Student learning location
What is a student learning location?
Your student learning location is the physical address where you live or frequently stay while:
- Taking classes
- Participating in your program
- Completing educational activities such as field experiences or internships
This could be:
- Your on-campus housing (like a residence hall)
- An off-campus apartment or home
- A temporary address (for example, staying with family or friends in another state or country)
Your student learning location may be different from your permanent or mailing address.
For prospective students:
It refers to the address where you live or frequently stay at the time you apply for admission.
Why does this matter?
Federal regulations require us to verify student learning locations. This allows us to:
- Make sure the university is allowed to offer your program in your state
- Provide accurate information about professional licenses or certifications (like teaching, nursing, or counseling)
Licensing requirements vary by state, so your learning location affects what information we must share with you.
How your student learning location is determined |
| Your living situation | Your student learning location |
|---|---|
| On campus | On-campus address |
| Off campus in Virginia | Virginia address |
| Outside Virginia | Address in your current state or country |
Example: If you usually live in Virginia but are temporarily staying in Wyoming for a semester, your student learning location for that time is Wyoming.
What you need to do
Current Students
- At the start of each semester, log into Banner to confirm or update your student learning location.
- Watch for an email reminder each semester asking you to verify it.
- Update your location anytime it changes. Your information stays the same until you update it.
Reminder: Even if your location has not changed, confirm it in Banner each semester.
Prospective Students
- You will be asked to provide your student learning location during the application or enrollment process for programs that lead to licensure or certification
Keep Your Learning Location Updated
Make sure your student learning location is current so that you:
- Receive the correct licensure information for your state
- Know whether your program meets state requirements
- Help the university stay compliant with federal regulations
Questions
If you have questions about your student learning location, please email location@vcu.edu.
For Transparency
This process follows federal regulations and the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), an agreement that allows universities to offer programs across state lines. For details, see 34 CFR § 600.9(c)(2) and 34 CFR § 668.43.
FAQ
There is a federal regulation, 34 CFR 600.9(c)(2), which requires that all institutions of higher education (including VCU) make a determination regarding the state in which a student is located. In addition to the federal regulation, determination of student location is required by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, which allows VCU to engage in designated distance education activities in other member states.
Providing your location address allows VCU to comply with federal state authorization requirements related to providing educational services in states other than Virginia. VCU’s failure to comply with these regulations can impact the institution’s eligibility for Title IV funding, including federal financial aid.
If you're getting an error message when updating your location, please try again at a later time. Often the error messages arise when the system is experiencing a brief issue that will be resolved by that time you return to update your location. If the issue persists, email location@vcu.edu for assistance.
At the beginning of each semester, all current students must log into Banner and confirm or change their location. However, all current students will receive an email from the Office of the Provost at least once each academic year, prompting them to confirm or update their location.
You can update your location address anytime by using this online form. You may also update it by following these steps: go to VCU eServices, click the Personal Information tab, click the Personal Information link, and update the address for your location.
University officials who need the information in order to perform their university responsibilities will have access to student location information. Your location address is part of your education record, which the university protects according to the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). You can read more about the university's protection of your education records under FERPA at this link: https://rar.vcu.edu/records/family-educational-rights-and-privacy-act/.
Student location information will be used for complying with the U.S. Department of Education’s requirements set forth in Title IV, 34 CFR § 600.9, 34 CFR § 668.43 and the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA), which allow for VCU to offer educational opportunities where students are located. As required by federal regulation, VCU may also be asked to provide the United States Secretary of Education with its determination of a student’s state of location (not the full address). In addition, university officials may use this information in order to contact you or provide other important university resources, as needed, such as health and safety support.
Please email location@vcu.edu.