VFMAC Consumer Information
In order to establish and maintain standards of academic excellence, the following grading scale is used at VFMC for all classes and by all instructors.
Numerical Grade/Transcript Entry | Corresponding Letter Grade | Percent Equivalent |
---|---|---|
4.00 | A | 93-100 |
3.67 | A- | 90-92 |
3.33 | B+ | 87-89 |
3.00 | B | 83-86 |
2.67 | B- | 80-82 |
2.33 | C+ | 77-79 |
2.00 | C | 73-76 |
1.67 | C- | 70-72 |
1.33 | D+ | 67-69 |
1.00 | D | 63-66 |
0.00 | F | 0-62 |
P (Pass) | P (Pass) | not calculated into GPA |
NP (No Pass) | NP (No Pass) | not calculated into GPA |
*Grades of P (Pass) and NP (No Pass) are only earned in ESL. The P/NP grade is calculated into the credits attempted and earned (for financial aid purposes), but not into the term or cumulative GPA calculations. The credits earned in ESL courses do not count towards graduation requirements.
I = Incomplete: An “incomplete” is an administrative mark that is given only by recommendation of the individual instructor and approved by the Office of the Dean. Incompeletes are only given in the case of an illness or emergencies beyond the students’ control. An “incomplete” will not be reflected on a student’s transcript as a permanent entry. If an incomplete grade is recorded for a term, the incomplete must be resolved no later than 15 days after the end of the semester. If no grade is entered by the 15th day, the incomplete grade will convert to an “F”. Exceptions may be made by the Office of the Dean.
W = Withdrawal: Beginning with the day after the add/drop period up to the week prior to mid-term exams, a student following prescribed procedures may withdraw from a course without penalty, and the notation of “W” will be made on the permanent record.
WP = Withdrawn Passing: Beginning with the day after mid-term exams to two weeks prior to the last day of class, a student following prescribed procedures may withdraw while passing from a course and the notation of “WP” will be made on the permanent record.
WF = Withdrawn Failing: Beginning the day after mid-term exams to two weeks prior to the last day of class, a student following prescribed procedures may withdraw while failing a course and the notation of “WF” will be made on the permanent record.
AU = Audit: The status of a student who registers for and participates in a credit course on a non-credit basis. A request for and approval for an Audit status is rare and will only be granted by the Office of the Dean.
TR = Transfer Credit: Signifies a course taken at another institution, which received a minimum grade of “C” (2.0) and is transferred into the student’s degree program.
Students may repeat a course if their original grade was 1.0, (D) or lower. A student may not repeat a course, if they have already completed the next course in a sequence, e.g., a student may not repeat EN 101 after completing EN 102. When a course is repeated, the quality point average will be recomputed based on the new grade assigned. Both the original and new grade will be recorded on the transcript, with an annotation that the course has been repeated.
Students may not take a course lower in sequence, in any field, after having completed a higher course in that sequence, i.e. a student may not take EN 101, if they have completed EN 102. A course progression sequence must progress from the lower difficulty course, to the higher difficulty course.
Gold Star (Dean’s list) is awarded to students who earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher for the semester. Star leave for Gold Star students is one additional long weekend leave (after last duty Friday until 1845 hours Sunday), to be taken during the semester immediately following the award. Leave dates must be coordinated with the Company Tactical Officer. Walkout leave for Gold Star students is extended until 2130 hours.
Silver Star (Honor Roll) is awarded to students who earn a grade point average of 3.0 to 3.4 for the semester. Silver Star students receive one additional short weekend leave (after last duty Saturday until 1845 Sunday), to be taken during the semester immediately following the award. Leave dates must be coordinated with Company Tactical Officer. Walkout leave on Wednesday is extended to 2100 hours.
Red Star (Merit List) is awarded to students who earn a grade point average of 2.7-2.9 for the semester. Walkout leave on Wednesday for Red Star students is extended until 2030 hours.
