Navigating the UVA Undergraduate Experience: A Comprehensive Guide to Requirements and Opportunities
The University of Virginia (UVA) offers a diverse and challenging academic environment for undergraduate students. This article provides a detailed overview of the undergraduate record requirements at UVA, encompassing admission trends, degree requirements within the College of Arts and Sciences and the McIntire School of Commerce, and opportunities like the UVAccelerate program.
The Evolving Landscape of UVA Admissions
UVA has witnessed a surge in applications, reflecting its growing popularity and prestige. This increase, highlighted by Greg Roberts (Darden class of ’17), UVA’s dean of admission, signifies a broader pool of talented students vying for a spot. While this presents an opportunity for UVA to select exceptional candidates, it also leads to increased competition and potential disappointment for applicants.
Several factors contribute to this application boom. UVA’s decision to implement a test-optional policy, prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic and students' difficulty accessing standardized tests, has likely played a significant role. UVA announced in January 2021 that it would remain test optional through 2023. This has broadened access for students who may not have performed well on standardized tests but possess other outstanding qualities. In fact, of all applicants in a recent year, 42 percent did not submit test scores, roughly the same proportion as the previous year’s 43 percent.
The university's proactive approach to re-establishing in-person interactions, such as the relaunch of in-person admission tours on Grounds in June, sooner than many colleges and universities, may also have prompted more students to apply, Roberts said. This allowed prospective students to experience the UVA environment firsthand, fostering a stronger connection and increasing their likelihood of applying.
The early decision application cycle also reveals interesting trends. More than 1,100 applicants accepted admission through UVA’s early decision application cycle in December. Early decision applicants included 132 first-generation college students, up from 76 in 2020, and 241 children of UVA alumni, up from 220. This underscores UVA’s commitment to attracting a diverse student body, encompassing both first-generation college students and legacies. As Roberts noted, “That’s what makes UVA. And that wouldn’t be complete without children of alumni and that wouldn’t be complete without students who are first in their family who attended college.”
Read also: Undergraduate Programs at UNC
Degree Requirements in the College of Arts and Sciences
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in the College of Arts and Sciences must fulfill specific requirements to graduate. These encompass general education and major requirements, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. It is important to understand policies related to earning a degree in the College. Echols Scholars are exempt from general education requirements. Once a student matriculates, they must complete all general education requirements with College of Arts and Science courses.
General Education Requirements: These requirements, detailed in the Record, College of Arts & Sciences, aim to provide a foundation in various disciplines. They include:
- First Writing
- Artistic, Interpretive & Philosophical Inquiry
- World language
Major Requirements: Students must complete the requirements for one major to receive the B.A. or the B.S. Some students choose to add a second College major. Generally, all major and minor requirements must be completed with courses taken at UVA. Exceptions must be approved by the major / minor department.
Credit Requirements: All students must pass a minimum of 120 credits of approved courses.
Academic Monitoring: Students are responsible for tracking their own progress toward the degree by using the SIS Academic Requirements Report and Degree Progress Tools. Students are also encouraged to meet with their Advising Dean to review their progress toward the degree. Students can track their own degree progress by using the SIS Academic Requirements Report or Degree Progress Tool.
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McIntire School of Commerce: Degree Requirements and Academic Policies
The McIntire School of Commerce offers a Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree, providing specialized training in business and related fields. The school maintains rigorous academic standards and policies to ensure students are well-prepared for their future careers.
Curriculum and Enrollment
The McIntire School emphasizes a broad education alongside specialized business knowledge. It is the philosophy of the McIntire School of Commerce that students should be broadly educated to deal with the complex issues of the business community and society at large. The school’s program is designed to increase students’ skills and build upon previous knowledge. To achieve this, the school requires full-time enrollment for two academic years and a minimum of 57 credits completed at McIntire or via an approved McIntire study abroad program. In addition, students must earn a minimum of 60 credits at the University of Virginia. A degree program must be completed in four academic semesters. Students in the third-year curriculum are required to be enrolled in 15 graded credits their first semester. Fall Integrated Core courses (COMM 3010, 3020, and 3030) serve as prerequisites for spring courses (COMM 3040 and COMM 3050) and all fall courses must be successfully completed.
