Consider Sending a Caring Message to Students

As we near the end of a most unusual fall semester, NOVA has reason to be proud that a projected double-digit drop in enrollment never occurred; rather, our college has nearly a 3% increase in full-time-equivalent students.  This is a product of a true team effort.

Our faculty know how challenging this semester was for our students who faced economic and health concerns while navigating the world of virtual learning and endless Zoom conferences.  Several NOVA faculty plan to express their appreciation to their students in this last week of the semester and hope that our colleagues will do the same.  Why not send an email to each student with a personal greeting or note of encouragement? Beyond that, for faculty who can afford it, a gift card to a local food store is a great idea.  For our students in economic distress, the Educational Foundation and Dr. Kress’ “Making Spirits Bright” campaign offer needed assistance, but a caring message, even an email, from the faculty member who knows them best, will do wonders during this holiday season.

Wishing you a warm holiday season,

Charlie Errico
Professor of History,
Chancellor’s Faculty Advisory Committee Chair