Cadets may not appeal grades assigned by faculty during the academic semester, but may speak with the instructor, and the Chief Academic Officer if necessary, about their concerns regarding grading and faculty academic conduct. The instructor (and CAO if involved) will work with cadets to find solutions during the semester. If a cadet believes their concerns were not addressed, once a final grade has been assigned for a class by the Office of the Registrar, cadets have the right to appeal. A cadet may appeal final grades which they can clearly demonstrate were assigned arbitrarily, capriciously and/or because of prejudice or clerical error by the instructor of the course. No other reason for a grade change will be accepted. The process for appealing a grade is as follows:
This program is designed to allow for the early identification of cadets who may be at risk for successful academic completion of the term and to create a plan of action to support students to achieve academic success. The PASS plan is a four part process that spans the course of each academic term. The process includes early detection of struggling students, updates on grades throughout the semester, and intervention with cadets for the creation of a plan of action.
Early Detection
Information is compiled by the Enrollment Manager based on placement scores, high school preparation, and information from the admissions process. Those students identified as in need of academic support or those readmitted under Academic Probation or those placed on Academic Warning will be directed to meet with the Director of Academic Success to develop a plan including, but not limited to, tutoring, academic coaching, developmental coursework, and supplemental instruction.
Quarter Grade Updates
At the 1st and 3rd quarter of each term, cadets who have earned below a C in a course, or who are recognized as struggling by their professor, should be reported to the Registrar, who will keep a list of those cadets in need of support. The Registrar will report struggling cadets to the Director of Academic Success who will contact those students and develop a plan of action.
Mid-term Reporting
At mid-term, grades are posted for each course resulting in a mid-term GPA. A mid-term PASS report will be generated by the Registrar and passed to the Director of Academic Success for follow up. The Registrar will also notify cadets on the PASS List of their status and direct them to the Director of Academic Success.
Final Grade Reporting
At the end of each semester, grades are posted for each course resulting in a final GPA for the semester. The final PASS List will be generated by the Registrar and passed to the Director of Academic Success for follow up. The Registrar will also notify cadets of their status as part of the Academic Warning and Academic Probation process. The Director of Academic Success will engage students as discussed above in the Early Detection section of this policy.
PASS reporting dates should be established by the Registrar and communicated to faculty prior to the beginning of each semester.
For purposes of this program, faculty have discretion for determining the parameters of a student struggling in their courses. For example, faculty may use actual grades from submitted work, a lack of attendance, a lack of participation in class, the failure to submit work, a clear lack of understanding of material in class discussions, or any other determining factor that is appropriate to their area of study. However, in all grading and reporting situations, faculty must communicate their definitions of concern clearly to cadets and apply that definition uniformly throughout their courses. This element of the PASS policy applies specifically to Quarter Reporting, but is also relevant to the PASS Program generally. If a faculty member believes that a cadet may struggle moving forward at mid-term or finals, despite a sufficient student grade, faculty are encouraged to speak with cadets and provide their names to the Registrar for inclusion on the PASS List. This program is meant for the support of cadets and is not to be limited by the specifics of policy requirements.
Cadets placed into the PASS program are required to meet with the Director of Academic Success within one week of notification of their placement, or within one week of the beginning of the semester. The Director is required to contact cadets within one week of notification of their placement into the program and schedule a meeting with the cadet at a time that is convenient. The cadet/director meeting should be used to determine areas of cadet academic concern, what resources will be of best use to the individual cadet, and what an academic success plan would look like for an individual cadet. The director should then present the plan in writing to the cadet and retain a copy for their files. The director should monitor cadet progress on the plan and communicate with them regularly. It is the director’s responsibility to provide the plan and check in periodically during the semester in question with the cadet. It is the cadet’s responsibility to engage and carry out the plan developed between themselves and the director. The director should provide a report of academic success plans and cadet progress at the end of each semester.
