https://vccs.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_s60YAFVqT_y-dNiPyjmswQ
Women Helping Women
11th Annual Conference
April 10, 10am-2:15pm
(children are welcome; come when you can)
Please share broadly about the changes to advising services during the SIS outage.
Due to a system upgrade, the Student Information System (SIS) will be down from Thursday, Feb. 25th at 5pm until Monday, March 1st at 7am. Therefore, advising services will be limited to only the Virtual Lobby where advisors will be able to answer general questions because they will not have access to students’ official records in SIS. Click here for the link to the Virtual Lobby.
We look forward to a return to our normal advising services on Monday, March 1st at 8:30am. In the meantime, all advisors/counselors scheduled for VSS Chat are expected to utilize that time to complete Spring Training opportunities in the Advising Academy. Click here to access the Advising Academy.
NOVA Testing Centers are not available to proctor any exams on campus until further notice. All college services are temporarily being offered remotely for safety and social distancing as a result of COVID-19.
Please check NOVA’s homepage for up to date information on campus operations www.nvcc.edu. For COVID-19 updates regarding our NOVA community click https://www.nvcc.edu/coronavirus/index.html.
Course testing: Please contact your individual class instructors for information about course testing.
Placement testing: Please contact your academic counselor to determine if any of your existing grades and measures of competency qualify as alternatives to a placement test.
Testing Center personnel are teleworking and available to answer your questions.
Email: altestctr@nvcc.edu (Email is preferred. Please provide your Emplid number within your email)
Phone: 703-845-6035, Google Voice (If you leave a message clearly state your name, NOVA emplid number, email address and the reason for your call.)
We’re here to assist you.
Sign up today. https://www.nvcc.edu/_files/six-options-fall-2020.pdf
Monday-Thursday 8:30-8:00 pm
Friday 8:30-4:00 pm
Saturday 8:30-3:30pm
Call the testing center and leave your name and a phone number
703.845.6035
Congratulations on continuing to reach your academic goals. The Alexandria Testing Center is here to assist you.
VPT or ESL Placement test:
https://www.nvcc.edu/nova-esl/college/faq/index.html#question1
World Languages:
https://www.nvcc.edu/annandale/lass/world.html
Math Placement: Since the credit-level math course you take depends on your program of study (major), you should consult the College Catalog https://www.nvcc.edu/catalog/index.html
or your advisement report: https://www.nvcc.edu/novaconnect/students/tuts/advising/report.html
Please email us at altestctr@nvcc.edu or call and leave a message on 703.845.6035 with questions or concerns.
Dear NOVA Community,
The impact and scope of COVID-19 seems to change hourly, so I want to update you with the latest on how NOVA plans to move ahead for the next few weeks. This update contains new information and supersedes all prior communication.
Guidance from local health officials and the CDC has been consistent in calling for an emphasis on preventive measures, including social distancing, to reduce the spread of the virus. To this end and out of an abundance of caution, NOVA is taking the following steps:
NOVA has updated the COVID-19 website to include this and other critical information, including new FAQ documents for employees and students about academic continuity and other topics. Because this is an evolving situation, please check this website regularly for additional updates.
I recognize that this is a stressful time and that information on the virus, local cases, and the best response seems to change frequently, which can add even more anxiety. I am sorry for that and want you to know NOVA cares about your well-being and the well-being of our community in this uncertain time. I will continue to communicate regularly with you about what NOVA is doing in preparation, planning, and response. Please know this: our planning has prepared us to change our approach to this situation as needed, and as this update indicates, we will do so when appropriate based on local conditions.
Please take care, keep up the incredibly important preventive measures, and keep posted. As always, if you have questions, do not hesitate to contact our Office of Emergency Management at OEM@nvcc.edu, your campus Provost, or me.
Sincerely,
Anne
Protecting yourself and others from respiratory illnesses like the flu starts with you. The NOVA OEMS (Office of Emergency Management and Safety) has posted signage about campus concerning germ and influenza precautions from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which are also the same guidance for the Covid-19 virus.
If you’re sick, stay home, and rest.
Slow the spread of germs….cover your coughs and sneezes and wash your hands often.
Information will be displayed on campus bulletin boards and on mirrors in bathrooms.
