Academic Regulations and Procedures
Academic Honors and University Grading System
Graduating Honors
Candidates for a baccalaureate degree who have completed at least 51 percent of the credits required for their degree program at Virginia State University will qualify for honors at graduation based upon their final cumulative grade point average as listed below:
| Summa Cum Laude | 3.80 - 4.00 |
| Magna Cum Laude | 3.50 - 3.79 |
| Cum Laude | 3.00 - 3.49 |
Candidates for baccalaureate degrees who have earned forty or more hours but less than 51 percent of the credits required for their degree program at Virginia State University are recognized for academic achievement against the following standard:
| With Distinction | 3.20 or higher |
Highest Ranking Graduate
Recognition will be given to the student with the highest cumulative grade point average among all graduating seniors who have completed at least 90 credit hours at VSU.
University Grading System
Academic grades are symbols that are used to describe academic performance.
| Grade | Definition | Quality Points |
|---|---|---|
| A | Superior Performance (Percentage Range: 90-100) | 4 |
| B | Good Performance (Percentage Range: 80-89) | 3 |
| C | Average Performance (Percentage Range: 70-79) | 2 |
| D | Poor Average (Percentage Range: 60-69) | 1 |
| F | Failure (Percentage Range: Below 60) | 0 |
The following grades have no quality point value; therefore, each is neutral in the grade point average (GPA) determination.
| I | Incomplete grade must be removed within one year |
| P | Satisfactory completion; at graduate level, successful completion of Research and Thesis |
| S | This represents satisfactory completion of certain experiences at the undergraduate and graduate levels |
| SP | This represents satisfactory completion of certain experiences at the undergraduate and graduate levels (emergency grading) |
| TR | Transfer credit |
| U | The student has not eared credit hours for which enrolled and represents unsatisfactory performance |
| W | Withdrawn |
| R | Administrative Indication - no credit given |
| Z | Course Audit |
| N | Non-attendance |
| O | Omitted Grade |
Course Numbering System
| 000-999 | Non-credit course; not included in cumulative grade average or toward student's graduation |
| 100-299 | Lower-level undergraduate course |
| 300-399 | Junior-level undergraduate course |
| 400-499 | Senior-level undergraduate course; acceptable toward some graduate degrees. (Prior to 1979, the 400-course numbering was used for graduate-level courses) |
| 500-599 | Graduate-level course |
| 600-799 | Graduate and Doctoral-level course |
Grade Mode
| E | Exclude Credit - Eliminate all credit for the course (Both earned hours and GPA data) |
| I | Include Credit - Include all credit for the course (Both earned hours and GPA data) |
Student Career Level
A student may enroll as;
- an undergraduate student,
- a graduate student,
- a doctoral student, or
- a continuing education student (student not pursuing either an undergraduate or graduate degree).
Students with more than one career level will be issued separate transcripts for each level.
Computation of GPA
The Grade Point Average (GPA) is determined by dividing total quality points (QTPS) earned by the total quality hours (QHRS) for the grades of A, B, C, D, and F.
Transfer courses count towards the student's classification, but are not factored into the GPA.
If a student repeats a course, the higher grade is counted toward the student's classification and in the student's GPA. The repeat grade is recorded on the transcript, however, the highest grade in courses, which have been repeated, is used.
Academic Integrity
Academic Honesty
Intellectual and scholastic freedoms are safeguarded through application of principles of academic honesty. Violations of academic honesty represent a serious breach of the Virginia State University honor code and may be considered grounds for disciplinary action.
Academic Dishonesty
Includes (a) plagiarism-presentation of the written words of others as if they were one's own; (b) cheating, giving, aiding, or seeking assistance during the process of taking a test or examination. Penalties for academic dishonesty may be loss of credit for the work in question, loss of credit for the course, suspension, or expulsion from the University.
Admission Requirements
(https://www.vsu.edu/admissions/apply/freshman-apply/)
Virginia State University is committed to admit students who possess a diverse range of talents and abilities. Students who are applying for admission as freshmen are expected to have completed a college-preparatory program in high school. We are a test optional school; we will accept satisfactory scores on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) examination. Students who were not graduated from a secondary school may be admitted on the basis of their GED test scores.