In order to earn an Associate in Arts, Associate in Business, or an Associate in Science degree, students are required to attain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and a minimum of 60 credits in Core, program, concentration, and elective courses. Developmental course work in Math and English does not fulfill graduation credit requirements.
At the end of the first semester, any student who does not achieve a minimum 1.75 grade point average will be placed on Academic Probation. The following conditions apply:
At the end of the second semester, any student who does not achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and complete 28 semester hours (including MSL courses), will be places on Academic Probation. The following conditions apply:
At Valley Forge Military College, students can transfer in up to 30 credits.
Requirements include:
1.) A 70% content match with an earned grade of C or higher.
2.) A match core competencies, program requirements and restrictive electives.
3.) Course description and course syllabus may be required.
Credits transferring from schools outside a consortium agreement are noted on the transcript as credits only with a “TR” notation. Credits transferring from schools within a consortium agreement are entered with both letter grade and credits transferred. Valley Forge currently has consortium agreements with Rosemont College, Cabrini University and Eastern University. A periodic review of policies with consortia assures maintenance of agreement standards. The Registrar’s Office is responsible for the final decision on course transfer credit.
Students may add or drop courses during the first two weeks of the semester. Any courses dropped from a student’s schedule during this period are not recorded on a student’s transcript. Any courses dropped after the official end of the add/drop period will be treated as withdrawal from the course.
Students have the opportunity to drop courses from their schedule after the official end of the add/drop period, prior to mid-terms. Any courses dropped from a student’s schedule during this period will be considered a withdrawal from the course, and will be recorded on a student’s transcript as a “W”. All withdrawals must be approved by the course instructor and the Office of the Dean. Students may not withdrawal from a course if the withdrawal causes the enrolled credit hours to fall below the minimum credits required (12 credits) for a full-time student.
Official records of students who withdrawal from a course after mid-term exams until two weeks prior to final exams, will reflect not only the withdrawal, but also the student’s current standing in the course, either passing or failing. This will be annotated as either “WP” for withdrawal passing, or “WF” for withdrawal failing.
Students are required to attend the course until the withdrawal is approved through Office of the Dean.
Valley Forge Military College maintains that consistent attendance is critical to academic success and enforces a policy of mandatory class attendance; class attendance is a duty. A student is required to attend all scheduled class periods unless authorized by an appropriate member of the Office of the Dean. Failure to meet VFMC guidelines will result in a failing grade for the course.
If a student earns two unexcused absences within one course, the student’s final grade will be automatically reduced by one letter grade. If a student earns three unexcused absences for one course, he/she will automatically receive a grade of “F” (failure) for the course. Failure due to attendance, will affect any Federal funding, scholarship monies, and full-time status.
In certain instances, a student may be authorized to miss class. These instances have been defined by the office of the Dean. A student will only be authorized to miss class for one of the following reasons:
It is the student’s responsibility to manage their absence status and to provide evidence that the absence is authorized. A student MUST INFORM THEIR INSTRUCTOR PRIOR TO THE ABSENCE. For example, if a student is traveling with the band, and knows that they will be missing classes, it is the student’s responsibility to inform the appropriate instructors that they will be missing class. The student must provide evidence at the time that the absence is authorized. IF A STUDENT FAILS TO INFORM THE APPROPRIATE INSTRUCTORS PRIOR TO THE ABSENCE, THE ABSENCE IS CONSIDERED UNEXCUSED.
It is the student’s responsibility to inquire, from their instructor the specifics of missed course work and deadlines for submission of missed homework, projects, quizzes, or exams.
Students arriving ten or more minutes late will automatically be marked with an unexcused absence for that class period.
All late minutes are cumulatively totaled. When late minutes total 10 or more, the unexcused absence is invoked.
Section marchers will report absences to the faculty member at the beginning of each class and late arrivals at the end of class. Faculty will post attendance to CAMS on a daily basis.
A letter will be sent, from the Office of the Dean, to any student who has acquired three unexcused absences, informing them they have failed the course.
