2024-2025 NRCC Catalog - Academic Information

Credits

A credit is equal to one college semester hour. One credit for a course is given for about three hours of study weekly by each student as follows:

• One hour of lecture plus an average of two hours of out-of-class study, or
• Two hours of lab or shop study plus an average of one hour of out-of-class study, or
• Three to five hours of lab or shop study with no regular out-of-class lessons
• Fixed credit and variable hours with behavioral objectives given to each developmental course (courses numbered 01-09).

Grading System

The quality of performance in any academic course is reported by a letter grade, which is assigned by the instructor. To receive any letter grade, a student must have attended at least one synchronous class meeting or the equivalent asynchronous distance learning class. See “No Show Policy” for more information. These grades are assigned quality points as follows:

The grades A,B,C,D,P and S are passing grades. Grades of F and U are failing grades. R and I are interim grades. Grades of W and X are final grades carrying no credit.

Incomplete (I): No grade point credit; used only for verifiable, unavoidable reasons for a student who is unable to complete a course within the normal course time. To be eligible for an “I” grade, the student must (1) have satisfactorily completed 80% of the course requirements and attendance, and (2) must request that the faculty member assign the “I” grade and indicate why it is warranted. The faculty member has the discretion to decide whether the “I” grade will be awarded. Since the “incomplete” extends enrollment in the course, requirements for satisfactory completion will be established through consultation between the faculty member and the student. In assigning the “I” grade, the faculty member must complete documentation that includes the reason for assigning the grade, the work to be completed and its percentage in relation to the total course work, date by which work must be completed, and the default grade (A, B, C, D, F, P, R, or U) based upon course work already completed. Completion dates may not be set beyond the last day of subsequent semester (to include summer term) without written approval of the Vice President for Instruction and Student Services. An “I” grade will be changed to a “W” only under documented mitigating circumstances which must be approved by the Vice President for Instruction and Student Services.

Pass (P): No grade point credit; applies only to non-developmental studies courses.

Re-Enroll (R): No grade point credit; the “R” grade may be used as a grade option, in developmental and ESL courses only, to indicate satisfactory progress toward meeting course objectives. Students who re-enroll in a course will complete those modules or portions of the course not previously completed; they do not re-take the entire course. The “R” grade may be given only once per course.

Satisfactory (S): No grade point credit; used only for satisfactory completion of a developmental studies course numbered 01-09 and ESL courses numbered 11-16.

Unsatisfactory (U): No grade point credit; used only for unsatisfactory completion of a developmental studies course numbered 01-09 and ESL courses numbered 11-16.

Withdrawal (W): No credit. A grade of “W” is awarded to students who withdraw from a course or are withdrawn from a course after the add/drop period but prior to the completion of 60 percent of the session. After that time, the student will receive a grade of “F” except under mitigating circumstances, which must be documented. A copy of the documentation must be placed in the student’s academic file.

Audit (X): No credit. Permission of the dean or another appropriate academic administrator is required to audit a course. Students desiring to change status from audit to credit or credit to audit must do so within the add/drop period for the course session.

Grading for Developmental Courses

A grade of “S” (Satisfactory) may be given for satisfactory completion of each developmental course (courses numbered 01-09) or an ESL course (courses numbered 11-29).

Students who make satisfactory progress but who do not complete all of the behavioral objectives for a developmental course or ESL course shall be graded with an “R” (Re-enroll) and shall re-enroll to complete the course objectives.

Students who do not make satisfactory progress in a developmental course or ESL course shall be given a “U” (Unsatisfactory). A student will be limited to two enrollments in the same remedial course. In certain circumstances, a student may be allowed to enroll a third time (for example, sickness) with approval of the Vice President for Instruction and Student Services or designee.

Pass/Unsatisfactory Grading Option

Grades available under the Pass/Unsatisfactory option are “P” and “U.” A student under this option receives one or the other of these two grades except where an “R,” “I,” or “W” is appropriate. The P/U grading option is used for non-punitive purposes. The use of this option requires the approval of the dean responsible for the course or other designated academic administrator.

The P/U grading option may be used for an entire section of any course, but not for a single individual within a course.