The admission requirements are as follows:
- Minimum 2.5 GPA on 4.00 scale
- Three (3) units of mathematics (Of these three, one must be Algebra I, and the second must be either Geometry or Algebra II)
- Four (4) units of English
- Two (2) units of Science (one of which must be a laboratory science)
- Two (2) units of Social Studies (History, Government, Civics, Geography)
- Two (2) units of Foreign Language are recommended but not required.
- SAT or ACT score, if applicable
Under exceptional circumstances, a student who does not meet a component of the entrance requirement (e.g., a student's GPA is between 2.25 - 2.49), may be admitted on a "conditional" basis for the Fall semester & VA residents only. The student will be admitted to the Trojan Summer Bridge program
Acceptance of Transfer Credits
Virginia State University accepts only transfer courses from other accredited colleges and universities in which the student earns a "C" or better. The acceptance and use of transfer credit toward degree requirements are subject to review by the appropriate academic department or program. The determination of course equivalencies and the application of transfer coursework to a student's program of study are made at the discretion of the student's academic program.
Advanced Placement (AP) Credits
Virginia State University awards advanced standing credit (course exemption and academic credit hours) to entering students who have qualifying scores on the AP tests. Students may receive credit in any academic discipline in which an AP test is offered so long as they take the test before the end of their senior year of high school. After matriculation, students should direct questions about their AP credit to the College Dean's office under which their major field of study is organized.
| AP Course | VSU Class Equivalent | General Education Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Art: 3 / 4,5 | ARTS 301 / ARTS 301+302 | 3 / 6 |
| Biology: 3 | BIOL 120 | 4 |
| Calculus AB: 3 / 4,5 | MATH 120 / MATH 260 | 3 / 4 |
| Calculus BC: 3,4 / 5 | MATH 260 / MATH 260+261 | 4 / 8 |
| Chemistry: 3 / 4 / 5 | CHEM 100 / CHEM 151+153 / CHEM 151 OR CHEM 153 + 2 ELECTIVE CR | 4 / 4 / 6 |
| Computer Science A: 3 | CSCI 150+151 | 4 |
| Computer Science Principles: 3 | CSCI 101 + 2 ELECTIVE CR | 3 |
| Microeconomics: 3 | ECON 210 | 3 |
| Macroeconomics: 3 | ECON 211 | 3 |
| English Language & Composition: 3,4 / 5 | ENGL 110 / ENGL 110+111 | 3 / 6 |
| English Literature & Composition: 3,4 / 5 | ENGL 110 / ENGL 110+201 | 3 / 6 |
| Environmental Science: 3,4 / 5 | AGRI 150 | 4 |
| French: 3 / 4 / 5 | FREN 210 / FREN 310 / FREN 314 | 3 / 3 / 3 |
| German: 3 / 4 / 5 | GERM 210 / GERM 310 / GERM 314 | 3 / 3 / 3 |
| Human Geography: 3 | GEOG 316 | 3 |
| Music Theory: 3 / 4,5 | MUSI 154 / MUSI 181+183 | 3 / 4 |
| Physics 1: 3 | PHYS 105 | 4 |
| Physics 2: 3 | PHYS 106 | 4 |
| Physics C E&M: 3,4 / 5 | PHYS 112 / PHYS 113 | 4 / 4 |
| Physics C Mech: 3 | PHYS 105 | 4 |
| Psychology: 3 | PSYC 101 | 3 |
| Spanish Language & Culture: 3 / 4 / 5 | SPAN 212 / SPAN 310 / SPAN 314 | 3 / 3 / 3 |
| Spanish Literature & Culture: 3 / 4 / 5 | SPAN 212 / SPAN 300 / SPAN 301 | 3 / 3 / 3 |
| Statistics: 3 | STAT 210 | 3 |
| Studio Art 2D: 3 | ARTS 199 | 3 |
| Studio Art 3D: 3 | ARTS 199 | 3 |
| Studio Art Drawing: 3 | ARTS 199 | 3 |
| US Government: 3 | POLI 150 | 3 |
| US History: 3 | HIST 122+123 | 6 |
| World History: 3 | HIST 114+115 | 6 |
Advisement
Upon admission to the University, all undergraduate students are assigned an academic advisor through the Academic Center of Excellence (ACE). Students who have not declared a major will continue to receive academic advising through ACE until a major is declared. Nontraditional students are advised through the Office of Outreach. Students should consult with their assigned advisor each semester regarding academic planning, course selection, and progress toward degree completion.
