More Sessions Begin Today

The fall semester is in progress.  Sections of courses with a start date of September 9 began today.  Below are a few tips to help a session get off to a good start.

  1. Review each course syllabus. Note due dates as well as contact information for the professor and preferred method of contact.
  2. Create a schedule for studying and completing assignments.
  3. Check the academic calendar.  Identify and take note of key dates for a session.
  4. Visit the Student Resource Course located on your Canvas Dashboard to make sure you are aware of and utilizing features of Canvas.
  5. Connect with NOVA – Check your VCCS email account for Nighthawk News – NOVA’s student newsletter.

Fall 2024 Has Begun!

The fall semester has begun.  Below are a few tips to help the semester get off to a good start.

  1. Review each course syllabus. Note due dates as well as contact information for the professor and preferred method of contact.
  2. Create a schedule for studying and completing assignments.
  3. Check the academic calendar. Identify and take note of key dates for a session.
  4. Visit the Student Resource Course located on your Canvas Dashboard to make sure you are aware of and utilizing features of Canvas.
  5. Connect with NOVA –
    • Check your VCCS student email account for Nighthawk News – NOVA’s student newsletter
    • Access the Virtual Student Union to connect with other students and keep up-to-date with events.

Time for Reflection – Summer 2024

Now is a good time for reflection.  Take a moment to reflect on what went well for you this summer as well as what did not go well.  Take another moment to consider what changes you may want to make as you move forward with working towards the achievement of your academic and professional goals.

Below are links to resources you may find helpful.

Final Session for Summer 2024 Has Begun

The final session for Summer 2024 has begun.  Below are a few tips to help the session get off to a good start.

  1. Review each course syllabus. Note due dates as well as contact information for the professor and preferred method of contact.
  2. Create a schedule for studying and completing assignments.
  3. Check the academic calendar. Identify and take note of key dates for a session.
  4. Visit the Student Resource Course located on your Canvas Dashboard to make sure you are aware of and utilizing features of Canvas.
  5. Connect with NOVA – Access the Virtual Student Union to connect with other students and keep up-to-date with events.

Apply for Graduation by June 1

Congratulations to students nearing the completion of a certificate or degree!  A student must submit an Application for Graduation for the process of conferring a certificate or degree to begin. If you plan to graduate this Summer, you must submit an Application for Graduation by June 1.  Learn more about preparing for graduation by visiting the Graduation Process website.

Summer Session 2024 Has Begun!

The summer session has begun.  Below are a few tips to help the session get off to a good start.

  1. Review each course syllabus. Note due dates as well as contact information for the professor and preferred method of contact.
  2. Create a schedule for studying and completing assignments.
  3. Check the academic calendar. Identify and take note of key dates for a session.
  4. Visit the Student Resource Course located on your Canvas Dashboard to make sure you are aware of and utilizing features of Canvas.
  5. Connect with NOVA – Access the Virtual Student Union to connect with other students and keep up-to-date with events.

Congratulations Graduates!

The following are a few items to add to your to do list:

  1. Pause and reflect.  Take time to appreciate all you have accomplished.
  2. Update or create your resume.  As an alumni, you have access to Career Connection, NOVA’s job & internship database for students.  Utilize the resume builder tool if you need help getting started.
  3. Request your transcript.  Order a copy for yourself as well as copies to provide to appropriate parties based on your goals.
  4. Stay connected to NOVA by joining NOVA’s Alumni and Friends Network.
  5. Take care of yourself.  Find helpful resources, including a Virtual Self-Care Kit, on the Office of Mental Health and Wellness website.

Congratulations and best wishes!

Time for Reflection – Spring 2024

As the spring semester comes to an end, now is a good time for reflection.  Take a moment to reflect on what went well for you this semester as well as what did not go well.  Take another moment to consider what changes you may want to make as you move forward with working towards the achievement of your academic and professional goals.

Below are links to resources you may find helpful.

Registration for Fall 2024 Has Begun!

Registration for Fall 2024 is in progress.  Classes for the first session of the fall semester begins on May 20.

Students who are pursuing a certificate or degree at NOVA should view their Academic Advising Report available through the Student Information System prior to registering.  The report indicates requirements that have and have not been satisfied for a specific program of study.

Students planning to satisfy the requirements for a certificate or degree this fall should apply for graduation.  The deadline to apply for graduation for the fall semester is October 1.

See below for information about resources to help you with your planning.

Nutrition: Vitamins and Minerals

When you’re exploring different foods and learning about the many benefits of balanced meals, it’s easy to get carried away with portioning and identifying the macronutrients. As important as they are, it’s critical to pay attention to micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, as they also have a “macro” job. Vitamins and minerals support bodily functions, like metabolic processes, that keep us healthy.

As part of NOVA Online’s Nutrition series, we worked with a community partner to present a Vitamins and Minerals Nutrition workshop. The program provided an overview of the following: vitamins and minerals, dietary recommended intakes (DRI’s), essential types of vitamins and minerals, and supplement safety.

  • Vitamins are organic substances found in food that can either be fat-soluble or water-soluble. Minerals are inorganic substances found in soil and water that can be absorbed and/or consumed by plants and animals.
  • Dietary Recommended Intakes (DRI’s) is a set of reference values for nutrients. Find information about DRI’s on the National Institutes of Health’s website.
  • The top six vitamins and minerals you should know include Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Magnesium, Iron, Calcium, and Zinc.
  • Although supplements are available, it’s advised to use food as your primary source of vitamins and minerals. If you are taking supplements, it’s encouraged to consult with your healthcare provider first and to always look for third-party verification on the supplement’s label.

Interested in learning more? Be sure to enroll in the Virtual Student Union to stay up to date on upcoming programs!