Grade Point Average

The grade point average (GPA) is determined by dividing the total number of grade points earned in courses by the total number of credits attempted.

Semester Grade Point Average: Semester GPA is determined by dividing the total number of grade points earned in courses attempted for the semester by the total number of credits attempted.

Cumulative Grade Point Average: Cumulative GPA, which includes all courses attempted, is computed each semester and is maintained on a continuing basis as a record of the student’s academic standing. Effective fall 2021, when students repeat a course, only the highest grade earned is counted in the computation of the cumulative GPA and for satisfying curricular requirements unless the course is designated repeatable for credit in the Master Course File or is a General Usage course. In instances of courses designated as repeatable for credit or General Usage, all grades/credits are counted in the computation of the cumulative grade point average. Grades of “S,” “P,” “U,” “W,” and “I” shall not count as first or subsequent attempts when calculating cumulative GPA. Courses that do not generate grade points are not included in credits attempted. 

Curriculum Grade Point Average: A curriculum GPA, which includes only those courses applicable to the student’s curriculum, is computed in order to ensure that the student satisfies the graduation requirement for that curriculum. When students repeat a course, only the highest grade earned is counted in the computation of the curriculum GPA.

Grades from VCCS Colleges

GPA calculations include only grades earned at the home institution, unless specifically noted in an articulation agreement.

Accessing Grades

Students may access grades online in the Student Information System (SIS). Grade reports are not mailed.

Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates

The college offers degrees, diplomas, or certificates for students who successfully complete approved programs at the college.

Associate of Science Degree (AS) is granted to students interested in a professional or scientific course of study and who may plan to transfer to a four-year college or university after completion of the community college degree.

Associate of Arts Degree (AA) is granted to students interested in a liberal arts course of study and who may plan to transfer to a four-year college or university after completion of the community college degree.

Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) is granted to students who major in one of the occupational/technical courses of study and who may plan to work full-time as soon as they graduate from college.

Diploma is granted to students who complete one of the two-year non-degree occupational courses of study.

Certificate or Career Studies Certificate is granted to students who complete one of the approved non-degree courses of study.

Graduation Requirements

To be eligible for graduation, the student must:

1. have fulfilled all of the course and credit-hour requirements of the degree curriculum with at least 25 percent of the credits acquired at the college awarding the degree;
2. have been certified by appropriate college official for graduation;
3. have earned a grade point average of at least 2.0 in all studies attempted which is applicable toward graduation in the student’s curriculum;
4. have filed an application for graduation in the Office of Admissions and Records;
5. have resolved all financial obligations to the college and returned all library and college materials.

Course Substitutions

Course substitution in planned programs should not exceed 10 percent of the total credits of the program unless extenuating circumstances are documented and approved by the appropriate dean and the Vice President for Instruction and Student Services. A higher-level general education course or an appropriate sequence for transfer to a college or university will not be counted as part of the 10 percent substitution. (e.g., ECO 201  is an appropriate selection for an A.A.S. student who plans to transfer to a four-year college.)

Second Degree, Diploma, or Certificate

In awarding students an additional degree, diploma, certificate, or career studies certificate, the college may grant credit for all completed applicable courses which are requirements of the additional degree, diploma, certificate, or career studies certificate. However, the awards must differ from one another by at least 25% of the credits.

Graduation Honors

Students who have fulfilled the graduation requirements as applicable to their programs may be eligible for graduation honors. Appropriate honors are recorded on the degree, diploma, or certificate (with the exception of Career Studies Certificates). The honors are based upon the cumulative GPA as follows:

3.2 Cum Laude (With Honor)
3.5 Magna Cum Laude (With High Honor)
3.8 Summa Cum Laude (With Highest Honor)

Graduation Procedures

Formal graduation exercises are held in May at the end of spring semester. Students who complete course requirements during the subsequent summer session may participate in the May ceremony. Students who complete course requirements during the fall semester may participate in the next May ceremony.

Students planning to graduate should contact their advisor to initiate the process.