Continuing Education
(https://www.vsu.edu/academics/special-programs/continuing-education/)
Through the Office of Continuing Education, non-degree-seeking students are able to enroll in college courses up to 11 credit hours per semester, which is part-time and not eligible for financial aid assistance.
Federal Programs
Through federal grants, the University provides special academic, financial and counseling support services to eligible university students, and student parents, as well as, high school students, and those who have successfully completed the General Education Development, (GED).
These services are available through the University’s Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools, (CCAMPIS) Educational Talent Search, Educational Opportunity Centers, Upward Bound, and Student Support Services Program. For more information about these programs, contact the specific program area or email triosss@vsu.edu.
International Students Admission
(https://www.vsu.edu/admissions/apply/international-apply/)
Prospective students from abroad should apply for admission at least twelve months prior to the term in which they wish to enroll. Applicants must submit certified copies of official academic records, showing subjects studied, grades received, examinations taken, and degrees earned from secondary schools, colleges, and universities attended. The documents must be submitted in original form as well as official translation. Evaluated academic records/transcripts, originals only; copies are not accepted. We recommend SpanTran, World Education Services (WES), or another approved qualified company which can be found at www.naces.org.
Freshmen only must submit 2 letters of recommendation (one must be from your Guidance Counselor).
An applicant from a country where English is not the native language is required to demonstrate a proficiency in English by submitting scores from (TOEFL), IELTS, Duolingo or Cambridge. Official test scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service.
An international student must provide documentation verifying resources to meet financial needs for the designated period of study at Virginia State University. This is not required to be considered for Admissions.
Cambridge International Examinations Credit
The University may grant credit for Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) levels Advanced (A) and Advanced Subsidiary (AS) offered through the University of Cambridge in England. These courses and examinations are administered through registered CIE Centers in public high schools throughout the United States. A-level syllabuses and exams cover approximately two years of college-level curriculum in a subject and the AS level syllabus and exam covers the first year of the two-year A-level curriculum.
Cambridge tests passed with final grades of A, B or C will be considered for advanced standing and credit for the corresponding courses at VSU. The applicability of such credit toward the student’s degree program is interpreted by the department or college in which the student seeks a degree.
* A-Level Exam not available for this subject
| Cambridge Exam | A-Level VSU Equivalent | AS-Level VSU Equivalent | Academic Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting | C : ACCT 200 | C : ACCT 200 | 3 |
| Art and Design | C : ARTS 199 | C : ARTS 199 | 3 |
| Biology | C : BIOL 210 | C : BIOL 210 | 4 |
| Business | C : COBU 101 | C : COBU 101 | 3 |
| Chemistry | C : CHEM 100 / B : CHEM 151 + CHEM 153 / A : CHEM 151 + CHEM 153 + 2 CR | C : CHEM 100 / B : CHEM 151 + CHEM 153 / A : CHEM 151 + CHEM 153 + 2 CR | 4 / 4 / 6 |
| Computer Science | C : CSCI 101+2 CR | C : CSCI 101+2 CR | 3 |
