NOVA Tables Four-Week Intersession For Now

You may be aware that there has been a proposal circulated for a four-week Intersession to be held over the College’s Winter Break. This proposal was initiated as an innovative idea to increase opportunities for students to complete their NOVA credentials more quickly and to offer additional instructional opportunities for our full-time and adjunct faculty members. After receiving favorable feedback from Admin Council and the Academic Deans Council, the idea was presented to the College Senate for feedback. This step was in keeping with a commitment to fully consider the impact of this proposal on faculty, staff and students. As the College Senate Advisory Work Group shared concerns about the intersession plan, the proposal was modified to be a NOVA Online pilot and further information was provided in response. However, as additional concerns were raised and there was a request for further data, the Office of Academic Affairs decided to table the motion on this proposal at the last Admin Council meeting.

While the College will continue to look for innovative ways to support our students and provide services to meet their needs, the takeaway from this experience is that you will continue to see the College working to ensure that new initiatives such as this one are thoroughly examined from various angles before implementation; and that diverse voices from multiple levels are considered, and misunderstandings clarified, before taking action. This experience shows the decision-making process at NOVA is a robust and healthy one. Academic Affairs looks forward to expanding future course delivery methods for our diverse student population and to providing further instructional options for our full-time and adjunct faculty members.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact the VPAA/CAO at echang@nvcc.edu.

Submitted by:
Dr. Eun-Woo Chang, VP of Academic Affairs, EChang@nvcc.edu