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that a graduation application is received in the Admissions and Records Office during the semester prior to the completion of requirements. Filing the graduation application with the Admissions and Records Office will ensure that students will be notified about graduation, purchasing caps and gowns, and practice. All degrees, diplomas, and certificates are mailed to graduates.

Assessment

Curricular students may be required to take tests to determine placement into English and math classes. Additionally, students may be required to participate in one or more tests, projects, or capstone courses designed to measure general education achievement and/or achievement in selected major areas prior to graduation, for the purpose of evaluation of academic programs. For program evaluations and competencies, no minimum score or level of achievement is required for graduation. Program assessment test results will remain confidential and will be used for the sole purpose of improvement of the college. Students may have access to their own test scores upon request. Occupational competency and performance evaluations, however, must be successfully completed for graduation.

Class Attendance

Regular attendance at classes is required. When absence from a class becomes necessary, it is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor prior to the absence whenever possible. The student is responsible for the subsequent completion of all study missed during an absence. Any instruction missed and not subsequently completed will necessarily affect the grade of the student regardless of the reason for the absence.

Auditing a Class

Students who want to attend a class without taking the exam or receiving credit for the class may do so by registering to audit through the usual registration process and paying the normal tuition. Permission of the dean or another appropriate academic administrator is required to audit a class. Audited classes carry no credit and do not count as a part of the student’s class load. Students desiring to change status in a class from audit to credit or credit to audit must do so within the add/drop period for the class session. Students who desire to earn credit for a previously audited class must re-enroll in the class for credit and pay normal tuition to earn a grade other than “X”. Advanced standing credit may not be awarded for a previously audited class.

Change of Registration

In all cases students should follow the correct methods for making any change in their program after registration. If they fail to do so, they could place their college record in danger.

Registration/Add

A student may register for or add classes until the Last Day to Add Classes without Instructor Approval. After that date until the Last Day to Add/Drop Classes with Full Refund, a student must have instructor approval to register for or add classes. In most cases, a student may not enter a new class after the Last Day to Add/Drop Classes with Full Refund. Exceptions to this policy will be considered on the merits of the individual case and must receive the approval of the appropriate dean in the instructional division. In considering exceptions, the manager must remember that the quality of instruction needs to be assured and must be reasonably sure that the student has a chance of success in the course once admitted.

Student Initiated Withdrawal

A student may drop or withdraw from a class without academic penalty during the first 60 percent of a session. For purposes of enrollment reporting, the following procedures apply:

1. If a student withdraws from a class prior to the termination of the add/drop period for the session, the student will be removed from the class roll and no grade will be awarded.
2. After the add/drop period, but prior to completion of 60 percent of a session, a student who withdraws from a class will be assigned a grade of “W.”
3. After that time, if a student withdraws from a class, a grade of “F” or U” will be assigned. Exceptions to this policy may be made under documented mitigating circumstances if the student was passing the course at the last date of attendance. The last date of attendance for an online course will be the last date that work was submitted.

A grade of withdrawal implies that the student was making satisfactory progress in the course at the time of withdrawal, or that the withdrawal was officially made before the deadline date published in the college calendar, or that the student was administratively transferred to a different program.

Students requesting a late withdrawal due to documented mitigating circumstances should contact the Coordinator of Admissions and Records.

No-Show Policy

A student must either attend face-to-face courses or demonstrate participation in online courses by the last date to drop for a refund. Course attendance requires the student’s active participation in an instructional activity related to the course, such as attending a class lecture or lab, or by participating in an online class with an assignment submission, completion of a test or exam, or other substantial course activity. A student who does not meet this deadline will be reported to the Admissions and Records Office and will be withdrawn as a no-show student. No refund will be applicable, and the student will not be allowed to attend/ participate in the class or submit assignments. Failure to attend or participate in a course will adversely impact a student’s financial aid award.

Instructor Initiated Withdrawal

A student who adds a class or registers after the first day of class is counted absent from all class meetings missed. Each instructor is responsible for keeping a record of student attendance (face-to-face classes) or performance/participation (online classes) in each class throughout the semester.

When a student’s absences equal twice the number of weekly meetings of a class (equivalent amount of time for summer session), the student may be dropped for unsatisfactory attendance in the class by the instructor.

