Like all of our programs, the Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) and Passport Programs are designed to give students the very best in college education — and a jump start to the next level. Both programs feature small classes with on-campus options.
Uniform Certificate of General Studies Program
Students who complete the Uniform Certificate of General Studies Program will earn 30 credits that will be eligible for guaranteed transfer to Virginia colleges.
UCGS |
Transfer Associate Degree |
31 Credit Transfer Block * |
60+ Credit Transfer Degree with Guaranteed Admission * |
General Education focused |
General Education plus Program requirements |
31-32 credits |
60+ credits |
* must meet requirements |
|
|---|---|
Passport Program
Passport Program students who complete their courses will earn 16 credits that will be eligible for guaranteed transfer to Virginia colleges.
Passport |
Transfer Associate Degree |
16 Credit Transfer Block * |
60+ Credit Transfer Degree with Guaranteed Admission * |
General Education focused |
General Education plus Program requirements |
16 credits |
60+ credits |
* must meet requirements |
|
|---|---|
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Passport?
The Passport is a set of courses which are transferable and satisfy lower-division general education requirements at participating Virginia public institutions of higher education. The Passport consists of course blocks that are assigned specific courses.
Why is Passport on my advisement report?
The Passport is available on the advising report to help track your progress toward completion.
I took a class, but it is not filling in on the Passport section of my advisement report. Why?
Only courses taken and completed on or after 5/1/2020 with a grade of C or better, will fulfill Passport requirements. Courses must match those listed within each Passport requirement block. Please consult with your advisor if you feel that a course you have completed does indeed meet these requirements.
If I want to complete the Passport, do I need to repeat courses I took prior to May 1, 2020?
The Passport is optional and choosing whether or not to repeat a course should be discussed with your advisor. Only courses taken and completed on or after 5/1/2020 with a grade of C or better, will fulfill Passport requirements.
Will Passport completion on my advisement report impact graduation?
No, your college degree plan requirements must be fulfilled in order to graduation.
How will Passport impact my transfer agreement?
The Passport is for students who are transferring prior to earning an Associate’s degree. Please consult with your advisor for the details of your transfer agreement.
I am not planning to transfer. Do I need to worry about Passport?
No, however if you decide to transfer later, it will be helpful to have a completed Passport.
I am in a Career Studies Certificate or Associate of Applied Science degree. How does Passport impact me?
The Passport is designed for students who intend to transfer. If you decide to transfer later, it will be helpful to have a completed Passport.
Do Passport classes expire?
Per SCHEV policy, students have 3 years to complete the Passport and enroll at the senior institution. Some institutions may honor the Passport outside of this timeline, subject to any changes in the course roster. “For purposes of the Passport and UCGS transferability, four-year institutions will honor the catalog in effect at the time of the student’s first enrollment at the two-year institution. For students maintaining continuous enrollment, this entitlement will be in effect for three years from the time of the student’s first enrollment at the two-year institution.”
If I wait three years to transfer, are the Passport classes still good?
From start to finish, students have three years to complete Passport and enroll at the senior institution. Some institutions may honor the Passport outside of this timeline, subject to any changes in the course roster.