VIA programs may occur at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, but also on other days and times, including evenings and weekends. VIA programs, graduation requirements, and program request forms are on the Manchester University website: www.manchester.edu/academics/via.
Values, Ideas, and the Arts Requirement
Students enrolled in the baccalaureate program are required to attend five VIA programs for every semester of full-time (12 semester hours) enrollment. One-fourth (0.25) semester hour of credit is earned for every 10 programs attended. Credit is cumulative; a minimum or 1.0 credit is required, and a maximum of 2.0 credits may be used toward graduation hours.
Attendance requirements will be waived for any semester a student is enrolled full-time but is studying off campus (i.e. student teaching, internship, field instruction, study abroad). In extenuating circumstances, an alternative means for fulfilling this requirement can be sought from the Academic Standards Committee (see VIA Policy Exception). Further information is available in the Office of the Registrar.
VIA Policy Exception
If approved by the Academic Standards Committee, students may take one three-hour course to replace 40 VIA credits. The course will be selected in consultation with the Registrar. The course cannot:
- be related to the student’s major or minor,
- be used to fulfill another CORE requirement,
- be taken P/NP,
- be a studio class.
No more than one semester hour may be applied to the 128 semester hours required for graduation. Students who take a course to complete the VIA requirement must complete 130 semester hours to meet graduation requirements.