School of Architecture: Academic Rules, Regulations, and Information

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All prospective undergraduate students apply through the University Office of Undergraduate Admissions; http://www.admission.virginia.edu/

For general information about the School of Architecture and undergraduate admissions:http://www.arch.virginia.edu/undergraduate-admissions-1

Academic Good Standing

Students, in the School of Architecture, are considered to be in academic good standing at the end of a semester if, in that semester, they meet the following criteria:

• Complete at least 12 credits of coursework.
• Attain at least a 1.8 semester GPA,
• Maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
• Have no more than one grade below C- (or NC for CR/NC).

Academic Probation

A student will be placed on academic probation if they fail to maintain academic good standing in any semester (see the “Academic Good Standing” section of the Record).

Part-time students incur academic probation if they do not attain a 1.800 semester grade point average.

Academic Suspension

Suspension is enforced withdrawal from the University. Any student who has previously been placed on academic probation will be suspended if placed on probation again. The term of the first suspension is through at least one full fall or one full spring semester. The term of a suspension may be longer, if the Dean’s Office decides it is appropriate for the circumstances. A second suspension is final and the student is not allowed to return to the University.

Procedures for Returning to the University from suspension are described below under Returning to the University. Academic credits taken elsewhere while on academic suspension are not accepted for transfer towards a UVa degree.

Class Standing

Students are categorized by class according to the number of credits they have earned as follows: first year: 0-29 credits; second year: 30-59 credits; third year: 60-89 credits; fourth year: 90 or more credits. AP and transfer credits are included in the computation of class standing; credits not completed or completed unsuccessfully are not included. Students in the Department of Architecture are classified according to their studio level.

Satisfactory Progress Toward a Degree

In order to enroll for a fifth semester, students must have earned at least 54 semester hours (includes approved summer, transfer, AP, IB and dual enrollment credits).

To enroll for a seventh semester, students must have earned at least 84 semester hours (includes approved summer, transfer, AP, IB and dual enrollment credits).

Students may not enroll in a ninth semester except under very special circumstances.

Barring unusual circumstances, and with the written approval of the Dean’s office, students who have completed eight semesters must complete any remaining degree requirements as a part-time student. Students are permitted to take a total of 16 credits on a part-time basis toward the degree. No more than 6 credits/two courses may be taken in a given semester.

Grade Appeals

Students who wish to appeal a grade must first attempt to resolve the issue with the instructor of the course. If there is not a satisfactory outcome, the student must consult with the chair of the department. If this path proves unsuccessful in the resolution of the matter, the student may appeal to the Dean’s Office. Appeals must be made within 7 days after the end of that semester’s examination period.

Grievances Procedures

Due process is guaranteed to all students. See “Grievance Procedures” in the University Regulations section or consult the Associate Dean for Academics.

Dean’s List

To be eligible for the Dean’s List of Distinguished Students at the end of each semester, students must earn at least 15 credits of graded work, with a GPA of 3.7 or above for that semester.  Courses taken on a CR/NC basis may not be counted toward the 15-credit minimum.

Intermediate Honors

A certificate of Intermediate Honors is awarded to the top twenty percent of those students in the School of Architecture who enter the University directly from high school or preparatory school and earn at least 60 credits of coursework in their first four regular semesters. The computation is based upon the cumulative grade point average at the end of the fourth semester. No more than twelve of the 60 required credits may be earned on a CR/NC or S/U basis. Advanced placement and transfer credits do not count toward the required credits.

Commencement Honors

Students who have demonstrated high academic achievement in pursuit of the bachelor’s degree are eligible for commencement honors.

Diplomas inscribed “with honors” are awarded to graduates who have earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.600.

Diplomas inscribed “with high honors” are awarded to graduates who have earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.750.

Diplomas inscribed “with highest honors” are awarded to graduates who have earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.900.

General Education Requirements in the School of Architecture Undergraduate Curriculum

The undergraduate curriculum of the School of Architecture reflects our mission: to teach students how to study buildings, landscapes, and cities as forms and systems, and to imagine the design of more sustainable, functional, and socially equitable places. Students pursue this mission through three different majors: architectural history, architecture, and urban and environmental planning. The School’s general education requirements establish a strong foundation in the traditional liberal arts categories of humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences, and natural sciences/mathematics. The general education curriculum is intended to equip students with the necessary tools of analytical, synthetic, and critical thinking, while also highlighting the role of the built environment in the complex conditions that profoundly shape the present and the future.