Contact:
For more information about this announcement, please contact NOVA Alexandria Campus Department of Operations office || Bisdorf Building || Room AA-187
St. James ELC Flyer (00000003)
Give your child the high-quality education they deserve at a price point that is accessible for families. Weekly rates include breakfast, two snacks, and lunch each day. Age requirements: 2 ½ -5 years old–child must be potty-trained.
As you start off the new year we at the Alexandria Testing Center wish you the best.
Dream BIG
Put in the WORK
Stay FOCUS
Laugh OFTEN
Be KIND
It’s within your REACH!!!
Mae Carol Jemison (born October 17, 1956) is an American engineer, physician and NASA astronaut. She became the first African American woman to travel in space when she went into orbit aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on September 12, 1992. After medical school and a brief general practice, Jemison served in the Peace Corps from 1985 until 1987, when she was selected by NASA to join the astronaut corps. She resigned from NASA in 1993 to found a company researching the application of technology to daily life. She has appeared on television several times, including as an actress in an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. She is a dancer and holds nine honorary doctorates in science, engineering, letters, and the humanities. She is the current principal of the 100 Year Starship organization.
New Course Numbers and More
Many of NOVA’s MTH courses will have the same content, but their course number will be different. For instance, Precalculus I (currently MTH 163) will be renumbered MTH 161.
Other courses, like Calculus I (currently MTH 173; will be renumbered MTH 263) and will change from 5 credit to 4 credits.
A few math courses will no longer be offered. MTH 151, 152, 157, 181 and 182 will be offered this summer and they will be offered one final time in Fall 2018 for students who wish to improve their grade. After Fall 2018, these courses will no longer be offered.
If you need to retake MTH 151, 152, 157, 173, 174, 181, 182 or 286 for grade improvement, Fall 2018 will be your last opportunity to do so. For all other math courses, you can take the renumbered course for grade improvement.
Another significant change is that if a math class requires a math prerequisite, you must have earned a C in the prerequisite in order to enroll. For example, if you plan on taking Calculus I in the fall, you must have earned a grade of C in the prerequisite course.
NOVA’s degree and certificate programs have been updated to reflect the new MTH courses. These new courses will also replace our existing courses in the transfer agreements with our university partners. If you are in the middle of an MTH course sequence, then you may continue the sequence with one of the new courses. For further guidance, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance. Robert Kennedy
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/robert_kennedy_745908
Motivated leaders desire to achieve above and beyond expectations.
This comes from their passion, pride and desire to become better and the motivation to do things better than everyone else.
To succeed as a leader, you need to be motivated, and no one else can do that for you except your self.
Nothing will work unless you do. – Maya Angelou
Related: Traits of a Motivated Leader
Leaders hold them selves and the people around them to a higher standard than most, both on a personal and professional level.
Leaders understand that in order to achieve higher standards, they need to have strong values, hold themselves accountable for their words/actions and never make excuses.
Remember you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
Unfortunately, confidence can be one of those things you either have or don’t have, but I believe that it can be practiced and learned.
Confidence has to do with your inner perception of your ability to fulfill a particular role and is built through your experiences and dealings during your life.
To build your confidence you need to be open to new experiences and be willing to fail or you’ll never grow and find the strength needed to push the limits of what you’re capable of.
You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. – Eleanor Roosevelt
Where others might think a project or task is too difficult, leaders face those challenges with energy and positivity.
Positivity is contagious, so be sure to focus on your attitude and understand you set the tone for your business and the people around you.
Related: 7 Things Remarkable Happy People Do Often
Being accountable means that you accept responsibility for the outcomes expected of you, both good and bad.
You don’t blame others. And you don’t blame things that were out of your control.
Until you take responsibility, you are a victim. And being a victim is the exact opposite of being a leader.
Great leaders take initiative to influence the outcome and take responsibility for the results.
Thank a teacher!
Eid ul-Adha (also spelled Eid al-Adha) is the second and most holy Eid of the Islamic year.
Also known as “the feast of the sacrifice”, it celebrates the Prophet Ibrahim, who was commanded by God to sacrifice his only son.
Satan tried to tempt Ibrahim as he prepared to commit the deed, but the prophet drove the devil away by throwing stones at him.
