SPECIAL NOTICE!! ALERT

Dear NOVA Community,

 

The impact and scope of COVID-19 seems to change hourly, so I want to update you with the latest on how NOVA plans to move ahead for the next few weeks.  This update contains new information and supersedes all prior communication.

 

Guidance from local health officials and the CDC has been consistent in calling for an emphasis on preventive measures, including social distancing, to reduce the spread of the virus.  To this end and out of an abundance of caution, NOVA is taking the following steps:

 

  • NOVA is asking students not to return to campus following spring break.

 

  • NOVA is cancelling classes March 16 and 17.  Our campuses will remain open both days.

 

  • These days will be used to provide professional development and assistance to faculty and staff to support remote learning.  Faculty and staff will be receiving messages about this assistance today.

 

  • Beginning Wednesday March 18, most NOVA classes will move to remote instruction.  They will remain in remote delivery through April 4.

 

  • Students will be advised by their faculty about the specific remote delivery method for their courses.  This information will be sent to students via NOVA email, and students are expected to check their college email accounts regularly.

 

  • Students seeking services (e.g., advising, library) should use online options or call 703-323-3000 for assistance through April 4.

 

  • If there is a decision to continue with remote learning beyond April 4, NOVA will advise our College community by March 27.

 

  • NOVA will remain open and operational during this period, and all faculty and staff should maintain their regular work schedules unless otherwise notified.

 

  • NOVA’s goal is to maintain continuity in instruction for our students while also doing what we can to limit the spread of COVID-19.  By limiting the number of individuals on our campuses, we provide an opportunity for both our students and employees to observe social distancing guidelines.

 

NOVA has updated the COVID-19 website to include this and other critical information, including new FAQ documents for employees and students about academic continuity and other topics.  Because this is an evolving situation, please check this website regularly for additional updates.

 

I recognize that this is a stressful time and that information on the virus, local cases, and the best response seems to change frequently, which can add even more anxiety.  I am sorry for that and want you to know NOVA cares about your well-being and the well-being of our community in this uncertain time.  I will continue to communicate regularly with you about what NOVA is doing in preparation, planning, and response.  Please know this: our planning has prepared us to change our approach to this situation as needed, and as this update indicates, we will do so when appropriate based on local conditions.

 

Please take care, keep up the incredibly important preventive measures, and keep posted.  As always, if you have questions, do not hesitate to contact our Office of Emergency Management at OEM@nvcc.edu, your campus Provost, or me.

 

Sincerely,
Anne