The School of Architecture requires that each undergraduate complete 30 credits in General Education, 18 of which are to be taken in these categories:

Humanities/Fine Arts: 6 credits
Math/Natural Sciences: 6 credits
Social/Behavioral Sciences: 6 credits

The remaining 12 credits may be fulfilled with classes from within any of these three above-listed categories unless proscribed more specifically by the student’s major curriculum.

General Education Course Curriculum in the Common First Year

Humanities Elective: 3 credits
Math/Nat Science Elective: 3 credits
Social/Behavioral Science Elective: 3 credits
General Education Elective: 3 credits

For a detailed distribution of the General Education requirements in the first year curriculum, refer to Common First Year  

General Education Course Curriculum in the Department of Architectural History (years 2-4)

Environmental Science Elective: 3 credits
Social/Behavioral Science Elective: 3 credits
(Non-Western) Humanities Elective: 3 credits
General Education Electives: 9 credits

For a detailed distribution of the General Education requirements in the curriculum for the Architectural History major, years 2-4, refer to Architectural History  

General Education Course Curriculum in the Department of Architecture (years 2-4)

Physics Elective: 3 credits
Social/Behavioral Science Elective: 3 credits
Humanities Elective: 3 credits
General Education Electives: 9 credits

For a detailed distribution of the General Education requirements in the curriculum for the architecture major, years 2-4, refer to Architecture  

General Education Course Curriculum in the Department of Urban and Environmental Planning (years 2-4)

Econ 2010 & 2020: 6 credits
Humanities Elective: 3 credits
Math/Natural Science Elective: 3 Credits
Politics Elective: 6 Credits
Social/Behavioral Science Elective: 12 credits

For a detailed distribution of the General Education requirements in the curriculum for the Urban and Environmental Planning major, years 2-4, refer to Urban and Environmental Planning  

Course Load

Registering for fewer than 12 credits or more than 18 credits in a semester requires special permission. Students who have declared their major must obtain written permission from the Director of their undergraduate program; students who are undeclared must obtain written permission from their academic advisor. Students who are on probation or in the semester immediately following suspension must obtain additional permission from the Dean’s Office.

Electives

For students in the School of Architecture the following limits apply to elective courses:

• Kinesiology (KINE) courses cannot be used for degree credit.
• A maximum of 12-degree credits will be granted for (ROTC) courses.
• A maximum of 8-degree credits will be granted for Ensemble Music or Dance.
• CR/NC grading option - no more than 1 course per semester, must be counted as open elective.

Part-Time Enrollment

Students are ordinarily expected to be enrolled as full-time students.  However, students may choose to enroll for a semester or two on a part-time basis.  Part-time students are limited to two courses per semester or a maximum of six credits.  Students may not count more than 16 credits taken on a part-time basis toward the degree.  Students registered full time at the University have until the drop deadline at the beginning of the semester to request conversion of their registration to part-time status. Forms to convert to part-time basis can be found in the Student Services Office.

Repeated Courses

If a course is passed, or failed, and taken a second time for credit, both grades are included in the computation of grade point average and appear on the student’s transcript. A student may repeat a course only once.

Student Owned Computers

Undergraduate students are required to own a personal computer equipped with specified software when they enter the program.
A list of specifications is at http://www.arch.virginia.edu/IT_Resources/Computer_Requirements

The School of Architecture offers three undergraduate programs of instruction under Architectural History, Architecture, and Urban and Environmental Planning. Supporting course work is offered through the cooperation of departments in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. First-year students take a common core curriculum, and declare their major near the end of the second semester.

Evaluations of courses and curricula modification are continuing processes in the school. Therefore, the specific degree requirements are subject to change. In each of the degree programs, students should expect that courses may require the purchase of textbooks, software, materials, or equipment. Students may incur costs for field trips.

Accreditation

The Undergraduate Program in Urban and Environmental Planning is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board, sponsored jointly by the American Institute of Certified Planners and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning.

