Course offerings
View the PFF Program Informational Bulletin [PDF] Current Preparing Future Faculty Program course schedules are available through the VCU Schedule of Classes. Read important information on this page regarding registration for current graduate degree seeking students and non-degree seeking students. |
Registration and enrollment information
For current degree-seeking VCU graduate students
PFF Program courses are open to all degree-seeking graduate students. Graduate students who are enrolled full-time can register for the courses at no additional charge as long as their total semester enrollment does not exceed 15 hours.
Current VCU graduate students register for PFF Program courses online through eServices, with the exception of two courses that require permission of the PFF Program director (GRAD 605 and GRAD 606). To register for GRAD 605 (Professional Specialty Seminar), please Email pffprogram@vcu.edu with your name, student ID number and program of study. Our office will discuss with you the prerequisite requirements (GRAD 601 and GRAD 602), consult with you to determine the appropriate professional specialty cluster section and register you for the course. Proposal development guidelines, submission deadlines and registration instructions for GRAD 606 (Internship/Externship in Professional Teaching) are discussed in depth in the GRAD 606 Proposal and Course Completion Guide document located below.
For non-degree-seeking students
Non-degree-seeking graduate students may only enroll in PFF classes with permission of the PFF Program. Registration for PFF Program courses is restricted to VCU graduate students until the first week that the class meets. If seats are available at that time, qualified non-degree seeking students will be registered in the order that requests were submitted.
If you are interested in having your name added to the waitlist, please Email pffprogram@vcu.edu with the following information: (1) full name and V number if affiliated with VCU; (2) undergraduate and graduate degrees that you hold (institution and degrees conferred only); (3) current college/university affiliation, if applicable; (4) a brief explanation of interest in the PFF; and (5) statement indicating the course(s) you wish to take. Upon written confirmation of approval to register, students will need to complete the Certificate of Eligibility [PDF] and Course Request Form [PDF] and be responsible for the submission of these documents as stated on the forms.
PFF Program course offerings
GRAD 601: The Academic Profession
Semester course; 2 lecture hours. 2 credits. (offered in fall semester)
GRAD 602: Teaching, Learning and Technology in Higher Education
Semester course; 2 lecture hours. 2 credits. (offered in spring semester)
OVPR 603: Responsible Conduct of Research
Short course. 1 lecture hour. 1 credit. (offered in fall semester)
(formerly GRAD 603)
GRAD 605: Professional Specialty Seminar
Short course. 1 lecture hour. 1 credit. Prerequisites: GRAD 601, GRAD 602. Registration by permission of the program only: Email pffprogram@vcu.edu to request enrollment. (offered in spring semester)
GRAD 606: Internship/Externship in Professional Teaching
Intern course; 3 credits. Prerequisites: GRAD 601, GRAD 602, OVPR 603 (formerly GRAD 603) and GRAD 605. (offered in fall, spring and summer semesters)
GRAD 691: Special Topics in Graduate Education
Variable lecture hours. Variable credit.
PFF Program Certificate of Achievement Sequence
In order to receive the PFF Program Certificate of Achievement, students must successfully complete the nine credit hours of PFF Program coursework (detailed below) and submit the electronic portfolio for evaluation.
- Successful completion of the core PFF Program courses
- GRAD 601 The Academic Profession
2 credit hour lecture course (offered in the fall semester) - GRAD 602 Teaching, Learning and Technology in Higher Education
2 credit hour lecture course (offered in the spring semester) - OVPR 603 Responsible Conduct of Research
1 credit hour lecture course (8-week short course, offered in the fall semester)
(formerly GRAD 603) - GRAD 605 Professional Specialty Seminar
1 credit hour seminar course (8-week short course, offered in the spring semester)
- Successful completion of three credit hours of the mentored capstone experience
- GRAD 606 Internship/Externship in Professional Teaching
Offered for variable credit (3 credit hours offered in fall, spring and summer semesters)
- Submission and evaluation of the electronic portfolio (see details in the PDF document listed above under GRAD 606)
Upon completion of these requirements, a text comment will be recorded on the student’s academic transcript to read:
Preparing Future Faculty Certificate of Achievement completed [date].
The student and his/her faculty mentor will be recognized for this accomplishment at a Graduate School event, usually held in the spring semester.
