Welcome and congratulations on your decision to return to Virginia Peninsula Community College! We’re here to help you get back on track.
STEP 1: Reapply (if needed)
- If you haven’t taken classes within the last 3 years (9 terms), you must complete the admissions application. This will reactivate your student record. If you’ve been active within that timeframe, you can skip to Step 2.
- If you were suspended from VPCC or from the last institution you attended, complete this additional form: Application for Admission After Suspension or Dismissal
STEP 2: Sign in to your myVPCC account
Use the “Forgot My Username” and/or “Forgot My Password” if needed. If you need help accessing your account, visit the Technology Service Center.
- Click the SIS icon
- Check for any holds. Your holds will be listed in the Action Items & Messages panel.
- Follow the instructions shown on the screen to have the hold removed from your file. If you have questions, contact the department listed on the screen for more information.
- The Tuition & Payments Panel displays your domicile status, which determines your tuition rate. For more information on how to be eligible for in-state tuition, click here.
STEP 3: Financial Planning
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal, state, and VPCC financial aid that can help you pay for tuition, fees, and textbooks.
- Check your Action Items & Messages in SIS frequently for updates on your financial aid package.
- Complete the Scholarship Application, typically open April through July
- Using military/veterans benefits? Make sure to meet with our Military and Veterans Services staff.
- Make a plan to pay your tuition. Payment plans are available. Tuition deadline dates are posted on our Academic Calendar. If you don’t pay by the deadline, you may get dropped from your classes, and you’ll need to register again.
STEP 4: Meet with an Academic Advisor
- You’ll use Navigate (found in the myVPCC portal) to make an appointment with your Advisor. Navigate will be available the day after you apply.
- Learn more about Navigate and how it is used.
- Your advisor will help you make a plan to finish your program. They’ll be able to let you know how close to graduation you are and what classes you still need to take.
- Drop-in advising is available on Thursdays; you must have an appointment for all other days.
- If appointments are unavailable before you want to register, register for classes NOW and meet with your advisor later to confirm your plan.
STEP 5: Send Us Your Official Transcripts
- If you took classes at another college since the last time you attended, have official transcripts sent to us. For instructions and information about transferring credits to VPCC, please visit our Transfer page.
- If you took classes somewhere else, make sure to bring unofficial transcripts to your advising appointment.
STEP 6: Register for Classes
- Using the programs of study in the College Catalog and the Class listing, determine which classes you need to take.
- Next, access SIS through myVPCC. Add classes to your cart and register.
- For step-by-step help, visit the SIS and MyVPCC Help page. You can also attend a FastTrack to Registration event for assistance.
- Check your Student Gmail daily. This is how we will communicate with you about important updates. Find your student email in MyVPCC.
Other things to do before classes start
- Attend Optional New Student Orientation
Our New Student Orientation is a program for all students. If you’ve been away from the College for a while, you’ll want to get updates about important College processes and student support services. - Order Textbooks Online
Visit our bookstore, your one-stop shop for all the materials you need to succeed. - Get your Student Photo ID and parking pass.
- Request Accommodations through the Office of Accessibility if needed.
- Check Canvas in myVPCC. Classes will be available in Canvas on or before the date the course starts. Be sure to review your course syllabus and familiarize yourself with course policies.
- If needed, update your Name & Personal Information (VCCS login required)
FAQs for Returning Students:
Will I still fit into the college environment now that I took time away?
Taking time away from college is more common than you might think, and many students return after a break—whether it’s been a semester or a few years.
- Diverse Student Body: Many students at VPCC have taken time off for work, family, or other reasons. You’ll find classmates of all ages and backgrounds, including others who are returning after a gap.
- Advising and Orientation: Academic advising and orientation sessions are available to help you transition smoothly and connect with campus life.
- Clubs and Activities: Consider getting involved in clubs and organizations and attend campus events.
If you have concerns about re-enrollment or want to talk through your options, you can reach out for support at any time. You belong here, and the college is ready to help you succeed!
How can I find out how long it will take me to finish my degree?
To find out how long it will take to finish your degree at Virginia Peninsula Community College will depend on many factors. Some factors include the program of study chosen, if there are applicable transfer credits or previous credits completed at VPCC.
- After Admission to VPCC, meet with an Academic Advisor: Once admitted and active in our system, an advisor can review your academic record, discuss your options, and help you create a plan for success moving forward. They can also help you understand how your past grades may affect your academic standing and financial aid eligibility.