| Computing | C : COBU 155 | C : COBU 155 | 3 |
| Design Technology | C : TAMM 373 | C : TAMM 373 | 3 |
| Design & Textiles | C : TAMM 373 | C : TAMM 373 | 3 |
| Economics | C : ECON 210 | C : ECON 210 | 3 |
| English Language & Literature | * | C : ENGL 110 | 3 |
| English Language | C : ENGL 110 | C : ENGL 110 | 3 |
| English Literature | C : ENGL 210 | C : ENGL 210 | 3 |
| French | C : TBD / B : FREN 310 / A : FREN 314 | C : TBD / B : FREN 310 / A : FREN 314 | 3 / 3 / 3 |
| Geography | C : GEOG 210 | C : GEOG 210 | 3 |
| German | C : TBD / B : GERM 310 / A : GERM 314 | C : TBD / B : GERM 310 / A : GERM 314 | 3 / 3 / 3 |
| History | C : HIST 115 | C : HIST 115 | 3 |
| Mathematics | C : MATH 260 | C : MATH 260 | 4 |
| Mathematics Further | C : MATH 261 | C : MATH 261 | 4 |
| Music | C : 3 CR | C : 3 CR | 3 |
| Physical Education | C : PHED 274 | C : PHED 274 | 3 |
| Physical Science | C : PHYS 100 | C : PHYS 100 | 4 |
| Physics | C : PHYS 105 | C : PHYS 105 | 4 |
| Psychology | C : PSYC 101 | C : PSYC 101 | 3 |
| Sociology | C : SOCI 101 | C : SOCI 101 | 3 |
| Spanish | C : TBD | C : TBD | 3 |
| Thinking Skills | C : PHIL 180 | C : PHIL 180 | 3 |
| Travel and Tourism | C : HMGT 200 | C : HMGT 200 | 3 |
The International Baccalaureate
Students must designate the Virginia State University Registrar as a recipient of the scores, and scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Credit is awarded consistent with state and University policies and the sourcing agencies’ guidelines. VSU offers possible credit for scores of 4, 5, 6, or 7 on most higher-level (HL) IB examinations and on select standard-level (SL) examinations in accordance with the pre-approved equivalencies for qualifying IB examination scores. After matriculation, students should direct questions about their IB credit to the College Dean's office in which their major field of study is organized.
| IB Course | Minimum Score | VSU Equivalent | Credit Hours Earned |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Anthropology | 4 (HL) / 5 (SL) | SOCI 102 / SOCI 102 | 3 / 3 |
| Art | 4 (HL) / 5 (SL) | ARTS 199 / ARTS 199 | 3 / 3 |
| Biology | 5 (HL) /4 (SL) | BIOL 120 & 121 / BIOL 120 & 121 | 8 / 8 |
| Business & Management | 4 (HL) / 5 (SL) | COBU 101 / COBU 101 | 3 / 3 |
| Dance | 4 (HL) / 5 (SL) | DANC 100 / DANC 100 | 3 / 3 |
| Design Technology | 4 (HL) / 5 (SL) | TAMM 373 / TAMM 373 | 3 / 3 |
| Environmental Systems & Societies | 5 (SL) | AGRI 150 | 4 |
| Geography | 4 (HL) / 5 (SL) | GEOG 210 / GEOG 210 | 3 / 3 |
| Information Technology and Global Society | 4 (HL) / 5 (SL) | MISY 350 / MISY 350 | 3 / 3 |
| Chemistry | 4 (HL) / 5 (HL) / 6 (HL) / 5 (SL) / 6 (SL) / 7 (SL) | CHEM 100 / CHEM 151&153 / CHEM 151&153 + 2 ELECTIVE CR OR CHEM 100 / CHEM 151&153 / CHEM 151&153 + 2 ELECTIVE CR | 4 / 4 / 6 / 4 / 4 / 6 |
| Physics | |||
| Computer Science | 4 (HL) / 5 (SL) | CSCI 101 +2 ELECTIVE CR / CSCI 101 +2 ELECTIVE CR | 3 / 3 |
| Mathematics | 4 (HL) / 5 (SL) | MATH 120 & 121 / MATH 120 & 121 | 6 / 6 |
| Economics | 4 (HL) / 5 (SL) | ECON 210 / ECON 210 | 3 / 3 |
| Philosophy | 4 (HL) / 5 (SL) | PHIL 140 / PHIL 140 | 3 / 3 |
| Sports, Exercise, and Health Science | 5 (SL) | HLTH 210 | 3 |
| World History | 4 (HL) / 5 (SL) | HIST 114 & 115 / HIST 114 & 115 | 6 / 6 |
| Music | 4 (HL) / 5 (SL) | MUSI 199 / MUSI 199 | 3 / 3 |
| Psychology | 4 (HL) / 5 (SL) | PSYC 101 / PSYC 101 | 3 / 3 |
| Theatre Arts | 4 (HL) / 5 (SL) | DRAM 215 / DRAM 215 | 3 / 3 |
| English (Language & Literature) | 4 (HL) / 5 (SL) | ENGL 110 / ENGL 110 | 3 / 3 |
| English Literature | 4 (HL) / 5 (SL) | ENGL 201 / ENGL 201 | 3 / 3 |
