Southside Virginia Community College (SVU)

1 University Hill Drive, Buena Vista, VA

Southside Virginia Community College, located in Alberta, Virginia, was founded in 1970 and is one of the 23 schools that comprise the Virginia Community College System.  The school serves 10 counties through campuses in Alberta and Keysville.

The school also operates the Southside Virginia Education Center, which provides additional education services to residents.  SVCC serves over 8000 students annually and operates on the semester system which is typically 15 weeks long.  It is open to all individuals, and is dedicated to providing the best education possible through a qualified staff and engaging programs, which are reviewed regularly to ensure they meet current standards and student needs.

Academics

Southside Virginia Community College offers a variety of programs designed to facilitate academic transfer or provide in depth career training. Academic transfer is achieved through the completion of the first two years of a four year education, followed by applying for transfer to a college or university to finish the final two years and earn a bachelor's degree.

Students applying to Virginia public institutions will have ease of transfer through agreements that guarantee admission if certain academic prerequisites are met. Transfer to out of state or private schools will require the student to requirements of the individual school to be considered for admission, and as a result should consult a counselor and research his or her desired schools prior to applying.

Career training programs prepare students for a career in a chosen area of study. Enrolled students will be able to enter the workforce as professionals upon completion of their program, having been through the necessary courses, which include study in theory, practice, application and methodology. Practical experience is gained through controlled and supervised settings that allow for error and growth. A program takes between one and two years to complete, resulting in a certificate or degree which assists graduates in seeking employment at the entry level.

Programs offered include:

• Business Administration
• General Studies
• Nursing
• Liberal Arts
• Education

Admissions and Financial Aid

Individuals interested in enrollment at Southside Virginia Community College may do so through the school's open enrollment policy which only requires the applicant to be 18 years of age or have a high school diploma or GED. Those who meet the minimum requirements need to submit a completed application and pay all fees prior to the start of classes in order to be enroll.

Student are also asked to supply previous transcripts and standardized test scores if possible or available, the information from which may be used to substitute the required placement exam. A visit to a counselor and participation in new student orientation are also encouraged.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used by the financial aid office to construct a aid plan that is based on the student's need and aid program eligibility. Aid must be reapplied for prior to the start of each academic year.