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

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 eight 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 history
• Three units in mathematics
• Two units in science

Admission of 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
• 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 that are completed with a grade of “C” or better,from an approved accrediting post-secondary institution, or upon consultation with the Director of Academics, for which a matching Richard Bland College course is currently offered. With departmental approval credit may be awarded for courses not offered at RBC. Science, computer science, and mathematics courses over five years old will not be accepted for credit. A maximum of 30 transfer credit will be accepted toward any Associate Degree at Richard Bland College.

Transfer students accepted to Richard Bland College while on Academic probation at another institution, or with a GPA that would have resulted in being placed on probation at RBC, may only be accepted with academic probation status. If the transfer student admitted on probation cannot achieve good standing after their first semester at RBC, they will have accrued two semesters on academic probation resulting in academic suspension.

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 homeschool students. Homeschool students must provide a transcript of all coursework completed and a copy of the current homeschool agreement/intent letter from his/her local school district.  A homeschool 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 at Richard Bland College. If admitted, the student is admitted to the program, not to Richard Bland College which requires proof of high school or GED completion for full admission. In this program, high school students enroll in college courses on the Richard Bland College campus while earning high school and college credit. Students must attend on 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 RBC application for admission (select High School College Program 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 Department of Student Success 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. A Course Approval Form is completed and signed by the student, high school guidance counselor, and the student's legal guardian. Questions about the High School College program should be directed to the Office of Admissions.

*High School students wishing to enroll part-time at RBC will be considered part of the Dual Enrollment Program.

Off-Campus Dual Enrollment Program

Richard Bland College offers a number of dual-enrollment courses 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 their respective high school and move into their second year at RBC simultaneously. This program allows students an opportunity to complete requirements for high school graduation while working toward an RBC degree  concurrently. 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 Office of Admissions (804) 862-6100 ext. 6242.

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.  This institution is approved to offer GI Bill^® educational benefits by the Virginia State Approving Agency.

The Virginia State Approving Agency (SAA), is the approving authority of education and training programs for Virginia. This office investigates complaints of GI Bill^® beneficiaries. While most complaints should initially follow the school grievance policy, if the situation cannot be resolved at the school, the beneficiary should contact the office via email saa@dvs.virginia.gov.

GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Military-Related Priority Registration

Students who are actively serving the United States of America in any capacity may seek priority registration from the Learner Mentor. 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 courses in advance if they have documentation to support the necessity of priority registration. Priority Registration can occur any time prior to courses 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 a Learner Mentor/Guided Pathways Specialists or appropriate staff member
• Bring appropriate documentation (military ID card, activation or related military orders) to establish military-related status

Once established, the Learner Mentor/Guided Patheways Specialists will assist in preparing 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 Chief Academic Officer 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 the in-state rate, or otherwise considered a resident, for tuition purposes:

•  A veteran using educational 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 the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of their formal state of residence).
• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits who lives in the state where the IHL is located, and the transferor is a member of the uniformed service serving on active duty.
• A spouse or child using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311(b)(9) who lives in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of their formal state of residence).
• A spouse or child using benefits under Survivors' and Dependents' Education Assistance (Chapter 35) living in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of their formal state of residence).
•  An individual using educational assistance under chapter 31, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) who lives in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of their formal state of residence) effective for courses, semesters, or terms beginning after March 1, 2019
• Anyone described above remains continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or terms) at the same institution. Therefore, the described person must be enrolled in the institution and use educational benefits under Chapters 30, 31, or 33 of Title 38, United States Code.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018

The President signed into law the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018. It contains a provision (Section 103) that takes effect on August 1, 2019.

Beginning that date, for any student that's using Ch. 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill or Ch. 31 VocRehab benefits, even though VA has not yet paid tuition and fees, no institution (public, private, for profit, not for profit), can have a policy in effect that:

• prevents enrolling,
• assesses a late penalty fee,
• requires securing alternative or additional funding, or
• denies access to any school resources (access to courses, libraries, or other institutional facilities) that are available to other students that have paid.

Readmission

A student who does not register for three 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.

Students that have earned a degree from Richard Bland College and wish to register for additional courses after graduating, must submit a new application as a Non-Degree Seeking student to continue to take courses at RBC.

