Policies

Acts of academic dishonesty including cheating, plagiarism, deliberate falsification and other unethical acts that may be specifically defined by a student's individual discipline are considered breaches of the Student Code of Ethics. A transfer student with fewer than 24 semester hours is required to meet the entrance requirements for freshmen. An applicant transferring from a Virginia Community College or Richard Bland College (RBC), who has completed the requirements for the associate in arts or associate in science degree in the College Parallel/College Transfer Program, will be granted junior status at VSU. Any student who transfers to Virginia State University with an associate’s degree (college prep track) from a community college in Virginia or RBC (students with associates’ degrees from other states will be designated on a course-by-course credit evaluation) is guaranteed a minimum of 60 credit hours of transfer credit.

Transfer Credit from Another Institution In a 30-hour program, nine semester hours earned at another accredited graduate school may be accepted toward the master's degree at Virginia State University. In any case, transfer credit from another institution must be approved by the department and must be of "B" quality or higher. Transfer of credit in the core courses is not permitted. All transfer credit will be applied after the student's application for advancement to candidacy. Transfer credit cannot be over six years old by the date of graduation; this limit cannot be extended.

However, individuals are limited to three non-credit courses each semester. Advanced Placement Credit VSU awards advanced standing credit (course exemption and academic credit hours) to entering students who have qualifying scores on the AP tests.

Competency-based credit or credit for prior learning will not satisfy this requirement. These include courses taken in the individualized academic pathways, elective credit, transfer credit, and credit approved by the prior learning portfolio. Methods of Earning Credit In addition to taking resident coursework at Virginia State University, official award of credit may also be accomplished through the following processes: Transfer credit: Includes credit earned from a course with a grade of “C” or better taken at another accredited two or four-year institution. Credit by Examination: Includes a comprehensive examination designed to allow the student to demonstrate mastery of established course outcomes. Credit for Prior Learning: Includes a comprehensive assessment of the students’ acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities, as demonstrated through the development of a professional portfolio. Interested students must align their prior learning with courses in the current University Catalog and enroll in INDS 301 for development of the portfolio. Credit awarded by Virginia State University will be identified on the student's transcript as credit for prior learning.

This course may be repeated for additional credit provided the topic is substantially different than any prior course including transferred credit. This course may be repeated for additional credit provided the topic is substantially different than any prior course including transferred credit.

Graduate students are expected to understand and comply with the academic regulations outlined in this section, including, but not limited to course registration, academic performance standards, grading policies, degree requirements, transfer credit, time-to-degree limits, and procedures for appeals or petitions. The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees are awarded upon completion of all program-specific requirements, including the prescribed credit hours, comprehensive examinations, and a successfully defended dissertation or equivalent culminating project.

Time Limit for the Completion of Master’s and Doctoral Degree Requirements and Transfer of Credits All requirements for master’s degree programs must be completed within six (6) years from the date of initial enrollment in the graduate program; excluding periods of military service. Transfer of credits applies to course credits transferred from other institutions. The University is not obligated to accept any course(s) for transfer credit. Courses that have been graded on a Pass, Fail, Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory basis will not be accepted for transfer. Recommendations regarding transfer credit are initiated at the academic program, department and college levels and reviewed and approved by the Graduate School. Each graduate program will recommend transfer credits based on an evaluation of the course description. Transfer Credit from Another Institution In a 30-hour program, nine semester hours earned at another accredited graduate school may be accepted toward the master's degree at Virginia State University. In any case, transfer credit from another institution must be approved by the department and must be of "B" quality or higher. Transfer of credit in the core courses is not permitted. All transfer credit will be applied after the student's application for advancement to candidacy. Transfer credit cannot be over six years old by the date of graduation; this limit cannot be extended. Permission is not ordinarily given for a student to take a course elsewhere for transfer credit during the semester in which the degree is to be awarded.

