The purpose of the Academic Reprieve Policy is to make it possible for undergraduate students, whose academic performance when first enrolled was below standard, to resume their studies without the encumbrance of grades previously earned. It is intended to assist students who have demonstrated academic performance at a level superior to their earlier record and sufficient to complete their degree program. This policy applies to former students returning to complete baccalaureate degree programs a minimum of five academic years after their last completed semester in higher education. A student may exercise this academic reprieve option only once.
The work to be considered for reprieve may have been completed at any accredited college or university. At least five years must have elapsed between the period in which the semester being requested reprieved was completed and the reprieve request.
Prior to requesting the academic reprieve, the student must have earned a minimum of 30 consecutive hours of college work at UVA–Wise with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher with no grade lower than a “C.” Up to two consecutive semesters’ work may be reprieved.
The academic reprieve removes all grades earned during the reprieved semester(s) from calculation of the retention and graduation grade point average. All courses remain on the student’s transcript but are not calculated in the student’s retention/graduation GPA. Course work with a passing grade included in a reprieved semester may be used to demonstrate competency, but the course work may not be used to fulfill credit hour requirements.
A student may not receive more than one academic reprieve. Academic reprieves granted by other colleges and universities are not recognized. Students who receive an academic reprieve are not eligible to graduate with academic honors. Faculty of individual departments, such as Nursing and Teacher Education, will determine whether to consider academic reprieve when students are applying for admission to these programs.
Students seeking academic reprieve must submit a petition to the Registrar. The petition must explain the circumstances of the student’s situation, specify which semesters are desired for reprieve, and provide clear evidence that the requirements for academic reprieve have been met, including transcripts of all college work. Once the Registrar has determined that the student’s petition is complete and has met the requirements for reprieve, the application will be
forwarded to the Academic Appeals Committee. If the Appeals Committee finds that the student’s application meets the requirements and purpose of the Academic Reprieve policy, all course work during the reprieved semesters will be excluded from calculation of the student’s retention and graduation GPA. All course work will remain on the student’s transcript with a notation that academic reprieve was granted by UVA Wise.
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Academic progress toward the degree is reviewed by the Office of Academic Affairs at the conclusion of each academic semester. A student’s academic standing can be found on their degree audit and under the student reports and billing link in the student portal – MY.UVAWISE.EDU. Students may be classified as Good Standing, Academic Probation, or Academic Suspension based on their Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA). Only grades earned in courses completed at UVA Wise factor in to the cumulative GPA, per the grading policy.
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Status
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GPA*
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Action
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Appeal
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Good Standing
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2.00+
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N/A
|
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1st semester <2.00
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Notice of Warning
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No appeal available
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Academic Probation
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2nd consecutive semester <2.00
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Mandatory academic action plan
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No appeal available
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Academic Suspension (First)
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3rd consecutive semester <2.00
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Prohibited from enrolling in classes for (1) academic semester
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May immediately appeal
OR
Must appeal for reinstatement after suspension term
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Academic Suspension (Second)
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<2.00 1st semester after return from 1st suspension
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Prohibited from enrolling in classes for (1) calendar year
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No immediate appeal
AND
Must appeal for reinstatement after suspension term
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Academic Suspension (Third)
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<2.00 2nd semester after return from 2nd suspension
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Expulsion
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Not eligible for appeal
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Good Standing
Students are considered to be in Good Standing if the Cumulative GPA is equal to or greater than 2.00. If the Cumulative GPA falls below 2.00 for (1) one semester the student will receive a Notice of Warning from the Senior Director of Undergraduate Studies. Students receiving a Notice of Warning will remain classified as In Good Standing for (1) one academic semester (excluding summer sessions). Students receiving a Notice of Warning will be required to develop a comprehensive academic success plan with the Director of the Academic Success Center.
Notice of Warning
If the Cumulative GPA falls below 2.00 for (1) one semester the student will receive a Notice of Warning from the Senior Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Academic Probation
If the Cumulative GPA falls below 2.00 for (2) two consecutive semesters of enrollment a student is placed on Academic Probation. Students placed on Academic Probation are classified as Not In Good Standing and the notation “Academic Probation” will be attached to the transcript for the semester in which the probation was incurred. Student will return to Good Standing once the Cumulative GPA is equal to or greater than 2.00. Students on Academic Probation are required to develop a comprehensive academic success plan with the Director of the Student Success Center. Students on Academic Probation are permitted to participate in extracurricular student activities as governed by the applicable rules of the specific activity.
Academic Suspension
A student may be placed on Academic Suspension following (1) one semester of Academic Probation (excluding summer sessions) if the Cumulative GPA remains below 2.00. Students will be notified of academic suspension by the UVA Wise Registrar and the notation of “Academic Suspension” will be attached to the transcript for the semester(s) in which the suspension is enforced. Students on Academic Suspension are prohibited from enrolling in classes and participating in extracurricular student activities until reinstated to UVA Wise. Students on Academic Suspension must appeal for reinstatement to the Academic Appeals Committee.
- First Suspension: Students suspended for the first time will not be permitted to enroll in classes at UVA Wise for (1) one academic semester (excluding summer sessions). Students suspended at the conclusion of the Spring semester may enroll in no more than (2) two courses during the summer sessions. Students must apply for readmission to UVA Wise through the Academic Appeals Policy. Students notified of first academic suspension may immediately appeal to the Academic Appeals Committee for reinstatement.
- Second Suspension: Students may be suspended a second time if the Cumulative GPA remains below 2.00 for (1) one semester following reinstatement from first Academic Suspension. Students suspended for a second time will not be permitted to enroll in classes at UVA Wise for (1) one calendar year. Students notified of a second suspension may not enroll in classes during the summer sessions nor can they immediately appeal for reinstatement.