Placement Tests

Students may choose to complete an optional placement test to enroll in a higher-level course in Mathematics and English. They may request such a placement test from the respective Chair of the Natural Sciences and Mathematics department and/or the Languages and Humanities department.

English (ENGL) Placement Guidance 

Mathematics (MATH) Placement Guidance 

Richard Bland College uses transcript and test score data submitted by a prospective student at the time of admission to help determine that student's placement in their respective courses. In the case of a student who does not place at the same level based on their transcript, standardized test score(s), and/or advanced coursework, the highest placement will be available to the student. If a student feels they have been under-placed in Mathematics, they may request to take a placement exam for a higher-level course (the process of which is detailed under "Placement Tests"). Any student may opt to take a lower Math course than their placement indicates, with the exception of MATH 100 which is reserved for students who place at that level. It is recommended that students who have not taken a mathematics course within the past 2 years consider enrolling in a course one level below their placement level, but this is not required.

Mathematics courses at Richard Bland College are designed to promote critical thinking and analytical reasoning as they develop basic mathematical skills for beginning students in the liberal arts and sciences. There are five entry points into the mathematics curriculum for first-year students:

Level 1 = MATH 110 and MATH 100

Level 2 = MATH 110 or MATH 121

Level 3 = MATH 151, MATH 200, or MATH 217

Level 4 = MATH 254, MATH 251, or MATH 252

Level 5 = MATH 261, MATH 271

Both Level 2 courses, either MATH 110 or MATH 121, are college-level, credit-bearing mathematics courses used to fulfill the Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning graduation requirements for the A.A. and/or the A.S. degrees. To receive an A.A. degree, students must take at least one Math course at Level 2 (MATH 110 or MATH 121 or above). To receive an A.S. degree, students must take one Level 2 course (MATH 110 or MATH 121) and one at Level 3 course (MATH 151, MATH 200, or MATH 217) or above. Well-prepared students whose prospective majors require the traditional calculus sequence should take MATH 251, or MATH 252 as soon as possible. Students should be aware of the appropriate mathematics courses required for their planned majors and the four-year institutions to which they will transfer. If you have questions, ask your Learner Mentor/Guided Pathways Specialist, any Math faculty member or the Chair of the Department of Natural Science & Mathematics.

ADVISING NOTES

• MATH 100 is not designed for transfer credit but supports students in completing a corresponding section of MATH 121. This course is recommended for the student with less than two years of high school algebra (as indicated in the chart above). Topics include computation using real numbers, polynomials, applications of equations, and graphs of linear and quadratic equations, factoring of polynomials, rational expressions, linear and quadratic equations, rational exponents, and radicals.
• MATH 110 is a mathematics course for the non-STEM student. MATH 110 can be used to fulfill the Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning requirements for an A.S. degree.
• MATH 121 is a college algebra course designed to prepare the student for more advanced courses in mathematics such as statistics, calculus, and business calculus and pre-calculus. Students must earn an appropriate score on the math placement test or complete MATH 099 0 with a grade of C or higher before taking MATH 121.
• MATH 251 - MATH 252 is a two-semester calculus sequence for students who have successfully completed 3.5 or 4 units of high school mathematics (including trigonometry) and have received the appropriate score on the placement test, or students who have completed MATH 151 with a grade of C or higher.

Language (FREN and SPAN) Placement Guidance 

A student who has completed three or more years of a foreign language in high school must take a placement test before continuing in the same language. Students who have completed one or two years of a foreign language will begin with the 101 course, unless they opt to take the placement test and place at a higher level. This policy does not apply to students with AP credit in foreign language. Please contact Dr. Rachel Finney for placement testing information (rfinney@rbc.edu).

Students enrolling in the 201 level should be prepared to display mastery of:

• Verb Tenses: Do you feel confident in basic tenses: present, past tenses (preterite and imperfect for Spanish, passé composé and imparfait for French), and subjunctive? (If these do not sound familiar, 201 is not right for you)
• Basic Conversation. For example, the student should be able to conduct the following conversation in French or Spanish:
  • Recite your name, where you are from, and where you live now.
  • Tell a little about yourself (hobbies, interests, sports, work, anything you know how to say in Spanish/French).
  • Explain briefly (in 1-2 sentences) what you did yesterday.