Duties The PPC is charged with the following duties and responsibilities: 1. Providing adjudication and disposition on academic suspensions, and other academic matters, including (but not limited to) the following: 2. The time limit for the completion of degree requirements 1 3. Reinstatement of students 4. Admission to Candidacy 5. Removal of "I" grades 6. Transfer Credit 7. Monitoring and making recommendations to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) relative to academic policy and procedure. Each appeal is considered based on its individual merit, and exceptions are granted only if documentation clearly demonstrates at least one of the following: 1. Sanctions or other negative decisions based on incorrect or missing information; 2. Extraordinary circumstances beyond the student's control; or 3. Situations where there is malfeasance on the part of the University.

ordinarily given for a student to take a course elsewhere for transfer credit during the semester in which the degree is to be awarded.

& Groups SOWK 604 Gen SOWK Prac with Families SOWK 605 Fou Field Prac I & Int Seminar 3 Spring Semester SOWK 615 Hum Behav in the Soc Env II 3 SOWK 616 Social Science Res Methods 3 SOWK 617 Div & Cul Comp in SOWK Prac 3 SOWK 617 Div & Cul Comp in SOWK Prac 3 SOWK 618 Gen Prac II- Comm & Org 3 SOWK 619 Field Prac II & Int Sem II 3 Second Year - Fall Semester SOWK 720 Tra & Resiliency in SOWK Prac 3 SOWK 725 DSM-5:Diff Ass & Dia Clin SOWK 3 SOWK 726 Neuroscience & SOWK Practice 3 SOWK 727 Tra-Inf Clinic SOWK Prac w/Fam 3 SOWK 728 Spe Field Prac & Integ Semin I 3 Spring Semester SOWK 735 Trauma & Attachment Theory 3 SOWK 736 Tra-Inf Clinic SOWK Prac w/Grp 3 SOWK 737 Trama-Focus Research Capstone 3 SOWK 738 Spec Field Prac & Integ Sem II 3 Total Credit Hours 60 Advanced Standing Full-Time Curriculum – Bachelor Degree in Social Work Code Title Credit Hours One Year - Summer Semester SOWK 607 ADVSTD SOWK Practice II 3 SOWK 608 ADVSTD SOWK Research Methods 3 SOWK 609 ADVSTD Cult Div Soc Wel Pol Pr 3 SOWK 610 ADVSTD Field Prac I & Inte Sem 3 Restricted Elective 3 Fall Semester SOWK 720 Tra & Resiliency in SOWK Prac 3 SOWK 725 DSM-5:Diff Ass & Dia Clin SOWK 3 SOWK 726 Neuroscience & SOWK Practice 3 SOWK 727 Tra-Inf Clinic SOWK Prac w/Fam 3 SOWK 728 Spe Field Prac & Integ Semin I 3 Spring Semester SOWK 735 Trauma & Attachment Theory 3 SOWK 736 Tra-Inf Clinic SOWK Prac w/Grp 3 SOWK 737 Trama-Focus Research Capstone 3 SOWK 738 Spec Field Prac & Integ Sem II 3 Restricted Elective 3 Total Credit Hours 45 3 3 3 3

a Virginia Community College or Richard Bland College (RBC), who has completed the requirements for the associate in arts or associate in science degree in the College Parallel/College Transfer Program, will be granted junior status at VSU. Any student who transfers to Virginia State University with an associate’s degree (college prep track) from a community college in Virginia or RBC (students with associates’ degrees from other states will be designated on a course-by-course credit evaluation) is guaranteed a minimum of 60 credit hours of transfer credit. Individuals who are children of deceased veterans are eligible for certain educational benefits under Public Law 634. Any covered individual will be permitted to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date which the individual provides to Virginia State University a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under Chapter 31 or Chapter 33 and ending on the earlier of the following dates: , 1. The date on which payment from VA is made to the institution.

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. 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.

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.

Articulation Agreement with Brightpoint Community College VSU and Brightpoint Community College have partnered together to facilitate the transfer of credits earned by students with an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degree in Human Services - Pre- Social Work at BCC into the BSW program at VSU.