- Third Suspension: Students incurring a third academic suspension will be expelled from UVA Wise. Back to Top
Reinstatement after Academic Suspension
Any student on Academic Suspension must appeal for reinstatement; reinstatement is not automatic. Students must submit an application for reinstatement to the Academic Appeals Committee and submit an application for readmission through the Office of Admission. Students must submit an academic appeal application through the MY.UVAWISE.EDU Student Portal. Students have the option, but are not required, to attend the appeal meeting and speak with the Committee in support of their application. The Academic Appeals Committee will make recommendations to the Dean of Student Success and Degree Completion. If appeal for reinstatement is unsuccessful, the student may appeal to the Provost, who makes the final decision regarding reinstatement to UVA Wise. Students reinstated to UVA Wise following Academic Suspension will be placed on Academic Probation until their cumulative GPA is equal to or greater than 2.00.
Students notified of their first academic suspension may apply to the Academic Appeals Committee for immediate reinstatement to UVA Wise for the next semester. Appeals must be heard before the start of the semester in which the suspension is enforced. The Academic Appeals Committee will make recommendations to the Dean of Student Success and Degree Completion. If appeal for reinstatement is unsuccessful, the student may appeal to the Provost, who makes the final decision regarding reinstatement to UVA Wise. If the appeal is granted, the student will be reinstated and allowed to enroll in classes at UVA Wise with the status of Academic Probation. Granting of immediate reinstatement does not absolve the first suspension, and the notation of “Academic Suspension” will remain attached to the transcript. Students are prohibited from immediate appeal of a second incurred Academic Suspension.
Note: Students are required to apply for readmission to the College through the Office of Admissions at the same time as they submit their application to the Academic Appeals Committee. Regardless of the appeal decision, students will not be able to re-enroll until they have been re-admitted.
Unless otherwise specifically stated, the Office of the Registrar will serve as the primary custodian of the academic records.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The College observes state and federal freedom of information acts in providing for the privacy of official student records and the rights of students to review these records. Students wishing to review their official records should arrange to do so at the Office of the Registrar. The University of Virginia’s College at Wise maintains the confidentiality of education records; neither such records, nor personally identifiable information contained therein, except for directory information, shall be released without student permission except as authorized by the law. If a student is attending a postsecondary institution - at any age - the rights under FERPA have transferred to the student. Parents of dependent (meaning the student is claimed as a dependent for tax purposes) students may, however, obtain access to the student’s record, including grade reports, by submitting a written request to the Registrar. This written request must include proof of dependency.
Generally, schools must have written permission eligible students in order to release any information from a student’s education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):
- School officials with legitimate educational interest;
- Other schools to which a student is transferring;
- Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
- Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
- Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
- Accrediting organizations;
- To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
- Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
- State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.
In accordance with FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), students who wish to amend or change any information in their records may contact the Registrar of the College. If the Registrar cannot resolve the problem, students may request a formal hearing with the Provost in the Office of Academic Affairs.
Student directory information will be released unless a student submits a written request to the Registrar’s Office asking that the data, such as name, address, telephone number, etc., be withheld. Brochures detailing student access to records are available in the Registrar’s Office. Back to Top
According to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), “When a student turns 18 years old or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, all rights afforded to parents under FERPA transfer to the student. However, FERPA also provides ways in which schools may share information with parents without the student’s consent.” The decision to contact a parent or guardian may occur in the following circumstances:
- if the student who is under age 21 has violated any law or its policy concerning the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance or
- if a health or safety emergency involves their son or daughter
The decision to notify a parent or guardian in these circumstances is not intended as a punitive measure. Rather, the College will notify a parent or guardian in order to establish a supportive and encouraging network of resources for the student.
The Virginia General Assembly has enacted legislation (HB1005) which requires mental health providers to notify parents when dependent students receive mental health treatment if the student is found, by the professional counseling staff, to be in a state of psychological emergency. If “there exists a substantial likelihood that, as a result of mental illness the student will, in the near future (i) cause serious physical harm to himself [herself] or others as evidenced by recent behavior or any other relevant information, or (ii) suffer serious harm due to his [her] lack of capacity to protect himself [herself] from harm or to provide for his [her] basic human needs.”
The bill allows such notification to be withheld if the student’s treating physician or treating clinical psychologist has made a part of the student’s record a written statement that, in the exercise of his professional judgment, the notification would be reasonably likely to cause substantial harm to the student or another person.
The College’s professional counseling staff in the Counseling Center will notify the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs or his/her designee when the professional counseling staff provides treatment to a student who meets the criteria for parental notification under this legislation. The Vice Chancellor or his/her designee will contact the parent(s) or legal guardian of any student meeting the criteria for parental notification and document the contact.
Source: from Balancing Student Privacy and School Safety: A Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act for Colleges and Universities, published by the Family Policy Compliance Office of the U.S. Department of Education
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Accuracy of Students’ Records
Students are responsible for verifying the accuracy of their academic records by the drop date of each semester and each time thereafter that they make a change in their schedule. Changes to a transcript are permitted only during the current and immediately following semester. Errors should be reported to the Registrar’s Office within the stated timelines. After one year has lapsed, a student’s record is considered permanent.
UVA Wise is required by an act of the General Assembly (1987), by the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia, and by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to provide a comprehensive plan for student learning outcomes assessment. The purpose of the Assessment Plan is to provide the institution with a process for improving instructional programs and student development programs. The plan includes assessment measures in the Liberal Arts Core, major field of study, and competencies mandated by the State Council.
Students are required to participate in all student outcomes assessment activities as deemed appropriate by UVA Wise. For specific information, students may contact the Director of Assessment and Evaluation.
Each student is expected to attend all the regular class blocks scheduled for courses in which they are registered. A student who attends fewer than 50 percent of the scheduled lecture and/or laboratory blocks in a course is not eligible to receive credit for that course. Individual instructors may establish more stringent attendance policies, and may penalize students whose absences exceed policy as explicitly stated in the course syllabus. Students should note course syllabus attendance expectations and consult with individual instructors regarding requests for excused absences. Disputes or questions related to attendance policy will be directed to the Provost or the Provost’s designee.