As he prepared to slit his son’s throat, God replaced the boy with a ram. Ibrahim had passed the test of his faith.
In honour of Ibrahim, Muslims sacrifice cows, goats, lambs and other animals on Eid ul-Adha – or Greater Eid – in the name of God.
My flag touched the ground. Do I need to destroy it?
No. You should, of course, try to avoid having the flag touch the ground. But if it does, you should correct the situation immediately. If the flag has been dirtied, you should clean it by hand with a mild soap solution and dry it well before returning it to use.
My flag is old and ready to be retired. What should I do?
Section 8k of the Flag Code states, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” You can contact your local VFW Chapter and ask them for help properly disposing of your flag. Consider providing a small donation to them for their assistance. Or you can contact your local Elks Lodge (who created the idea of Flag Day, established officially by President Truman, himself a member of the Elks), the American Legion, or the Knights of Columbus. Some Boy Scout and Girl Scout troups also can provide this service.
See Flag Retirement Service and Ceremony
In earlier times, most American flags were made of cotton or wool. But today’s flags are often nylon or other petroleum-based materials. Burning them can release hazardous gases, including formaldehydes, ammonia, carbon monoxide, and traces of hydrogen cyanide into the air. In some states, it is even illegal to burn nylon, so adhering to the Flag Code puts you in direct violation of the law. Burning is preferred for cotton and wool flags. Nylon and flags made from other synthetics can be buried.
Modern flag retirement ceremonies, often held annually on Flag Day, sometimes feature the symbolic burning of a single flag (cotton or wool) and the burial of the others. This is both safe and respectful.
American Flag Recycling: A group advocating recycling nylon flags
When was the Flag Code established?
On June 22, 1942, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Federal Flag Code, which led to Congressional enactment on December 22, 1942.
Periodically the Flag Code has been updated and amended.
The article was posted last year but still useful today.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/willarddix/2016/06/24/making-summer-count-for-college-and-yourself/#45d6aeee1405
Tip #1: Clearly Communicate To Others That It Is Crunch Time
Let those who live with you and/or are impacted by your behavior know that the next week (or two) will be difficult, assure them that it’s a finite period of time, and let them know you appreciate their support and understanding. I find that people are willing to assist me when I communicate my needs ahead of time.
Tip #2: Lower Your Standards In Non-Essential Areas Of Life
I’m what’s known as a neat freak. During crunch time, I give myself permission to be a slob. It’s OK because it’s only one week. I love to eat out, but during crunch time, I’m OK with peanut butter and pickle sandwiches because I don’t have time for anything else. And that’s OK because it’s only one week. Typically, I sleep nine hours per night. During crunch time, I sleep nine hours per night. And that’s because sleep is not negotiable for me! The point is to ask yourself: what can I let slide a bit for the next week (or two) without negative consequences?
Tip #3: Ruthlessly Assess What Grading ACTUALLY Needs To Get Done
Many students do not read comments that are given on final papers and projects. Upon the suggestion of one of my mentors, I developed the habit of asking my students ahead of time to indicate if they want me to write comments on their final papers. Fewer than 10 percent requested the comments, and I saved hours of grading that would never have been read while concentrating my comment-writing on the students who genuinely wanted feedback.
Tip #4: Say NO To EVERY SERVICE REQUEST From Now Until The End Of The Semester
If you are struggling to find time to complete all of the things on your to-do list, it makes no sense to add more items. In other words, when your time is scarce, one of the worst things you can do is to take on any additional responsibilities. Say “no” often, clearly, and without guilt.
Tip #5: Every Day Needs A Plan
Take 30 minutes on Sunday night to get your to-do list out of your head and onto a piece of paper. Then force yourself to place each of your tasks onto a specific time in your calendar. If you don’t have enough time for the tasks, then delegate them, re-negotiate the deadline, or let them go. This Sunday Meeting will clarify your week and force you to make the tough decisions in advance. Then each morning, you only need to spend two minutes reviewing the items you must complete for that day. This will keep you focused and confident that the truly important things will get done.
Tip #6: Write For At Least 30 Minutes Each Day
When new faculty feel crunched for time, one of the first things they are ready to sacrifice is their daily writing! This term, put yourself, your future, and your daily writing time into the non-negotiable category (along with classes and meetings). There are MANY other ways to be efficient besides eliminating the one activity that is central to your promotion, tenure, and long-term professional success.