Students seeking credit for prior learning must align their prior learning with courses in the current University Catalog and complete the required prior learning assessment process. Students should consult with an academic advisor to determine whether INDS 301 or another approved prior learning assessment process is required. Credit awarded through prior learning assessment will be recorded in accordance with University policy. Maximum Credit for Prior Learning Credit awarded through prior learning assessment may not exceed 25 percent of the total required credit hours for the degree program. For a 120-credit-hour undergraduate degree, this allows up to 30 semester credit hours through approved credit for prior learning, consistent with University policy. Credit for Military Occupational Specialties and Military Education Credit for military occupational specialties and military education may be awarded when the learning is documented on an official Joint Services Transcript and supported by applicable American Council on Education recommendations. Approved military credit is recorded as transfer credit by Virginia State University. This pathway may be appropriate for students with significant prior college credit, transfer credit, military credit, professional experience, or other approved learning experiences who need a structured route to degree completion. it Code Title Credit s Hours 6 Predetermined pathway examples may include, but are not limited to, the following areas: 3 Health and Science Courses with the following Applied Health and Human Performance subject codes may be taken: DANC, HLTH, HPER, PESM, PHED, RECR

Time Limit for the Completion and Transfer of Credits All requirements for master’s degree programs must be completed within six (6) years from the date of initial enrollment in the graduate program; excluding periods of military service.

Transfer of credits applies to course credits transferred from other institutions. The University is not obligated to accept any course(s) for transfer credit. Courses that have been graded on a Pass, Fail, Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory basis will not be accepted for transfer. Recommendations regarding transfer credit are initiated at the academic program, department and college levels and reviewed and approved by the Graduate School. Each graduate program will recommend transfer credits based on an evaluation of the course description. Transfer Credit from Another Institution In a 30-hour program, nine semester hours earned at another accredited graduate school may be accepted toward the master's degree at Virginia State University. In any case, transfer credit from another institution must be approved by the department and must be of "B" quality or higher. Transfer of credit in the core courses is not permitted. All transfer credit will be applied after the student's application for advancement to candidacy. Transfer credit cannot be over six years old by the date of graduation; this limit cannot be extended. Permission is not ordinarily given for a student to take a course elsewhere for transfer credit during the semester in which the degree is to be awarded.

Duties The PPC is charged with the following duties and responsibilities: 1. Providing adjudication and disposition on academic suspensions, and other academic matters, including (but not limited to) the following: 1 2. The time limit for the completion of degree requirements 3. Reinstatement of students 4. Admission to Candidacy 5. Removal of "I" grades 6. Transfer Credit 7. Monitoring and making recommendations to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) relative to academic policy and procedure. Each appeal is considered based on its individual merit, and exceptions are granted only if documentation clearly demonstrates at least one of the following: 1. Sanctions or other negative decisions based on incorrect or missing information; 2. Extraordinary circumstances beyond the student's control; or 3. Situations where there is malfeasance on the part of the University.

Permission is not ordinarily given for a student to take a course elsewhere for transfer credit during the semester in which the degree is to be awarded.

DUTIES The PCC is charged with the following duties and responsibilities: A. Providing adjudication and disposition on students’ academic suspensions, and other academic matters, including (but not limited to) the following: • Time limit for the completion of degree requirements1 • Reinstatement of students • Admission to Candidacy • Removal of “I” grades • Transfer Credit B. Monitoring and making recommendations to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) relative to academic policy and procedure II. COMPOSITION The PCC is a group organized under the auspices of the Graduate Dean and Office of the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs. Each appeal is considered based on its individual merit, and exceptions are granted only if documentation clearly demonstrates at least one of the following: A. Sanctions or other negative decisions based on incorrect or missing information; B. Extraordinary circumstances beyond the student’s control; or

Applicants to the Advanced Standing Program (1 – Year / 45 credit hours) Applicants must have: 1. A baccalaureate degree from an undergraduate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education within the last three years. Applicants who graduated from an undergraduate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education within the last five years and have two years of human service work during those five years, will be considered for the Advanced Standing program.

