Admissions Information - FAQs
Will I get personal attention at Virginia Union University?
Why is a liberal arts education important?
Who will help me if I need tutoring or other services to do my best?
What kind of experiential learning opportunities are available to me?
What activities and events take place on campus?
How do I get involved in student organizations and clubs?
Do I have to prequalify to join the band or choir? What about sports teams?
Can I bring my car to campus?
Where do most students hang out between or after classes?
What does HBCU mean?
What are the residence halls like?
What if I need help with my course work?
How much will books and other class materials cost?
Can I set up a payment plan for my tuition and fees?
How safe is the campus?
Is there a bus line that services the University and Richmond?
How will I be notified of my admission application decision?
What's UNCF?
Are there any famous VUU alumni?
What's the first step in applying for financial assistance?
How do I know whether I'll qualify for aid?
Do I need to apply separately for state funding programs?
Can I apply for financial aid on-line?
When should I apply?
Will I get personal attention at Virginia Union University?
The answer to this question is definitely YES! Students often name the faculty as VUU's #1 advantage. Our faculty members are involved both in and out of the classroom. To ensure their availability to you, our student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. If you need extra help outside of class, you'll find that professors have an open door and a genuine willingness to help. Faculty members also find time to serve as academic advisors and mentors for student organizations and clubs.
Why is a liberal arts education important?
We are preparing leaders for the future of the world in which we live. As a liberal arts institution, Virginia Union University requires that all students complete a core curriculum of courses from the humanities, natural sciences, mathematics, and social sciences. In the "real world," multiculturalism, diversity, technology, versatility, and values are the main ingredients for success and fulfillment. Outstanding speaking, writing, and critical thinking skills are paramount. Therefore, we emphasize this core curriculum so our students will be well-rounded professionals who are able to communicate and serve as leaders after graduation.
Who will help me if I need tutoring or other services to do my best?
At Virginia Union University, support and resources are all around you. When you enroll as a new student, a faculty member will be assigned to be your academic advisor, and you will meet with him or her during your first week on campus. It's best to keep your advisor apprised of your successes as well as your struggles. At VUU we have numerous resources and services on campus to help you through any challenge; these include student affairs, faculty members, residence life staffs, library staff, deans, mathematics and writing tutorial support, and much more!
What kind of experiential learning opportunities are available to me?
At VUU, you will discover many opportunities outside of the classroom that will help advance your education. You can take part in internships concentrating on special projects and operational experiences with community organizations and businesses. Or you may opt to get involved in a cooperative educational program that allows you to gain work experience, credit hours, and funds to assist with your college expenses. The VUU Office of Career Planning and Placement can help you find the experiential learning opportunities that are right for you!
What activities and events take place on campus?
At VUU, there's always something going on! Whatever your interests, you'll find an activity or event that will captivate you. Here's a sampling of some major happenings at VUU: annual festivities like Homecoming, Black History Month, PantherFest Week, Community Learning Week, and the Winter Choir Concert (a VUU musical tradition); great entertainment like Panther sports events, step shows, dances, and movie nights; and character-building activities such as weekly chapel services and seminars and workshops on résumé writing, etiquette, and African-American history.
How do I get involved in student organizations and clubs?
Getting involved is easy at VUU--students are always welcomed and encouraged to participate! The Office of Student Activities in Henderson Center maintains a roster of all student organizations -- including organizations social, academic, and Greek groups--so you can look for activities that will most interest you. Each organization at VUU has a written mission statement as well as a leadership structure. To get involved all you need to do is contact the group's designated president/editor--or just go to an organizational meeting (they're publicized on campus).
Do I have to prequalify to join the band or choir? What about sports teams?
Student musical and performance groups hold try-outs so all Unionites have an opportunity to get involved. It's a good idea to get started early and make your interest in a particular group known to faculty advisors and student leaders. As for involvement in Panther intercollegiate athletic teams, you need to let coaches know of your interest and talent in advance, so contact the Office of Admissions for assistance in getting in touch with the coaching staff as soon as possible. And if intercollegiate athletics are not your thing, consider joining one of our intramural activities on campus. The more involved you become in activities at VUU, the more you'll get out of your education.
Can I bring my car to campus?
VUU students are allowed to bring their cars to campus. Decals are required and can be purchased through University Police (Pickford Hall) for each academic school year. Students must park their cars in designated Student Parking areas.
Where do most students hang out between or after classes?
One of the most popular places on campus is The Square, a red brick patio area in front of Henderson Center (inside HC you can grab a sandwich at the sub shop or check your mail in the post office). The new library is also a place students like to hang out between classes--it's an opportunity to catch up on the latest periodicals (the library has lots of great reading spots) or go surf the Web for information and research projects.
What does HBCU mean?
An HBCU is an acronym for a historically black college or university. Virginia Union University was founded in 1865 "to give the newly emancipated an opportunity for freeing the mind in an ethical, humanistic environment." VUU is a charter member of The College Fund/UNCF, a consortium of select HBCUs across the nation. Today the University opens its doors to all qualified students and welcomes diversity among faculty and staff as well as the student body.
What are the residence halls like?