Excused Absence Individual instructors are required to develop policy with relation to excusable absence. Examples of excusable absence include, but are not limited to, illness, physician’s appointments, or death in the family. Absence due to certain College-related events may be excused by the institution. Absence for travel to or from, and/or participation in, an NCAA sanctioned competition will be excused. The same policy applies to students who are absent while representing the college in activities pertaining to academic or professional development (attending/giving papers at conferences, course-required field trips, college-sanctioned off-campus leadership training or retreats, artistic performances). All reasonable accommodations to complete missed work should be extended to students with excused absences.
Unexcused Absence Absences not excused by either the course or institutional excused absence policy will be unexcused. Examples of unexcused absence include, but are not limited to, practice, weight training, community service or absences for non-academic or non-college-sanctioned activities. Students have no expectation for accommodation to complete missed work due to unexcused absence and may be subject to academic penalty per the attendance policy published in the course syllabus.
Students who are not attending classes are formally reported through the faculty portal as well as individual email reports from instructors. Instructors report this information to the following offices: Office of the Registrar - students who have officially declared or have more than 45 hours earned. Office of Orientation & Special Programs - students who have not declared their major or who have less than 45 hours earned.
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The academic regulations and degree requirements described in the 2024-2025 UVA Wise Catalog apply to all freshmen who first enroll at the College after August 1, 2024. A transfer student who first enrolls after this date may elect to use this catalog or the catalog used by most of his/her college graduating class. A student who re-enters the College after an absence of two or more regular semesters may elect to use the current catalog or the catalog used by most of his/her graduating class. A student may not use a catalog that is more than eight years old at the time of graduation.
A request for an exception to this policy must be submitted in writing to the Registrar who may ask the Academic Appeals Committee for a recommendation. Regardless of Catalog year chosen, all course prerequisites and corequisites apply based on the current year catalog of record.
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Each student, faculty or staff member is responsible for notifying the Office of the Registrar of any change in his or her biographic information (for example: home address, legal name, citizenship status, or social security number). For official changes, the individual must provide the Office of the Registrar with a certified copy of applicable state or federal or court documents authorizing such change. For all legal and official documents issued by the college on behalf of the student, faculty or staff member (transcripts, 1098Ts, Cavs Card, etc.), the legal name will be used. For other processes like class roll or college email, preferred name may be used if processed through the appropriate channels. Students may request a preferred name or nickname and that can be added to the system. Change requests can only come from the individual requesting the change.
Students progressing toward a degree are classified as freshmen until they have earned 30 credit hours of credit. They are classified as sophomores after successful completion of 30 credit hours, juniors after successful completion of 60 hours and seniors after successful completion of 90 credit hours.
Regular Academic Term - A student enrolled in at least 12 credit hours in the fall or spring terms is considered a full-time student. The normal load for students planning to graduate in four years is 15 credit hours per semester. Students who wish to enroll for more than 18 credit hours must obtain permission from the Registrar and must have a grade point average of 3.00 or higher. The regular per-hour costs are charged for any hours beyond 18. Courses in which a student is registered as an auditor shall be considered as part of the course load and also charged at the regular per-hour rate.
Summer Term - The cumulative summer course load for both sessions may not exceed 14 credits.
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Students may purchase replacement diplomas through the UVA Wise Alumni Association. Call 276-328-0128 or send an email to alumni@uvawise.edu.
A student who has earned a degree from UVA Wise may earn a second degree at the College by satisfactorily completing at least 24 distinct credit hours beyond the first degree. The student shall satisfy the requirements for a major and any departmental requirements in a degree path different from that of the first major. A second diploma may be awarded for a second major within a different degree path.
Students may complete majors in a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program at UVA Wise. Students who have earned a degree from UVA Wise may complete requirements for a second major within a given degree path by completing the course requirements for the second major. A second diploma will not be awarded for a second major within the same degree path. Students may not seek the same major in different degree paths.
- The ultimate decision will belong to the department but must be justified as to whether to allow/disallow a course meeting the requirements for a major.
- Where there is no substantial double dipping (BA in foreign language and a BS in math), the student will fulfill the requirements for both majors/degrees, and for the general education.
- Where there are courses required by both degrees/majors (BA biology/BS environmental science biology track), depending on the number of duplicated courses, the chair would decide on a list of acceptable substitutions.
- The department may decide that the extent of overlap is so great that permission is denied (BS biochemistry, BA chemistry) to pursue the second degree.
From Another Institution
A student who has earned a bachelor’s degree from another accredited college or university may earn a second degree at UVA Wise by completing at least 45 additional credit hours beyond the first degree and satisfying all College requirements - the Liberal Arts Core, the major and department core classes.
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The final responsibility for meeting graduation requirements rests with each individual student. Requirements for graduating with a degree from UVA Wise include:
- A minimum of 120 earned credit hours. (At most, two hours earned in physical education activities courses may be counted as part of the 120 hour requirement.) Completion of the liberal arts core requirements is considered part of the 120 hours.
- An overall grade point average of 2.00 or higher for all college level work (including all coursework at other institutions) and 2.00 or higher on all work attempted at UVA Wise.
- In the major area, a grade point average as prescribed by the major.
- Completion of requirements for one of the major program areas and the liberal arts core requirements as described in the catalog of record.
- Completion of at least 45 credit hours through UVA Wise, with a minimum of 15 credit hours of upper-level courses completed in the major.
- Fifty-eight hours of the 120 required for graduation must be taken at a regionally accredited, four-year institution with at least 45 of those hours taken at UVA Wise as stated above.
- The filing of an application for graduation with the Office of the Registrar in a timely manner.