| English (Literature & Performance) | 5 (SL) | 3 ELECTIVE CREDITS | 3 |
| French | 4 (HL) / 5 (HL) / 6-7 (HL) / 5 (SL) / 6 (SL) / 7 (SL) | FREN 212 / FREN 310 / FREN 314 / FREN 212 / FREN 310 / FREN 314 | 3 / 3 / 3 / 3 / 3 / 3 |
| German | 4 (HL) / 5 (HL) / 6-7 (HL) / 5 (SL) / 6 (SL) / 7 (SL) | GERM 212 / GERM 310 / GERM 314 / GERM 212 / GERM 310 / GERM 314 | 3 / 3 / 3 / 3 / 3 / 3 |
| Spanish | 4 (HL) / 5 (HL) / 6-7 (HL) / 5 (SL) / 6 (SL) / 7 (SL) | SPAN 212 / SPAN 310 / SPAN 314 / SPAN 212 / SPAN 310 / SPAN 314 | 3 / 3 / 3 / 3 / 3 / 3 |
Readmission
(https://www.vsu.edu/admissions/apply/readmit.php)
Students who interrupt their enrollment for two or more semesters (one or more years) must apply through the Office of Admissions for readmission to the University. Readmission is to the department in which the student was enrolled at the time of separation. A change of major request must be made after readmission with academic department advisor.
Special Admissions Requirements
In addition to regular freshman and transfer admission requirements, students who desire to major in Music must also complete an on-campus audition. Students who desire to major in Art and Design may also be required to submit additional materials. Please contact these departments directly for further information.
Senior Citizens
Virginia State University participates in the Senior Citizen Higher Education Program established by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Under this program, eligible senior citizens may enroll in courses without payment of tuition or mandatory fees, subject to applicable state regulations and University policies.
A senior citizen is defined as an individual who, prior to the beginning of the semester for which enrollment is sought, is at least 60 years of age and has maintained legal domicile in the Commonwealth of Virginia for a minimum of one year.
Eligible senior citizens may enroll in courses without paying tuition or mandatory fees, except for course-, program-, or service-related charges. The tuition waiver does not cover the cost of private music instruction, textbooks, laboratory fees, art fees, specialized materials, program-specific tuition and fees, or other course-related expenses. Additionally, the waiver may not be applied to non-credit courses offered through third-party partnerships.
The Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver Form must be completed and submitted each semester in which the individual seeks to enroll under this program.
Senior citizens who elect to audit courses (non-credit enrollment) may enroll for an unlimited number of semesters; however, enrollment is limited to a maximum of three non-credit courses per semester.
Senior citizens who enroll for academic credit may register as full-time or part-time students. Enrollment in credit-bearing coursework is not restricted by the number of semesters attended and is subject only to the University's academic policies and standards for satisfactory academic performance.
To participate in the program, the following conditions must be met:
-
The senior citizen must satisfy all applicable admission requirements of the University.
-
Senior citizens seeking to enroll for academic credit must have had a taxable income for Virginia income tax purposes that did not exceed the amount established annually by the Commonwealth of Virginia during the calendar year preceding enrollment. Documentation verifying taxable income may be required.
-
Senior citizens whose taxable income exceeds the state-established threshold may enroll in courses on an audit (non-credit) basis at no tuition cost, subject to program requirements and space availability.
