Other Programs and Courses - School of Continuing and Professional Studies

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Credit Courses

The School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers a broad range of credit courses to help adult learners meet their educational objectives. These courses, some listed elsewhere in this Record under the appropriate schools and others developed by the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, carry the same credit as similar courses taught On-Grounds. Within the limits prescribed by the residential faculty of the University and stated in the policies of each academic school and the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, qualified persons may apply credit courses taken at regional centers toward degree requirements.

Many students transfer course credits earned through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies to programs at other colleges and universities. Students also use credit courses for renewal of teaching licenses and other professional certificates. Students should consult their school superintendent and the Virginia Department of Education or other certifying bodies for licensure requirements.

Non-Credit Programs

Noncredit programs are designed for individuals who are interested in substantive intellectual activities but who do not need academic credit.

Noncredit programming fosters collaboration between University of Virginia faculty and renowned scholars from other institutions; political, cultural, and business leaders; and noted artists and authors. Program developers work closely with other University faculty and with representatives of the client to design challenging academic programs. Organizational representatives and individuals are encouraged to discuss their education and training needs with program developers from the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, who can respond rapidly and effectively to such needs. For further information, contact the School of Continuing and Professional Studies program directors, or view offerings online at www.scps.virginia.edu.

Community Scholar Program

The Community Scholar Program is a non-degree program offered by the University of Virginia’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Through this program, adults can enroll in the regular, On-Grounds credit courses of the University during the fall and spring semesters. Community Scholars may enroll for an unlimited number of semesters, but may take no more than two courses per semester, along with any dependent laboratory or discussion sessions, for a maximum of 11.5 credits. Program participants have the opportunity to study with renowned faculty of the University of Virginia, enjoy the same intellectual challenges as students enrolled in degree programs, and earn college credit for their work.

Community Scholars bring a broad range of experiences and backgrounds to the classroom and their reasons for participating are similarly varied. Enrolling in courses through the Community Scholar Program allows participants to meet personal and professional needs whether or not a college degree has been previously earned. Interested participants who hold a college degree may enroll in either undergraduate or graduate level courses.

The program serves many purposes for the adult learner. Community Scholars pursue objectives to advance their careers by studying recent developments in their fields. Others seek to satisfy prerequisites for advanced study in medicine, engineering, or education, or exploring a graduate department’s course offerings prior to applying to its formal degree program.

The Community Scholar Program does not grant degrees. A part-time bachelor’s degree program, the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.I.S.), is offered by the University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Those who wish to earn a degree full-time at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville must apply to the Undergraduate Office of Admissions or the appropriate graduate school of the University.

Course Selection and Registration

Community Scholars may choose courses from departments and schools throughout the University with the exception of the schools of Education, Law, and Medicine. Faculty members reserve the right not to admit a Community Scholar to a class based on class size or lack of prerequisite education. While this is an unusual occurrence, special circumstance may lead to such a decision.

Community Scholars must obtain permission of the instructor to enroll in each class. Instructor contact information may be obtained from the Course Offering Directory at www.virginia.edu/cod. Permission forms can be obtained online at www.uvacommunityscholar.info or by visiting the University Center in Zehmer Hall. For students interested in enrolling in graduate level courses, proof of an undergraduate degree will be required at the time of registration. Participants who wish to enroll in the McIntire School of Commerce, 300-level and above Engineering courses, 700-level and above English courses, or Nursing courses with course mnemonics beginning with NUIP, will need to provide actual transcripts of all previously completed college credits. The information must be submitted to the University Center several weeks prior to the start date of classes to ensure that required prerequisites have been completed.

The Community Scholar Program maintains its own registration calendar specific to add/drops, refunds, withdrawals and grade changes. These dates are updated for each semester and can be found online at the Community Scholar website www.uvacommunityscholar.info.

Responsibilities and Status

Community Scholars enrolling in University courses agree to abide by the University Honor System, the University’s rules and regulations, and the School of Continuing and Professional Studies’ policy on appropriate conduct.

In addition, Community Scholars assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner that is civil and compatible with the University’s function as an educational institution. In a community of learning, willful disruption of the educational process, destruction of property, interference with the orderly process of the University, or with the rights of others cannot be tolerated. In order to fulfill its functions for imparting and gaining knowledge, the University has the authority and responsibility to maintain order within the University. The Dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies has the authority to exclude those who are disruptive of the educational process, including those whose behavior would present a threat to the health and safety of others.

Community Scholars do not pay the required fees (which include such items as athletic tickets, intramural access, Student Health, University Transit, Student Legal Services, and University Union tickets) expected of full time students. As such, they are not eligible to use the services of the Department of Student Health or purchase the University-endorsed Student Health Insurance plan, nor will they receive the above-mentioned services while taking classes through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Community Scholars are urged to make other healthcare arrangements.

Contact the Community Scholar office at (434) 982-4789 or by e-mail at communityscholar@virginia.edu for additional information. A comprehensive Community Scholar Program website can be found at www.uvacommunityscholar.info.