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Students who plan to graduate at the end of May, Summer I or II sessions are eligible to file an online application to graduate. To walk in the May Commencement ceremony, all course work toward completing degree requirements must be completed by the end of Summer II session of the same year. Students who are planning to finish their degree requirements in December of the same year will not be allowed to walk in the May Commencement ceremony. Graduation applications must be submitted for consideration by March 1 of the year prior to completing requirements. The Office of the Registrar will consider accepting applications filed late but at least one semester prior to graduating. No graduation applications will be accepted after four weeks prior to Commencement.
When a student is found responsible of some behavior through the Campus Judicial Board, Honor Court, or Administrative Settlement or Hearing, possible sanctions can include denying the student further membership in the College community and therefore the student is not entitled to hold or receive a degree from The University of Virginia’s College at Wise. In such cases a recommendation may be made to revoke degrees awarded to students who have breached the Honor Code or Student Code of Conduct during their tenure as students, following proceedings consistent with due process of law.
In the event students exhaust all other means of achieving the resolution of a complaint internally, they may appeal to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). For complete information on how to make such an appeal, please visit the SCHEV website. According to the website, “SCHEV will not investigate a complaint unless the student has exhausted all available grievance procedures outlined by the institution.”
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A new or re-admitted student will be considered enrolled if the following conditions are met:
- the student is registered for courses in any term (fall, spring or summer); and
- the student’s attendance in at least one class has been verified; or the student has arrived on campus prior the start of classes to participate in official College functions including, but not limited to student employment, trainings, athletics, band, and Expedition.
After classes begin, students need to be withdrawn from the College in order to discontinue their enrollment status. Students are considered continuously enrolled when they are registered for consecutive fall and spring terms.
A student who pre-registers for classes and who receives financial aid must notify the Registrar’s Office or the Cashier’s Office before the last day to withdraw with a full refund if he or she does not intend to enroll for the semester. If a student fails to do so, 1) Financial aid will be awarded upon the attendance of one class resulting in the use of one semester of eligibility; and 2) A grade of “F” will be earned for all courses in which the student was pre-registered. Proof of enrollment may be accessed through the student portal via the student reports portlet.
A student will normally meet the graduation requirements outlined in the College catalog of the year in which the student entered the College. A student may elect to satisfy the requirements outlined in a catalog subsequent to those in effect when the student entered. However, a student may not use the requirements outlined in a catalog that is more than eight years old at the time a student graduates. A student may change catalogs by declaring a major with the appropriate Department Chair (see Declaration of Major).
Graduating seniors must be in good standing with respect to academics (see above) and the College judicial system. Any student who is not in good standing judicially, who has penalties levied but not satisfied as the result of a judicial process , or who has an Honor Court case pending will be allowed to walk during the graduation ceremony, but will not receive a diploma or transcript. The student’s diploma and/or transcript will not be forthcoming until all penalties are satisfied and all sanctions are lifted.
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Honor Court Actions
Students who have an Honor Court case pending may not withdraw from the class in which the case originated.
Official College communications are sent to institutional mailboxes or College email addresses. Students are required to check their mail or email on a regular basis and to respond promptly to all notices.
All students must obtain, maintain, and respond to faculty/administrative messages sent to their official UVA Wise email account. All official email communications between faculty, students, and staff shall use an official UVA Wise email account (@uvawise.edu). Contact the Information Technology HelpDesk in Darden Hall Room 110 or call 276-376-4509 for instructions on how to establish an official UVA Wise email account.
The College is committed to maintaining traditional incentives for scholarly work and its dissemination while protecting, within the framework of copyright law, the rights of individuals and the College. Students shall retain all rights related to copyright ownership of materials they have prepared on their own initiative. The copyright in an original work that a student develops in connection with coursework and which is copyrightable, shall belong to the student.
In the case of a work that a student develops through significant use of College equipment, facilities, personnel, or resources, or a work which a student produces through the use of sponsor-provided resources administered and controlled by the College, the College may claim a copyright interest, particularly if such works are not related to course work. In such a case, if the work generates royalty payments or if the work is of commercial value that can be realized by College marketing efforts, the College will share royalties with the author(s).
Copyright ownership issues may be more complicated where students are also College employees. In those instances, the College observes the following University policy to determine copyright ownership. The Office of Academic Affairs is responsible for administering the student copyright policy.
Use of Copyrighted Material
It is the policy of the College to respect the copyright protections given by federal law to owners of intellectual property, including books, journals, music, art, multi-media materials, digital materials and software (“Copyright-Protected Materials”). It is against College policy for faculty, staff, or students to use College equipment, services, or facilities to access, use, copy, reproduce, distribute, or display Copyright-Protected Materials except as permitted under copyright law. Application of the legal principle of “fair use” or other exemptions under the Copyright Act (Title 17 U.S.C) which protect many teaching and learning activities; obtaining the permission of the copyright holder; or receiving a license to use Copyright-Protected Materials; are ways to address the federal copyright requirements. It is the individual responsibility of faculty, staff and students to comply with this policy in all College programs and activities and in use of all College equipment, services, or facilities. The College Library and Information Technology can provide copyright guidance and information resources.
Copyright-Protected Materials include software, library, and other technology and information resources provided through the College for use by faculty, staff, and students. Such materials must be used for teaching, education, and research activities consistent with the licenses that have been entered into by the College.
Special requirements apply to public performance of motion pictures and videos. Federal law grants copyright owners the exclusive right to perform motion pictures in any “place open to the public or at any place where a substantial number of persons outside a normal circle of a family and its social acquaintances is gathered.” (United States Code, Title 17, Section 101). Students should be aware that dormitories, clubs, fraternities and sororities may also be “semipublic” places. Further information regarding the showing of videotapes can be obtained by contacting the Assistant Director of Student Activities in the Slemp Center at 376-3430.