Since attendance is not a valid measurement for online, a student may be withdrawn due to non-performance. A student should refer to his/her online course plan for the instructor’s policy.

When an instructor withdraws a student for unsatisfactory attendance (face-to-face class) or non-performance (online), the last date of attendance/participation will be documented. A grade of “W” will be recorded during the first sixty percent (60%) period of a course. A student withdrawn after the sixty percent (60%) period will receive a grade of “F” or “U” except under documented mitigating circumstances when a letter of appeal has been submitted by the student. A copy of this documentation must be placed in the student’s academic file.

The student will be notified of the withdrawal by the Admissions and Records Office. An appeal of reinstatement into the class may be approved only by the instructor and dean.

Withdrawal from the College

A student who wishes to withdraw from the college should contact an advisor to determine the appropriate procedure. Failure to follow established procedure could place the student’s college record in doubt and prejudice the student’s return to this or another college.

Academic Warning

Students who fail to attain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 for any semester will be placed on academic warning. Students on academic warning are encouraged to consult with their advisor and take advantage of the college’s academic support services.

Academic Probation

Students who fail to maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 1.50 will be on academic probation until their cumulative GPA is 1.75 or better. The statement “Academic Probation” will be placed on their permanent records but shall not be placed on students’ official transcripts. Students will be placed on probation after they have attempted 12 semester credits. Students on probation are ineligible for appointed or elected office in student organizations unless special permission is granted by the Dean of Student Services or another appropriate college administrator. Students may be required to take less than a normal academic load the following semester and are required to consult with their advisor. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the college’s academic support services.

Academic Suspension

Students on academic probation who fail to attain a semester grade point average (GPA) of 1.50 or better will be placed on academic suspension after they have attempted 24 semester credits. Academic suspension will be for one semester, and the statement “Academic Suspension” will be placed on their permanent records but shall not be placed on students’ official transcripts. Students who are placed on academic suspension and wish to appeal should follow the college’s appeal process. Suspended students may be reinstated at the conclusion of the suspension period by following the process established by the college.

Students who have been reinstated from academic suspension must achieve a 2.00 GPA for the semester of reinstatement and must earn at least a 1.75 GPA in each subsequent semester of attendance, and the statement “Subject to Dismissal” will be placed on their permanent records. Students who have been reinstated from academic suspension will remain subject to dismissal until their cumulative GPA is raised to a minimum of 1.75. Reinstated students may be required to take less than a normal course load the following semester and are required to consult with their advisor. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the college’s academic support services.

Academic Dismissal

Students who fail to attain at least a 2.00 grade point average (GPA) for the semester of reinstatement following academic suspension will be academically dismissed. Students who achieve at least a 2.00 GPA for the semester of their reinstatement following academic suspension must earn at least a 1.75 GPA in each subsequent semester of enrollment. Failure to attain a 1.75 GPA in each subsequent semester until the cumulative GPA reaches 1.75 will result in academic dismissal. The statement “Academic Dismissal” will be placed on their permanent records and is normally permanent. In exceptional circumstances, students may appeal and be reinstated following the appeal process established by the college. Students who have been reinstated after academic dismissal will remain subject to dismissal until their cumulative GPA is raised to a minimum of 1.75. Reinstated students may be required to take less than a normal course load the following semester and are required to consult with their advisor. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the college’s academic support services.

Academic Suspensions from Other Institutions

Students under disciplinary or academic suspension from other schools who want to apply for admission should contact the Dean of Student Services.

Dean’s List

The name of every student taking 12 college-level semester hours or more and who attains a grade point average of 3.2 for the semester is placed on the Dean’s List.

President’s List

The name of every student taking 12 college-level semester hours or more who attains a grade point average of 3.5 for the semester, and who has earned a minimum of 20 semester hours at the college, is placed on the President’s List.

Examinations

Students will be expected to take their examinations at the regularly scheduled times. No exceptions will be made without the permission of the appropriate dean and the instructor of the course.

