You have questions. We have answers.
Below is a list of commonly asked questions about ACE-IT in College. If you have a question that is not answered below, feel free to reach out to us at aceit@vcu.edu.
No. ACE-IT in College students are considered non-degree seeking students from VCU. Graduates earn a Certificate of Completion from the School of Education. To earn the certificate, students take classes, participate in campus employment, and complete an internship—this is outlined in each student’s academic and career plan.
ACE-IT students are registered VCU students and can choose classes from the VCU course catalog that match their career and personal interests. Every semester, an ACE-IT advisor will meet with students to see how their classes are going and help them select courses for the next semester. Advisors also help students find out if their chosen classes have any restrictions (for example, some classes are restricted for certain majors) and work to get any necessary overrides, as possible.
No. ACE-IT in College credits do not transfer to another program or university.
Yes. Students are required to pay regular VCU tuition by credit hour and other college related fees and expenses, including ACE-IT in College fees each semester. Information on current VCU tuition costs is located at VCU Student Accounting or the Undergraduate Calculator. Tuition does not include fees for books and other expenses.
Fees and tuition vary from semester to semester based upon the number of credits (or classes) taken each semester. Refer to our Fees and Tuition page for additional information since all amounts are subject to change.
Click here to visit our website on Paying for ACE-IT. Additional resources for navigating college costs can be found on VCU's Financial Aid Office website.
No. At this time, ACE-IT in College does not offer a residential component for the program. Students seeking to live independently can explore multiple, non-university housing options on or near the VCU campus. All students participating in ACE-IT in College typically reside in the Greater Richmond metro region, and participate in college as commuter students. For help finding off campus housing options near VCU, visit VCU Off Campus Housing.
Yes. ACE-IT Program fees cover the cost of providing customized supports for each student. ACE-IT students each have an ACE-IT advisor who supports them through the program. Students also receive needed supports in and out of the classroom, at work, and in engaging with the university community. The ACE-IT Program fees allow for program stability and quality support and services.
Yes. Students accepted into ACE-IT in College can receive accommodations in classes from the VCU's Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (SAEO) Office on campus. ACE-IT students also receive the support of an education coach who attends class with them and helps them throughout the course. This is a course modification offered by ACE-IT in College. Students will register with the SAEO office and request their accommodations each semester. ACE-IT staff will assist all accepted students with this process. To learn more about the SAEO office, please visit the VCU SAEO website.
ACE-IT Students can also access general VCU academic supports available to all students, including: accommodations through the VCU's Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (SAEO) Office and services like tutoring and supplemental instruction through the Campus Learning Center.
Yes. An education coach and job coach are either VCU students or staff trained to support young adults with intellectual disability in the classroom or at work.
Education coaches are trained to assist students with note taking, clarification of course concepts, time management, and classroom participation. They help students talk with their professors and peers about homework or class materials. Education coaches attend class with the student and provide one-on-one coaching support outside of class.
Job coaches are trained to assist students in learning how to do their jobs. They support students in breaking down their job tasks, creating supports that allow for students to become more independent at their jobsite, and help foster communication with supervisors for students to work on professional growth. Job coaches attend work alongside the student with the goal of fading as the student reaches independence.
No. VCU students, including ACE-IT students, must pay their VCU tuition, fees, and ACE-IT program fees in full before registering for the next semester. Delays in registration significantly disrupt academic progress and employment.