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 … Continued
Today’s topic is another category of frequently asked questions: policies. NOVA is part of the Virginia Community College System and a state agency, so NOVA must follow not only our own policies but also those of VCCS and the Commonwealth of Virginia (in addition to applicable state and federal laws). Questions about policies typically come … Continued
Today’s topic is the importance of a strong NOVA community. By almost every measure, this is a time of great stress and anxiety. The personal challenges and stressors confronting many of us at this moment are profound and can feel overwhelming. These concerns and pressures can be amplified by the crises and conflicts in … Continued
Today’s topic and the topic for all of July is frequently asked questions. Each Tuesday this month, I’ll provide a short answer on a topic that comes up in almost every set of anonymous questions. These will stand as “the answer” on the topic until there is a significant change in the approach of the … Continued
Today’s topic is how we determine that we are fulfilling our mission. In last month’s anonymous questions, I received a series of inquiries asking how we know that NOVA is advancing opportunity; how we define community; how we ensure that NOVA students’ lives are transformed for the better, not burdened with high debt and unfinished … Continued
Today’s topic is NOVA data. In town halls and anonymous questions, I often get questions about NOVA data, and I’m always happy to answer. The data in my replies almost always comes from one of three sources, NOVA’s Office of Strategic Insights (OSI), VCCS or the State Council on Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). I say … Continued
Today’s topic is NOVA’s commencement. At Sunday’s commencement, we celebrated our newest alumni—students whose intelligence, dedication, resilience, drive and achievements make them boldly NOVA! Over 6,100 graduates completed their degrees, certificates and credentials this year, and about 1,600 joined us in the Eagle Bank Arena at George Mason University to walk with pride and joy … Continued
Today’s topic is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. This month, we celebrate and recognize the many contributions of Americans who trace their ancestry to one of the Asian countries or islands of the Pacific. NOVA is designated as an AANAPISI college, and collegewide, in academic year 2022–23, 17% of our … Continued
Today’s topic is the sharing of the NOVA Spring 2024 Haiku, which you can enjoy here. The authors of the poems capture the joy, hope, wonder, accomplishment, growth and even apprehension that we see in our hallways every day. I am grateful to these talented writers — and to all of you for your dedication … Continued
Today’s topic is NOVA’s Giving Day. For the third year, the NOVA Educational Foundation is hosting NOVA Giving Day. This year, proceeds from the April 18th event will support the NOVA Empower Bright Futures Fund. This important fund provides “just-in-time” dollars to meet the emerging needs of the College and our students. Whether that’s support … Continued