Repeating a Course

Credit courses that are designated as repeatable for credit in the Master Course File or are identified as General Usage courses in the Master Course File may be repeated for credit. (General Usage courses: 090-190-290; 095-195-295; 096-196-296; 097-197-297; 098-198-298; 099-199-299). A student should normally be limited to two (2) enrollments in a credit course that is not designated as repeatable for credit or is not a General Usage course. Should the college wish to make an exception to this policy, on a student-by-student basis, the need should be documented and approved by the college’s chief academic officer or designee.

Normal Academic Load

The normal academic course load for students is 15-17 credits. The minimum full-time load is 12 credits, and the normal maximum full-time load is 18 credits. If students wish to carry an academic load of more than 18 credits, they must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and the approval of the dean and their faculty advisor or an academic advisor. If students have received academic warning or are on academic probation, they may be required to take less than the normal semester course load.

Course Scheduling

Courses usually will be scheduled in the same order and during the same semesters as shown in each course of study description; but the college reserves the right to postpone a course offering if there are not enough students enrolled in the course.

Student Information Release Policy

All requests for official information about students should initially be referred to the Coordinator of Admissions and Records. Student records are treated as confidential information as provided by THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) as amended, and in accordance with provisions of Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Details about the latter may be accessed at www.nr.edu/foia/. Information from student records cannot be released (with very limited lawful exceptions) except to the student who may authorize release. Officials of the college may have access to student records when acting in the student’s educational interest and within the limitations of their need to know. These officials include faculty, academic advisors, and personnel in the offices of Admissions and Records, Advising Center, Financial Aid, Veterans Affairs, Vice President for Instruction and Student Services, and Threat Assessment Team.

Directory information including name, major field of study, dates of attendance, course credit load, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, grade level, degrees, honors and awards received, photo and the most recent educational agency or institution attended may be released without the consent of the student.

A student may request that this information be kept confidential by notifying the Admissions and Records Office each semester by the last day of the Add/Drop period. Emergency requests for information will be handled by the Dean of Student Services in consultation with the Vice President for Instruction and Student Services or another appropriate college official.

Parents of a financially dependent student, as defined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), may obtain a copy of their dependent’s educational records after submitting proof of the student’s dependency via the most recent federal tax form. Requested information will not be released prior to the submission of this documentation.  Documentation must be submitted to the Coordinator of Admissions and Records.

In accordance with Virginia law, NRCC will not disclose the address, telephone number or email address of a student as directory information or pursuant to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request without the prior written consent of the student, unless the disclosure is to students enrolled in the college for educational purposes or institution business and the student has not opted out of such disclosure. Students may opt-in to the disclosure of such information for other purposes by providing prior written consent.

The student has the right to inspect and review the information contained in his or her record. The student must submit a written request to the Admissions and Records Office and identify the records to be inspected. The Admissions and Records Office will then arrange a mutually convenient appointment for student inspection of records within 45 days of submission of the written request.

The student may also ask the college to amend a record believed to be inaccurate or misleading. If the college decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the college will notify the student about the decision and advise the student of the right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.

The student has the right to file a complaint concerning alleged failures by NRCC to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington D.C., 20202-4605.

Transcripts

A transcript is a copy of the student’s permanent academic record. An official transcript carries the college’s seal. Information on how to obtain an official college transcript can be found at www.nr.edu/admissions/index.php#transcripts.

Special Dress and Safety Equipment

Several departments require special laboratory attire necessary for safety of the individuals or for participation in the activities required for the course. Nursing students, for example, must have complete nursing uniforms as specified by the instructors and by the hospitals in which the students are assigned. Protective clothing is required in welding, and special dress may be needed for certain physical education classes. In addition to the clothing requirements, some laboratory courses may require students to purchase specified tools and safety equipment.

Virginia Statute 22-10.2

Protective eye devices must be worn by every student and teacher in any school, college, or university participating in any of the following courses:

1. Vocational or industrial arts shops or laboratories involving experience with:
   1. Hot molten metals;
   2. Milling, sawing, turning, shaping, cutting, grinding or stamping of any solid materials;
   3. Heat treatment, tempering of kiln firing of any metal or other materials;
   4. Gas or electric arc welding;
   5. Repair of any vehicle;
   6. Caustic or explosive materials.
2. Chemical or combined chemical-physical laboratories involving caustic or explosive chemicals or hot liquids or solids. Students and personnel shall be required to wear industrial quality eye protective devices at all times while participating in such courses or laboratories.