Under federal law, violations of copyright law may result in civil and criminal penalties, including imprisonment. The College regards violation of its copyright policy as a serious matter. Any such violation is without its consent and is subject to appropriate disciplinary action or sanction ranging from loss of access to the relevant College services, resources, or property (including computing privileges) to dismissal or removal from the College as determined by applicable employment or student disciplinary policies. Visit our website for other policies related to computer use.
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology encompasses a broad range of tools that have the potential to impact the academic environment in multiple ways. In consultation with the faculty, UVA Wise has identified there are many legitimate uses for AI tools in the academic programs, but the potential for misuse is also present. As such, we find that the use of AI tools by students in the academic program to be a matter of academic freedom to be determined by individual faculty within their classes. Faculty should clearly articulate, in writing, enrolled students’ responsibilities for appropriate use of AI tools in their classes. Policies may be disseminated either through the course syllabus or through written instructions on specific assignments. The use of AI tools in an unapproved manner may constitute a violation of the UVA Wise Honor System as defined in the Honor Constitution. A student’s use of AI tools in and of itself does not constitute a violation of the UVA Wise Honor System, but rather will be considered in context of the course structure as published by the instructor.
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Students may take courses at other institutions after they are regularly enrolled at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise. There is no guarantee, however, that courses taken at other institution will transfer back to UVA Wise. It is recommended that they seek the guidance of the Office of the Registrar prior to enrolling at other institutions to ensure that the courses will transfer back to Wise. Students can visit the equivalency charts on the web site to see what course may transfer. It is the student’s responsibility to have an official transcript from the transferring institution sent to the Office of the Registrar before the course will be considered as part of the student’s academic record at UVA Wise.
Completed course work at other institutions does not release the student from any graduation requirements nor does it override any limit placed on transfer work. The maximum course work allowed toward graduation from a two-year institution is 62 hours.
If a student transfers to the College with more than 62 hours of appropriate course work from a two-year college, the student, in consultation with an advisor and the registrar, may choose which 62 hours to count toward graduation. To graduate, a student must complete 58 hours of credit at a regionally accredited 4-year institution; this includes a minimum of 45 hours at UVA Wise.
All first-time freshmen and transfer students who do not have transfer credit for a college-level mathematics, English and foreign language courses will be placed in the appropriate courses based on processes that draw upon the student’s academic record as well as the student’s performance on standardized assessment tools.
Advanced Placement Credit
UVA Wise accepts advanced credit from Advanced Placement Scores (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge, and College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Acceptance of credits is based solely on faculty evaluation. Faculty review advanced placement tests every three years or as needed and the acceptable scores and awarding of credit is placed on the UVA Wise website. Please visit the placement chart to review or download information for each of the advanced placement areas. If you have specific questions, please contact the Office of the Registrar via email or call 276-328-0117.
A department may excuse a student from taking the beginning courses in a required sequence of courses if the department determines the student ready for advanced work. The department may consider performance in secondary school, scores on the College Entrance Examination Board achievement or advanced placement tests, or scores on a departmental exam in determining the student’s preparedness. Substitution of a higher course will not be required.
Exceptionally able and well-prepared students may also be awarded advanced standing credit. These credits may be counted toward a degree. Advanced standing credit is granted to students entering the College from high school or transferring from another college, with permission of the department concerned and sufficient scores on departmental exams covering the full scope and content of required courses. Consult departmental descriptions for other requirements.
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Voluntary Withdrawal
An official application to withdraw from UVA Wise is obtained from the Office of the Registrar. That application, along with an exit interview, must be completed in order for the withdrawal to be valid. A student who is under 18 years of age and is a tax dependent of the parents must have parental approval for withdrawal. Withdrawal takes place with the understanding that the student will accept responsibility for any debts owed the College as well as repayment of any monies owed as part of a financial aid package. Withdrawal is dated officially as the time the student procures the form from and that date together with the student’s last date of attendance in class will be the basis of any financial issues relating to the withdrawal.
Failure to withdraw properly will result in the student earning Fs in all the courses for which he/she is enrolled. A student will be permitted to withdraw from the College without penalty at any time up to and including the last regular class day of the semester. However, if a student withdraws during the last three weeks of classes, the student normally may not be allowed to enroll for the following regular semester. This provision must be appealed to the Academic Appeals Committee, and the appeal must be received in the Office of Academic Affairs no later than 10 days prior to the beginning of classes in the semester in which the student wishes to be readmitted. Under extraordinary circumstances, the Provost, with the advice of the Academic Appeals Committee, may grant exceptions to the above rule.
Involuntary Withdrawal
Students enrolled in classes are expected to be fully engaged members of the academic program. This includes, but is not limited to, attending all scheduled class blocks, completing all assigned assessments, and adhering to course policies as prescribed in the class syllabus. The College reserves the right to suspend, expel, or enforce the withdrawal of a student from one or more classes whose conduct is in contradiction to policies outlined in the College Catalog and/or Student Handbook.
- A student who is making no progress in a course may be involuntarily withdrawn from the course (with a grade of “W”) upon recommendation of the instructor.
- Students may be withdrawn from individual courses by the Provost or the Provost’s designee upon recommendation of the instructor and determination that the student is unable to fulfill the academic purpose implied by registration at the College.
- Students may be involuntarily withdrawn from the College by the Provost or the Provost’s designee upon determination that the student is unable to fulfill the academic purpose implied by registration at the College. Students who have been involuntarily withdrawn must apply for re-admission to the Admissions Office in the same manner as a suspended student.
- Students may be involuntarily withdrawn from the College by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs for behavior that is disruptive to the educational process and/or to the educational environment or for behavior that prevents the student from fulfilling the academic purpose implied by registration at the College. The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs may require a student who is displaying disruptive or unusual behaviors to complete an assessment with a college counselor.
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Appeals Policies and Procedures
The Academic Appeals Committee consists of faculty and staff appointed by the Provost to review student appeals of academic outcomes, including course grades and reinstatement after suspension from the College.
