Non-UR Abroad Program Policy

Policy for Non-UR Semester and Yearlong Programs 

The University of Richmond staff and faculty have carefully selected an extensive list of UR study abroad programs consistent with the needs of our students and that are aligned with University standards, and educational objectives. Due to the wealth of offerings, most students will find a UR program that suits their educational goals and will be able to enroll in a UR program if eligible and approved. Very rarely, a student has a compelling academic reason to attend a non-UR program and, in order to do so, must complete a petition that is approved by International Education. More information on this process is below.

Students whose petition is approved to study on a non-UR abroad program are not eligible for UR institutional funding while abroad, but may still be eligible to receive federal and state financial aid. Contact the financial aid office for more information. Participants in approved non-UR programs will also be assessed a $1,500 administrative fee. If a student withdraws from Richmond to takes part in a non-Richmond semester abroad program, they are not eligible to transfer credit back to Richmond from that program. Finally, Richmond students may not study at Richmond exchange or affiliate programs and transfer credit back to the University without having been accepted into the program through the International Education office.

Petition Information for non-UR semester abroad programs

Students considering a non-UR program should meet with an advisor in International Education to discuss their situation and obtain petition materials prior to the deadline.

The deadline to submit the petition is normally the 3rd week in January prior to the fall semester abroad and the 2nd week in September prior to the spring semester abroad. The deadline to submit non-UR petitions is earlier than the deadline for application to Richmond programs to allow time for the student to apply to a Richmond program in the event that their petition is not approved. Please email the Study Abroad Office for specific dates.

A successful petition will demonstrate the academic and cross-cultural quality of the non-UR program and a compelling reason why no Richmond program can serve the student's academic needs.

Non-UR petitions will not be reviewed or decided upon until after the petition deadline has passed. Decisions are normally made within two weeks after the petition deadline. Transfer credit towards the UR degree is only permitted for approved non UR semester petitions and all courses must be pre-approved by the relevant academic department at Richmond and meet the transfer credit rules for study abroad.

Information for Non-UR Summer / Winter Break Abroad Programs

Students planning to earn transfer credit from Non-UR summer abroad or Winter Break abroad programs must register their program participation online by the deadlines below. Additionally, a Study Abroad Course Approval Form must be signed by relevant faculty members and submitted to the Registrar by the same deadlines below.

NOTE: Non-immigrant students wishing to take courses over summer or winter breaks at institutions in their home countries are required to complete this registration process.

Register your participation:

Deadlines

  • Summer abroad: June 1, prior to departure
  • Winter Break abroad: December 15, prior to departure

A transcript must be issued by an accredited university or institution and sent directly to Ms. Kim Duren in the Registrar’s office.

Retroactive program registrations

If you have already completed a Non-UR Summer or Winter Break abroad program but didn't register it before you departed for abroad, you still need to retroactively register your program to determine if your credits can be transferred to Richmond. Click here for instructions; only use this link for retroactive registrations.