Advising Syllabus
The advising syllabus outlines the shared responsibilities of advisors and students. It provides valuable information and offers a guide to advising services that encourages students to take action. Using this syllabus will help students ensure that they are well-informed and smoothly progress towards their educational success goal.
Advising Syllabus (PDF)
GPA Calculator
You can locate your GPA by viewing your Unofficial Transcript through MyVWCC.
Calculating Your GPA
To calculate your GPA, multiply the grade value of the course by the credit hours for that course. This will give you the quality/grade points. Divide your cumulative quality/grade points by your cumulative attempted hours to calculate your total GPA.
Definitions
Credit Hours: The hours assigned to a course. This number is listed in both the schedule of classes and the catalog and is usually 1-5 hours.
Grade Value: The numerical value assigned to a grade.
- A = 4 points
- B = 3 points
- C = 2 points
- D = 1 point
- F = 0 points
Quality/Grade Points: Number of credit hours for a course multiplied by the grade value.
Attempted Hours: Credit hours for which you earn a grade (including only A, B, C, D, F).
Earned Hours: Credit hours which you passed (with a grade of D or higher).
Graduating from Virginia Western
To obtain a degree, a student must apply for graduation during his/her final semester. The graduation application must be processed with the assistance of a student’s faculty advisor. To be well prepared to graduate, be sure the do the following:
- Check your advisement report through MyVWCC and ensure that all requirements have been met.
- Check the degree requirements of your program with the catalogue that you entered in under.
- Make an appointment with your assigned faculty advisor before the application due date.
Virginia Western holds one graduation ceremony each year, in May. Students who will graduate within that academic year (the previous fall, that spring or that summer) should apply for graduation and participate in the ceremony. Visit the Graduation page for more details.
Understanding Credit Hours
In general, a college level class consists of three credit hours, although there is some variation depending on subject. Each credit represents an hour of classroom instruction. As a general rule, a student should expect to spend two hours outside of the classroom studying and preparing for class to every one hour spent in the classroom. Thus, a three credit class would take three hours in the classroom and six hours outside the classroom.
Full time at Virginia Western is considered 12 credit hours. Students may take up to 18 credits per fall and spring semester without seeking approval. Students may take up to 12 credits in the summer semester without seeking approval. Attempting credits beyond these limits requires approval from the Enrollment Center Manager. Click here for more information about overloads.
Depending on your program of study and developmental education requirements, you will probably need to take more than 12 credits hours (equivalent to full-time) each semester if you intend to complete your program of study “on time” (two years for an associate degree; less than two years for a certificate). A recommended sequence for the courses required within each program is listed in the college catalog.
Helpful Links
Contact Us
Chapman Hall
855-874-6690
Fax: 540-857-6156
Hours of Operation
Mon – Thurs: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
In-person services are available on a first-come, first-served basis or by appointment.
Phone and online services are available by appointment.