Admissions and Enrollment

General Information

Richard Bland College of William & Mary is an Equal Opportunity Institution and as such, application for admission to the College is open to all qualified persons. Richard Bland College, an equal educational opportunity institution, makes no distinction in admission of students or in any other official activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political affiliation, handicap, veteran’s status, or any other non-merit factor. All standards and policies of the College, including those governing student employment, recruitment, admissions, financial aid, and support programs are applied accordingly. The Office of Enrollment Services, acting under policies established by the Academic Standards Committee and approved by the Board of Visitors, considers each applicant individually using principles of selection, evidence of good character, and evidence of academic achievement and promise.

The applicant must be a graduate (or the equivalent) of an accredited high school or preparatory school with graduation based on no fewer than twenty-one (21) entrance units. The preferred high school grade point average for all applicants is at least 2.5; competitive applicants will have at least a 3.0. Transfer applicants are encouraged to have at least a 2.0 GPA from the institution last attended. Along with these considerations, the College desires to incorporate into its community a wide variety of backgrounds, attitudes, and interests to enrich the educational experience of its students. The College has a commitment to recognize and meet the educational needs of all its students.

Application for Admission

All applicants for admission must submit the Application for Admission. Applications and other supporting documentation are available by accessing the Admissions link on the college website (www.rbc.edu). Although applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, the Priority Application Deadline for the Fall Semester is March 1, and November 1 for the Spring Semester. A non-refundable application fee of $35, or a signed fee-waiver, is required.

First-Year Students

Graduation from an accredited secondary school or the equivalent as shown by examination of the General Education Diploma (GED) is required for admission to Richard Bland College.

Each candidate is considered on the basis of:

• High school achievement (academic work in grades nine through twelve)
• Participation in extracurricular activities and/or work experience and
• A letter of recommendation

Although the College does not specifically prescribe the high school units to be presented, the College prefers that the candidate presents a minimum of 16 college-preparatory units, to include the following:

• Four units in English
• Two units in a foreign language (ancient or modern)
• Two units in history
• Three units in mathematics
• Two units in science

Transfer Students

Richard Bland College welcomes students who are transferring from another post-secondary institution as degree-seeking students. Transfer students are invited to begin their matriculation during the fall, spring, or summer semesters. A transfer student must:

• Be a graduate of an accredited high school or have earned a GED
• Possess a high school grade point average of 2.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
• Provide an official final high school transcript
• Provide an official copy of all college or university transcripts
• Complete the RBC Dean’s Certification Form

Transfer students are encouraged to have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the last college/university attended. Special circumstances may require additional documentation. If a student leaves an institution while on academic probation, the student may enroll in a maximum of twelve semester credit hours at RBC and will be subject to the same guidelines as students placed on academic probation at Richard Bland College. A list of guidelines will accompany the letter of admission. An applicant under suspension from another college or university will not be eligible for admission until the student has been separated from their prior institution for one semester. Summer sessions do not count in this calculation.

Transfer credits will be awarded for courses completed with grade of C or better for which a matching Richard Bland College course is currently offered. A maximum of 30 transfer credit hours will be accepted toward an Associate Degree at Richard Bland College.

International Students

Richard Bland College welcomes international students to its community of learners. In addition to the regular application for admission, all international applicants must also complete an International Student Application and provide all required Immigration and Naturalization Services documentation. For those students whose native language is not English–or if your schooling during the past five years or more has been in a language other than English–the College urges you to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Students taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination must have earned a score of 61 on the internet version in order to be considered for admission. International students should note that currently there are no special services available on campus to remediate language deficiencies in the English language.

Home-Schooled Students

Richard Bland College welcomes students who have been home-schooled. Home-schooled students must provide a transcript of all coursework completed. In addition, a home-schooled student must take the General Education Diploma (GED) examination or the Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT). If the student successfully passes the GED, the student is eligible for admission to the College. If the student elects to take the SAT, the student must earn a total score equal to or greater than the mean score for current Richard Bland College first-year enrolled students as established by the Office of Enrollment Services. A home-schooled student who desires to pursue a degree at Richard Bland College should be at least sixteen years of age prior to registration.

