Campuses@NOVA

NOVA’s Tutoring Center staff proudly serve thousands of students each semester. NOVA tutoring delivers high-quality, individualized instruction to engage and retain students collegewide. Our structured tutoring sessions provide an opportunity for students to learn, apply and retain crucial skills. We acknowledge our students’ diverse needs by delivering services in the ways most convenient for them—by appointment, drop-in tutoring, virtual tutoring, embedded tutoring, specialized test-preparation sessions and workshops. We also offer help with time management and study skills. In addition, our writing consultants offer assistance with transfer essays, scholarship applications, resumes and cover letters. 

How does it work? NOVA Tutoring leverages the following educational frameworks: metacognition, active study techniques, higher-order critical thinking skills and a growth mindset. Tutors and students work together to set reasonable goals for each tutoring session. Tutors identify student needs, focus on higher-priority concerns, adapt to diverse learning preferences, clearly and patiently explain concepts, ask questions, encourage discussion and verify students’ comprehension through follow-up and practice. 

Tutoring at NOVA is free for our students who may make two tutoring appointments per week per class. Our staff is composed of student tutors, academic professionals, writing consultants, math support specialists and volunteer professors. NOVA students are welcome to use the tutoring centers at any campus or schedule virtual appointments.  

Whom do we serve? NOVA Tutoring seeks to engage first-year students, returning students, military veterans, international students, first-generation students, adult learners, dual-enrollment students, aspiring transfer students, degree-program students, certificate students, College Steps students and any member of the NOVA family who wants to learn. All are welcome! 

For students who need more flexibility in scheduling tutoring services, NOVA provides access to Tutor.com via Canvas. This outside service allows students to access support 24/7. Although the interactions are less personal than with NOVA tutors, Tutor.com offers flexibility and convenience for busy students. Students can reach out directly to tutor.com for support.

Why does it matter? Effective tutoring is key to student success. It helps students increase their understanding and knowledge of a subject, which can improve their grades. Students meet one-on-one or via a group, which can build strong personal connections. Tutoring also provides face-to-face interactions and immediate feedback, allowing students to work through challenges, build confidence and improve their study habits. Finally, it can offer students accountability and support to stay on track academically. 

NOVA students are discovering the value of our tutoring services. More than 95% of students who received tutoring would recommend our services to a peer. Demand for on-campus tutoring has shown strong, steady growth and is now returning to pre-pandemic levels:

*Data based on Navigate results across all campuses.

It is expected that demand for in-person tutoring will continue to increase. A common refrain among visitors to our on-campus Tutoring Centers is that they are “Zoomed out” and want in-person interaction. Further, pandemic learning loss has resulted in an increased need for support services that are accessible, engaging, and compassionate. This is where Tutoring shines as we continue to meet our students’ needs at NOVA.

Students can sign up for tutoring by logging into myNOVA and accessing the EAB Navigate Student app. For more information, visit the Tutoring homepage, stop by a campus Tutoring Center or email tutoring@nvcc.edu

The campus provosts extend our deep appreciation to the tutoring staff, the Office of Academic Affairs and our faculty for their commitment in support of the academic success of all NOVA students.

If you or your students have questions about tutoring, reach out to NOVA’s tutoring coordinators.

—Dr. Annette Haggray, provost, Alexandria Campus