The instructor has full responsibility for the assignment of final grades in their courses. The instructor must describe their grading procedure in the course syllabus and provide an explanation at the beginning of the course. If a student believes a grade has been assigned incorrectly, the student must first discuss the matter with the instructor. If this does not resolve the issue, the student may appeal to the Chair of the academic department in which the course is located. In the event the issue is not resolved at this level, the student may submit a formal academic appeal application to the Academic Appeals Committee via the my.uvawise.edu Student Portal. Appeal applications must be received prior to or within the initial four weeks of the next regular semester of enrollment after the grade in question has been assigned. The Academic Appeals Committee has the final authority regarding grade appeals. Grades become permanent and may not be changed after one calendar year from date of entry.
Requests for Exceptions to the Rules and Appeals
Students who believe there is a valid reason for asking for an exception to any of the academic rules may submit a request, in writing to the Provost. The recommendation of the instructor and/or advisor should accompany the request. The Provost’s response may be appealed, in writing, to the Chancellor.
Grade Policies
Auditing a Course
The grade notation “AU” will be recorded for those students registered as auditors in a course. Students cannot register to audit a course after the last day to add a course. It is recommended that students discuss this option with the instructor on record prior to submitting a Schedule Action Form signed by their advisor. Similarly, students who request a course be taken as credit/no credit must have it approved and may only do so prior to the last day to add a course.
Course Credit
UVA Wise defines a credit-hour in accord with Federal regulations as an amount of student work equivalent to at least one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks, or the equivalent amount of work in on-line and other non-lecture formats.
Credit by Examination
The following procedure is used in the consideration of requests for award of credit by examination:
- The student should complete a form that is available in the Office of the Registrar. This form requests consideration for credit by examination in a course. The student should submit this form and complete the exam during the first eight weeks of a regular semester. Credit by examination for a course is awarded only during a regular semester.
- If the request is approved by the chair of the department in which the course is located, arrangements will be made between the department chair and the student at this time. The student will then register and pay a special fee of $75 in the Cashier’s Office. A copy of the receipt for the credit-by-exam fee should be attached to the request and returned to the Registrar’s Office.
- A full-time faculty member who normally teaches the course will evaluate the examination, which must be given, completed and evaluated during the semester in which the request is approved.
- A record of the evaluation, which will normally include a written examination, will be placed in the student’s permanent file in the Office of the Registrar or another appropriate place, as designated by the Registrar.
- The award of credit requires approval of the chair of the department in which the course is located, and the Registrar.
- An entry is made on the student’s permanent record showing that credit by examination has been given.
- If any extra expenses are incurred in the evaluation process, the student is responsible for payment of expenses.
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Credit-no Credit
Students may elect to take a course on a credit-no credit basis, adhering to the following guidelines:
- Courses taken under the credit-no credit system may not be applied toward the Liberal Arts Core requirements unless specified in the catalog (like PED Basic Skills).
- Courses needed to fulfill requirements in a student’s major field may not be taken under the credit-no credit system (except for those courses offered by the department concerned with the approval of the Academic Program Committee. Courses so taken are not subject to the limitations of section 3 below.) Courses in a student’s major field that are in addition to the minimum requirements may be taken under the credit-no credit system.
- No student may be permitted to take more than 26 credit-no credit hours to meet graduation requirements, nor will any student be permitted to carry more than seven hours under the credit-no credit system during any one semester except by special permission of the Provost.
- For each course selected and completed with credit-no credit designation, a student will receive a grade of CR (credit) or NC (no credit) determined by the instructor.
- Credit hours attempted under the credit-no credit option do not count in the computation of grade points. During the regular period for adding courses a student may modify his selection or selections in the same way as dropping or adding a class.
- All Credit/No Credit requests must be made and approved prior to the last day to add a course.
Exclusion from Courses
A student who is making no progress in a course may be excluded from the course (with a grade of “W”) upon recommendation of the instructor (See Involuntary Withdrawal Policy).
Final Examinations
Written examinations are held at the end of each semester during exam week. Absence from examinations is not excused except for sickness on the day of the examination attested by a physician’s certificate or for other cause submitted to the Office of the Registrar and approved by the Provost. If such absence is unexcused, the grade on the course is entered as “F.” A student whose absence from an examination is excused may take a special examination within a 30-day period on a date arranged between the student and the professor in charge of the examination.
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The grade of a student in a course is determined by the faculty member teaching that course. In the course syllabus, students are informed of the method used in determining grades. “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” represent passing grades in order from the highest to the lowest. Passing grades may also be recorded with a plus or minus. “F” represents failure.
The measure of academic success is expressed in a grade point average. The grade point average (GPA) is the number of quality points earned divided by the number of credit hours attempted. The number of grade points earned in a course is determined by multiplying the number of credit hours by the point value of the earned grade as shown in the following table:
| |
Letter Grade |
Quality of Work |
Quality Points per Semester Hour |
|
| |
A+ |
|
4.0 |
|
| |
A |
Excellent |
4.0 |
|
| |
A- |
|
3.7 |
|
| |
B+ |
|
3.3 |
|
| |
B |
Good |
3.0 |
|
| |
B- |
|
2.7 |
|
| |
C+ |
|
2.3 |
|
| |
C |
Average |
2.0 |
|
| |
C- |
|
1.7 |
|
| |
D+ |
|
1.3 |
|
| |
D |
|
1.0 |
|
| |
D- |
|
.7 |
|
| |
F |
Failure |
0 |
|
Grade Reports
Official grade reports are made available to the student within two weeks after the close of each semester on the student portal.
Mid-Term Grades - Faculty will submit mid-term grades for freshmen and those are available in the Reports and Billing section of the student portal.
Final Grades – Final grades are reported by faculty the Monday after final exams. Final grade reports may be viewed by students and advisors on the student portal.