Programs for High School Students

On-Campus High School College Program (HSCP)

High school students who have completed a sophomore year with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 may apply for admission to the High School College Program for High School Students. If admitted, the student is admitted to the program, not to Richard Bland College which admission requires proof of high school or GED completion. In this program, high school students enroll in college courses on the Richard Bland College campus while earning high school and college credit. Students may elect to attend on a part-time or a full-time basis. They may enroll for the fall or spring semester or during any summer session. The purposes of this program are to:

• Allow exceptional students accelerated entry into the college curriculum
• Encourage academically capable students to strive for challenges and the maximum use of their abilities
• Bridge the gap between high school and college and to permit the college-bound student the experience of functioning in the college setting prior to graduating from high school
• Provide courses not normally available in the curriculum of area high schools and
• Provide opportunities for qualified high school students to earn dual-credit in certain approved subject areas

Students who are interested in this program should contact their high school Guidance Counselor. If the student has a grade point average of 3.0 and is recommended by the Guidance Counselor, the student is welcome to apply. The student next completes the Dual Enrollment Application (select HSCP option within the application), and requests that an official high school transcript be forwarded to the Office of Admissions where eligibility to enroll in the program is determined. If the student is eligible the RBC Enrollment Services representative works with the high school Guidance Counselor to select appropriate course work that will meet high-school graduation requirements and further the student’s interests through advanced course work. The High School College Course Approval Form is completed and signed by the high school Guidance Counselor and the student’s legal guardian. Questions about the High School College Program should be directed to Enrollment Services.

Off-Campus Dual Enrollment Program

Richard Bland College offers a number of dual-enrollment classes for qualified high school juniors and seniors at several area high schools. Interested students should contact their guidance counselors to determine if courses are available at their respective schools.

Credits for courses successfully completed may be used toward a degree at Richard Bland College or may be transferred to another college or university. Credits earned under this program will be officially recorded upon receipt of the certification of high school graduation. Students who plan to enter another institution after graduating from high school are advised to check with that institution concerning transfer of credits earned through the dual-enrollment program. Questions about this program should be directed to Enrollment Services.

Middle College Program

The Middle College Program is a partnership between Richard Bland College and area high schools (Petersburg City Public Schools and Sussex County Public Schools), and is located on the RBC campus. The Program enrolls qualified juniors who are selected by designated administrators at the area high schools. Middle College students who successfully complete their first year at Richard Bland College advance to their senior year at PHS and move into their second year at RBC simultaneously. This program allows students an opportunity to complete requirements for high school graduation while earning college credits concurrently, also known as Dual Enrollment credits. Students will complete their high school diploma requirements at the campus of Richard Bland College. For more information, please contact the appropriate high school Guidance Office and/or RBC Enrollment Services (804) 862-6100 ext 6249.

Student Veterans and Active-Duty Students

Richard Bland College proudly supports military veterans and those who actively serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. Our faculty and staff are committed to helping military students succeed in their academic and professional endeavors. The Office of the Veterans Affairs within Financial Aid at RBC serves as the liaison for all military- related matters at the College.

Military-Related Priority Registration

Students who are actively serving the United States of America in any capacity may seek priority registration from the Office of Records & Registration. Active duty and other military personnel may find scheduling courses difficult given the nature of their individual military commitments and schedule. Priority Registration enables military-related students to plan and schedule courses in a way that will work best for their goal of seeking a degree. Priority Registration allows students on active military duty to schedule their classes in advance if they have documentation to support the necessity of priority registration. Priority Registration can occur any time prior to classes beginning in the regular terms. It may consist of early registration as well as course and capacity overrides with proper permissions. Military-related students who may need Priority Registration should take the following steps:

• Make an appointment with the Registrar or appropriate staff member
• Bring appropriate documentation (military ID card, activation or related military orders) to establish military-related status

Once established, the Registrar or appropriate personnel will work in conjunction with the assigned Learner Mentor to prepare a schedule that will most effectively serve to meet the needs of the student in progress toward a degree. If students have a major Academic Hold, we will seek to resolve the holds prior to priority registration, but holds related to honor court, behavior infractions, outstanding financial debt, or academic suspension must be cleared by the student prior to registration.

RBC Priority Registration occurs for sophomores and first-year students each term. Those dates are set and approved by senior staff each year. Military-related students may seek priority registration prior to, during, and leading up to the last day to add a course in the regular term. If extenuating circumstances exist, the student may seek approval from the faculty member and the Provost to enroll after the last day to add a course.

These registration and other military-related policies will be made available to students via the RBC website and paper brochures. Faculty and staff will have access to this information via orientations, workshops, and College email.

Military-Related Transfer Evaluation

RBC exercises due diligence in evaluating and determining its acceptance or rejection of transfers. RBC awards credit granted by regionally accredited Virginia institutions awarded through regular study at the awarding institutions when that credit is either an equivalent course or when that credit can be used as a special topics credit.

RBC shall exercise care in evaluating and determining its acceptance or rejection of each of the following methods as elements of these processes:

Awarding credit for appropriate learning acquired in military service at levels consistent with the American Council on Education (ACE) Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services and/or those transcripted by the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)

Awarding credit for successful performance on national for-credit examination programs such as The College Board College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Awarding credit based upon individualized portfolio evaluation, which may be conducted by the Registrar and, when necessary, by coordinating with the department chairs, and granting transfer credit only if the grade of “C-” or better was obtained or a “CR” (credit) was obtained in a course taken with “credit-no credit” grading.

