TIP/Orientation FAQs
TIP stands for Trojan Introduction Program. Basically, it’s the Trojan version of a summer orientation for incoming college students. As a new student at VSU, you are bound to have questions. TIP is a 1 or 2 day orientation session designed to uncover the answers to your questions, connect you to campus resources, amenities, services, and personnel within our university. By the time you leave TIP, you'll be on your way to becoming a VSU Trojan.
Only students who have been admitted and submitted an enrollment deposit should register for TIP. If you enrollment deposit has been confirmed from our Admissions team, you can register for TIP here: TIP/Orientation Registration.
The 2024 TIP sessions are all throughout the month of July:
- July 2, 9-10, 17, 19, 23, & 26
TIP starts at 8am in the Multipurpose Center (MPC) on Virginia State University’s campus. The address is: 20809 2nd Ave, Petersburg, VA 23803.
- TIP is an all-day affair, from 8am-5:30pm. Please plan accordingly.
- Bring your positive attitudes, HBCU pride, necessary documents for financial aid, veteran information, and/or documents needed for academic accommodations.
- We strongly suggest you dress comfortable and wear walking shoes. Expect to get very active and lively in the Land of Troy.
- The one day session is our standard orientation. We designed a jammed packed day to handle all of your university affairs in a single day.
- The two day option (July 9-10) is an overnight TIP session where students will have an opportunity to stay on campus in a residence hall with us. Parents will need to find accommodations off campus. We recommend hotels in the Richmond, Midlothian, and Chester cities. All are within a 15-20min drive to campus.
- For the overnight TIP sessions, please pack an overnight bag and supplies needed to get you through a night on campus. This should include bedding, hygiene, pajamas, and clothes for the next day of events.
- Expect to meet with our Financial Aid, Student Accounts, Advisement, Campus Safety, and Health Services teams while also building community with faculty, staff, current and former students. Our academic departments will also be there to give insights on their unique programs and curriculum options. We can’t give out all of our secrets, but you should know a time will be had! Here’s a hint: Be prepared to compete in our Trojan War!
No. You will need to provide your own transportation to campus.
No. We are expecting the largest incoming freshmen and transfer class in history of VSU. As a result, please refrain from bringing additional guest. We cannot make accommodations for groups larger than 3 people (which includes the student).
- A one day cost $25, while the two day session is $75. The cost is for your entire group.
- We do not grant waivers for TIP registration. The cost will aid in securing food, supplies, and security for the event.
- Email us at TIP@vsu.edu.
- Hilton Garden Inn Richmond/South/Southpark -- 844.201.1766
- SpringHill Suites Chester, Chester, Va. -- 844.201.1766
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in Petersburg, Va. -- 844.684.9427
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in Chester, Va. -- 844.684.9427
- Towneplace Suites by Marriott in Colonial Heights, Va. -- 844.201.1766
- Comfort Inn Chester, Richmond-South Chester, Va.
Admissions FAQs - Freshman
Fall 2024 scheduling is taking place now, and is schedule to be complete prior to your TIP Orientation date. You will be placed in freshman classes based on your major and required available courses. Your academic advisor will contact you once your schedule is complete.
The USA Department of Education has delayed the timeline for FAFSA data to be sent to all universities and colleges. If you have any questions regarding FAFSA, contact 1(800) 433-3243. If you have any questions regarding Financial Aid, contact 1 (800) 823-7214
- What can cause delays:
- A student failed to include Virginia State University’s school code (003764) on the FAFSA.
- A student failed to provide a social security number (SSN) on their VSU admission application. Students will need to contact the Admissions Office at (804) 524-5901 to provide this information
- A student's FAFSA is selected for verification. This is a federal process equivalent to an IRS audit in which about one third of applicants are selected to provide additional documentation to prove the validity of the information on their FAFSA. VSU will send student a letter requesting the required documents.
May 1 is our priority deadline for enrollment deposits and National Decision Day. However, incoming first time students will still have an opportunity to submit their deposit throughout the month of May. We highly recommend submitting your deposit in a timely manner to ensure you are able to move through the next steps for enrollment efficiently. Please note that students will not be able to submit a housing application, register for classes, or reserve their orientation until after the enrollment deposit is completed.
- All students who listed Virginia State University on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should contact the VSU Office of Student Financial Aid
- Click this link for all contact information: https://www.vsu.edu/financial-aid/contact-us.php
Please continue to check the Virginia State University’s website and follow us on all social media platforms. You may also contact the Admissions Office at (804) 524-5901 for specific admissions information.
- The Trojan Introduction Program (TIP) is Virginia State University’s new student orientation. Please click the link for all information regarding the Trojan Introduction Program TIP
Submission of test scores, although optional, are encouraged as it will not negatively impact admission or scholarship consideration. We encourage students to take the test(s) more than once. Visit collegeboard.com or act.org to view test schedules register for a test. The College Board site is available in Spanish at collegeboard.com/padres.
Students are evaluated for merit-based scholarships during the admission process with or without the submission of SAT or ACT test scores. Qualified students are notified of scholarship status 2-3 weeks after admission. Students seeking qualification from AP/IB/DE* courses in-progress must submit an updated transcript reflecting a grade of “B” or better for consideration.
Admissions FAQs - Transfer
Virginia State University welcomes new transfer students year round. We make every effort to ensure that transfer students receive full credit for all course work successfully completed at other institutions. We offer a $6,500 scholarship for students with an associate degree and a 3.0 GPA, which can be combined with the Two-Year College Transfer Grant (CTG).
The Office of Enrollment Management has an enrollment fee deferral process for students facing financial difficulty. The student must have a FAFSA on file with the university to be eligible. Interested students should contact Admissions at 804-524-5902.
The university will hold an orientation for all new students. If required, academic departments will work with students throughout the summer for course scheduling.
We do not plan to change our requirements. The current criteria requires an associate degree at a Virginia two-year public institution with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 for the associate degree. The grants are ultimately approved by SCHEV.
Yes, equivalent courses will transfer.
Yes, the student/parent would need to submit a professional judgement request form, available on the Financial Aid webpage.
We are on rolling admission and will provide a decision as soon as we receive a completed online application, a student’s transcript(s), and confidential report.Yes, equivalent courses will transfer.
We guarantee housing for all freshmen and sophomore students. The Office of Residence Life and Housing will work closely with all new students to determine their housing needs.
Yes, we are still accepting applications through August.
Registration for classes will be held during New Student Orientation.
The grade of P+ will not impact a student meeting a prerequisite.
The grade of P+ will not impact admission to any program at the University.
The grade of P+ will not impact a student meeting a major requirement.
The grade of P+ will not impact the GAA.Yes, equivalent courses will transfer.
No. Students are encouraged to submit their FAFSA as soon as possible. Our school code is 003764
Students should request their transcripts at the end of the spring 2020 term to ensure we receive the most accurate and up-to-date academic history.
Yes. Students should complete their free online application and submit their unofficial transcript. The Office of Admission will evaluate the documentation and provide feedback on how many credits will be accepted.
How to Apply