- Review Program Requirements: Each degree or certificate program has a specific number of required credits. You can view program maps and requirements in the college catalog.
- Ask About Transfer Credits: If you think you have credits from a previous college or institution that you’d like to transfer, ask your advisor to review your transcript(s) to determine what could be accepted towards your degree requirements. For official transfer credit evaluation, please submit your official transcripts to Enrollment Management and submit a Transcript Evaluation eForm (VCCS login required).
If my grades were not the best when I last attended, what are the next steps I should take to address this?
You’re not alone, there are resources and people ready to help you get back on track! There are several steps you can take to address this and move forward:
1. Meet with an Academic Advisor: Once admitted and active in our system, an advisor can review your academic record, discuss your options, and help you create a plan for success moving forward. They can also help you understand how your past grades may affect your academic standing and financial aid eligibility.
2. Consider Academic Renewal: Students who return to VPCC after a separation of three years or more may petition for academic renewal. If a student is determined to be eligible for academic renewal, “D” and “F” grades earned prior to re-enrollment will be deleted from the cumulative and curricular grade point average (GPA), subject to conditions. See the Academic Renewal section of the College Catalog for more information on how to qualify.
3. Explore Support Resources
- Library and Tutoring Services free tutoring and support from librarians and writing professionals to keep you on track.
- Office of Accessibility Services ensures equal access for students, employees, and visitors with disabilities. The accommodation is based on individual needs and documentation.
- TimelyCare https://www.vpcc.edu/student-resources/local-support/mental-health/is a free, 24/7 virtual health and well-being platform. You do not need insurance to access these services. TalkNow: 24/7, on-demand emotional support for issues like anxiety, relationships, depression, and school-related stressors. Scheduled Counseling: You can schedule up to 3 counseling visits per year with the provider of your choice.
- TRiO Student Support Services is a college success program that provides personalized advising, transfer planning, personal and leadership development, and a supportive community that empowers students who are planning to transfer to a 4-year college/university after completing their associate degree at VPCC.
- Single Stop is a resource designed to help students overcome barriers that might affect their academic success. If you’re facing challenges such as limited access to food, lack of health insurance, emergencies, or other unplanned expenses, Single Stop can connect you to helpful resources and support.
How can I transfer credits from other colleges? Do my credits expire if they are from a long time ago?
Please review the information on our Transferring to VPCC page.
How do my work or life experiences count toward my coursework?
Virginia Peninsula Community College offers several ways to earn credit for prior learning, but there are important limitations regarding work and life experiences:
Credit for Prior Learning Options:
- Military Training: Academic credit
smay be awarded for formal military courses that are applicable to a Virginia Peninsula degree or certificate, generally based on recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE). - Advanced Placement (AP), CLEP, DSST, and IB Exams: Credit can be granted for approved standardized exams if you meet the required scores. Official test scores are required for evaluation and awarding.
- Certification or Licensure: If you hold an industry certification or professional license that is deemed equivalent to a course or series of courses at Virginia Peninsula, you may be eligible for credit. You must be enrolled in a relevant program and, in most cases, have earned at least six credits in that program before applying. Also, in many cases the certification must be current/ unexpired.
- Challenge Examinations: You may request a challenge exam for certain courses if you believe your previous educational studies or occupational experiences have given you the required knowledge. Credits earned through challenge exams may comprise no more than 25% of your curriculum.
Important Limitation
- General Work or Life Experience: Virginia Peninsula does
award credit for occupational experience if the division deems it appropriate and will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
What You Should Do
If you have military training, certifications, or think you qualify for a challenge exam, review the Credit for Prior Learning/Advanced Standing Guide in the College Catalog for details and application steps. You can also review the information on our Transferring to VPCC page
I work full-time. What options do I have to complete my degree?
If you work full-time, there are several flexible options available to help you complete your degree. VPCC does have many fully online academic programs, including both certificates and associate degrees. Even programs that are not fully online often have online course options or other modalities that might work for your busy schedule.
- Online Courses: Many degrees and certificates can be completed 100% online, allowing you to study on your own schedule.
- Hybrid Classes: Some degrees are available in a hybrid format, combining online and in-person sessions for added flexibility.
- Evening Classes: Certain programs may offer classes outside of traditional business hours to accommodate working students.

