Administration and Governance of Graduate Studies at Virginia State University

The Dean of the College of Graduate Studies exercises general responsibility for administration of graduate study and for university-wide policies, requirements, procedures and standards of graduate study. However, within this framework, the development, promotion, and delivery of instruction are the primary responsibility of graduate faculty members in individual program areas in collaboration with departmental Chairs and Deans of the perspective colleges.

Much of the work of the Graduate College is accomplished through three subcommittees:

1. Policies and Petitions,
2. Graduate Curriculum, and
3. Admissions Policy.

The Policies and Petitions Committee has responsibility for decisions on written appeals from students seeking exceptions to policy, recommendations for suggested policy changes, and nominations to membership on the Graduate Faculty. The Graduate Curriculum Committee is responsible for approval of graduate curricular changes and proposals. The Admissions Policy Committee reviews policy, makes recommendations for exceptions, and designs procedures for admission to the College of Graduate Studies.

Graduate programs follow a general and flexible pattern which emphasizes an area of specialization. In keeping with the policy of individualizing programs, each student will pursue a program consistent with his/her previous preparation and experience and directed toward his/her personal and professional objectives. Programs leading to the doctorate degree, master's degree, or to the certificate of advanced graduate study may be completed during the regular sessions in all fields of study. They may be completed also during the summer sessions or, in many fields, through study in the evenings, in the late afternoons, and on Saturday mornings. Military, school, and industrial personnel find the scheduling flexible.