New Student Services Hours to Begin Sept. 11

The fall 2023 semester is in full swing with the arrival of our students, faculty, and community members. As we embark in a new academic year, we want to announce that the implementation of the operational hours that was approved by Administrative Council on Dec. 12, 2022 will take effect in fall 2023, to begin on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023. These operational hours changes will impact campus-based student services staff and academic support services staff.

This plan was the product of the input of many college-wide constituents from Campus Deans of Student Success, Associate Vice Presidents of Enrollment Management and Student Success (EMSS), the Provosts, and the VP of EMSS, who all worked collaboratively to formulate updated operational hours that:

• Factors in data of student traffic in virtual and in-person campus spaces across time.
• Aligns with the goals of the VCCS Opportunity 2027 Strategic Plan for colleges to “provide all students with access to ‘programs and services that are scheduled in ways responsive to their needs.’” (Excerpt from operational hours proposal for campus-based student services, p.1)
• Provides a college-wide set of service hours that is transparent and clear in outlining adjustment of hours throughout the academic year.
• Will result in better customer service and allow NOVA staff dedicated time to “allow for meetings, training, and behind the scenes work, it will also have a positive impact on employee morale.” (Excerpt from operational hours proposal for campus-based student services, p.2)
• Allows room for a “shortened day each Friday and more breathing room to pursue professional development and complete administrative tasks. (Excerpt from operational hours proposal for campus-based student services, p.2)
• Allows “set times for training and meetings when everyone can attend and get questions answered [that will aim to] improve inter- and intra- departmental communication.” (Excerpt from operational hours proposal for campus-based student services, p.2)

Student Service Hours (Off Peak):

Campus Registrar Offices, Virtual and Campus Advising, Financial Aid and Campus Counseling

NOTE: These hours may be adjusted to have offices open on Friday around key enrollment dates.

The Parking/NOVA card and Business office leadership plan maintain their regular 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. hours except during the “Blackout” period. 

Periodic Special Schedules for Student Services (Peak Times):

“Blackout” periods two weeks before fall and spring semesters.  These are the peak times in Student Services.

* Resources will be adjusted to assist functions with greater needs during this time. Directors will evaluate other days based on demand.
** Each campus will have one or two staff members at the front desk greeting staff beginning at 8:30.
*** Staff will remain in the office until 5:00pm to complete work and/or meetings can be held to debrief about the peak period.
**** For Saturday in August,  Directors and Supervisors can plan for staffing according to anticipated demand.

Hours During School Breaks:

• Fall Break:  Offices close at 5 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday.
• Week before Winter Break: There will not be Thursday evening hours the week before break to provide services at the busiest times during the middle of the day. 
• Spring Break:  Offices close at 5 p.m. Monday – Thursday and remain closed on Friday.

Operational Hours for Academic Support Services (Libraries, Tutoring and Testing):

Libraries

• Monday – Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Friday, 8.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. (Note: Based on usage, MEC has extended hours on Friday)

Tutoring

• Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (on-campus and virtual) and 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. (virtual Only)
• Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. (This is a change from the current hours to align with testing and library)

Testing

• Monday & Thursday 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Tuesday & Wednesday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Friday 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

We look forward to a new academic year in which our updated and approved operational hours will be in full effect beginning on Sept. 11.

Submitted by:
Rhina Alvarado, EMSS-Executive Assistant, ralvarado@nvcc.edu