Other Programs and Courses - School of Continuing and Professional Studies

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Credit Courses and Non-Credit Offerings

The School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers a broad range of credit courses to help adult learners meet their educational objectives.

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 other professional certificates.

Customized credit as well as 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 SCPS academic program developers work closely with other University faculty and with representatives of the client to design challenging academic programs. Noncredit programs are designed for individuals who are interested in substantive intellectual activities but who do not need academic credit. Organizational representatives and individuals are encouraged to discuss their education and training needs with regional academic outreach directors and/or program developers from the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, who can respond rapidly and effectively to such needs. For further information, consult the School of Continuing and Professional Studies website: 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. Day and evening classes are open to Community Scholars on a space available basis and by permission of instructor. 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. Please refer to additional information on the School of Continuing and Professional Studies website: www.scps.virgiia.edu under Programs and Courses/Take a Class.

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.), and a part-time bachelor’s degree program, the Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Sciences Management (BPHM) is offered by the University of Virginia’s 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. Community Scholars must obtain permission of the instructor to enroll in each class. For students interested in enrolling in graduate level courses, proof of an undergraduate degree will be required at the time of registration. There may be additional school level requirements to enroll in courses in the Community Scholar program; interested students should consult the School of Continuing and Professional Studies website for details. Information must be submitted in person to the School of Continuing and Professional Studies office, in Zehmer Hall, prior to the start date of classes to ensure that required prerequisite actions have been completed.

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’ policies and applicable procedures.

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.

Because Community Scholars do not pay the required comprehensive 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, 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.

Comprehensive Community Scholar Program information can be found at www.scps.virginia.edu.