NOVA Online Up Close: The History and Future of NOVA Online Policies and Procedures
If you’ve been part of the NOVA community for some time, you know that our policies have significantly changed. We now require more training, greater accountability, and stricter compliance. These changes are due to the evolving federal regulations and guidelines governing higher education and not NOVA Online’s own preferences on course design and delivery.
Each year, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) introduces new federal statutes, federal regulations and federal guidelines. These legal obligations are shaped by the priorities of the current administration, influenced by the President of the United States, the executive branch and DOE leadership. As these laws and policies evolve, colleges like NOVA must adapt to ensure compliance and maintain eligibility for federal funding and accreditation.
The Role of NOVA Online in Advocacy and Policy Updates
NOVA Online has consistently stayed ahead of these changes by actively engaging in the policymaking process. Our participation in negotiated rulemaking—a collaborative approach where stakeholders, including higher education institutions, come together to shape new regulations—demonstrates our commitment to advocacy. By voicing the needs and challenges of our students, faculty, and staff, we help influence policies that directly impact the delivery of online education.
Once final rules are issued, NOVA Online collaborates closely with the Virginia Community College System to interpret these guidelines and translate them into actionable policies. This partnership ensures consistency across Virginia’s community colleges while allowing room for NOVA-specific procedures that are tailored to our unique needs.
From Past Practices to Future Innovation
As we move toward our 50th anniversary, NOVA Online remains dedicated to leading in the field of online education. The future will undoubtedly bring more changes—new technologies, updated regulations and shifting student demographics. But one thing remains constant: our unwavering commitment to student success.
Our approach will continue to include:
- Proactive Monitoring of Federal Guidelines: Staying abreast of changes in federal policy to ensure timely updates in NOVA procedures and trainings.
- Advocacy for Equitable Online Education: Participating in national conversations to advocate for policies that benefit our diverse student population.
- Advocacy for Access: Ensuring students can access essential services entirely online, eliminating the need to visit campus.
- Collaboration with Stakeholders: Working with VCCS, faculty and other partners to create policies and procedures that are both compliant and impactful.
- Innovation in Course Delivery: Embracing new methods and technologies to enhance the online learning experience while providing comprehensive training to ensure faculty are fully equipped to deliver high-quality instruction.
Stay tuned for the next NOVA Online Up Close, where we’ll dive into our Faculty Training programs, explore how federal guidelines have evolved to emphasize professional development and provide a glimpse of what’s on the horizon to further enhance the online learning experience for both faculty and students.
Submitted by:
Dr. Cynthia Pascal, AVP of NOL, CPascal@nvcc.edu