VCU Business Academic Advising
Your academic journey is important, and VCU Business Academic Advising is here to help you every step of the way. Whether you need guidance on course requirements, program options or academic planning, our advisors provide the support you need to stay on track and achieve your goals.
Stay on Track with Your Advisor
We recommend meeting with your advisor at least once per semester to review your progress and plan your courses for the next term.
Thinking About Changing Your Major to Business?
Current students interested in switching to a business major should register for a Change-of-Major Information Session to learn about the process and requirements.
Business Major Requirements
Freshman students are initially admitted into the Business Foundation Program. As you approach your junior year, you will work with your advisor to complete the steps needed to declare your major of choice. To qualify, you must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, 54 earned credits and completion of the following courses. These requirements must be met by the end of the semester in which you attempt your 60th credit hour.
-
- ACCT 203: Introduction to Accounting I
- ACCT 204: Introduction to Accounting II
- BUSN 201: Foundations of Business or BUSN 205: Introduction to the World of Business
- BUSN 212: Business Problem Solving and Analysis or MATH 200: Calculus with Analytic Geometry I
- BUSN 225: Winning Presentations
- ECON 210: Principles of Microeconomics
- ECON 211: Principles of Macroeconomics
- UNIV 111: Focused Inquiry I
- UNIV 112: Focused Inquiry II (with a minimum grade of C)
- UNIV 200: Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (with a minimum grade of C)
- ACCT 203: Introduction to Accounting I
For Transfer and Major-Change Students
If you are a transfer student (sophomore or above) or have changed your major to Business Foundation with more than 30 credits, you must apply to a business major in the minimum number of semesters needed to meet the remaining requirements.
After Declaring Your Major
Once your major is officially declared, you may register for 300- and 400-level courses without an advisor override.
If You Miss the Deadline
If you have not completed the requirements on time, you can appeal for a deadline extension. If you miss the deadline or aren’t granted an extension, you must choose a major outside the School of Business. By this point, you will likely have completed a general business minor.
For assistance in selecting a new major, contact University Academic Advising. You may also explore VCU’s Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS), an individualized program that allows you to create a unique curricular pathway toward the BIS degree.
Schedule an appointment
To meet with an advisor, log in to our online portal with your VCU eID and password. Click “Make an Advising Appointment” to choose a time that works for you. Be sure to include your phone number and the reason for your appointment. Business minors should call the office instead of using the portal.
You can also schedule an appointment by calling (804) 828-3710 or visiting the advising office in Snead Hall, room B1102. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Appointments are available in person in room B1102 or virtually via Zoom. Use our advising prep worksheet to prepare for your appointment.
VCU Permanent Pass Fail Policy
VCU has implemented a permanent pass/fail grading option for undergraduate students, effective fall 2020. Please note that the temporary pass/fail option offered in spring 2020 is no longer available.
The full policy is outlined in the VCU Bulletin, and students are encouraged to review it thoroughly.
Students may NOT use the pass/fail option:
- To satisfy a prerequisite that requires a minimum grade of B
- For courses that count toward their major, minor or certificate requirements
It is essential to meet with your academic advisor to discuss how this policy may impact your academic progress. Schedule an appointment with your advisor here.
Under the pass/fail grade option, students would have grades reported as either:
PP: Grade of pass (equivalent to letter grade of A, B or C) is awarded for certain courses to denote satisfactory completion of requirements equivalent to the letter grades of A-C. The grade of PP is not included in the calculation of GPA. The grade of PP will satisfy course requirements of a minimum grade of C to advance to another course.
PS: Grade of pass (equivalent to letter grade of D) is awarded for certain courses to denote satisfactory completion of requirements equivalent to the letter grade of D. The grade of PS is not included in the calculation of GPA. The grade of PS will not satisfy course requirements of a minimum grade of C to advance to another course and students may have to retake the course if they change their major and a minimum letter grade of C was required.
F: Grade of fail (equivalent to letter grade of F) is considered not passing and is included in the calculation of the GPA.
- Course Eligibility: Not all courses qualify for the pass/fail option. It cannot be used to satisfy a prerequisite that requires a minimum grade of B or for courses that count toward a student’s major, minor or certificate requirements.
- Spring 2025 Deadline: Students must select the pass/fail option for eligible courses by Friday, March 28, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Submit your request here.
- Credit Hour Limit: A maximum of 15 credit hours may be taken under the pass/fail option throughout a student’s degree program.
- Advising: Students should consult with an advisor to understand the potential impact of their decision.
School of Business students cannot use the permanent pass/fail policy for the following courses:
- Business Foundation Courses
- ACCT 203
- ACCT 204
- BUSN 212
- MATH 200
- ECON 203
- ECON 205
- ECON 211
- Advanced Business Core & Required Ancillary Courses
- FIRE 311
- INFO 360
- MKTG 301
- MGMT 310
- MGMT 303
- MGMT 434
- SCMA 301
- SCMA 320
- Any course that counts toward the major GPA (listed under the “Major” and “Concentration” block in Degree Works)
- Any course that fulfills minor or certificate requirements
Financial Technology majors in the School of Business cannot use the permanent pass/fail policy for the following:
- Any course that counts toward the major GPA (listed under the “Major” and “Concentration” block in Degree Works)
- Any course that fulfills minor or certificate requirements
If you are currently enrolled in any courses listed in the “Current School of Business Students” section, DO NOT use the permanent pass/fail policy for these courses.
Students who have used the pass/fail option for a course deemed ineligible by the School of Business and later decide to change their major to Business Foundation will be reviewed individually upon registering for a change-of-major information session.
This review will be conducted by the Director of Academic Advising or the Associate Dean of the School of Business. Students will be informed of the decision before officially changing their major. Pass/fail courses taken during spring 2020 are exempt from this policy.
For specific questions, please contact usib@vcu.edu.
Here is the link to the Permanent Pass-Fail Submission Form.
Before submitting, it is important you meet with your academic advisor to discuss this further and how it may impact your academic progress.
Spring 2025 Deadline:
The deadline to submit the Permanent Pass/Fail request for spring 2025 is Friday, March 25, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. EST.
We encourage you to meet with your academic advisor to review this policy in detail.
Academic Success Resources
The School of Business Undergraduate Studies advisors have created a series of academic success worksheets to help aid you in your courses. They are designed to help you refine your study skills, time management, and goal setting to increase your comprehension and knowledge retention so that you can decrease your stress and improve your grades!
General Worksheets:
- How to Set SMART Goals
- SMART Goals worksheet
- Grit & Resilience
- Growth Mindset
- Time Management Skills
- Time Management worksheets
- Active Studying
- Enhancing Your in Class Engagement
- Successful Study Skills
- Taking the Test
- VCU Resources for Business Students
- Working in Groups
- Zoom Tips