Credit for Prior Learning

Richard Bland College recognizes the Advanced Placement Program from The College Board, 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 examinations for AP, IB, and CLEP as follows:

Advanced Placement (AP)

No credit given for examinations in Chinese, German, Italian, Japanese, and Latin.

International Baccalaureate IB Subject Examinations

No credit given for examinations in Arabic, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Greek, Japanese, Latin, Anthropology, Theory of Knowledge and Information Technology in Global Society.

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.

No credit given for exams in German, Information Systems, Introduction to Educational Psychology, Introductory Business Law, Natural Sciences, Principles of Marketing, and Social Sciences and History.

Cambridge Exams

Reverse Transfer 

Students who transfer to a four-year institution may be eligible to apply earned credits as reverse transfer in order to retroactively earn their associate degree from RBC.  Criteria for reverse transfer includes earning a minimum of 45 credits at RBC prior to transfer and being in good academic standing at the time of transferring from RBC. Reverse transfer credits will be reviewed in the same manner as traditional transfer credits.

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 Chief Academic Officer. 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 Chief Academic Officer. 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) 862-6100, 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 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 may be 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. If offered, a schedule of teacher recertification courses will be available in 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/Guided Pathways Specialist 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 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.

Richard Bland College's partnerships with the undergraduate education programs throughout Virginia have created opportunities for students to prepare for their teaching careers. As a result of these invaluable connections, the future teachers at RBC can make informed transfer decisions. Students must work with their Learner Mentor/Guided Pathways Specialist and the Introduction to the Teaching Profession (EDUC 200) Professor to align their RBC courses with the recommended program of study at their future institutions. Volunteer opportunities for tutoring and classroom assistance are available for students interested in teaching children and adults.

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

The Reserved Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Program consists of two parts: the basic course and the advanced course. The student normally pursues the basic course during the freshman and sophomore years, and the advanced course is normally pursued during the junior and senior years. Successful completion of the ROTC program qualifies the student for appointment as a second lieutenant in the Regular Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard. Mission of the Department To commission the future officer leadership of the U.S. Army and motivate young people to be better Americans. Objectives of the Department — to motivate selected students, — to provide an understanding of the nature and operation of the United States Army, — to develop the leadership and managerial potential of students, — to encourage the development of mental and moral standards essential to military service, and — to train students for commissioning in the United States Army, Army Reserves, or Army National Guard. Programs (Minor) in the Department A Minor in Military Science is offered with a minimum of 15 hours of study. MILITARY SCIENCE Course Descriptions MILS 101 INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP - 2 semester hours A study of the organization of the Army and ROTC, with emphasis on the local program and career opportunities for the ROTC graduates. Significance of military courtesy, discipline, customs and traditions of the service. MILS 102 INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP - 2 semester hours A study of the military as a profession, the historical growth and development of the Army, stressing the magnitude of management implications. Development of leadership through practical exercises. MILS 201 FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP - 2 semester hours A study of the functions, duties, and responsibilities of junior leaders, with continuing development of leadership through practical exercises. MILS 202 FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP - 2 semester hours A study of basic military skills and operations of the basic military team, to include military geography, and the use of maps and aerial photographs.

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. Students that do not enroll in the first semester (fall) or enroll in the (spring semester) will take the basic courses. Students with four years of JROTC experience and in their sophomore year, can enroll in the sophomore courses (MSCI 201 / 202). If they do not have that background, they can enroll in MSCI 101 / 102 courses. The student at RBC will have to attend Cadet Basic Camp at Fort Knox or equivalent training by completing Basic Training for the Army National Guard or Army Reserves to make up the credits for the first (4) military science credits and then attend a four-year university. For more information call (804) 524-5537.

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, a senior citizen may be permitted to:

• Register for and enroll in courses for academic credit as a full-time or part-time student if he had a taxable individual income not exceeding $23,850 for Virginia income tax purposes for the year preceding the award year
• Register for and audit up to three courses offered for academic credit in any one academic term, quarter, or semester for an unlimited number of academic terms, quarters, or semesters; and
• Register for and enroll in up to three courses not offered for academic credit in any one academic term, quarter, or semester for an unlimited number of academic terms, quarters, or semesters.

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 $23,850 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.