Tip #7: Only Check E-Mail One Time Per Day (Max)
E-mail begets more e-mail. When you have little time, the least effective way to spend it is writing e-mails. I’m only able to restrict my e-mail to once a day during crunch times, but for one week, it’s unlikely to cause a crisis and typically works out just fine.
Tip #8: Eliminate Unnecessary Electronic Distractions
If you subscribe to any listservs, sign off until the term is over. Many people sign off during the summer, so why not just do so now? Listservs create lots of e-mail in your inbox, very little of which is critical information that you can’t do without between now and graduation. While you’re at it, why not take a respite from all electronic time-wasters: Facebook, Twitter, television, etc.
Tip #9: Take Care Of Your Body
Exercise reduces stress. When I don’t have time to go to the gym, I opt for using the stairs instead of elevators in buildings, take quick walks at lunch time, or just put on some music for five minutes and dance like a toddler who just found a cup of coffee. Be creative! Whatever you need to do to get your heart rate up and your body moving will benefit you during crunch time.
Tip #10: End Every Day With Gratitude And A Treat!
As each day comes to a close, take a moment to thank the universe for all the things that went well and affirm that everything in your life is working for your highest good. I insist on a treat every day during crunch time because I deserve it. So do you!
FacultyDiversity.org
When College officials award credit, degrees and certificates, they must assume the absolute integrity of students’ work. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to the following:
Any student who withdraws from a course with a pending academic misconduct violation may be subject to a grade change.
Both administrative and educational sanctions may be imposed by the instructor or the Academic Dean.
Any allegation of academic misconduct in a testing center is referred to the instructor for the associated course. An allegation of cheating on the Virginia Placement Test, Accuplacer or any other test not associated with a particular course is referred to the Dean of Students.
1. Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
2. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.
3. The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige and even his life for the welfare of others.
4. Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
5. I have decided to stick to love…Hate is too great a burden to bear.
6. Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.
7. Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.
8. Ten thousand fools proclaim themselves into obscurity, while one wise man forgets himself into immortality.
9. I have a dream…
10. When you are right you cannot be too radical; when you are wrong, you cannot be too conservative.
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
Stress actually is contagious. During exam week, resist the urge to have a study session with your super-tense friend, especially if she’s complaining about all the work she has to do and breaking pencils all over the place. Her stress will only add to your stress.
This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s a wonder how many people forget it. Skip the sugar, which will make you crash, and go for snacks like granola bars, healthy cereal or fruits and veggies to keep your blood sugar stable. If you’re studying for a long period of time, eat some protein too. Also, try to get some form of exercise. Even a 10 minute walk will leave you calmer and more focused.
I don’t mean to drugs, although I’m not recommending them or anything. What you need to say no to are the people who want to take up your time. There will probably be a friend who needs to talk to you for hours about her life, or a keg party the night before your final, and if you say yes, you’ll probably be tempted to blow off studying. Resist the urge. Say no to the distractions and be selfish for a day. You want a good GPA, right?
For every hour or so that you work, take a 10 or 15 minute break. Let yourself do whatever you want (check Facebook, check out that guy sitting nearby, stare off into space, call a friend, etc.) for those 10-15 mins, then start working again. This gives your brain a little rest and will help keep you more focused when you are actually doing work.
This is actually my favorite tip of all, even though it sounds kind of nuts. Imagine yourself taking the test and feeling confident that you know all the information. Picture getting all of the answers right, and focus on how relaxed you feel. Then picture the A on your test paper. When you imagine a happy ending, that’s often what happens, because you make the decisions that lead to it without even realizing.
When test-time rolls around, it’s time to get yourself into confidence mode. You’ve prepared as much as you could, and now it’s time to ace the test. The tip here is to do whatever works to convince yourself you are going to do really well. Again, I know this tip sounds a little crazy but you just have to try it for yourself. I think you’ll like the results.