& Groups 3 SOWK 604 Gen SOWK Prac with Families 3 SOWK 605 Fou Field Prac I & Int Seminar 3 Spring Semester SOWK 615 Hum Behav in the Soc Env II 3 SOWK 616 Social Science Res Methods 3 SOWK 617 Div & Cul Comp in SOWK Prac 3 SOWK 617 Div & Cul Comp in SOWK Prac 3 SOWK 618 Gen Prac II- Comm & Org 3 SOWK 619 Field Prac II & Int Sem II 3 Second Year - Fall Semester SOWK 720 Tra & Resiliency in SOWK Prac 3 SOWK 725 DSM-5:Diff Ass & Dia Clin SOWK 3 SOWK 726 Neuroscience & SOWK Practice 3 SOWK 727 Tra-Inf Clinic SOWK Prac w/Fam 3 SOWK 728 Spe Field Prac & Integ Semin I 3 Spring Semester SOWK 735 Trauma & Attachment Theory 3 SOWK 736 Tra-Inf Clinic SOWK Prac w/Grp 3 SOWK 737 Trama-Focus Research Capstone 3 SOWK 738 Spec Field Prac & Integ Sem II 3 Total Credit Hours 60 Advanced Standing Full-Time Curriculum – Bachelor Degree in Social Work Code Title Credit Hours One Year - Summer Semester SOWK 607 ADVSTD SOWK Practice II 3 SOWK 608 ADVSTD SOWK Research Methods 3 SOWK 609 ADVSTD Cult Div Soc Wel Pol Pr 3 SOWK 610 ADVSTD Field Prac I & Inte Sem 3 Restricted Elective 3 Fall Semester SOWK 720 Tra & Resiliency in SOWK Prac 3 SOWK 725 DSM-5:Diff Ass & Dia Clin SOWK 3 SOWK 726 Neuroscience & SOWK Practice 3 SOWK 727 Tra-Inf Clinic SOWK Prac w/Fam 3 SOWK 728 Spe Field Prac & Integ Semin I 3 Spring Semester SOWK 735 Trauma & Attachment Theory 3 SOWK 736 Tra-Inf Clinic SOWK Prac w/Grp 3 SOWK 737 Trama-Focus Research Capstone 3 SOWK 738 Spec Field Prac & Integ Sem II 3 Restricted Elective 3 Total Credit Hours 45 3 3

Applicants to the Advanced Standing Program (1 – Year / 45 credit hours) Applicants must have: A baccalaureate degree from an undergraduate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education within the last three years. Applicants who graduated from an undergraduate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education within the last five years and have two years of human service work during those five years, will be considered for the Advanced Standing program. A broad liberal arts background with a minimum of 30 hours including at least one course in: sociology, psychology, and an introductory course in statistics. These undergraduate requirements may be taken at any accredited college or university, including community colleges. All prerequisites for admission must be completed prior to beginning the second semester in the program. All offers of admission are conditional upon the successful completion of the undergraduate coursework. A minimum grade point average of 3.5 on the last 60 upper division credits (including all Social Work courses and the three prerequisites) and a 3.0 GPA on the last 120 credits leading to the bachelor’s degree. Both GPA’s will be used to consider admission. If the applicant has a 2.8 to 3.0 GPA on the last 120 credits leading to the bachelor’s degree, but an otherwise strong application, consideration will be given for provisional admission (3.2 is needed on the 60 upper division GPA). Graduate credits will be considered in assessing an applicant’s qualifications. Applicants must submit a criminal background check and drug test. Four Letters of Recommendation from One recommendation from the Field Education Liaison who taught the applicant’s most recent Field Education Seminar course One recommendation from the Field Supervisor from the applicant’s undergraduate Field Education Placement/Agency. One recommendation from a higher education program academic source. d. One recommendation from either an employer or professional or community associate. Submit final field evaluation from undergraduate field education experience. Complete a criminal background check and drug test. Submit a current resume. Professional Statement of Intent – Applicants must demonstrate their understanding of the social work profession and their suitability for this program. Application Writing Prompts: Applicants are to prepare and submit a statement covering the questions below. Applicants’ personal statements should be a minimum of three (3) pages, no more than four (43) pages, typed, double-spaced, and in 12-point font. Please use the number and its associated topic area (in bold and underlined) as headings when completing personal statement.

4. Requests for transfer credit for graduate courses already completed must be submitted to the Chair of the program with evidence that it is a graduate-level course; a catalog description for the course is necessary to determine its equivalency to offerings at this University.

Students in the Program will receive VCU transfer credit for coursework based on their prior work at the Home Institution (VSU).

Credit by Examination Credit by examination may be available for approved courses and includes a comprehensive examination that allows the student to demonstrate mastery of established course learning outcomes. When approved, the examination is administered by faculty in the department from which course credit is sought. Credit for Prior Learning

Credit for military occupational specialties and military education may be awarded when the learning is documented on an official Joint Services Transcript and supported by applicable American Council on Education recommendations. Approved military credit is recorded as transfer credit by Virginia State University.