Additional information regarding eligibility, enrollment procedures, and program requirements may be obtained from the College of Graduate Studies Admissions Office at gradadmissions@vsu.edu or 804-524-5984.
Immunizations and Insurance
Immunizations
Virginia State University requires a physical examination for all first-time enrollees (freshmen transfer and graduate students) as well as a health history and immunization record to be submitted to Student Health Service prior to registration for classes. Any student who cannot produce an up-to-date immunization record must be reimmunized at his/her expense. Registration cannot be completed until the Student Health Service Health Evaluation Form is completed.
Insurance
Health and accident insurance is strongly encouraged for full-time students. Students who have no coverage, may enroll in the University Plan. Students who wish to supplement their existing coverage, may enroll in the University-sponsored insurance plan. The plan is honored worldwide and is valid twenty-four (24) hours a day.
To inquire further, please contact Health Services.
Tuition, Fees, and Financial Obligations
Tuition and Fee Charges
Payment of tuition, fees, and other charges owed to Virginia State University is the responsibility of the student. Failure to pay tuition and fees could result in administrative withdrawal from the university. The university will hold transcripts and block registration for students who fail to pay fees, fines, damages. Collection agencies also may be used by the university to collect unpaid fees or fines.
In-State Tuition Eligibility
All applicants who desire to qualify for in-state tuition rates under Section 23-7.4 of the Code of Virginia, must complete the domicile eligibility form which may be obtained from the Office of Admissions.
Form more information, contact the Office of Admissions.
University Libraries
Located in the center of campus, Johnston Memorial Library houses primary and secondary materials needed to support the academic and research programs of the University. It provides a full complement of research and information services to the University community. The Library contains approximately 280,200 monographs, approximately 1,200 periodicals and newspapers, 704,983 microform pieces, 81,153 audiovisual pieces including government publication and musical scores.
The Library participates in a statewide electronic resource sharing consortium, the Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA). The Library provides local and remote access to 180 databases, over 8,800 full text journals and newspapers, nearly 10,000 full text works of poetry and verse drama, and over 300,000 additional full text materials, including statistical reports and pamphlets. In- house and remote access to the book and serial collections is provided by the VTLS Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) with special services for the visually impaired. The library management systems have been in operation since 1989 and supports cataloging, serials, circulation, reserved materials and provides access to the online public access catalog.
The Instructional Materials Lab houses videos, laserdisc, audiotapes and other media. A wheelchair accessible multimedia workstation is available for use.
The Library has seating capacity for 600 students and shelving capacity for approximately 300,000 books. Facilities include exhibit areas, conference and study rooms, and individual study carrels. Selected study rooms are equipped for computer access. The Library also has two Internet search labs and a bibliographic instruction lab with over 50 computers for research use.
Full reference service is available to the entire University community. The Reference Department provides interlibrary loan services through cooperative lending agreements. The Special Collections Department, with a full-time archivist, contains historical documents, memorabilia, and artifacts, which are available to both the campus community and other researchers. The Library has a separate Instructional Materials Laboratory, containing films, slides cassettes, CD ROMs, laser disks, and videos which faculty and students can use for presentations. A full multimedia workstation is also available for wheelchair accessibility. In addition, the Library has a Kurzweil machine and large print software for the visually impaired.
The Library is a selective depository for United States and Virginia government publications. The collection of more than 197,079 federal and state documents offers a wealth of information.
Johnston Memorial Library is handicapped accessible. Contact Johnston Memorial Library for more information.
Withdrawals and General Counseling
The staffs of ACE cannot excuse absences; but it does provide absentee notification to instructors for any student encountering an emergency that requires an absence of three (3) or more days. Students wishing to discontinue studies at the University will start the withdrawal process at ACE with counselors who are understanding and will help students through the withdrawal process while ensuring that all possible options are considered for remaining at VSU.
For services, please contact:
ACE at Virginia State University
P.O. Box 9034
Petersburg, Virginia 23806
Phone: (804) 524-6755