VUU offers residence halls that house just men and just women. Most halls are historic campus structures with interesting and unique characteristics, though some are more modern. All residence halls are within easy walking distance of each other. All rooms are doubles with baths shared by other members of that floor. Each room is furnished with beds, dressers, closets, and desks.
What if I need help with my course work?
VUU has a number of resources available to help you with your academic work, but it's important to understand that you must seek out that assistance. Your academic advisor, faculty members, deans, and the Basic Skills Program can offer tutoring and other types of special assistance. There is also a math lab, writing lab, and social science lab designed to help you do your best work.
How much will books and other class materials cost?
You should set aside $300-$500 each semester for books and materials. These costs will vary with your class selections. The campus bookstore located inside the L. Douglas Wilder Library can help you with your planning.
Can I set up a payment plan for my tuition and fees?
The Financial Affairs staff can assist you and your family in plans for funding your college tuition and fees. Special payment plans can be arranged, but they must be done in advance of your enrollment and registration. The best place to begin is by meeting with a representative of the Office of Financial Aid when you visit campus.
How safe is the campus?
Virginia Union University maintains a safe campus environment with the help of campus community members and a 24-hour University Police Department. Also beneficial is Richmond City's Police Training Academy at the north end of campus, which is home to VUU's Criminology/Criminal Justice Program. There are also several call boxes strategically located around campus.
Is there a bus line that services the University and Richmond?
Yes. The Greater Richmond Transit Co. operates a metropolitan bus line with stops at the north end of campus. You can travel GRTC to shopping malls, events, and appointments all around Richmond. You'll also be pleased to discover that many shops and banks are within walking distance of VUU.
How will I be notified of my admission application decision?
Once the Office of Admissions has received your completed admissions application and all required transcripts, recommendations, documents, fee, and test scores, the Admissions Committee will review all materials. You will receive a letter by mail from the Admissions Office notifying you of the Committee's decision.
What's UNCF?
UNCF, a consortium of select HBCUs--some 40 institutions of higher learning across the nation--is now known as The College Fund/UNCF. It's the nation's oldest and most successful African American higher education assistance organization. The College Fund's programs include partnerships with corporations and foundations, scholarships and internships, and the new Frederick D. Patterson Institute (a research institute on African Americans and education).
Are there any famous VUU alumni?
There are plenty! Our best known include L. Douglas Wilder ('51), our nation's first elected African-American governor, and Charles Oakley ('85), with the New York Knicks. These folks also got their start at VUU:
* Randall Robinson ('67), executive director and founder of TransAfrica;
* Dr. Jean L. Harris ('51), the first African-American graduate of the Medical College of Virginia and the first African-American woman to serve in the Governor's Cabinet in Virginia;
* Dr. Howard Jones, Jr. ('43), holder of 31 U.S. patents;
* Justice Howard E. Bell ('41), serving on the New York Supreme Court;
* John F. Merchant ('55), the first African-American graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law and the speaker at the School's 1997 commencement ceremony;
* Judge Willard H. Douglas ('57), the first African-American judge in Virginia;
* Dr. Lucille Brown ('50), retired superintendent of the Richmond Public Schools;
* Stu Gardner ('90), musical director of The Cosby Show and A Different World;
* and many more, including 22 CEOs of colleges and universities around the nation.
What's the first step in applying for financial assistance?
Start by completing and filing the current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). On the FAFSA, be sure to list all colleges and universities you're considering attending and double check to make sure your social security number is listed correctly on the application. It's best to have already-filed federal tax information available to complete the FAFSA. Four to six weeks after you submit your completed FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), which will also be sent to all colleges and universities listed on your FAFSA.
How do I know whether I'll qualify for aid?
Once Virginia Union University has received your admissions application and SAR, we can determine whether you'll qualify for any college-sponsored funding, such as merit scholarships, in addition to federal funding. Your financial aid "package" may include the following funding: Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Perkins Loan, Stafford Loan (subsidized/unsubsidized), Federal Work Study, Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant, CSPA, Parent PLUS Loan, VUU Grant, and Merit Scholarship. Virginia residents also may be awarded Virginia TAG and Virginia College Scholarship Assistance Program.
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Do I need to apply separately for state funding programs?
Yes. Virginia residents must complete and file the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) application, which is available from the VUU Office of Admissions (800-368-3227)
Can I apply for financial aid on-line?
Yes! You can apply on-line via FAFSA Express electronic processing, though you must still mail the required signature page. Check with these sources for on-line filing (for public use): your high school guidance office, public or state library, or local "officing" store (such as a Kinkos or Copyworks). You can also order FAFSA Express on diskette by calling 800-801-0576, or you can download a copy of the software program from the U.S. Department of Education's Web site. Remember to include VUU's Title IV code (003766) so your SAR will be sent automatically to Virginia Union University.
When should I apply?
It's important to apply as early as possible--that is, January 1 (for the Fall semester) or as soon as your Federal taxes for the previous tax year have been filed. You cannot apply earlier than January 1. And remember, don't wait for a response to your admissions application before you apply for financial aid; file the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible--especially if financial aid will determine your college choice.
If you still have questions after reviewing the VUU site, please e-mail our office of Admissions.