The Real Scoop on SDV-100/101

Today’s topic is SDV-100.

You may have heard that beginning this fall, NOVA will require all degree-seeking, first semester students to take SDV-100 or 101.

This is not a new policy.

NOVA is simply implementing a policy long in place at the VCCS and our own college.

VCCS Board Policy 6.4.0.3 Orientation/Student Development requires that degree-seeking students complete an SDV course within their first 15 credit hours of enrollment, and our own SDV Policy 230 requires the same. In addition, successful completion of SDV is a graduation requirement for both VCCS and NOVA. (In fact, each year, a surprising number of students who apply for graduation learn they are still missing just one course: the one-credit-hour SDV-100.)

SDV is required for new VCCS students—including those at NOVA—because it covers information viewed as critical to student success. The course is designed to provide new students with an important and valuable transition to college, to NOVA and to the VCCS. It introduces students to college policies and procedures; academic and student support programs and services; effective study and success habits; academic and career planning tools; student life and engagement opportunities; and more.

Beginning this fall, SDV-100/101 will be listed (and coded) as a co-requisite for NOVA courses. In practice, this means that unless a NOVA student has already completed SDV-100/101, the student will need to add the one-credit-hour SDV-100 to their schedule.

To meet the anticipated increased demand for SDV-100 and to provide students with the maximum flexibility in their schedules, students will be offered the opportunity to take the one-credit-hour course asynchronously through NOVA Online in addition to in-person and Zoom remote options.

I thank the cross-division collaboration that has enabled NOVA to begin implementing this longstanding policy, which supports our shared commitment to student success.

Best, Anne