Advising tools
Getting organized will keep you on the path to success. While you're working with your advisor, use these helpful tools to keep you on track.
Seniors, graduating soon?
Are you a senior this year and expecting to graduate?
Have you completed all the necessary graduation applications?
Do you know where to turn them in?
Understand all the steps necessary to complete your graduation application.
You also can call the Graduation Office in Records and Registration at (804) 828-1917.
Graduation process
How do I apply for graduation?
Complete the required graduation application by the specified deadline for the semester you will complete the requirements for the degree.
Graduates from the VCU School of the Arts need to contact the Office of the Dean.
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 or college 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 degree requirements were met
General academic tools
Advising plan for 30/60/90 credits
Do you know where you should be after 30 credits? 60 credits? 90 credits? Print off the checklists below and take them to your next advising appointment to make sure you’re on track to graduate within your set time period.
Master Syllabus
Do you have trouble remembering due dates for all of your classes? Use the Master Syllabus [PDF] to consolidate all the information from your classes onto one sheet.
Time plan
Were you aware that it is suggested you spend three hours of private study per week for every credit hour in your schedule? That means if you were to take 15 credits, then you should spend close to 45 hours of study time each week. Combined with actual class time, that's a total of 60 hours a week on academic work - more than a full-time job!
So how are you spending your week? Can you account for the 168 hours in your average week?
For example, add up all the hours you spend
- Attending class
- Studying/reading/doing homework
- Working at a job
- Watching TV
- Sleeping
- Personal care (bathing, hair, etc.)
- Hobbies
- Shopping
- Eating
- Being with friends/family
- On the phone
- On the computer
- Other
If your total hours do not equal 168, recalculate the amount of time that you spend for each activity.
You may find the time plan [PDF] helpful in establishing an ideal weekly schedule. You can use it to plan your week, keep track of how you realize your goals and make adjustments to your plan for better effectiveness in your studies.
GPA calculator
You may know that GPA stands for grade-point average, but do you know how it is calculated? You'll find the GPA calculator [PDF] helpful in understanding the process.
You also can calculate your GPA online.
Foreign language policy
Effective spring 2008, VCU has implemented a new foreign language placement policy. For majors that require the study of a foreign language, placement is determined by your previous coursework in foreign language.
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- P.O. Box 842507
- Richmond, Virginia 23284-2507
- Phone: (804) 827-8648
- E-mail: advising@vcu.edu
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- Updated: 03/19/2007