Southern Virginia University

• Apply

• Visit

• Enroll

• Cost & Aid

• FAQs

• Contact

Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions

Q: How do I apply to Southern Virginia University?

A: Application procedures are specific to each type of applicant. However, unless you are a student returning to Southern Virginia, you should start with our online application. For more information about how to apply, review the appropriate section in the Application Process section of our website.

Start Your Application

Back to top

Q: Do I have to apply online?

Back to top

Q: How do I contact Admissions at Southern Virginia?

A: Mailing address:

Back to top

Q: What is the application deadline?

A: Southern Virginia University uses a “rolling admissions” process that encourages students to complete their applications early and incentivizes those who do so with guaranteed decision notification dates and discounted registration deposits. Students may be admitted after the third application deadline according to classroom space and residence hall availability. However, students who complete the admissions process early usually have more options for their class schedule and residence hall selections.

Fall 2013 Application Deadlines

1. January 1, 2013: Applicants who complete and submit their applications (including test scores and/or transcripts) will receive notification of an admissions decision by January 15, 2013.
2. April 1, 2013: Applicants who complete and submit their applications (including test scores and/or transcripts) will receive notification of an admissions decision by April 16, 2013.
3. June 1, 2013: Applicants who complete and submit their applications (including test scores and/or transcripts) will receive notification of an admissions decision by June 11, 2013.

Applicants may be admitted after the June 1, 2013 deadline according to classroom and residence hall availability.

Fall 2013 Registration Deposit Deadlines

1. January 31, 2013: Registration deposits paid on or before January 31, 2013 are $150. Students who deposit early usually have more class schedule options available to them.
2. March 31, 2013: Deposits paid on or before March 31, 2013 are $200.
3. April 1, 2013: (Standard Deposit) Deposits paid on or after April 1, 2013 are $250.

Back to top

Q: I was homeschooled. Can I apply to Southern Virginia?

A: Absolutely. Homeschooled students are encouraged to apply and are accepted to Southern Virginia University on a regular basis. Review the Homeschooled Student application procedures.

Back to top

Q: Can I fax or email my transcripts?

A: It depends. Southern Virginia University requires that all incoming students submit official high school and/or college transcripts for all institutions attended prior to Southern Virginia. However, in order to expedite the admissions process, the Office of Admissions will accept transcripts sent via fax or email in order to make an admissions decision only. Students who fax or email transcripts must also mail official transcripts prior to enrollment, or they will not be admitted to Southern Virginia.

High school senior applicants must submit official, final transcripts that reflect final senior grades and graduation. Official transcripts must be mailed directly to Southern Virginia University in an envelope sealed by the institution providing the transcripts or emailed through a certified third-party such as Docufide.com.

Send transcripts to:

Back to top

Q: Is the Ecclesiastical Endorsement required for everyone?

A: The Ecclesiastical Endorsement is a requirement for all students seeking admission to Southern Virginia University, regardless of their religious affiliation. A student who does not sign the Student Pledge or receive an endorsement from an ecclesiastical leader will not be considered for admission to Southern Virginia. An Ecclesiastical Endorsement for the fall semester should be submitted by May 1.

Back to top

Q: My GPA and/or test scores are below the minimum requirements. Can I still apply?

A: Students with a GPA below 2.5 on an un-weighted scale or a test score lower than an ACT 18 or three-part SAT 1210 may be offered provisional acceptance. Students accepted with provisional status are required to meet all the requirements of the Academic Success course in their first semester before they can be granted full acceptance to the university. Failure to meet the contractual requirements of this course may result in dismissal from the university.

Back to top

Academics

Q: Is Southern Virginia University accredited?

A: Yes. Southern Virginia University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia certifies Southern Virginia University to operate and grant baccalaureate degrees. Additionally, Southern Virginia is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in federal financial aid programs.

Back to top

Q: What is a liberal arts education?

A: The liberal arts are the cornerstone disciplines of education: the humanities, sciences, social sciences and mathematics. The purpose of a liberal arts education is to help students hone their capacities to speak and write effectively, analyze and interpret information, and form and then express enlightened opinions. Learn more about liberal arts at Southern Virginia.

Back to top

Q: Are classes difficult?

A: We cannot say whether you will find our classes difficult, but we can tell you that we will challenge you to be your best and to work hard. (Imagine paying your hard-earned dollars on tuition only to have cakewalk classes in which you learn very little!)

Back to top

Q: What help is available if I get behind in my classes?

A: The first lifeline in every class is your professor. Each faculty member has office hours during which you can visit and ask additional questions—something nearly all of our students take advantage of. We also provide tutors when you need extra help.

Back to top

Q: Will my credits transfer?

A: No matter which university you attend, students who choose to transfer will almost always lose some credits. Southern Virginia has formal articulation agreements with Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University that help with the transfer of credits for students who transfer from or to those institutions. We are currently pursuing similar agreements with other institutions.

It is up to each individual school to decide whether they will accept credits from any particular institution. As is common with most schools, students may occasionally experience difficulty trying to transfer credits from Southern Virginia to another school. In those situations, we will do our best to work with those specific universities on a case by case basis to help our students transfer their credits.

Back to top

Q: What credentials do Southern Virginia professors have?

A: Southern Virginia University professors are highly qualified to teach. Four-in-five have the terminal degree (Ph.D., M.F.A., etc.) in their fields.

Back to top

Q: Will a Teacher’s Assistant be teaching my classes?

A: Unlike large universities, highly qualified faculty members, not teaching assistants, always teach Southern Virginia University classes.

Back to top

Q: How long will it take me to graduate?

A: Southern Virginia University offers students a four-year graduation guarantee. Students who follow our academic plan and do not graduate in four years can take any remaining classes for free. Students who take summer courses and Institute can graduate in as little as three years.

