To learn more about the Academic Support Centers, watch the following video.
Academic Support Services strives to help students reach their full learning potential. We are partners in the development of academic and professional opportunities across disciplines united by NOVA’s common values of success, access, and excellence. We welcome students’ unique experiences, knowledge and perspectives and advocate personal educational goals and career readiness for a globally competitive workforce. We accomplish our mission by providing:
To make an in-person or virtual tutoring appointment, students can visit NOVA’s Tutoring Webpage and click on the Request Online Services button to schedule an appointment with a tutor. You will be first prompted to choose a campus location (ex: Annandale) for in-person appointments or “virtual tutoring” for virtual appointments via Zoom. Students will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details – please check your email to make sure you’ve scheduled the correct type of appointment and your appointment instructions.
Students can email us at tutoring@nvcc.edu, call or stop by one of our tutoring centers during regular business hours.
Didn’t have time to make an appointment? Need help on campus right now? We offer limited availability for drop-in services. Click here for the up-to-date schedule of when your course has a tutor available at one of our campus locations.
Students can also call ahead, stop by, or email us at tutoring@nvcc.edu to check availability. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are limiting the number of students in the tutoring centers. Please see our Policies and FAQs for more details.
Faculty interested in having their students get to know the Center can request an orientation. A member of our staff will discuss our mission, goals, services, expectations for a tutoring session, how to schedule an appointment and much more! Please email one of us to arrange a date and time for your orientation.
My Professor told me that I need to go to the World Language & ESL Center. What am I supposed to do there?
Most students who come to the Language Center choose to work with the audio materials that accompany their textbook or laboratory manual. These books often contain exercises that require students to listen to the audio materials in order to be able to complete them. The Language Center also has supplemental software and DVDs students can use to work on their listening, speaking, reading and grammar skills.
Free tutoring is available. Tutors can assist you in improving your skills, helping with questions and doubts, and providing opportunities for conversation.
What is the World Language & ESL Center? What is the purpose of the Center?
The World Language & ESL Center provides academic support to students currently enrolled at NOVA whose native language is not English or who is learning a foreign language. We offer a wide range of services from tutoring and workshops, to software specifically designed to teach ESL concepts.
Where is the World Language & ESL Center located?
The World Language & ESL Center is located in the CT building, room 107, on the Annandale Campus. Any ESL student from any campus can use the facility.
How can I reach the Center?
You can contact the World Language & ESL Center at: 703.323.3341. If you’d like to come in and make an appointment in person, please visit CT-105.
Who runs the Center?
The World Language & ESL Center is run by the Coordinator of the Academic Support Services, who coordinates our team of tutors and center support staff.
It is difficult for me to come to the World Language & ESL Center when it is open. Is there any way I can do my lab work at home?
Lab work is sometimes calculated as part of a student’s full grade, therefore, students should be sure to talk with their professor about doing lab work at home.
Where do I go to take a placement test and what should I expect?
In order to take a placement test for Chinese, Spanish, French, German, or Arabic, you should go to the Testing Center in CA-115. Foreign language placement tests are not offered at the Language Center. All placement tests are written tests and do not test a student’s listening or speaking ability. Tests are not timed, but students should allow at least an hour for each test. Test results will be sent to the World Language Department — they will determine what class level a student should register.
What is tutoring?
Tutoring is a 50-minute session where a student can work solely with a tutor, and work on any academic difficulties they may be having. The aim is to provide students with a contact for support and to help them advance through their academic studies.The Language Center has a wide range of tutors ranging from current NOVA students to community volunteers.
What happens at a tutoring appointment?
What do I need to bring?
Please bring the assignment you wish to work on and instructions from your teacher. It is also a good idea to bring your textbook with you. We have a small selection at the Center, but not all of them.
Can a tutor write my paper for me?
No. Our tutors will not write your paper for you, nor can they proofread any of your papers. They will identify key areas and common mistakes made by ESL students. They will also explain solutions so that you will be able to proofread your own work. Tutors can also help with essay structure and ensuring that you fully understand what the teacher is asking of you in each assignment.
What sort of questions can a tutor answer?
A tutor can answer questions you may have about grammar rules, structures of essay papers, vocabulary, and ensuring you are familiar with the class instructions.
How do I make an appointment?
Please contact us by phone or in person: Phone: 703.323.3341 Come by our office located at CT-105.
How many times can I get a tutorial?
Each student is eligible for two free 50-minute tutoring sessions per week per subject during every semester.
Why are movies being offered by the ESL center?
Immersing yourself in the language you are trying to learn can be immensely helpful. Movies are a great way to gain familiarity with things such as idiomatic phrases, and see conversation English in action! Our group setting allows students to share ideas with one another after the movie has ended, as well as providing a good glimpse of American culture. It can help you build your vocabulary skills and confidence in speaking the English language. Announcements about movie times will be posted here on the website.
Does it cost anything to watch a movie?
No. All of our movie screenings are FREE to students!Any student is welcome to come and watch the movies.
I have an iPod/MP3 player/flash drive, etc. Can I copy/record/download audio materials myself from the Language Center computers?
All audio materials in the Language Center originated from copyrighted works. Students are strictly prohibited from using personal devices to copy, record or download any of the audio materials or software programs available for use in the Language Center.
tudents who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply to be a tutor:
The tutoring centers hire on an as-needed basis. We prioritize hiring for “high-demand” courses such as those in English (composition and ESL), math and science. If you are a student taking six or more credits and are interested in becoming a tutor, please visit one of the tutoring centers on the fourth floor of the CG building. You can talk with any of the Academic Support Center staff to learn more about how to become a tutor or feel free to send us an email (contact information is listed on the right!)
If you are a potential applicant who is not taking six or more credits at NOVA, tutoring positions are regularly posted on NOVA’s website.