FAQs General Studies Professional Development
What is general professional development status?
This is non-degree status that allows individuals who have not been admitted to a degree or licensure program to take classes in the Curry School of Education.
Are there special requirements I must meet to matriculate as a general professional development (GPD) student on Grounds at the Curry School?
You must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and submit a” Permission to Enroll Form” each semester you plan to take a course.
How do I access the Permission to Enroll Form?
Complete the Permission to Enroll Form by tabbing through each field and entering the information requested. Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required fields. Once all fields have been completed, print the form and sign on page 4, verifying that the information you have entered is correct. Also sign page 8, verifying your Virginia Status information, if you believe you qualify for in-state status. If you are financially dependent your parent needs to sign the Virginia status section C of this application also. Fax (434-924-0888) or send your form to the attention of Sheilah Sprouse in 104 Ruffner Hall, 405 Emmet St. South, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
To download the document, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader
How do I register on Grounds for a fall or spring class?
Either fax (434-924-0888) or mail the Permission to Enroll Form (see above) to the attention of Sheilah Sprouse in 104 Ruffner Hall, 405 Emmet St. South, Charlottesville, VA 22903. If you plan to take only one class that does not exceed 3 credits, also turn in the Special Tuition Form for Full-time K-12 Teachers or the Special Tuition Form for Non-educators each semester you plan to enroll. Once you do so, we will send information via email, explaining how to register for a class. If you wish to enroll in summer classes, you will need to register through the Summer Session Office.
Can a professional development student take any course listed in the Course Offering Directory?
Technically, any unrestricted course is open to any student. It is best to email the course instructor for permission to enroll in a class, however, as degree-seeking students have priority over non-degree students.
What is the latest date I can turn in an application and be able to take a class?
Applications are due the first week of classes. Remember, however, that classes fill up quickly. The sooner you submit your Permission to Enroll Form, the more likely you are to get in the class(es) you need.
I know I am restricted to taking only one course each semester at Curry (if I want the special tuition rate). Is it okay to also take one class through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies at the same time I am enrolled in Curry?
Unfortunately, you will lose the special rate if you take more than 3 credits through the University of Virginia during a semester.
If I decide to take two classes through Curry, will I receive the special rate for one of them?
No, this is not possible. You receive the special rate ONLY if you register through Curry for a single class that does not exceed 3 credits. If you take more than 3 credit hours you will be charged regular tuition for both classes.
If I complete the special tuition form when I register for my first class, will I receive special rates for subsequent semesters?
No, to qualify for special tuition rates, you must submit the ”Special Tuition Form” and the “Permission to Enroll Form” to the Curry Office of Admission EVERY semester you wish to enroll in a class as a PD student.
Will courses I take as a GPD student count toward a degree?
If courses are relevant to the program area of interest, you can count up to 6 credits toward a degree.
How do I apply for a degree program, if I am a general professional development student?
You must complete the online Application for Admission by the deadline specified for the program of interest along with supporting documents (application fee, goal statement, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts, official test scores and other materials required by the program area of interest).