It is the policy of Valley Forge Military College to provide equal opportunity for academic success to all cadets. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008, Valley Forge Military College seeks to provide equal access to its programs and services for people with disabilities.
To accomplish this, the Director of Academic Success identifies the education-related needs of cadets with diagnosed and documented disabilities and determines services and accommodations to be provided to those cadets to ensure optimal participation in their academic curriculum. The Director of Academic Success is the coordinator at the college for cadets with disabilities.
At the college level, the adult cadet is not required to disclose his/her disability; however, if a cadet wants to receive reasonable accommodations, he/she must disclose that he/she has a disability, provide documentation of the disability and the need for accommodation, and specifically request the provision of such accommodations.
Cadets with documented learning disabilities, based on testing within the past two years, who are requesting accommodations, are encouraged to contact the Director of Academic Success in Baker Library or by phone at 610-989-1354 or by email at dkerrigan@vfmac.edu prior to the start of the academic year or as early in the semester as possible, preferably within the first week, in order to allow for reasonable prior notice to determine eligibility and to make arrangements for accommodations, if warranted. All discussions will remain confidential.
Academic and Leadership Scholarships at Valley Forge Military College
VFMC has provided millions of dollars throughout our history to cadets to recognize them for their academic achievements and service contributions to their communities. The College has made the financial commitment to assist our applicants with institutional awards to recognize these achievements and provide assistance to offset the financial cost of a valuable college education. The scholarships listed below are awarded in order to a maximum of $17,000 per student per year. Early Commissioning Program students, Prepsters, and graduates of VFMA are not eligible for these scholarships (see below for scholarships they are eligible for). International students are eligible for these scholarships.
This scholarship is awarded for exemplary academic achievement at the secondary level. Students applying to VFMC with a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 and a combined SAT score of 1100 or 22 on the ACT will be awarded $10,000. Applicants who hold a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 and a combined SAT score of 1000 or ACT of 19 will be awarded $8,000. Those applicants with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and a combined SAT score of 950 or ACT of 17 will be awarded $5,000. Cadets must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by college policies to retain their scholarship for a second year.
This scholarship is awarded to students or dependents of active members of the U.S. military, U.S. military veterans, police officers, paramedics, firefighters, and other first responders. Other “service related” positions may be considered. Students must have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5, combined SAT of 1000 or ACT 19. Students must provide verifiable proof of qualifications. If qualified, students will be eligible for a scholarship of up to $2,500.
Awarded to applicants who participated for at least one year in a secondary school drill unit, this scholarship is worth up to $2,000 and is renewable for a second year of study at VFMC. Applicants must provide a letter of recommendation from their drill team advisor and make a commitment to participate in the VFMC Drill Team for the year in which the scholarship is awarded. Cadets must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by college policies in order to retain their scholarship for a second year.
Awarded to applicants who participated for at least one year in a secondary school band or who have a portfolio of performances documenting a similar commitment of time to their musical craft. This scholarship is worth up to $2,000 and is renewable for a second year of study at VFMC. Applicants must provide a letter of a recommendation from their high school band director, and successfully complete an audition for the Valley Forge Regimental Band Director. This scholarship is renewable for one year of study at VFMC. Cadets must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by college policies in order to retain their scholarship for a second year.
This scholarship is awarded to any applicant with a demonstrated commitment to the ideals of Valley Forge Military College and a desire to foster those ideals on campus. Students must apply for this scholarship through the Enrollment Manager, by providing two letters of recommendation from non-family members familiar with their leadership abilities or potential, and they must complete a 1,000-word essay to be reviewed by the scholarship committee regarding how they live the ideals of Valley Forge’s Five Cornerstones of academic excellence, character development, personal motivation, physical development, and leadership. This scholarship is worth up to between $2,000 and $7,000 per year.
Prepster Scholarship to Valley Forge Military College
The Prepster Program at VFMC is a special program available to applicants with the stated aim of attending one of the five national service academies or one of the eleven senior military colleges. Those cadets participating in this program are awarded a full room and board scholarship, and a grant to cover the additional training that comes with the program.
