How do I apply for graduation?
Complete the required graduation application by the specified deadline before the end of the semester when you complete the requirements for the degree.

What are the requirements for graduation honors?
Students completing a minimum of 45 credits at VCU for the bachelor's degree may qualify for the following honors. The GPA calculated combines all courses taken for credit at VCU and those accepted for transfer credit; however, the VCU GPA must be as high as the honor awarded.

Summa Cum Laude	3.90 GPA and higher
Magna Cum Laude	3.60 - 3.89 GPA
Cum Laude	3.30 - 3.59 GPA

Can I participate in graduation if I don't meet the degree requirements?
Permission from the dean of the school awarding the degree may be given for extenuating circumstances and with the following conditions:

• Participation does not mean the student was awarded the degree, nor is VCU obligated if degree requirements are not met
• Degree will be awarded in the semester where degree requirements were met

Academic appeals

How do I appeal academic regulations?
Undergraduate students must follow the academic appeal process to request an exception to the regulations through the Academic Regulations Appeals Committee.

Degree requirements for all majors

This information is a place to start, but your academic advisor is always the best source of appropriate information about degree and graduation requirements.

Remind me: How do I find out who my academic advisor is?

You can log on to eServices and explore the requirements for different majors without affecting your transcript. Follow the step-by-step explanation and pictures to help.

Step 1. From "Current Students" select and log on to "eServices."

Step 2. Select "Academic Record" and find "Degree Requirements."

Step 3. Using the drop-down menu, select the program you are interested in and then select the Undergraduate Bulletin year. Hint: This year should match the year you entered VCU.