“Industrial quality eye protective devices,” as used in this section, means devices providing side protection and meeting the standards of the American Standards Association Safety Code for Head, Eye, and Respiratory Protection, Z2.1-1959, promulgated by the American Standards Association, Inc. (1966, c.69).

The number of this section was assigned by the Virginia Code Commission, the 1966 act having assigned no number.

Completion Rates (Student Right-To-Know)

As required by the federal Student Right-To-Know legislation, the following statement describes student completion rates at New River Community College: For those students who first enrolled full-time Fall 2017 in a program at New River Community College, 26.5% had graduated by May 2020. The graduation rate for those students enrolling in a degree program was 26.6% while the rate for those in diploma and certificate programs was 26.1%.  The graduation rates for NRCC are comparable with those of other community colleges.  Many community college students take several years to complete a degree as they balance studies with employment and other activities.  Many others choose to transfer instead of completing a degree. See the Appendix  for more information on completion rates.

Third Party Software

NRCC assumes no liability for virus, loss of data, or damage to software or computer when a student downloads software for classes.

General Education Objectives

General Education is the component of curricula at New River Community College that is designed to assure that students can communicate, think logically, perform calculations and understand the scientific process. Students will be given the opportunity to increase their awareness of their roles and duties as a citizen, as well as explore the contributions they can make to the civic life of their communities. In addition, students will be prepared to be professionally ready. The ultimate goal of general education is to equip an individual to adapt and to perform in a changing society.

VCCS degree graduates will demonstrate competency in the following general education areas:

1. Civic Engagement: A person competent in civic engagement possesses the ability to contribute to the civic life and well-being of local, national, and global communities as both a social responsibility and a life-long learning process.

Degree graduates will demonstrate the ability to:

•  recognize the value of diverse feelings, perspectives, and life experiences and the strength that such diversity brings to civic life;
•  summarize fundamental principles and debates about democracy within the context of civic life, both within the U.S. and in other countries;
•  demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities of citizenship (justice, equality, empathy, compromise, integrity, and civility); and
•  identify personal and collective actions that could be taken to address injustices in society.

2. Critical Thinking: A competent critical thinker has the ability to use information, ideas and arguments from relevant perspectives to make sense of complex issues and solve problems.

Degree graduates will demonstrate the ability to:

•  identify the problem or complex issue and its various components;
•  identify central issues and assumptions of a problem or issue;
•  seek and evaluate the information needed to fully understand the problem or complex issue;
•  identify complexities of an issue, relevant perspectives and/or important relationships when taking a position on a complex issue or problem; and
•  analyze various perspectives of a problem or complex issue in order to reach a well-reasoned conclusion or solution.

3. Written Communication: A competent written communicator will demonstrate the ability to develop, convey, and exchange ideas in writing, as appropriate to a given context and audience.

Degree graduates will demonstrate the ability to:

• communicate a controlling idea in a manner appropriate to the audience and occasion;
• critically evaluate and integrate qualitative and/or quantitative evidence in written communication; and
• demonstrate critical reading proficiency by identifying rhetorical patterns, main and supporting ideas, and appropriate responses to college-level texts.

4. Quantitative Literacy: A person who is competent in quantitative literacy possesses the ability to perform accurate calculations, interpret quantitative information, apply and analyze relevant numerical data, and use results to support conclusions.

Degree graduates will demonstrate the ability to:

• explain numerical information presented in mathematical forms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words);
• convert relevant information into various mathematical forms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words);
• accurately solve mathematical problems; and
• make judgments and draw relevant conclusions from quantitative analysis of data and predict future trends when appropriate. 

5. Professional Readiness: A person who is competent in professional readiness possesses the ability to work well with others and display situationally and culturally appropriate demeanor and behavior.

