Classes FAQ
Who can take classes?
What are the benefits of Nonprofit Learning Point classes?
What happens after I register?
Will I receive additional information before class?
How much does each class cost?
Where are classes held?
Where is the Nonprofit Learning Point office?
Does Nonprofit Learning Point have a refund policy?
Do I need to apply to VCU as a student to take these courses?
What is a V#?
How can I check my VCU transcript?
How do I drop a class?
Do academic credits from Nonprofit Learning Point apply to other degree programs?
How does the Case Management certificate work?
How can I receive a passing grade on my VCU transcript?
How do I get my class grade?
I took classes with Nonprofit Learning Point a few years ago, but I don’t see them in my course history. What’s going on?
Will class be held in the case of inclement weather?
Who can take classes?
Staff, board members, volunteers of nonprofit organizations, or anyone considering a career change to the nonprofit sector can take these classes.
What are the benefits of Nonprofit Learning Point classes?
Students receive the latest information on critical issues in the nonprofit sector from instructors who are experts in their field. In addition to the formal instruction, students benefit from the networking opportunities that abound in NLP classes. Each completed course earns 1 VCU academic credit and 10 CFRE hours. Taking NLP classes demonstrates a commitment to your personal and professional development and can be used towards earning a Certificate of Achievement in Nonprofit Management. Read more about the certificate program here.
What happens after I register?
Once you register and pay for your class(es), you will receive an automated email confirmation. Please note that no confirmation will be sent until payment is received. If you have not received a confirmation at least 48 hours before a class, please email nonprofit@vcu.edu for assistance.
Will I receive additional information before class?
Yes–prior to the first day of class, you will receive a follow up e-mail containing class handouts, directions, and parking information. Please contact us if you do not receive this information.
How much does each class cost?
Each two-day session costs only $45 per person. We’re able to keep our costs low thanks to the generous support of the program’s funding collaborative.
Where are classes held?
Most NLP classes will be held in our new state-of-the-art classroom at the Boulders Meeting Center. We are pleased to provide you with this brand new space attuned to the needs of adult learners in an easy-to-access location with free and ample parking!
Where is the Nonprofit Learning Point office?
The administrative office is now housed with our partner programs of the Partnership for Nonprofit Excellence. You can find us in the Nationwide Building at 7501 Boulders View Drive, Suite 101 Richmond VA 23225
Does Nonprofit Learning Point have a refund policy?
The fee you pay at registration is a program fee that is nonrefundable, unless a class is cancelled or rescheduled. You may transfer your class registration to another class within the semester if you find that you are not able to attend class and you notify us at least one week before the first day. We do not “bank” credits to be used in future semesters. Additionally, you are welcome to donate your seat to someone else at your or another organization if you notify our office at least 48 hours before the class starts.
Do I need to apply to VCU as a student to take these courses?
Nonprofit Learning Point classes are specifically for community members who are serving the nonprofit sector. You will not need to apply to the university.
What is a V#?
Your V# is a unique VCU student identifier that can be obtained by logging into your account and visiting “My Account Information”.Your V# will be displayed at the top of the page. If you do not see your V# here or have trouble logging into the website, please contact our office.
How can I check my VCU transcript?
To check your VCU transcript, which contains a complete record of all NLP classes taken 1995 to the present, please follow the instructions described here.
How do I drop a class?
If you find that you cannot attend a class for which you have registered, please contact the program office immediately. Although we do not offer refunds, this allows the office to offer your space to another student interested in the course.
Do academic credits from Nonprofit Learning Point apply to other degree programs?
Yes, however, it is at the discretion of the school or department in which you are pursuing a degree to decide if they will count the credits toward your degree. Contact your adviser to see if the credits will transfer.
How does the Case Management certificate work?
Nonprofit Learning Point and Homeward, the greater Richmond region’s planning and coordinating agency for homeless services, have announced the formal transition of Homeward’s Case Management Certificate Program to NLP, effective fall of 2009. The program content will remain largely the same as Homeward’s offerings, with the format of the trainings transitioning to three, two-day trainings. Nonprofit Learning Point will offer one elective course in case management per semester (fall, spring, and summer). Additionally, to reach a broader audience, the content will expand its focus from case management for those who are experiencing homelessness to the case management for those who are living in poverty.
Homeward will continue to grant program certificates to students who complete the NLP case management coursework. If they wish, these students may also continue taking additional NLP classes toward the Certificate of Achievement in Nonprofit Management. Click here for more information from Homeward.
Upon completion of the required courses to earn a certificate, the student should email the following information to Melanie McDonald at mmcdonald@homewardva.org. You should receive a response within one week.
- Name, as you would like it to appear on the certificate
- Mailing address
- Phone number
- Did you begin your certificate while Homeward managed the case management program: YES or NO
- Please provide the name and the date of completion for each of the classes that were taken to complete the certificate.
- Please tell us how this certificate has helped you achieve your professional goals.
How can I receive a passing grade on my VCU transcript?
Goals for NLP Grading System:
- a system which allows students who are not academically oriented to participate without negative consequences (e.g. an “F” on their record)
- maintain academic integrity of courses and the certificate
- transferability of credits for those who wish
- consistent policies and practices across instructors
- meet needs of our stakeholders
The NLP grading system is based on attendance and participation (70%), as well as a homework assignment (30%). Students will be assigned a letter grade based on their performance in both of these categories.
- Student registers but does not attend class: Drop
- Student attends less than the full two days: Withdrawn
- Student attends both full days and participates, but does not complete an assignment: can earn a maximum of a C but the instructor can assign C, D, or F based on students participation.
- Student attends both full days and submits an assignment: eligible for an A or B. Student can earn a maximum of A but the professor can assign A, B, C, D, or F based on students’ participation and quality of assignment.
*Only grades of A or B are eligible towards the certificate of achievement
*Technology and Conversational Spanish courses are an exception to this grading system and operate on a Pass / Fail grading system. In order to receive a passing grade, you must meet all attendance and any other course requirements.
How do I get my class grade?
Your instructor will send you your grade for the course along with feedback after you have completed your homework assignment. Grades will be posted to the NLP website and VCU transcripts approximately one month after the last date of each course.
I took classes with Nonprofit Learning Point a few years ago, but I don’t see them in my course history. What’s going on?
NLP began using a database separate from VCU in 2008/2009. As a result, the course history displayed when logging into our website will only include classes taken after this point. To see your complete NLP course history from 1995 to present, please access your official VCU transcript by following the instructions here.
Will class be held in the case of inclement weather?
If The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia (TCF) is closed due to inclement weather, our classes will not meet. If TCF is operating on a delayed schedule, our classes will meet but will adhere to the delayed schedule. Please watch or listen to local news sources for information about cancellations and delays. You may also call the TCF main line 804-330-7400. We are unable to issue refunds if you decide not to attend a class because of inclement weather or illness.