Applicants to the program must hold a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 and a combined SAT score of 1000 or ACT of 19. They must test into Precalculus and be ready for introductory English class. These cadets must sign a written commitment to apply to a service academy or senior military college by the end of their first year at VFMC and they must submit their application on time for consideration. They must agree to meet with the Prepster Program Director and Advisor and participate in the enhanced training that is part of this program.
Hard Charger Scholarship for Graduates of Valley Forge Military Academy
This scholarship is awarded to any graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy who chooses to attend VFMC in the year after their graduation from the Academy. This scholarship covers room and board expenses and provides a merit scholarship of $1,500 for those with a GPA of over 2.0. Awardees must have spent a minimum of one year at the Academy.
US Army Early Commissioning ROTC Program Scholarship
Interested students must apply through the Valley Forge ROTC office. The scholarship covers full tuition and some fees. VFMC provides all ECP awardees with a full room and board scholarship. Eligibility for this program includes a cumulative 2.5 GPA, combined SAT score of 920 or 19 on the ACT, passing of the DOD medical exam, as well as other citizenship, age, and character requirements.
Valley Forge Military Academy & College
Student Complaints – Agency Contact Information
Valley Forge Military College provides students and prospective students with contact
information for filing complaints with the institution’s accrediting agency (Middle States Commission on Higher Education) and its state education agency (Pennsylvania Department of
Education). Please see below for more information.
A .pdf version of this form can be downloaded here.
Continuing in-person education in a healthful manner is critical to advancing our tradition of producing the next generation of leaders.
While it is impossible to eliminate all risks, we have created plans and procedures to reduce risks by taking reasonable and thoughtful precautions. These measures include adjustments to our school calendar, new health protocols, reduced density in the classrooms, changes to our dining procedures, the ability to switch between in-person and online learning seamlessly as needed, and more.
We will continue to update this page and the documents within to accommodate new information about COVID-19, vaccines, and other factors.
Please be aware that these are “living” documents and we will adjust our plans based on guidance provided at any time as necessary, prudent and based on what is reasonable and feasible.
Download VFMA Phased School Reopening Health and Safety Plan
Download VFMC Health and Safety Plan
To provide a smooth transition to campus, VFMAC will have staggered arrival dates, similar to the way any school year starts. Please see designated dates above.
To limit exposure to the campus community, parents will not be permitted on campus to help their child move into their barracks.
There will be a designated area on campus for you to drop off your cadet and their belongings. Everyone will be required to wear a face covering while on campus.
Upon arrival, cadets wil receive a Rapid COVID test. Additionally, on their fifth day on campus, all cadets will receive a PCR (lab) COVID-19 test on campus using an anterior nose test, a painless procedure, via Quest labs. Testing is mandatory.
If your child is medically compromised, please contact the Health Center PRIOR to reporting to campus in order to review medical considerations and any special precautions that must be taken. Please contact the Health Center at 610-989-1518.
To ensure the safety of all of our students, faculty and staff, it is important for your child to arrive on campus on their designated date of arrival, noted above. Questions/concerns regarding missing this date must be addressed to the Commandant’s Office.
All cadets are assessed twice daily (am and pm) for temperature and symptoms. As noted above, COVID-19 testing will take place on the fifth day after arrival to campus. Once all cadets/plebes are cleared they will proceed to their permanent room. We will follow CDC guidelines for isolation for positive results. Parents will be asked to take their child home to recuperate. A note from the doctor will be required to return to campus post-positive COVID-19 isolation and treatment.
Classrooms are re-organized and rearranged to support physical distancing. We have spaced out and removed furniture, assigned seats, adjusted he number of students to the size of the classroom, and are utilizing a variety of new indoor and outdoor spaces to allow for lower classroom density and increased ventilation.