Military-Related Tuition and Benefits

The following individuals shall be charged a rate of tuition not to exceed the in-state rate for tuition and fees purposes:

• A Veteran using education assistance under either chapter 30 (Montgomery G.I. Bill – Active Duty Program) or chapter 33 (Post-9/11 G.I.Bill), of title 38, United States Code, who lives in Virginia while attending a school located in Virginia (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of discharge or release from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in Virginia while attending a school located in Virginia (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of the transferor’s discharge or release from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
• Anyone described above while he or she remains continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or terms) at the same school. The person so described must have enrolled in the school prior to the expiration of the three-year period following discharge or release as described above and must be using educational benefits under either chapter 30 or chapter 33, of title 38, United States Code.
• Anyone using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311(b)(9)) who lives in Virginia while attending a school located in Virginia (regardless of his/her formal State of residence).
• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in Virginia while attending a school located in Virginia (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and the transferor is a member of the uniformed service who is serving on active duty.

Readmission

A student who does not register for one or more semesters but is eligible to return to Richard Bland College must submit an updated Application for Admission to be readmitted to the College.

Students who are under suspension from this or any other college are not permitted to enroll in any program of the College for one full semester following suspension. (Summer sessions do not count as a full semester). Credits earned at another institution while under suspension from RBC are not transferable. A student under suspension must reapply to the College, using the Application for Admission. A student who has been suspended for a second time from Richard Bland College or from any other institution of higher education, will not be considered for readmission/admission.

Admission Tests

We request that applicants with a high school GPA under 2.75 take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) of the College Entrance Examination Board or the American College Test (ACT) of the American College Testing Program. Test scores should be sent directly to the College. These scores may be used to assist in admissions decisions as well as placement into first semester courses.

Placement Tests

Incoming First-Year Students will be placed in their initial English and math courses based on their SAT or ACT scores at the time of admission. Students may choose to complete an optional placement test to enroll in a higher-level course. Transfer students who have not completed a college-level English or math course will be required to take a placement test to be placed in their RBC English or math courses. Students who are placed in developmental English and/or mathematics are required to enroll in such course(s) during the first semester of enrollment. They must continue to enroll in the course(s) until a grade of “C” or better is received. Students who place into any remedial courses are strongly encouraged to embark on summer remedial work, to help ensure the timeline for their degree progress is not delayed.

Recommended placement in modern languages by years of high school study with:

• One year of high school study, enroll in 101 or 102, or take placement exam
• Two years, enroll in 201 or take placement exam
• Three years, no credit given for 101 or 102, enroll in 201
• Four years, no credit given for 101-202, students may enroll in upper-intermediate

Advanced Placement (AP)/International Baccalaureate (IB)*

Richard Bland College recognizes the Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Tests of the College Entrance Examination Board as legitimate means of acquiring college credit for qualified students who have completed college level courses while enrolled in an accredited secondary school. It is the responsibility of the student to see that official transcripts from the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board are furnished to the Registrar to be evaluated by the appropriate academic officer. Credit will be awarded on the basis of recommendations suggested by the American Council on Education (ACE) and approved by the faculty of Richard Bland College. These hours are not used, however, in the computation of the student’s Richard Bland College grade point average. Richard Bland College will allow credit for scores on the AP Subject Examinations as follows:

International Baccalaureate IB Subject Examinations

Richard Bland College will allow credit for scores on the IB subject examinations as follows:

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Richard Bland College awards college credit to students who score satisfactorily on the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). The maximum number of semester credits awarded to a student for CLEP General Examinations and/or Subject Examinations is 30. These hours are not used in the computation of the student’s Richard Bland College grade point average. Generally a student may not attempt credit by examination for a course in which a failing grade was received, or for a basic course in an area in which acceptable college credits have been earned at a more advanced level. Credits awarded will not exceed those awarded by CLEP; for example, French Language Level 1 will be awarded six credits for FREN 101 -FREN 102 , instead of the eight credits that would be earned if the student completed the courses at Richard Bland College.

Students seeking to register for a CLEP exam should go to: clep.collegeboard.org/register/exam.

It is the responsibility of the student to request that official transcripts from the College Level Examination Program be sent directly to the Registrar’s Office at Richard Bland College in order to be evaluated by the appropriate academic officer.

Richard Bland College will allow credit for scores on the CLEP Subject Examinations as follows:

Alternative Educational Opportunities

To serve better the citizens of the Commonwealth, Richard Bland College offers a number of alternative educational opportunities as outlined in the following paragraphs. Students may work with a faculty member through Independent Study or Directed Study. Evening and online courses are offered during the fall and spring semesters as well as during the summer for those who are unable to participate in the traditional academic schedule. Teacher recertification courses are offered on a regular basis. In addition, special on-campus programs are available to advanced high school students, members of the armed forces, and senior citizens. Richard Bland College awards college credit to students who score satisfactorily on the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and also recognizes the Advanced Placement (AP) Tests for college-level courses completed while enrolled in an accredited secondary school.