Credit for Prior Learning is curriculum credit awarded for college-level learning acquired through nontraditional experiences. These experiences may include paid or unpaid work experience, professional certifications and licenses, nonacademic courses or workshops, and other relevant life experiences aligned with established course learning outcomes. Students seeking credit for prior learning must align their prior learning with courses in the current University Catalog and complete the required prior learning assessment process. Students should consult with an academic advisor to determine whether INDS 301 or another approved prior learning assessment process is required. Credit awarded through prior learning assessment will be recorded in accordance with University policy.

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.

Maximum Credit for Prior Learning Credit awarded through prior learning assessment may not exceed 25 percent of the total required credit hours for the degree program. For a 120-credit-hour undergraduate degree, this allows up to 30 semester credit hours through approved credit for prior learning, consistent with University policy.

The graduate college policy regarding transfer of credits will be applied.

Time Limit for the Completion and Transfer of Credits All requirements for master’s degree programs must be completed within six (6) years from the date of initial enrollment in the graduate program; excluding periods of military service. All requirements for doctoral degree programs must be completed within eight (8) years from the date of initial enrollment in the graduate program; excluding periods of military service. Students who encounter unique problems which prevent compliance with this regulation may address an appeal to the Chairperson, Policies and Petitions Committee, in care of the College of Graduate Studies. Under compelling circumstances, master’s students may be awarded extensions, totaling not more than two years, to the present limit of six years. This provision restricts the period for completion of the degree to a maximum of eight years. Under compelling circumstances, doctoral students may be awarded extensions, totaling not more than two years, to the present limit of eight years. This provision restricts the period for completion of the degree to a maximum of ten years. Transfer of credits applies to course credits transferred from other institutions. The University is not obligated to accept any course(s) for transfer credit. However, for a course to be transferred, it must have been earned at a regionally accredited, or otherwise approved, university with a grade of “B” or higher. Courses that have been graded on a Pass, Fail, Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory basis will not be accepted for transfer. Grades for course work taken at VSU, either as a nondegree-seeking student or in a previous graduate matriculation for which a degree was never awarded, are included in the calculation of the VSU graduate grade-point average and all other graduate statistics. Recommendations regarding transfer credit are initiated at the academic program, department and college levels and reviewed and approved by the Graduate School. Individual programs, departments and colleges may have more stringent requirements. Requests for transfer of course work must include an official copy of the transcript from the college or university where the course work was taken and a VSU Graduate School transfer equivalency form. Transferred courses must be graduate-level courses relevant to the graduate degree being sought. Each graduate program will recommend transfer credits based on an evaluation of the course description. VSU will not accept credits that do not apply to a graduate degree at the offering institution for transfer, nor will it accept credits from unaccredited institutions for transfer. These conditions apply to all domestic and international institutions.

Transfer Credit Transfer credit includes credit earned with a grade of C or better from another accredited two-year or four-year institution. Coursework may be completed in face-to-face, hybrid, or fully online formats, provided the institution is accredited and the coursework is approved for transfer by Virginia State University.

Transfer Credit from Another Institution In a 30-hour program, nine semester hours earned at another accredited graduate school may be accepted toward the master's degree at Virginia State University. In a 36-semester hour program, 12 semester hours may be accepted. In any case, transfer credit from another institution must be approved by the department and must be of "B" quality or higher. Transfer of credit in the core courses is not permitted. The core courses are Foundations of Education, Statistical Procedures in Education and Psychology, and Educational Research. All transfer credit will be applied after the student's application for advancement to candidacy. Transfer credit cannot be over six years old by the date of graduation; this limit cannot be extended.

A transfer student with fewer than 24 semester hours is required to meet the entrance requirements for freshmen. An applicant transferring from a Virginia Community College or Richard Bland College (RBC), who has completed the requirements for the associate in arts or associate in science degree in the College Parallel/College Transfer Program, will be granted junior status at VSU. Any student who transfers to Virginia State University with an associate’s degree (college prep track) from a community college in Virginia or RBC (students with associates’ degrees from other states will be designated on a course-by-course credit evaluation) is guaranteed a minimum of 60 credit hours of transfer credit.