Academic Standing and Performance
The McIntire School closely monitors students' academic performance to ensure they are making satisfactory progress toward their degree. At the conclusion of each semester, the Student Success Office reviews the academic records of all McIntire students to evaluate their academic standing and monitor progress toward degree completion. Based on this timely identification of academic challenges, Academic Advisors counsel students experiencing academic difficulties to support meaningful progress toward their degree requirements.
- Academic Warning: A student on academic warning shall retain such status for a minimum of one academic term (fall or spring). To be removed from warning status, a student must achieve a 2.00 semester grade point average and pass at least 12 graded credits. A student on academic warning who withdraws or takes a leave of absence is eligible to apply for readmission.
- Dean's List: Students who pass at least 15 credits of graded work in the semester with a GPA of 3.75 or above will be placed on the Dean’s List of Distinguished Students. Courses taken on a CR/NC basis may not be counted toward the 15-credit minimum.
Attendance and Classroom Policies
Consistent with the UVA Undergraduate Record, unless otherwise notified by the instructor, students enrolled in any Commerce School undergraduate class are required to attend every scheduled class and to arrive on time prepared for the class. If you are unable to attend class for any reason, you must notify your instructor in advance of the class. In courses where class participation represents a portion of the course grade, the instructor has complete discretion to assign the class participation grade that s/he decides is appropriate. The general policy of the McIntire School is to prohibit audio and video recording of classroom lectures and discussions. Public distribution of such materials may constitute copyright infringement.
Course Enrollment and Modifications
Typically students have two weeks to add and drop courses after the start of the semester. Add/Drop/Withdrawal changes in students’ class schedules are made via SIS. No courses can be repeated except as specified in the University Regulations on Repeated Courses in the Undergraduate Record. Students must earn 120 credits for the Bachelor of Science in Commerce.
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Examinations
Students are not permitted to take a final examination before its regularly scheduled time. When genuinely serious conditions exist, students, with consent of the course instructor and approval of Dean’s Office, may be allowed to postpone a final examination until later in the exam period or after the regular exam period. Customarily, McIntire has allowed students faced with exams in three consecutive periods to take one of them at an alternative time.
Grading Policies
- Credit/No Credit (CR/NC): After enrollment in McIntire, degree seeking students, may only take courses CR/NC on an overload basis (i.e., above the minimum semester graded course load requirements - 15 per semester 3rd year and 27 total during the 4th year). CR/NC classes may not be used to satisfy any McIntire requirements except the 57 non-Commerce requirement and the 120 total hours required for graduation.
- Grade Appeals: Students wishing to appeal a grade in a Commerce course must first try to resolve the issue with the course’s instructor. That appeal must be in writing and submitted to the instructor at least two weeks prior to the start of the next full academic term (fall/spring). Absent a satisfactory outcome, the student may submit a written appeal to the McIntire Grade Appeals Committee (MGAC), who will review the matter and make a final decision on the appeal’s status. Appeals to the MGAC must be submitted at least five business days before the next full academic term starts (fall/spring). Students who have questions about the grade appeal process or who wish to discuss any classroom issue may contact the Associate Dean for Student Success of the McIntire School. No grade may be changed after it has been submitted to UREG (University Registrar) without the approval of the Dean or their designee. The Dean is not authorized by the faculty to change a grade submitted to UREG (University Registrar) except when an instructor certifies that, because of errors in calculation or transcription, an incorrect grade has been submitted. Instructors must submit grade change forms via the Student Information System (SIS).
- Incomplete Grades: The notation IN (incomplete) is used when additional course work is required or examinations need to be taken in order to fulfill the requirements of the course. Incomplete grades must be approved by the course instructor who will communicate these outcomes to the Student Success Office when grades are submitted. Course instructors will outline a work plan and timeline for completion of any remaining work. A student may not request an IN in an attempt to raise his or her grade.