Bachelor of Architectural History 

This four-year program is one of the few of its kind in the country. Students are offered a liberal arts education with an emphasis on the study of architectural history. This degree program provides an opportunity to study historic preservation, while offering ample opportunity for interaction with the other disciplines in the school.

Bachelor of Science (Architecture)

The undergraduate degree in architecture offers two tracks: the pre-professional track, and the design-thinking track. The pre-professional track is useful for those seeking a foundation in the field of architecture either for continued education in a professional degree program or for employment in design-related fields. The design-thinking track is aimed at students seeking to apply the creative approach of architectural design to broader areas of application.

Concerning the pre-professional track, most states consider an accredited degree a requirement to obtaining an architecture license. There are two types of degrees that are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB): the Bachelor of Architecture, which requires a minimum of five years of study; and the Master of Architecture. The four-year pre-professional degree is not accredited by NAAB.

Bachelor of Urban and Environmental Planning 

The Bachelor of Urban and Environmental Planning is a professional degree recognized by the Planning Accreditation Board. During the final two years of study, the student has a wide range of professional seminars and application courses to choose from in the areas of environmental planning, land use planning, and growth management, and urban development and housing policy. This course of study is designed to develop an integrative knowledge of environmental and community processes, professional skills, and leadership.

Every UVA School of Architecture undergraduate student who graduates with a strong academic record, above a 3.3 GPA, is insured direct admission into the Architecture School graduate program of their choice. For direct entry into graduate programs in Architecture (MArch) and Landscape Architecture (MLA), undergraduate architecture students must also achieve a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA in design studios. Students wishing to enroll in a graduate degree in a different discipline may do so upon successful review of a portfolio (Architecture and Landscape Architecture) or writing sample (Architectural History).  Those students who have completed the required prerequisites will be given advanced standing in addition to direct admission. Any student with a GPA below 3.3 is still free to apply through the normal admissions process. And, of course, students who meet the guaranteed admission criteria are free to apply to other programs; they are just insured a spot in the UVA graduate class.

1. Direct Admissions Policy: All undergraduate students who complete their 7th semester with a 3.3 GPA or higher are guaranteed direct admission into the corresponding graduate program after successful portfolio or writing sample review.
   1. Students are required to submit a streamlined, UVA School of Architecture graduate application, but their acceptance would not be in question.
   2. Admission into the Architecture or Landscape Architecture programs also requires a 3.5 cumulative GPA in studios.
   3. Additionally, portfolios and writing samples will be part of the candidate’s evaluation for merit-based financial aid.
   4. The portfolio or writing sample review will take place in the January of the student’s final year of undergraduate study, after their 7th semester GPA has been confirmed.
2. Advanced Standing Policy: Students who graduate with above a 3.3 GPA and who complete the required curricular pre-requisites in their undergraduate major are guaranteed both direct admission and advanced standing.
   1. ARH and PLAN grads with advanced standing can complete the graduate degree in one year through a 4+1 track.
   2. ARCH grads with advanced standing can complete the graduate degree in ARCH or LAR through a 4+2 track to obtain their professional degree.
3. Deferred Enrollment Option: The offer of direct admission will include the option of deferred enrollment for up to two years allowing a student up to two years of work experience before returning to graduate school. For example, this would allow a Spring 2017 graduate direct admissions into the entering classes of Fall 2017, 2018, or 2019. 
    
4. Grandfather Clause: As implemented in the Fall of 2016, this new policy will include a grandfather clause extended to Spring 2015 and 2016 graduates giving 2015 graduates guaranteed admission into the 2017 class and the 2016 graduates direct admission into the 2017 or 2018 classes.

Grading Basis Changes in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic Spring 2020. To review the grading basis change information please Click Here .

Credit/No Credit (Grades)

Students have the option of receiving a CR (credit) or NC (no credit) in place of regular letter grades for a given course. This option is selected when students register for courses no later than the add deadline. Instructors have the right to deny students permission to take courses on a CR/NC basis. The CR/NC option may be used only for open electives.

Grade Changes

No grade may be changed without the approval of the Dean’s Office after it has been submitted to UREG (Office of the University Registrar). The Dean’s Office is not authorized by the faculty to change a grade submitted to UREG (Office of the University Registrar) except when an instructor certifies that, because of errors in calculation or transcription, an incorrect grade has been submitted.