Directed Study

This opportunity for non-classroom teaching and learning follows the syllabus in all respects except for class attendance. Offered only under exceptional circumstances, this option requires approval by and participation of a Richard Bland College faculty member as well as approval of the Provost. Grading follows the traditional system.

Independent Study

This opportunity for non-classroom teaching and learning is initiated by a student who desires an in-depth study of a topic not found in the curriculum. The content and learning objectives are suggested by the student and approved by a faculty mentor and by the Provost. No more than three credit hours may be earned through this option. Grading may be either pass/fail or traditional.

Evening and Online College

Evening and online courses have the same credit status as day courses. A schedule of offerings is available from the Office of Records & Registration by calling (804) 862-6238, or by going to the College website.

Summer Sessions

The purpose of the summer session is to provide the opportunity for college students and other adults to further their educational programs during the summer and to enable high school graduates to begin college work prior to the fall semester. Richard Bland College offers a variety of courses during the months between the end of the Spring semester and the beginning of the Fall Semester.

Students who have completed their junior year in high school and meet specific criteria, high school graduates, and students from other colleges and universities who are eligible to return to the institution they last attended may be considered for enrollment in the Richard Bland College summer session as nondegree-seeking students.

There are numerous course offerings available during the day and evening for students who desire to accelerate their program or to make up academic deficiencies. A student may enroll in up to fifteen credit hours during the summer. A schedule of summer offerings is available from the Office of the Records & Registration or by going to the College website.

Teacher Recertification

Specialized courses designed for teacher recertification are offered. Teachers may enroll in these courses and earn up to three credits for each course. These courses are restricted to public or private school teachers. A schedule of teacher recertification offerings is available from the Office of the Registrar.

Pre-teacher Education

Students considering a career in teaching at the elementary, middle, or high-school level are urged to meet with their Learner Mentor upon admission. Students are also encouraged to visit the Virginia Department of Education’s site for general information at http://www.doe.virginia.gov/index.shtml. Information regarding teacher licensure in the Commonwealth can be found at http://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching/licensure/index.shtml 

The guaranteed program articulation in Education with The College of William & Mary creates opportunities for students to enroll in Richard Bland College courses which may be applied to the nonprofessional subject majors required of each William & Mary candidate for teacher recertification at either the elementary or secondary level. Richard Bland College students are able to transfer with junior status. All professional education courses will be taken at William & Mary.

Through Longwood University, students can enroll in EDUC - 200 Introduction to the Teaching Profession , to learn more about what is involved in preparing for and becoming a classroom teacher. RBC and Longwood have developed a recommended program of study so that students pursuing an Associate Degree at Richard Bland will be able to transfer with junior standing when they transfer to Longwood. Volunteer opportunities for tutoring and classroom assistance are also available.

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps – ROTC Cross Enrollment Agreement with Virginia State University

The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Program consists of the basic course and the advanced course. The basic course is normally pursued during the first and sophomore years. The advanced course is pursued during the junior and senior years. Each advanced course student is entitled to a monthly allowance for up to 10 months per year. Each advanced course student is required to attend a six-week ROTC summer camp at the completion of his/her junior year. Successful completion of the ROTC program qualifies the student for appointment as a second lieutenant in the Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard. For more information call (804) 524-5537.

Students with previous military experience may be given credit for certain military science prerequisites. No more than four (4) military science credits may be applied toward an Associate Degree.

Opportunities for Senior Citizens

A senior citizen who is age 60 or older and a resident of Virginia is offered special opportunities at Richard Bland College. In accordance with guidelines outlined in the Code of Virginia, §23- 38.56, a senior citizen may be permitted to:

• Register for and enroll in courses as a full-time or part-time student for academic credit and pay no tuition if such senior citizen either had a taxable individual income not exceeding $15,000 for Virginia income tax purposes or qualified for property tax relief pursuant to the code of Virginia § 58.1-3210, for the year preceding the year in which enrollment is sought
• Register for and enroll in courses for audit and pay no tuition, regardless of income

Such senior citizens shall pay no tuition or fees except fees established for the purpose of paying for course materials, such as laboratory fees. They will be subject to the admission requirements of the College. Tuition-paying students are accommodated in courses before senior citizens participating in this program are enrolled; however, the College may make individual exceptions to these procedures when the senior citizen has completed 75 percent of the requirements for a degree. Senior citizens whose annual income exceeds $15,000 for Virginia income tax purposes and who wish to register and enroll in courses for academic credit will be required to pay the prevailing tuition and fees.