Welcome to VTS!
We are excited that you will be joining us in the fall! Whether you are joining us from across town or across the world, you’re now part of our spirit-filled community. Life in community at Virginia Seminary grows from a commitment to prayer, worship, study, and love for God.
This is just the beginning of an exciting journey. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Here are a few details to consider as you plan to begin your degree program:
Incoming Student Information
Communication
VTS maintains a dedicated Facebook group for the incoming cohort to meet one another and make connections. A member of our staff moderates the group and is available for any questions.
VTS also communicates via a weekly newsletter to incoming students via email beginning in June. All important information is sent via email, so students who do not have a Facebook account will not miss critical onboarding information.
Move-In Details
Move-in begins on Friday, August 1st for Residence Halls and Saturday, August 2nd for Family Apartments. You can move into your assigned housing starting on the 1st up until your orientation begins (August 4th for international students or August 6th for all students). Please reach out to your housing proctor to coordinate move-in date and times.
Housing Assignments
Housing assignments will be released on June 1st. If you have any accommodation needs not already disclosed in your application, please contact dcoleman@vts.edu as soon as possible.
Apartment Fees
Apartments — $500 non-refundable fee
Pets (Apartments ONLY) — $500 non-refundable fee per pet
Due July 15th with proof of renter’s insurance (list VTS on the policy)
Summer Reading List
Please check back on or after May 15th for the Summer Reading List. You will be required to complete the readings before August Term begins.
Summer ReadingAugust Term Orientation
August Term is a VTS tradition that introduces incoming students to our Rule of Life: chapel, class, and lunch. Blending community building activities, academics, and worship, August Term helps incoming students transition to seminary. The journey begins with orientation sessions. Orientation begins with a two-day orientation for international students on Monday, August 4th and Tuesday, August 5th, followed by orientation sessions for the entire incoming class beginning on Wednesday, August 6th.
Depending on your degree program, you will be required to take certain classes. Most students will take PRXT 500 – Foundations for Ministry. Anglican Studies students will take. CHWT 675 – Mapping Anglican Studies. International students and students who speak English as a second language will be invited to take WRRE 505: Foundations of Theological Writing. These courses are graded for credit. All students must take Intercultural Competency (ICC) at the end of the August Term. You will be automatically registered for your August Term courses and should see these in your Brightspace account. If you have any questions about your August Term courses, please email registrar@vts.edu.
There are more orientation events outside of the first week. August Term is meant to be foundational to the VTS experience, so many departments around campus will hold various events throughout August Term to help you get acquainted with the various offerings while at VTS. Families are welcome to attend some events, and there are also events planned specifically for families by the Spouses and Partners Group (SPG).
Registration for Fall Courses will take place during August Term. If you have any questions about registration or plan to transfer graduate credits, please reach out to the registrar (registrar@vts.edu). All full-time seminary students are required to have medical insurance that meets or exceeds “Minimum Essential Coverage” under the Affordable Care Act. Students must submit proof of insurance by July 31st. VTS has a health plan through Kaiser Permanente that is available for students. Kaiser Permanente will give a webinar in late June (details will be announced to the incoming cohort when the webinar is scheduled). Zoom invitations will be emailed to your VTS email account. Students are not required to participate in the Kaiser Permanente plan through VTS and may find alternatives through the marketplace or Medicaid. Learning AccommodationsStudents who have learning differences or disabilities should complete the intake form and send it to Associate Dean of Students Rachelle Sam (rsam@vts.edu). Academic Calendars Registration & Transfer Credits
Health Insurance