Student Success

We acknowledge that students juggle competing demands for their time while completing their degrees. In an effort to maximize potential success and satisfaction for each student throughout a challenging academic experience, the faculty and staff are committed to providing a high level of support and individualized attention every step along the way.

Orientation

SCPS holds orientation for new undergraduate degree students. Orientation is the first step in connecting you with fellow students, resources and a team of people who will help you navigate this journey. 

Transformations Course

“Transformations: Reading, Thinking, and Communicating in the Liberal Arts” is a specially-designed course required of students in their first semester to orient them to the BIS degree and the resources of the University. The course is designed to help students develop the skills they will need to complete their degrees, such as critical thinking, effective writing, and strong verbal expression. The course will also help them learn how to use library resources, cite sources, and present research so that they are prepared for their additional coursework in the BIS program. 

Advising

Academic advising is foundational to SCPS undergraduate degree programs and to the success of its students. SCPS staff assigns each new student an academic advisor who assists in course selection and planning during their time in the program. For information, please contact Julie May, Associate Professor and Academic Administrator, SCPS Degree Programs – [email protected]

Peer Mentor

The Peer Mentor Program is designed to help new students become acquainted with their program, support those further along in their degrees, and foster a sense of community by hosting events and aiding in the New Student Orientation. As a student run organization, the Peer Mentor Program unifies peers as a community of thriving and successful students, and is guided by the foundational principles of the University of Virginia: honor, trust, integrity and respect.

* The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements.