Community Scholars

What is a Community Scholar? 

Individuals may enroll in on Grounds courses on a part-time basis, without applying to a degree program, by registering as a Community Scholar through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Many day and evening classes are open to Community Scholars on a space available basis and by permission to:

  • Complete prerequisites for graduate or professional school
  • Explore subjects for personal enrichment
  • Attain skills for career development or advancement
  • Earn college credit as a visiting college student or high school student

In the fall and spring, individuals may register for classes in all schools and colleges at the University, except the School of Engineering and Applied Science, School of Medicine, Darden School of Business, the School of Law, the School of Education and Human Development and the School of Data Science. 

Community Scholar students planning to enroll in the Summer term, with the exception of classes offered by the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, will need to register through the Summer Session Office, summer.virginia.edu.

See the full list of schools and the requirements for each school below.

Instructor permission is required for all classes, labs or discussion sections. A copy of the email from the instructor granting permission will be accepted as proof of instructor permission. Additional signatures may be required by select schools and colleges (noted below), and for certain courses. Several schools and colleges restrict the number of courses eligible under Community Scholar.  

Individuals registering as Community Scholars are governed by the University add/drop dates and refund policies and are responsible for reviewing and abiding by Community Scholar policies listed in the University academic record.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements?

The University reserves the right to not enroll an individual based on class size or lack of prerequisite education.

Individuals with a minimum of a high school diploma may register in no more than two courses each fall and spring, along with any dependent laboratory or discussion sessions, for a maximum of 11.5 credits. All course prerequisites must be met, and proof of an undergraduate degree is required for graduate-level courses (UVA alumni do not require verification).

Academically advanced high school juniors and seniors may be granted permission to register in one course per term, after meeting all eligibility requirements. First-time high school and home school students must complete an interview and/or attend an orientation session. For more information please contact Kathryn Buzzoni at Klb7r@virginia.edu.

Registration Instructions for Community Scholars

New Students 

New community scholars wishing to enroll at the University of Virginia must:

  1. Have an active student record in the Student Information System (SIS). New students will complete and submit a Visiting Student Form to request an active student record.
  2. Obtain written instructor permission for each class in which you wish to enroll. Written permission must include course subject, class number and section. 
  3. Complete the Community Scholar Registration Form or Senior Citizen Waiver Registration Form (students aged 60 and above) and submit it online, along with written permissions.
  4. Pay all tuition and fees (if not approved for tuition-free registration under the Senior Citizen’s Higher Education Act). 

Some schools require additional permissions/steps.

Returning Students 

Returning community scholars wishing to enroll at the University of Virginia must:

  1. If you have not taken a class in the past three semesters, you will need to complete a Visiting Student Form to request an active student record.in order for your record to be term activated. If you have taken a class as a community scholar student in the past three semesters, then you can proceed to step 2.
  2. Obtain written instructor permission for each class in which you wish to enroll. Written permission must include course subject, class number and section.
  3. Complete the Community Scholar Registration Form or Senior Citizen Waiver Registration Form (students aged 60 and above) and submit it online, along with written permissions.
  4. Pay all tuition and fees (if not approved for tuition-free registration under the Senior Citizen’s Higher Education Act). 

Some schools require additional permissions/steps.

Requirements for Participation

Requirements for High School Students

  • Minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0
  • Current high school transcript
  • Signed Community Scholar Parent/Guardian Permission to Enroll Form
  • Letter of recommendation from the high school principal, director, or guidance counselor attesting to the student’s preparedness and ability to be successful in the intended UVA course, and verifying that the course is unavailable through the high school

First-time high school and home school students must complete an interview and/or attend an orientation session. For more information please contact Kathryn Buzzoni at Klb7r@virginia.edu.

Requirements for Home Schooled Students

First-time high school and home school students must complete an interview and/or attend an orientation session. For more information please contact Kathryn Buzzoni at Klb7r@virginia.edu.

We're Here to Help

Enrollment Requirements by School

Please click the school name below for additional information on enrollment processes and instructions. 

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

The signature of the School’s Registrar Sharon McDonald (434.924.3937 or slf7a@virginia.edu) is required AFTER obtaining the instructor’s signature.  A lifetime maximum of four courses may be taken as a Community Scholar.

COLLEGE AND GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES

For all English courses number 8000 and above, advance approval is required. Contact Victoria Olwell (vjo2f@virginia.edu).

For all Psychology courses, advance approval is required. Contact the department at psych-info@virginia.edu before seeking the instructor’s permission.

For all Private Music Lessons, you will need to email the faculty member offering the desired music lesson to seek permission to enroll. The email must include the student’s reasons for applying for private lessons, any relevant music experience, and any prior involvement with the UVA Music Department. If faculty member permission is received, the student must forward that email to the Music Department Chair Ted Coffey ejc3q@virginia.edu (and copy Tina Knight trk4n@virginia.edu) asking for the Chair’s approval.

For all Chemistry courses, please contact Cindy Knight at csk3a@virginia.edu to secure departmental approval before seeking instructor permission. 

FRANK BATTEN SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP & PUBLIC POLICY

Advance approval is required.  Official/unofficial transcripts, including transcripts from UVA, and documentation of instructor permission must be submitted with the Class Registration Form for Community Scholar, at least two weeks prior to the start of classes. The SCPS Registrar will submit transcripts, forms, and documentation of instructor permission to the Batten School Registrar for approval. Community Scholars may not enroll in classes required for the Master of Public Policy. However, they may be eligible to enroll in elective courses, most of which are numbered in the 6700s.

MCINTIRE SCHOOL OF COMMERCE

For all courses numbered 3000 and above, advance approval is required. Community Scholars may not register for courses numbered from 3010 – 3060. Official/unofficial transcripts, including transcripts from UVA, must be submitted with the Class Registration Form for Community Scholar, at least two weeks prior to the start of classes. The SCPS Registrar will submit transcripts and forms to the Commerce School for the Dean’s approval and instructor signature.

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & APPLIED SCIENCE

Registrations for adults are handled directly through the School of Engineering & Applied Science and not through SCPS. Contact the SEAS Undergraduate Registrar at 434-924-6326 or jr7up@virginia.edu for more details. High school students wishing to take an engineering course still register through SCPS as Community Scholars.

SCHOOL OF NURSING

Community Scholars may only register for certain NUIP courses. Please check with the School's Registrar, by emailing SON-Registrar@virginia.edu for eligible options. After securing instructor's signature/email approval, please secure the signature/email approval of the School's Registrar.