Degree graduates will demonstrate the ability to:

• demonstrate appropriate workplace and classroom demeanor and behavior e.g., attendance (for online classes this means regular engagement), submissions of assignments by set deadlines and appropriate dress;
• effectively communicate orally;
• work effectively with others on a task in a group or a team to achieve a common goal, while maintaining constructive interpersonal relationships; and
• interact with honesty and integrity.

6. Scientific Literacy: A person who is competent in scientific literacy possesses the ability to recognize and understand the scientific method, concepts, processes, and applications used in the pursuit of knowledge.

Degree graduates will demonstrate the ability to:

• explain the steps and processes used within the scientific method, which lead to evidence-based knowledge;
• distinguish a scientific argument from a non-scientific argument;
• use given empirical information to generate evidence-based conclusions; and
• communicate results and/or conclusions, drawn from empirical information, to an intended audience.

VCCS Minimum Requirements for Associate Degrees

Notes:

a. Each of the courses in communication must be in written communication. 

c. Each of the two courses cannot be from the same discipline area (e.g. humanities).

d. One course in social/behavioral sciences must be a history course and the second required course cannot be history.

e. A total of 3-6 semester hours is required in either natural sciences and/or mathematics for the AAS.

f. Transfer core includes additional general education and/or major courses.      

g. As specified above, degree programs must contain a minimum of 15 semester hours of general education as defined by SACSCOC.

h. See Policy 5.1.0.0.4.6 for exceptions to the total credits allowed.

VCCS Minimum Requirements for Diplomas, Certificates, and Career Studies Certificates

Transfer Virginia Passport and Uniform Certificate of General Studies

Passport. The Passport, a milestone within the UCGS, is a subset of courses consisting of 16 semester hours. All colleges must offer the Passport. Each VCCS college shall offer at least one course in each block of the Passport, chosen from the Passport Course Roster posted to the SCHEV website. Only courses completed with a “C” or better after May 2020 (copied from the 12.6.21 Passport course roster posted to SCHEV Policy) or later may be applied to the Passport.

VCCS Passport Course Roster

Select one course from Blocks I, III, IV, and V.
One additional course must be selected from either Blocks II or VI.

1) Block I (Written Communication):
    ENG 111 - College Composition I

2) Block II (Humanities/Arts):

    ART
    ART 100 - Art Appreciation
    ART 101 (201) - History of Art: Prehistoric to Gothic
    ART 102  (202) - History of Art: Renaissance to Modern
    CST 130 - Introduction to Theatre
    CST 151 - Film Appreciation I
    MUS 121 - Music in Society
    MUS 221 - History of Western Music Prior to 1750
    MUS 222 - History of Western Music 1750 to Present
    MUS 226 - World Music

    Humanities
    HUM 201 - Early Humanities
    HUM 202 - Modern Humanities
    HUM 210 - Introduction to Women and Gender Studies
    HUM 216 - Introduction to Non-Western Cultures
    HUM 220 - Introduction to African American Studies
    HUM 256 - Comparative Mythology
    HUM 259 - The Greek and Roman Tradition
    PHI 100 - Introduction to Philosophy
    PHI 111 - Logic I
    PHI 220 - Ethics
    REL 100 - Introduction to the Study of Religion
    REL 230 - Religions of the World
    REL 237 - Eastern Religions
    REL 240 - Religions in America

3) Block III (Social and Behavioral Science):
    ECO 150 - Economic Essentials: Theory and Application
    ECO 201 - Principles of Macroeconomics
    ECO 202 - Principles of Microeconomics
    GEO 210 - People and the Land: Intro to Cultural Geography
    GEO 220 - World Regional Geography
    PLS 135 (211) - U.S. Government and Politics
    PLS 140 - Introduction to Comparative Politics
    PSY 200 - Principles of Psychology
    SOC 200- Introduction to Sociology
    SOC 211 - Cultural Anthropology
    SOC 268- Social Problems 

4) Block IV (Natural Sciences):
    BIO 101 - General Biology I
    BIO 106 - Life Science
    CHM 101 - Introductory Chemistry I
    CHM 111 - General Chemistry I
    ENV 121 - General Environmental Science I
    GOL 105 - Physical Geology
    GOL 106 - Historical Geology
    GOL 110 - Earth Systems: An Environmental Geology Perspective
    PHY 100 - Elements of Physics