Incomplete Grades
An “I” represents incomplete work in a course and indicates that the grade for the course is being withheld until additional work is performed and approved. Incompletes are not considered prejudicial grades. The decision to award an incomplete is made by the instructor. Students may receive this grade when serious illness, death in the immediate family, military service or other hardship during the semester in which they are registered prevents them from completing course requirements.
To receive an incomplete, a student should have completed a majority of the course’s major requirements. A grade of “I” automatically becomes an “F” after 45 days if the instructor has not submitted a grade change prior to that time or requested an extension. Under extraordinary circumstances, extensions may be permitted at the request of the instructor with the approval of the Dean of Faculty.
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Independent Study
The primary purpose of independent study courses is to give better than average students an opportunity to take a course or courses in subject matter appropriate for their academic program that would not otherwise be available at the College.
The following guidelines are used in considering requests for independent study courses:
- A student may take no more than two independent study courses in one semester.
- Independent study courses cannot be used to satisfy the Liberal Arts Core requirements.
- To be eligible to take an independent study course, a student must have at least a 3.00 grade point average. To be eligible to take two independent study courses, a student must have at least a 3.50 grade point average.
- A course cannot be taken on an independent study basis in a semester in which it is offered on a regular basis.
- Part-time faculty do not offer independent study courses.
- A full-time faculty member should offer no more than two independent study courses each semester if he or she is teaching a regular load, and none if he or she has an overload such as an extra class.
- A request from a faculty member to add an independent study course should be accompanied by a course outline and a schedule of activities for the semester.
- A request to add an independent study course must be submitted by the Department Chair and approved the Provost. The request must be returned to the Registrar’s Office prior to beginning the class and the student’s name should be included.
Not Reported
An “NR” indicates a grade was not reported by the instructor. A student should contact the instructor directly to request an explanation or to obtain further information about options available.
Repeating a Course
A student who receives a grade of “B+” through “F” may choose to repeat a course. Courses repeated under this provision must be taken at UVA Wise. The most recent grade received will be the permanent grade in the course and the previous grade will not be included in the computation of grade point average for the first two repeat attempts. All other grades will be averaged into the students cumulative and term GPAs. Students may not register for a repeat class online and must use a Schedule Action Form signed by their advisor. Students must receive permission from the Provost or the Provost’s designee in order to register for courses for three or more attempts.
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Transfer Students
If a transfer student is accepted with a grade point average below 2.0, the student will have a grade point deficit and be subject to the same academic warning, suspension or probation as any other student.
In accordance with federal regulations, transcripts are issued upon receipt of a signed written or digital request. Transcripts may not be requested via email or telephone. UVA Wise does not charge a fee. You may request a transcript in one of the following ways:
- Online, transcripts may be ordered by going to www.uvawise.edu/registrar. This form requires authorization to release transcripts by digital signature. The transcript request form is submitted directly to the Registrar’s Office.
- In person, at the office of the Registrar. A Transcript Request Form must be completed before the transcript can be released.
- By mail, by printing the Transcript Request Form or by hand-written letter. The letter must include your name, current address, last four digits of your social security number, the recipient’s complete address, dates of attendance, other names while attending UVA Wise, phone number (in case there is a question) and your signature. Mail transcript request to: UVA Wise, Registrar, 1 College Ave., Wise, VA 24293.
Transcript Notations
UVA Wise uses Transcript Notations (an official statement either at the end of the transcript or within the term) to indicate any special information that needs to be shared. The following transcript notations may be placed (where applicable) on the student transcript:
- Academic Expulsion
- Academic Suspension
- Academic Probation
- Academic Warning
- Disciplinary Expulsion
- Disciplinary Suspension
In accordance with the Code of Virginia (23-9.2:15), Students will be notified in writing that the statement has been placed on their permanent record no more than 30 days after such notation is applied. In the event that a student is found not responsible or new information demands that the notation be removed, UVA Wise will remove the notation and inform the student in writing no more than 30 days after the notation is removed. Students who leave UVA Wise with a pending Honor Court charge will have their transcript so noted: “This student has a pending Honor Court violation and is not a student in good standing.” For the spring 2020 semester (1920 SP), students will have a special notation on that term only indicating a change in grading standard due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students who made a C or higher in the course were given the option of taking a letter grade or a “CR,” indicating credit. Students who made lower than a C- were given the option of taking a letter grade or an “NC,” indicating no credit and non-prejudicial to student grade point average.
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Withdrawal
A “W” indicates the student has withdrawn from the course after the recorded census date for the course. Courses dropped prior to this date do not appear on the student’s record. Courses with a recorded “W” will show on the student’s transcript and may not be removed. The “W” does not factor in computing the grade point average.
Withdrawal Limit
Students may withdraw from a course at any point up to the Friday after spring or fall break during the regular term. Established withdrawal deadline dates are posted on the College’s web page and in the student portal. Students who withdraw from a course after the last day to add a course will receive a “W” grade on their transcript. The number of W’s a student is permitted is limited to eight courses over the course of their academic career at UVA Wise. A “W” signifies a withdrawal from a course after the Census Date or designated “last day to withdraw from a course” on the official Academic Calendar. After reaching the 8-course limit, students will be unable to withdraw from another course and must accept the grade earned at the end of the semester. Before withdrawing from one or more courses, students should speak with the course instructor, his/her advisor, a financial aid officer, and the Office of the Registrar for guidance.
Students may also be involuntarily withdrawn from individual courses at the request of the instructor (see Involuntary Withdrawal Policy). After reaching the 8-course limit, students will receive the grade earned in the course and will be unable to withdraw from further coursework. Exemptions to this rule will be determined by the Provost on a per-course basis and when extraordinary circumstances merit consideration. Individual course administrative withdrawals will count toward the limit but students who withdraw fully from the College for a particular term will receive W’s for that term but these will not be included in the eight course limit. Note: This policy began in the fall of 2019. Previously or currently enrolled students who have withdrawn from courses in the past will have the same eight W-course limit and will not be penalized for past withdrawals.
