Transfer Virginia: Passport Requirements on Advisement Reports

Earlier this week, the VCCS added the Passport blocks to student Advisement Reports in SIS. This addition was made in an effort to ensure that students who complete the Passport receive a notation on their VCCS transcript. This is important given that Virginia four-year public institutions have agreed to recognize the Passport for general education purposes. Although incorporating the blocks on the Advisement Reports will help prospective transfer students and their advisors discern the progress made towards completing the Passport, this information will be found on every program. The Passport information on Advisement Reports is automatic and cannot be removed, however, it is optional and does not need to be completed if students are not interested.

What is the Passport? The Passport is comprised of 16 credits worth of transferable coursework designed to satisfy lower-division general education requirements at any public institution of higher education in Virginia. The Passport consists of blocks that are assigned specific courses. To satisfy the Passport, students are required to complete the appropriate credits in each course block. A student’s course selection should be carefully considered since the Passport is not designed to capture the complexities of individual programs of study at the four-year institutions.

Who Should Use the Passport? Passport courses are a great choice for students who plan to attend a four-year institution but are uncertain as to where they would like to go and what they would like to study. The Passport is also a good option for students who are interested in transferring prior to earning an associate’s degree (although earning an associate’s degree is traditionally, the recommended route). Please note that classes will not meet the Passport requirements or show in the block unless a student has received a grade of “C” or better.  

Where Can I Find Information Regarding the Passport? The list of Passport blocks and approved courses, can be found here.

*Please remember that the Passport is not an earnable credential.

For questions, please email academics@nvcc.edu  

Subitted by:
Jennifer Nelson, Chief Transfer Officer, JLNelson@nvcc.edu