The School limits the time in which a grade change is approved to the fall or spring semester following the one in which the grade was received, except when there is an indication that the student violated the integrity of the course. Incompletes are handled under the policy of Incomplete.

Requirements

Students of undeclared major must achieve a minimum grade of C- in required courses in the School of Architecture, or else be required to repeat the course. Students in declared majors should refer to the minimum grade requirements for their major.

Incomplete

A grade of “Incomplete” (IN) is to be granted only in cases due to medical emergencies and circumstances or family situations that necessitate additional time to complete course work.  A request for an extension is to be submitted to the Student Services Office prior to the last day of class using the “Extension of Time” form approved by the Associate Dean for Academics.  An “IN” is not considered a valid default final grade and will convert to a grade of “F” five days after the end of the examination period unless an “Extension of Time” form is submitted by the course professor with the approval of the Associate Dean for Academics.  Documentation supporting the medical excuse is to be provided by a doctor or healthcare provider with the “Extension of Time” form.  Additionally, a work plan outlining the scope and extended deadline for completion of coursework is due to the Associate Dean for Academics at the time of the form submittal.  An approved grade of “IN” will convert automatically to a grade of “F” four weeks after the end of the examination period, unless the professor submits a final grade based on the work completed under the extension or a work plan identifying a specific date for completion of course work.  Instructors are not authorized to extend the time for completion of course work without the approval of the Associate Dean for Academics. “Extension of Time” forms for extension approval are available in the Student Services Office, 201 Campbell Hall

School of Architecture students wishing to transfer to another School within the University, must consult visit the specific school to review deadlines and admission requirements.

Students wishing to transfer into the School of Architecture can contact the School’s Office of Admissions or find information on the School’s website: http://www.arch.virginia.edu/transfer-students

Leave of Absence

Students who wish to take a leave of absence for either a semester or a year must apply for such leave by completing the “Leaving the University” form in their SIS Student Center and communicating with their school dean’s office.

Enforced Withdrawal

Students may be forced to withdraw from the University for habitual delinquency in class, habitual idleness, or any other fault that prevents the student from fulfilling the purpose implied by enrollment at the University. Students who are forced to withdraw during a given term will have the notation “Withdrawal Date: MM/DD/YYYY” entered on their permanent academic records following the semester in which the action occurred. A grade of W (withdrawal) will be entered for each course in which the student was registered. Students who have been forced to withdraw must apply for readmission with their dean’s office in the same manner as suspended students. A grade of W cannot be changed.

Voluntary Student Withdrawal

Students who wish to leave all of their classes during a fall or spring semester at any time after the first day of classes and through the last day of exams must request permission to withdraw from the University by completing the “Leaving the University” form in their SIS Student Center, communicating with their school dean’s office, and contacting the Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS) to schedule an appointment. If the student’s academic dean or designee approves the student’s request to withdraw, ODOS will discuss the proposed withdrawal with the student and, if appropriate, grant final approval. UREG will notify the student once the withdrawal become official. Students requesting to withdraw from the University must be aware of the following rules:

• Students under the age of 18 must give notice to their parents or legal guardians of their intention to withdraw. Evidence of this notice must be provided before a withdrawal request will be approved.
• Applications for withdrawal must be approved by the student’s academic dean or designee.
• Undergraduate students may withdraw from the University before the conclusion of a semester, specifically up to the last day of the final examination period.
• Student may specify on the “Leaving the University” form whether their request to withdraw is for medical reasons. Students approved for withdrawal for medical reasons will need medical review from the Department of Student Health before they will be approved for readmission to the University; this medical review may take up to three weeks in addition to any deadline set by their school, so students should apply as early as possible when they wish to return to the University.
• Students who voluntarily withdraw from the University will have the notation “Withdrew: DATE” recorded on their permanent academic record and their official transcript. Undergraduate students will receive a grade of W in all classes. A grade of W cannot be changed.

Students wishing to withdraw from classes during Summer Session or J-Term should contact the Office of Summer & Special Academic Programs, 434-924-3371; summer@virginia.edu or januaryterm@virginia.edu.

In extreme medical circumstances, documented by a medical professional, a School of Architecture student has one semester in which to petition to the Dean’s Office for a retroactive medical withdrawal. If approved, all grades convert to W’s.

