The Adult Studies Program (ASP) is designed to meet the needs of adult students (age 23 and older) who are employed in full or part-time jobs and/or involved in home and community commitments. Courses are offered for Bachelor of Arts degree seekers as well as individuals who wish to pursue enrichment or other short-term goals.
Going to college through the Adult Studies Program
A general information meeting will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2008 at 6 p.m. in Clarke Hall. At this meeting, you will receive information about our program and we welcome any questions you may have. If you have unofficial copies of transcripts from previous institutions, you may bring them with you. You also will be able to make an appointment with an adviser after the meeting. Please call 757.455.3263 or email us at asp@vwc.edu to make a reservation.
Small, supportive program
- Classes average fewer than 15 students, fostering a friendly community of learners
- Professors teach all classes - no teaching assistants
- A personal adviser will be with you throughout your education at Virginia Wesleyan College, with available evening hours
- Beautiful, safe and secure 300-acre campus
- "One Stop" office to conduct most college business - with both day and evening office hours
Easy transfer of credits for prior learning
- No time restrictions
- Accept most academic subject college-level work graded "C" or better
- Accept CLEP, DANTES and ACE evaluations
Convenient class times
Classes are conveniently scheduled to enable our students to meet their educational goals while managing work, family and other commitments. Classes accommodate the 9-to-5 workday with:
- Evening classes, usually one night a week from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Weekend classes on alternate weekends
- Friday evenings from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Saturday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Modified Distance Learning classes, with fewer meetings and more course work done over the Internet
Office hours that accomodate your schedule
- Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Saturdays - when classes are held - 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Financial incentives
- Tuition deferral with employer tuition assistance
- Adult Incentive Grant substantially reduces ASP tuition from day rates (provided automatically to all ASP students)
- Veterans' educational benefits
- Financial Aid: government grants and loans available
The ASP environment
Will I feel comfortable there ?
We believe you will. The Virginia Wesleyan campus is small, friendly, beautiful, and safe. If you have needs or concerns, the faculty and staff of the Adult Studies Program are ready to help. In fact, many of your transactions at Virginia Wesleyan – whether it's applying, registering, making payments or buying a parking decal--can be accomplished right in the Adult Studies office, during both day and evening hours.
You'll feel comfortable, too, because you will be attending classes primarily with other adults--adults who, just like you, are trying to add another role to their already busy lives. The camaraderie among students, coupled with the help and support of the faculty and staff, assures understanding and assistance throughout your educational journey.
What will my classes be like?
Your courses will have an average enrollment of fewer than 15 students. This small classroom environment will enable you to have individual attention, comfortable interactions with your professors and a positive learning experience. Virginia Wesleyan faculty are very approachable for help, and they enjoy teaching adults because they appreciate the knowledge and experience you bring to the classroom!
How often will my classes meet?
Most classes meet one night a week, between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Weekend classes usually meet every other weekend. Modified Distance Learning classes usually meet for the first and last class only, with the remainder of the classes online. Summer class schedules vary. Check our Web site or contact an academic advisor for more detailed information.
Paying for your college education
What will it cost?
The Adult Incentive Grant (AIG), which substantially reduces the daytime tuition rate, is automatically built into the tuition rate for all Adult Studies students. Tuition charges are published in each semester's schedule. There are no additional charges if you are an out-of-state student.
Do I have to pay everything up front?
Many local employers reimburse all or part of their employees' educational expenses. If your employer does so, our Employer Tuition Deferral (ETD) program only requires you to pay your portion of the total tuition at registration; payment of your employer's portion of the overall tuition can be deferred until the end of the semester. ETD forms can be obtained at the ASP office or on our Web site.
How and where do I pay my tuition?
You can pay your tuition with American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, check-by-internet or automatic debit by visiting www.afford.com or by calling Tuition Management Systems, Inc at 800.356.8329. Payments of cash or check can be made directly in the Adult Studies Office.
Can I make monthly payments?
A payment plan is available through Tuition Management Systems, Inc. You can inquire online at www.afford.com or by phone at 800.356.8329.
Is there financial aid available?
Yes, if you qualify. Degree-seeking Adult Studies students who are enrolled in six semester hours or more may qualify for additional financial aid through a Stafford Loan or a Pell Grant. In order to be considered for any financial aid, you must first qualify as degree-seeking and submit a free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) at the Web site www.fasfa.edu.gov. The College's Financial Aid Office works with you to determine your aid eligibility.
Can I borrow money to pay for my books?
The Women of Wesleyan Book Loan Fund was established to assist adult students with initial costs at the beginning of each semester. Any ASP student is allowed to borrow up to $150 for part-time students and $200 for full-time per semester to purchase textbooks and supplies in the Virginia Wesleyan bookstore. You are given the entire semester to repay the interest-free loan.