“The best way people can thank us for our service is by engaging the military and veterans communities in meaningful ways. Recognizing their sacrifice and taking meaningful action to ensure that the promises made to us when we entered service are kept.” — U.S. Navy veteran
“Wecome with a handshake is enough for me. Please do not place me on a pedestal.” — U.S. Army veteran
“I think the best way to thank veterans for their service is to earnestly say thanks. We don’t want anything special, after all we did volunteer. The wars of the last decade have been unprecedented in their effect on veterans, and simply knowing that those whom we have served and protected appreciate it really goes a long way.” — U.S. Marine Corps veteran
When did all this begin?
1845 — The Tuesday after the first Monday in November was established for presidential elections
1875 — Adopted for electing U.S. House members
1914 — Applied to electing senators when the direct election of them began
Why Tuesday — and in November?
Convenience, believe it or not. In order to understand the day chosen, you need to understand 19th century America. Most Americans were farmers, devoutly Christian and needed time to travel, because roads weren’t paved, and polling locations weren’t widespread like today.
A hundred years ago, then-President Woodrow Wilson established June 14 as a chance to “rededicate ourselves to the nation,” as he wrote in his proclamation. He wanted Americans to take Flag Day to leave behind “every thought that is not worthy of our fathers’ first vows in independence, liberty and right” and instead “stand with united hearts, for an America which no man can corrupt, no influence draw away from its ideals, no force divide against itself.”
If you’re stuck at your desk instead of celebrating in the summer sun, here are 13 facts to share about the American flag, compiled from the History Channel, Mental Floss, ABC News and PBS:
The version of the flag the U.S. uses today is the 27th.
The 50th star was added in 1960, after Hawaii joined the U.S.
At one point in 1795 the flag had 15 stripes, one for each state.
Vendors often use the Pantone shades 193 C and 281 C for the flag’s red and blue.
The flag is always flying at the White House, Fort McHenry and at the Iwo Jima memorial.
Almost all American flags made today were produced in the U.S.
There’s no evidence Betsy Ross designed the first American flag, but she was paid at one point for creating “ships colours.”
Other people think a man named Francis Hopkinson helped out with the flag’s original look.
The Pledge of Allegiance was penned in 1892.
Spring has Sprung at the Alexandria Testing Center!
Remember:
For the most up to date hours and information, follow us on: Twitter @AlexTestCtr or at our ATC Blog blogs.nvcc.edu/altesting
December 18th & 19th will be the busiest days at the Testing Center this semester. You’ll want to arrive early.
Due to limited space, we encourage you not to bring large purses and back packs.
On the day of your exam, bring completed Eli (online) exam pass and valid government issued photo ID to include passports, Student ID, or driver’s license
Blog: http://blogs.nvcc.edu/altesting/
Follow us on Twitter: Twitter@AlexTestCtr
Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 9:00 – 9:00 p.m. Friday 9:00- 4:00 p.m. and
Saturday 8:30-4:30 p.m.
NOVA Alexandria Testing Center
For the most up to date information and other helpful tips,
follow us on Twitter @AlexTestCtr
Try not to wait until the last day to test as this increases test anxiety. You want to get your test done so you can relax!
10:00 am – 11:15 am
Breakout #1
Canvas + Navigate: Making the Most of Your Tech Tools
or
Tutoring 101
_______________________________________________________
11:30 am – 12:20 pm
Welcome Session
Student Panel: The NOVA Experience & What I Wish I Knew
Opening Remarks
Dr. Annette Haggray – Provost (AL)
Michael Turner – Dean of Students (WO)
_______________________________________________________
12:30 pm – 1:20 pm
Breakout #2
Navigating Community College: Real
Conversations for International Students
or
Library Resources: Remote and Face to Face
_______________________________________________________
1:30 pm – 2:20 pm
Breakout #3
The VSU and You! NOVA’s Virtual Student Union
or
Testing While Remote
_______________________________________________________
2:30 pm – 3:20 pm
Plenary Panel
Faculty Panel: How to Succeed in Your Classes
_______________________________________________________
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Welcome Remarks
Dr. Frances Villagran-Glover – Vice President of Student Services
Followed by Prize Raffle
_______________________________________________________
5:00 pm – 5:50 pm
How to Succeed in Online Classes
_______________________________________________________
6:00 pm – 6:50 pm
Meet the Alexandria Student Government Association (SGA)
We look forward to meeting you all virtually!