5) Block V:

    Quantitative/Statistics Pathway:
    MTH 154 - Quantitative Reasoning
    MTH 155 - Statistical Reasoning
    MTH 245 - Statistics

    Calculus Pathway:
    MTH 161/162 - PreCalculus I/ PreCalculus II
    MTH 167 - PreCalculus with Trigonometry
    MTH 261 - Applied Calculus I
    MTH 263 - Calculus I

6) Block VI (History):
    HIS 101 - Western Civilizations Pre-1600 CE
    HIS 102 - Western Civilizations Post-1600 CE
    HIS 111 - Western Civilizations Pre-1500 CE
    HIS 112 - Western Civilizations Post-1500 CE
    HIS 121 - United States History to 1877
    HIS 122 - United States History since 1865

* MTH 161/162 and 167 should only be taken by students preparing for calculus or for four-year degree programs that require study in college algebra/precalculus. Precalculus may not satisfy general education and may not receive transfer credit.

JMU does not accept ENG 111 toward satisfaction of general education requirements.

CNU does not accept MTH 154 toward satisfaction of general education requirements.

W&M does not have a college-wide general education composition requirement. ENG 111 will not count toward satisfaction of general education requirements but students will receive generalized credit for the course.

Uniform Certificate of General Studies.

The Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) is a one-year curriculum of study that consists of 30-32 semester hours where all courses shall be transferable and satisfy a lower-division general education requirement at any public institution of higher learning, except as approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. The courses in the UCGS may satisfy the general education requirement without having a specific course equivalent at the receiving institution. All colleges must offer the UCGS. Each VCCS college shall offer at least one course in each category of each block of the UCGS, chosen from the UCGS Course Roster posted to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) website. Only courses completed with a “C” or better after May 2020 may be applied to the UCGS. 

VCCS Uniform Certificate of General Studies Course Roster

Students are required to select courses from each block as prescribed below.

1) Block I (Written Communication) - Select ENG 111 plus one other course.
    ENG 111 - College Composition I
    ENG 112 - College Composition II
    ENG 113 - Technical-Professional Writing
   

2) Block II (Humanities /Art/Literature) - Select two courses chosen from different categories (please note that the two courses cannot be from the same category).

Art

    ART 100 - Art Appreciation
    ART 101 (201) - History of Art: Prehistoric to Gothic
    ART 102 (202) - History of Art: Renaissance To Modern
    CST 130 - Introduction to Theatre
    CST 151 - Film Appreciation I
    MUS 121 - Music in Society
    MUS 221 - History of Western Music Prior to 1750
    MUS 222 - History of Western Music 175 to Present
    MUS 226 - World Music

Humanities    

    HUM 201 - Early Humanities
    HUM 202 - Modern Humanities
    HUM 210 - Introduction to Women and Gender Studies
    HUM 216 - Introduction to Non-Western Cultures
    HUM 220 - Introduction to African American Studies
    HUM 256 - Comparative Mythology
    HUM 259 - The Greek and Roman Tradition
    PHI 100 - Introduction to Philosophy
    PHI 111 - Logic I
    PHI 220 - Ethics 
    REL 100 - Introduction to the Study of Religion
    REL 230 - Religions of the World
    REL 237 - Eastern Religions
    REL 240 - Religions in America

Literature

    ENG 225 - Reading Literature: Culture and Ideas
    ENG 245 - British Literature
    ENG 246 -  American Literature
    ENG 250 -  Children’s Literature
    ENG 255 - World Literature
    ENG 258 - African American Literature
    ENG 275 - Women in Literature
    

3) Block III (Social and Behavioral Sciences) - Select one course.

4) Block IV (Natural Sciences) - Select one course.

5) Block V (Mathematics) - Select one course.

Quantitative/Statistics Pathway:

Calculus Pathway:

6) Block VI (History) - Select one course.

7) Block VII (Specialized GE Requirements) - Select two courses.

NOTE: For Block VII, students may complete courses from Blocks I-VI above or any additional course below. Students should align their Block VII course selection with their intended transfer destination’s specific general education or programmatic requirements.