Withdrawal Policies
Typically students enrolled in the McIntire School of Commerce have two weeks to add and drop courses after the start of the semester. Students may not withdraw from 3000- and 4000-level Commerce courses. Withdrawal from 1000- and 2000-level Commerce courses is allowed based upon University deadlines (typically eight weeks from the first day of the semester) and hour requirements. Commerce students may withdraw from non-Commerce courses through SIS based upon University deadlines and Commerce hour requirements.
Students may be forced to withdraw from the University for habitual delinquency in class, habitual idleness, or any other fault that prevents the student from fulfilling the purpose implied by enrollment at the University. Students who are forced to withdraw during a given term will have the notation “Withdrawal Date: MM/DD/YYYY” entered on their permanent academic records following the semester in which the action occurred. A grade of W (withdrawal) will be entered for each course in which the student was registered. Students who have been forced to withdraw must apply for readmission to their dean’s office in the same manner as suspended students.
Leave of Absence and Readmission
Upon successful completion of any semester in the McIntire School, a Commerce student may take a leave of absence for one or two years by meeting with the Associate Dean for Student Success and filing a leave of absence request. Students taking such leave may normally return only in the academic semester that follows the last completed semester (e.g., a student who takes a leave after the fall semester, third year, must enroll in third-year courses in a subsequent spring semester).
Students who wish to return to the University after a suspension, a withdrawal, or an unapproved absence from the University must be formally readmitted to their last school of enrollment. Any student seeking readmission and who intends to participate in enrollment for the next semester must submit a Returning to the University request to the Associate Dean for Student Success of the McIntire School by March 1 for the fall semester and November 1 for the spring semester. Applications will be accepted until the UVA deadline of July 1 for fall and December 1 for spring.
Applications must include a statement from the student that (1) addresses the student’s readiness to return to the University in light of any serious difficulties during his/her most recent enrollment. Readmission depends upon a student’s status at the time of leaving the McIntire School. Students taking such leave may normally return only in the academic semester that follows the last completed semester (e.g., a student who takes a leave after the fall semester, third year, must enroll in third-year courses in a subsequent spring semester). Students having at least a 2.0 average in the McIntire School, who are making satisfactory progress toward their degree, may return in the appropriate semester as stated above. Students with less than a 2.0 average or who have not been making satisfactory progress toward their degree (e.g., they have not completed or passed courses required at the level attained when they requested the leave of absence) may be required by the Associate Dean for Student Success of the McIntire School to attend the University’s summer session to take prescribed courses before re-enrollment.
Voluntary Withdrawal
Students under the age of 18 must give notice to their parents or legal guardians of their intention to withdraw. Student may specify on the “Leaving the University” form whether their request to withdraw is for medical reasons. Students who withdraw from the University voluntarily will have the notation “withdrew (date)” recorded on their permanent academic record. Students who withdraw will receive a grade of W in their courses. In order to leave, withdraw, or transfer, please complete the “Leaving University” (Leaves, Withdrawals, and Transfers) form, which can be found on the SIS Student Self Service page in a box on the lower right titled eForms. A student who withdraws for reasons of ill health must obtain medical clearance from the Department of Student Health prior to re-enrollment.
Concentrations and Tracks
Students may concentrate in up to two disciplines, in which case the requirements for both must be satisfied. Generally, a single course may not be counted simultaneously for credit in dual concentrations. However, students concentrating in finance and accounting may count COMM 3110 toward satisfying requirements for both concentrations. However, the credits may not be double counted toward the 120-credit degree requirement. The McIntire School of Commerce, due to resources, can guarantee the fulfillment of only one concentration, but will work to assist students wishing to pursue dual concentrations. There is no triple concentration. Students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average in all concentration courses.
Commerce students may pursue up to two additional academic plans beyond the B.S. in Commerce major. In pursuing the above, students do not receive two degrees from the University. They receive a B.S. Students are responsible for completing the major or minor form from the appropriate department and for obtaining the signature of the chair or director of that program.
