Background on NOVA’s Enrollment Cancellation Process

Enrollment cancellation—the process by which students who have not made payment arrangements are dropped from classes—is ongoing throughout each semester at NOVA. The intent is to prevent students from accumulating debts to the college and being referred to collections, resulting in further financial hardship.

To support students in making the necessary payment arrangements, NOVA engages in a comprehensive communications campaign each semester. For the fall 2024 semester, the college relayed enrollment cancellation information to students, faculty and staff covering payment options and deadlines, relevant offices and available  resources. These included:

• Three articles in the Daily Flyer.
• Five articles in the Nighthawk News.
• Five stories/posts on social media.
• A one-pager for faculty and staff.
• Recurring DMS slides on campus monitors.
• 38 email and text communications to students:
  • Prior to the initial payment deadline of Aug. 1.
  • After the deadline, outlining next steps for students who were dropped from classes. 
  • Corresponding with each of 19 enrollment cancellation dates to students at risk of losing their classes. 
  • After each enrollment cancellation to students who were dropped.
• Instructional videos on paying tuition online and enrolling in a payment plan.
• Individualized responses to student inquiries, directing them to the appropriate supports.

These communications are developed in cooperation with related offices at NOVA, including Financial Services and Financial Aid.

Throughout the enrollment cancellation process, NOVA focuses on providing payment options to meet the needs of each student and protecting students from the financial consequences of unnecessary debt.

Submitted by:
Stuart Bowen, Assoc. Director of Student Comms., SBowen@nvcc.edu