Thanks and Happy Holidays From the College Senate

With the end of the year approaching and the holiday season upon us, I offer thanks to all of you, my fellow NOVArians!

Thank you for all you do for NOVA and our students. It has been an honor to serve as your College Senate chair for the past year and a half. During that time, I’ve learned I’m good at a few things — and not so great at others. Many of you have helped me be better, and you’ve been compassionate when I may have missed the mark.  

I appreciate those of you who have engaged in our system of shared governance through its various bodies, including the College Senate and its committees, the forum councils, the Personnel Services Committee (PSC) and the Instructional and Student Services Committee (ISSC). I also appreciate committee nominees, the Teaching Faculty Caucus and our newest classified staff. 

Thanks, too, to President Kress, Chief Myrick and all of Admin Council: I enjoy our conversations and appreciate your responsiveness and dedication. And with the utmost gratitude, I thank Vice Chair John Sound, Secretary Beth Lanthier and Parliamentarian Ashlie Warnick. These smart, hard-working people make everything better! (OK, now I’m at the point where I’m starting to worry about who I have forgotten. Just know that you all matter to our students and to me.)

This next semester will be a busy one for the College Forum: We’ll work with the Huron organization to better understand our system of shared governance; consider All Access, class scheduling and testing centers, among other priorities; and hold elections. Please consider running for Forum Council or the College Senate, or consider nominating yourself to serve on the ISSC or PSC. If you’re new to NOVA — or to shared governance — jump in! We need to consider the diverse perspectives of all NOVA employees, and we always welcome newer voices.

If you have questions about participating in shared governance, please reach out to me at JLechelt@nvcc.edu, or by cell at 703-473-8287. If you’d like to receive my weekly Senate Chair Chat emails, please contact me. Please also let me know if you are writing a book, publishing an article, editing a podcast or engaged in another passion project; I’m always happy to share these accomplishments with the larger NOVA community.  

I wish you all happy holidays, a healthy new year and warm wishes for the upcoming break.  

Submitted by:
Jack Lechelt, College Senate Chair, JLechelt@nvcc.edu