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UVA Wise students who are in the military, military reserves or the National Guard of the United States and who are called to active duty after the beginning of a semester or summer session have two options available that they may consider with their advisor in determining their enrollment status with the College:
- Students may withdraw from all courses in which they are enrolled as of the effective date of the order to report to active duty. If this option is chosen, a full credit of all tuition and fees will be made to the student’s account. Students will receive a pro-rated credit of dining service and of housing contract charges. Financial aid awards that were credited to students’ accounts will be recovered by the College in the amount of tuition and fees, dining or housing credit.
- Students may take a grade of incomplete in all courses if the student receives the official order during the last three weeks of the term. The conditions for completing course work and receiving a regular grade should be agreed to between the students and the appropriate faculty member for each course in which the student is enrolled. Upon separation from active duty, students must complete the course work by the end of the next regular academic term. Students will receive a pro-rated credit of dining service and housing contract charges. Financial aid awards that were credited to students’ accounts will be recovered by the amount of any dining or housing credit.
Although this policy pertains primarily to the reserves and National Guard, the same options will be offered to active duty personnel who are transferred unexpectedly out of the Wise area because of the President of the United States activating reserve or National Guard units.
To initiate the process of withdrawing from courses or receiving incompletes in courses, students must provide a copy of their active duty orders to the Office of the Registrar. The orders will be kept in the student’s permanent file in the Registrar’s Office along with the withdrawal form or the request for incompletes. A copy of a duly executed power of attorney will be required by the College before processing a withdrawal or an incomplete form for a student, when that process is initiated by any person other than the student. It is recommended that a power of attorney be filed for any activated student to address any unanticipated situation. The student’s advisor should be notified of the activation.
Applicants to the College who have accepted an offer of admission but who have not yet registered in a degree program will be permitted to enroll for the next appropriate semester following their discharge from active duty provided the college receives adequate notice of the applicant’s intention to re-enroll. It will not be necessary for the applicant to reapply for admission nor to pay an additional application fee. Any prepaid admission deposits, tuition, room or board charges will be refunded.
This policy is applicable to all students registered at the College. For further information, contact the Office of the Registrar.
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The following individuals shall be charged the in-state rate, or otherwise considered a resident, for tuition purposes:
-
A Veteran using educational assistance under either chapter 30 (Montgomery G.I. Bill - Active Duty Program) or chapter 33 (Post-9/11 G.I. Bill®), of title 38, United States Code, who lives in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of discharge from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
- Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of the transferor’s discharge from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
- Anyone described above while he or she remains continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or terms) at the same institution. The person so described must have enrolled in the institution prior to the expiration of the three-year period following discharge or release as described above and must be using educational benefits under either chapter 30, chapter 33, or chapter 31 of title 38, United States Code.
- Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) and the transferor is a member of the uniformed service who is serving on active duty.
- A spouse or child using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311(b)(9)) who lives in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of his/her formal State of residence).
- An individual using educational assistance under chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) who lives in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) effective for courses, semesters, or terms beginning after March 1, 2019.
The Virginia State Approving Agency (SAA) is the approving authority of education and training programs for Virginia. Our office investigates complaints of GI Bill beneficiaries. While most complaints should initially follow the school grievance policy, if the situation cannot be resolved at the school, the beneficiary should contact our office via email at saa@dvs.virginia.gov.
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UVA Wise does not condone the illegal or otherwise irresponsible use of alcohol and other drugs. It is the responsibility of every member of the College community to know the risks associated with substance use and abuse. This responsibility obligates students and employees to know relevant College policies and federal, state and local laws and to conduct themselves in accordance with these laws and policies. To these ends, the College publishes the following information regarding College policies and sanctions: laws and penalties concerning substance use and abuse, health and behavioral risks of drug use, and resources for treatment and educational programming. The full text of these policies can be found in the Student Handbook.
Alcohol Policy – The College hopes the Alcohol Policy will encourage students to make responsible decisions about the use of alcoholic beverages. The policy is intended to promote safe, legal and healthy decisions related to alcohol and social interaction. We recognize that our students are responsible adults and believe that students should behave in a manner that is not disruptive or endangering to themselves or others and complies with state and local laws regarding the possession, consumption, sale, and delivery of alcohol.
UVA Wise does not encourage the use of alcoholic beverages and does not condone the illegal or otherwise irresponsible use of alcohol. In accordance with State and Federal law, the College prohibits the unlawful possession, use or distribution of alcohol on College property or at College-sponsored functions. All members of the College community are expected to know and act in accordance with Virginia State laws concerning the purchase, possession, consumption, sales and storage of alcoholic beverages.
Drug Policy – Unauthorized manufacture, distribution and possession of controlled substances (illegal drugs), including marijuana, cocaine and LSD, are prohibited by both state and federal law and are punishable by severe penalties. The College does not tolerate or condone such conduct. Students who violate state or federal drug laws may be referred by College authorities for criminal prosecution and, if convicted, may be subject to the penalties described herein.
Whether or not a criminal charge is brought, a student is also subject to College discipline for illegally manufacturing, distributing, possessing or using any controlled substance (i) on College-owned or leased property or (ii) at College-sponsored or supervised functions or (iii) under other circumstances involving a direct and substantial connection to the College. Any student found to have engaged in such conduct is subject to a range of sanctions, including suspension or expulsion.
Drug-Free Workplace Policy – The use of alcohol by employees while on UVA Wise owned or controlled property, including meal periods and breaks, is absolutely prohibited except when authorized by the College for approved College functions. No employee will report to work while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Violations of these rules by an employee will be reason for evaluation/treatment for a substance use disorder or for disciplinary action up to and including removal. This policy applies to all employees (full-time, part-time, students, etc.).
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