Returning to the University

Students who wish to return to the University after an absence must be formally readmitted to their last school of enrollment. Readmission requires review and approval by the Associate Dean for Academics and the University Office of the Dean of Students. Students who withdrew for medical reasons will need medical review from the Department of Student Health before they will be approved for readmission to the University; this medical review may take up to three weeks in addition to any deadline set by their school, so students should apply as early as possible when they wish to return to the University.

Students must complete the “Returning to the University” form in their SIS Student Center. The form is only available during certain time lines

• Open 9/15 for readmission to January/Spring terms
  • Closes four weeks before the start of the term
• Open 3/1 for the Summer/Fall terms
  • Closes four weeks before the start of the term

If students want to ensure their eligibility for financial aid, they should contact Student Financial Services prior to that semester. For students under academic suspension from the School of Architecture, the completed application must include a statement that (1) addresses the student’s readiness to return to the University in light of any serious difficulties or extenuating circumstances related to his/her absence (e.g. financial, medical, personal hardship), and (2) outlines the student’s academic plan for his/her remaining semesters.

Students who have received a withdrawal notation on their transcript for two consecutive academic terms (not including Summer Session or J-Term), regardless of the lapse of time between the two terms, may not apply for readmission to the University for one year.

Returning to the University is not guaranteed.

Declaring the Major

The first year of study in the School of Architecture includes courses in all three undergraduate programs, as well as breadth requirements. During the second semester of the first year, students declare a major in one of the three programs.

In the event a particular major or concentration is oversubscribed, admission may be limited. Admission to such programs is based on space availability, academic performance, and additional materials as specified by particular departments.

Double Majors

According to University policy, students may receive a degree from only one undergraduate school in a semester. Undergraduate students who complete the requirements for more than one undergraduate degree program will be awarded a double major. This notation is placed on the transcript but not on the diploma.

Students enrolled in the School of Architecture and pursuing a double major must comply with the requirements and policies for both majors. Students not enrolled in the School of Architecture may pursue a second major in the School, provided such a second major is consistent with the policies of their school of enrollment, and the student fulfills all the academic requirements of the major in the School of Architecture.

Minors

Students enrolled in the School of Architecture and pursuing a minor must comply with the requirements and policies of the school. Students not enrolled in the School of Architecture may pursue a minor in the School of Architecture, provided such a minor is consistent with the policies of their school of enrollment, and the student fulfills all the academic requirements of the minor in the School of Architecture.

Ownership of Student Work

The School of Architecture follows University Regulations concerning Student Intellectual Property. As a condition of enrollment in the School of Architecture, each Architecture student is deemed to have granted the University a perpetual, non-exclusive, non-transferable, royalty-free license to reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, or publicly display the student’s coursework, with appropriate credit and attribution, for educational or research purposes only. Any use beyond this limited license requires express written consent of the student.

Transfer Credit

External Transfer Credit for New Students in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic Spring 2020. To review the criteria that will be used to evaluate external transfer credits earned during Spring 2020 please Click Here .

Residence Requirements and Transfer Credits

All three programs normally require four years for completion and a minimum of two years as a full-time student in the School of Architecture. In some cases, summer session study at the University is required of transfer undergraduate applicants accepted by the School of Architecture.

Summer Session; ARCH 1031 is a prerequisite for undergraduate transfer students accepted in the department of Architecture entering their second year.  ARCH 2011 and ARCH 2021 are prerequisites for undergraduate transfer students accepted by the department of Architecture entering their third year.

The School of Architecture grants transfer credit based on an analysis of the content, level, and comparability of the courses taken, the applicability of the courses to the student’s intended major and degree program, the quality of the student’s performance in the courses, and the accreditation of the institution at which the work was completed. The Dean’s Office of the School of Architecture governs the awarding of transfer credit.

Students must submit a request for transfer of credit form prior to enrolling in courses for transfer. Transfer credit is allowed only for those courses in which a grade of C or better has been earned. Grades do not transfer and do not affect the student’s cumulative grade point average at the University of Virginia.

In no case are transfer credits in excess of 60 granted toward an undergraduate degree in the School of Architecture. The school does not accept pass/fail or credit/no credit courses for transfer credit.

In exceptional circumstances, the School of Architecture Dean may waive an admission or performance requirement when, in the dean’s judgment, such action best serves the intent of the program.