A track is a specialty area of study crossing over multiple disciplines. Courses taken to satisfy track requirements can also be used to satisfy concentration or other major requirements. Commerce students may complete up to two tracks if course scheduling allows this flexibility. Due to resources, the McIntire School cannot guarantee the fulfillment of tracks.
Study Abroad
To study abroad in a Commerce course or program, students must be in good academic standing and attend a McIntire Semester Abroad information session in order to have a complete application. Students must have a cumulative GPA at the University of no less than 3.00 at the point of application to study abroad. Students may study abroad for a full semester and satisfy Commerce degree requirements.
Ethical Standards
It is the McIntire School’s expectation that all applicants uphold the intellectual, ethical, and professional standards of the School and the University of Virginia. By applying to the School, students agree to abide by the principles of the UVA Honor Code and the Standards of Conduct. All new incoming students are assigned an Academic Advisor from the Office of Student Success. These advisors support students’ navigation of the general Commerce curriculum including concentration and track requirements, course enrollment and selection, and final degree completion.
Petitioning the Undergraduate Program Committee Rules Committee
Students may request an exception to a stated program policy or other general academic policy of the Commerce School as outlined in the academic record. Students who believe there is a valid reason for requesting an exception must petition the Undergraduate Program Committee Rules Committee by a written petition through the appropriate form on the MyMcInire portal.
UVAccelerate (UVXL): An Accelerated Path to a Master's Degree in Computer Science
The UVAccelerate program (UVXL) offers qualified undergraduate students in the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) an opportunity to accelerate their path to a Master of Science (MS) or Master of Computer Science (MCS) degree in Computer Science.
Eligibility and Application
- Three-Year Bachelor's Degree: Students planning to complete their bachelor's degree in three years should apply for the MCS program through the regular application process. Taking graduate courses in their third year allows them to earn credits that can be applied towards their MCS degree later.
- 3.5-Year Bachelor's Degree: Students planning to complete their bachelor's degree in 3.5 years should apply for UVXL in the spring of their third year.
- Starting the MCS in the Spring: While the CS department typically admits master's students for the Fall cycle, students admitted to UVXL can request to start their MCS in the spring. They should contact Ashley Haddox (SEAS grad office) in their final semester of undergrad, who will submit a request on their behalf to Prof. Lu Feng (CS), who oversees the CS grad admission.
Program Structure and Flexibility
UVAccelerate offers a non-binding and flexible program structure. Students may withdraw at any point before the MCS officially starts.
Course Enrollment and Recommendations
Students accepted into UVXL are encouraged to take specific courses in their Fall semester. It is strongly recommended to take CS6190 (CS perspective, 1 hr), which is required for all MS/MCS degrees and only offered in Fall. Other course selections should be based on personal interests (e.g., ML, CPS, or systems), career plans (e.g., looking for an internship that may require LLM skills), and course load. Students can consult Lou's list to see what is being offered and contact individual instructors for syllabi.
To enroll in graduate classes, students need to submit an e-form in SIS (Student Information System). The student will not know where the form is in the approval process, but they will be notified once everything is approved or if their request is denied. Jesse Rogers (the SEAS registrar) can provide a status update on the request if needed.
Graduation
Students eligible to graduate with both undergraduate and master’s degrees simultaneously can graduate with their undergraduate degree at the usual time, remain in affiliated status for one semester, and then graduate with their master’s degree.
TA and RA Opportunities
TA: The department rarely hires MS/MCS students unless specifically requested by faculty, often when a professor knows the student and recognizes their suitability. Consider reaching out to professors proactively. TAs for MS/MCS are usually hourly and don’t cover tuition.
RA: Funding comes from individual faculty members, so building relationships is key. This can be achieved by doing independent studies or capstone projects under their supervision.
Contacts
For general UVXL questions (application, finance, etc), contact Ashley Haddox at the SEAS graduate office. For questions about CS graduate admission, contact Lu Feng.
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