There will be a number of changes implemented on campus, including:
The CDC and Pennsylvania guidelines for all gatherings will be followed. As of now, and to limit exposure to our cadets, all large campus gatherings have been cancelled.
All cadets will be 7-Day Boarders to limit exposure and mitigate risk to the Forge Family.
Generally, in an effort to maintain a healthy campus, we are trying to limit campus visitors and campus departures. We ask that cadets remain on campus for the designated time periods we have communicated.
If an emergency arises, you must contact the Commandant, Lead TAC Officer or OIC before your arrival to campus. Please be aware that all visitors must be masked and there is limited accessibility to campus.
If a cadet is removed from campus for an extended period of time, quarantining may be required. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
The school decided to cancel all athletic seasons for the fall and winter. Spring is still TBD. We continue to be in close contact with our athletics leagues and peer schools to determine how to plan safe interscholastic competitions. We know athletics are important to many cadets and we thank you for your patience as we navigate this complex and fluid issue.
The Health Center team has worked extensively with the Planning Task Force to thoughtfully consider changes necessary to treat cadets in the setting of the ongoing pandemic. The Health Center has updated access protocols to reduce risk of exposure to cadets and staff.
The protocol is as follows: cadets to be masked before arriving at the Health Center. A call will be placed to the nurse so they can prepare for the cadet’s arrival and the cadet will report to the Health Center for assessment. Cadets who present with symptoms of COVID-19 will be tested and put into isolation in Rose Hall (second floor). Parents/guardians will be notified and we will request for you to pick up your child.. If unable, cadet will be in isolation in Rose Hall until results are obtained and cadet is treated according to CDC guidelines for a minimum of 3 days without fever and medication and an additional 7 days thereafter. A note will be required by a medical doctor clearing cadet for return to campus.
If anyone is exposed to a positive COVID-19 case, we must follow CDC guidelines to quarantine at home for 14 days. If the cadet is unable to go home monitoring will take place on campus in Rose Hall and teaching will resume remotely.
If arriving from outside of the United States, cadets should plan to enter the United States and arrive at VFMAC on January 9 (7-9 grades and select leadership) or January 10 (10-12 grades). We ask that each cadet, while at home, prior to US arrival, practice social distancing and try and avoid or limit public transportation for approximately 14 days PRIOR to arriving at VFMAC. During this time, we ask cadets to monitor for symptoms and take their temperature twice per day.
This will help to reduce unnecessary exposure and prevent you from arriving in an airport or to campus feeling ill.
Cadets can find the most up-to-date information, including warning and restrictions at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html.
We know that travel restrictions, limited flights, and visa issues present uncertainty for our international cadets. Rest assured that we will hold your place at VFMAC and that we are equipping campus with technology that will allow you to participate in classes online until you arrive. Once you arrive in the United States, you will be required to quarantine on campus in a designated location for 14 days. After the fifth day on campus, testing for COVID-19 will be performed. After 14 days of quarantine and provided you are well, all classes and activities may resume in-person.
Please advise the Director of International Admissions if you have any questions or concerns at ksethi@vfmac.edu.
International students are required to designate a host/guardian who is at least 21-years-old and lives within driving distance of the School, preferably within a 2-3 hour drive (200km – 300km). Hosts/guardians are to be present for the duration of your stay and must be available to drive to Valley Forge to pick you up within 12 hours in the event of campus closure, illness, discipline issue, or other reason deemed necessary by the School. This could also include, but is not limited to, a period of isolation or quarantine.
An Emergency host or guardian must be identified and written on your Commandant’s Emergency Contact Form and your Health Center Medical Forms.
If you cannot identify a host or guardian within driving distance of Valley Forge, please contact our Director of International Admissions, Kerry Sethi at ksethi@vfmac.edu.
Due to the overall uncertainty, we encourage you to purchase a one-way, open-ended, and/or flexible airline ticket. Consider purchasing travel insurance in the event travel plans are unexpectedly changed. This may help reimburse you for unexpected losses.