DIRECTORY - Southwest Virginia Community College

CREDIT BY ADVANCED PLACEMENT, EXAMINATION OR
EXPERIENCE
The College offers opportunities for award of credit or advanced standing to students
who demonstrate competency in specific subject areas. Included are arrangements for credit
based upon successful completion of Advanced Placement courses/examinations in high
school and for successful completion of structured testing programs such as the CLEP
(previously described). It is also possible for students to receive credit for educational and
work experiences which are applicable to SVCC courses and programs.
Persons desiring to explore the receipt of credit through such means are invited to
contact the appropriate instructional division, the Admissions Office, or the Dean of
Instruction.
DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION
The Academic Success Program provides assistance for students needing improvement
of basic skills required for credit courses. Research on student success indicates students
who strengthen basic skills needed for credit courses before enrolling in them are more
likely to remain in college and to perform with success.
Student advisors review students' scores on placement instruments - either the ASSET
or the COMPASS. When students' scores fall below those required for enrollment in credit
courses, advisors help students register for the developmental courses needed. After
successfully completing the developmental courses, students may enroll in the credit courses
required in their programs.
Courses available include Preparation for College Writing I and II, Reading
Improvement I and II, Basic Arithmetic, Basic Algebra I and II, Biology 20, and Chemistry
05. Courses that provide additional support for students include Study Skills and College
Survival Skills. Further support is available in the Learning Assistance Center (Russell
Hall), the Pre-Employment Training Center (Tazewell Hall), and Student Support Services
(Buchanan Hall).
DIRECTED INDEPENDENT STUDY
A student wishing to take approved college courses by independent study must gain
approval of one of the full-time instructors of the course and must complete a written contract
prior to registration. A copy of the contract will be forwarded to the appropriate division
chair for final approval. The contract will specify the requirements to be completed by the
student, including tests, periodic class attendance, and term papers. The student must
successfully complete all requirements of the contract to obtain credit for the course. Any
student in any program may take advantage of independent study with approval.
Certain conditions, such as the student’s grade point average, number of previously
completed credits, maximum allowable independent study courses, etc., apply.