REAL academic regulation
In order to ensure VCU is meeting its goal of providing transformative, real-world experiences for all of our students, REAL is introducing an experiential learning graduation requirement at the undergraduate level, beginning fall 2021.
Academic regulation: VCU REAL degree requirement
All first-year and transfer undergraduate students matriculating fall 2021 and thereafter are required to successfully complete at least one VCU “REAL” experiential learning activity. This requirement may be satisfied by:
- Successfully completing a 300-level (or higher) course that has received a REAL attribute of Level 2, 3, or 4 or
- Successfully completing an approved “REAL” co-curricular experience that has received a REAL attribute of Level 3 or 4
Having once satisfied the REAL experiential learning requirement, the student will not have to fulfill it again, including cases of a returning student who is pursuing an additional baccalaureate degree, a student who is enrolled in multiple programs and a student who may change majors.
Courses and co-curricular activities that satisfy the REAL requirement may be searched for and found in the VCU Schedule of Classes and through the VCU Student Opportunity Center.
REAL academic regulation documents
To better understand this regulation and its rationale, as well as answers to frequently asked questions, please see the documents used for its approval process below.
Curriculum mapping tools
- REAL data dashboard (VPN access required — please contact real@vcu.edu for help accessing this system)
- Student Opportunity Center