Back to top

Q: What Travel Study trips are available?

A: Our nationally recognized and innovative Travel Study program offers 10-15 foreign and domestic trips each year. Learn more about Travel Study.

Back to top

Costs and Financial Aid

Q: How much does Southern Virginia cost?

A: It depends on you. Nearly every student at Southern Virginia University is offered a scholarship based on his or her GPA and ACT/SAT score—few, if any, pay the full tuition price. Current, up-to-date information regarding tuition and fees is available through Student Financial Services.

In addition, we offer a variety of other scholarships, grants and discounts. Learn more about types of available aid.

Back to top

Q: How can I get more scholarships?

A: In addition to the scholarships and grants offered by the university, there are many scholarships offered by private organizations. We encourage our students to apply for as many private scholarships as possible. Learn more about available scholarships.

Back to top

Q: Does Southern Virginia offer athletic scholarships?

A: Because Southern Virginia is in the exploratory process of NCAA Division III membership, the university does not offer any athletic scholarships. Athletes are encouraged to apply for other institutional scholarships and grants.

Back to top

Q: Can I find jobs on campus?

A: Many students find jobs on campus or in the local community. Explore the listings of current job openings. Preference for on campus jobs will be given to those students eligible for work-study. Work-study will be awarded as part of your financial aid package with Student Financial Services.

Back to top

Student Life

Q: What is there to do for fun on campus?

A: Southern Virginia hosts a variety of activities nearly every week of the semester to allow students to get involved and have fun. In addition to movie nights, dances, sporting events, etc., students also find countless ways to get involved on campus in student clubs and organizations. When no activity is scheduled, The Kimball Student Center provides a relaxed atmosphere with pool tables, Ping-Pong, air hockey, video games, and other ways to kick back and have a good time. Learn more about ways to have fun.

Back to top

Q: What is there to do off campus?

In three hours or less students could be touring the National Capitol or the Washington D.C. Temple, visiting Thomas Jefferson’s home in Monticello, or checking out dozens of other must-see attractions around historic Virginia. Locally there are two movie theaters, shopping, restaurants, art galleries and museums. If you prefer the outdoors, you can hike, bicycle, camp and explore in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. With two other colleges in a 10-mile radius, there is always something happening. Learn more about ways to have fun off campus.

Back to top

Q: What types of housing are available?

A: Southern Virginia offers several housing options for students including traditional residence halls, houses shared by multiple students and townhouse-style apartments. On-campus housing options for married students include the Gayle Smith Apartments. View housing options at Southern Virginia.

Back to top

Q: What’s the percentage of guys and girls at Southern Virginia?

A: Nearly even: 52 percent women, 48 percent men.

Back to top

Q: How can I get involved on campus?

A: There are many ways for you to get involved on campus and make friends. Here are just a few ideas: attend your ward and Institute activities, try out for a play, sign up for intramurals, join a club, serve in the community, etc. Learn more about opportunities to participate.

Back to top

Q: What is the Code of Honor?

A: The Code of Honor is a set of standards for personal conduct that encourages members of the university community to live as leader-servants. The Code of Honor is based on the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. By signing the Student Pledge on their Ecclesiastical Endorsement, all students, as a condition of admission, commit to abide by and uphold the Code of Honor at all times and in all places while they are enrolled at Southern Virginia University regardless of their religious affiliation. Learn more about the Code of Honor.

Back to top

Latter-day Saint Environment

Q: How many student wards are there?

A: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints operates six wards for young single adults at Southern Virginia University.

Back to top

Q: Do I have to take Institute classes? Are religion courses required?

A: Institute courses are not required at Southern Virginia University, but all students are highly encouraged to enroll in an institute class. Students can receive up to eight hours of elective credit by taking Institute classes without any additional costs. Learn more about the Buena Vista Institute of Religion.

Back to top

Q: What if I’m not Mormon?

A: Although the majority of our students are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, members of other faiths are welcome on campus and are encouraged to be active in their own faith.

Back to top

Miscellaneous

Q: Do I need a computer?

A: Laptops and computers are not required but are highly recommended. Computers with Internet access and printers are available in the Library and in the computer lab for students who are unable to bring their own computer.

Back to top

Q: Do I need a car?

A: No, you do not need a car at Southern Virginia University. Many services are available within walking distance of campus. The library shuttle transports students to and from the libraries at nearby Washington & Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute and to other locations, such as Walmart, for $1.

Back to top

Q: Can freshman have cars?

A: Yes, but it is not necessary.

Back to top

Q: Where’s the nearest airport? How do I get to campus from the airport?

A: The Roanoke Regional Airport is only 50 miles from campus. The university provides shuttles to and from the Roanoke Airport for $25 each way.

Back to top

Q: What if a student has a medical emergency?

A: In addition to having a fulltime nurse on campus in the Student Health Center, the university employs two fulltime athletic trainers for athletic injuries. There are medical clinics and physician’s offices near campus, as well as a full-service hospital only seven miles away.

Back to top

Q: Does Southern Virginia have a blog or Facebook page?

A: Yes, we have both. Follow Southern Virginia on Facebook and our blog.

Back to top

Q: What speakers have you had on campus?

A: We welcome a wide variety of excellent and inspirational speakers to our campus for our weekly forums and devotionals as well as the Leadership Lecture Series. Past speakers include Sister Julie B. Beck, Stephen R. Covey, Robert Millet, Clayton M. Christensen, and others. Download audio from recent speeches.

Back to top

Q: Are there internship opportunities?

A: There are a growing number of internship opportunities on campus for interested students. In addition, our Career Development Center can introduce students to internships that will prepare them for life in the workplace.

Back to top