Support You'll Receive at SCPS
There's a reason the student graduation rate at SCPS is more than twice the national average: our staff and faculty understand the demands adult learners face. We want to see you succeed.
- Orientation
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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. SCPS will communicate orientation information with you once enrolled.
- Transformations Course
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“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.
- Writing Support and the SCPS Writing Center
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SCPS offers resources to support students in their writing! Learn more through this video:
The SCPS Writing Center is an excellent resources for BIS and BPHM students to connect in a creative, safe space to work on their writing. During the week, the center offers multiple opportunities for drop-in support during which time you may receive one-on-one help and advice with your writing.
Whether you need help getting started on a writing project, need assistance with your grammar, or need help refining text, the writing center is here to help you gain confidence and be successful.
- Advising
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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 – jsm9z@virginia.edu
- Peer Mentors
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The Peer Mentor Program is designed to help new BIS students become acquainted with the BIS 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 Structure of Peer Mentors and How it Works
When students enter BIS, they have the opportunity to be paired with a Peer Mentor who can offer guidance and support from the student perspective.
Interested?
If you are interested in serving as a Peer Mentor, please contact BIS faculty member Julie May at jsm9z@virginia.edu. - Mental Health Care
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Enrolled students have access to TimelyCare, 24/7 virtual, wraparound mental health care at no cost even without personal health insurance. TimelyCare is a leading telehealth firm with expertise in higher education.
Through TimelyCare, UVA School of Continuing and Professional Studies active students have access to three broad areas of support, including:
- 24/7 on-demand support from a mental health professional within minutes to discuss any level of concern by video or phone.
- Twelve scheduled counseling visits with a licensed mental health provider, either in Virginia or throughout the U.S.
- Psychiatric care by a TimelyMD provider.
Learn more about Timely Care, including how to receive support.
- Technology Support
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Life can be complex, and we’re here to make sure learning online won’t be. If you have questions or need support, you’ll find the help you need 24/7. Learning is delivered seamlessly through Canvas, honed over years of use and continually updated to ensure your experience is easy and intuitive. You’ll have access to UVA’s complete Canvas support resources, and if you have questions, the Canvas support team is available around the clock, every day of the week.
Technology extends well beyond your learning platform, so whether you have issues with connections, passwords, or software, the UVA Information Technology Services team has you covered. You can chat, call or email for support and expect a quick response no matter the time of day or day of week.
