SCHEV Policies

SCHEV is responsible for developing policy and guidance for public institutions in a variety of areas, such as academic affairs, finance, facilities and equipment, financial aid, and domicile. Please explore the tabs to the left to learn more about policy and guidelines in these areas. 

Visit Policies and Guidelines Governing Public Institutions to view the following:

Virginia Public Higher Education Policy on Passport and Uniform Certificate of General Studies Program

The policy guidelines offered here apply to implementation of the Passport and Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Programs required by § 23.1-907 (B)-(C). 

Virginia Passport and Uniform Certificate of General Studies General Education TR Credit Agreement 

This document establishes a multi-institutional agreement to secure institutions’ commitment to the application of the 16 Passport and 30-32 Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) credits to general education requirements for transfer students who have earned the Passport or UCGS and transfer prior to completing a transfer associate degree.  

Approved Passport Course Roster

The Passport is a college program in which all courses are transferable and satisfy lower division general education requirements at any Virginia public institution of higher education. 

Approved Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Course Roster

The Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) is a one-year college program in which all courses are transferable and satisfy lower-division general education requirements at any Virginia public institution of higher education and many private institutions. 

Transferability of Online Lab Coursework (SCHEV supplement)

For students completing online courses at a public two-year Virginia college prior to transfer, the two-year and four-year institutions will accept and apply the course work for all subject areas, including lab sciences, toward meeting general education requirements. Students majoring in the natural sciences may be required to complete in-person labs for lower division science courses. 

SCHEV Policy Guidelines on Development of Pathway Maps (includes phase information)

The policy guidelines and implementation of pathway maps between two- and four-year institutions. 

State Policy on College Transfer

The State Policy on College Transfer aims to enhance cooperation and consistency among institutions of higher education in Virginia with the intended goals of improving the transfer process for Virginia’s students and increasing access and affordability to a bachelor’s degree. Provides a variety of important information like definitions of key terms and admissions for dual enrollment.