Author Archives: academic counselor

Remember to Take Time for Reflection

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Another summer session has ended and the final summer session has begun.   If you have not taken time to reflect on the progress you are making towards achieving your goals consider taking a few minutes now to do so.  The following are a few questions to help you:

  1. What went or is going well for you this term?
  2. What did not or is not going well?
  3. Why?

Take time to consider what changes you may want to make as you move forward with working towards achievement of your academic and professional goals.

Below are links to resources you may find helpful.

Assistance with Fall Math Classes

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Take a moment to answer the following questions:

  • Are you planning to take MTH 154, MTH 161, MTH 167, MTH 245, MTH 261, or MTH 263 this fall?
  • Would you like some help in preparing for your fall math class?

If you answered yes to both questions, consider participating in workshops being offered from late July through mid-August by NOVA’s Math Department.  The following are some highlights of the workshops:

  • Free!!!
  • Participation in the workshops is voluntary and does not affect enrollment in a fall class.
  • Depending on course – offered for one-week or two-weeks.
  • Depending on course – offered on a campus, via Zoom, or in an asynchronous format.
  • Taught by Math Support Specialists.

View the Ramp Up Math Workshops website to learn more and access a link to register for the workshops.

Another Summer Session Begins Today!

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The second 8-week summer session for NOVA Online begins today.  If you missed the New2NOL presentation, presented by a NOVA Online Success Coach, you can access a recording using the following passcode: M22R^iqA.  Topics covered in the presentation include the following:

  • How a NOVA Online course is different from a campus or virtual course.
  • How to log into a course.
  • How to Navigate a course in Canvas.
  • Best practices for successful completion of a course.
  • NOVA supports and resources.

 

Resources to Support NOVA Online Students

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This post highlights just a few of the resources available to support NOVA Online students with achieving their academic and professional goals.

Success Coach

NOVA Online Success Coaches can refer you to resources and supports, provide help with time management, testing skills and more!  Contact a coach at onlinesuccess@nvcc.edu.

Weekly Study Time for Online Learning

View a chart that provides guidance on suggested study time based on course length and number of credits.

Tutoring 

Access free tutoring available on days and times that meet your schedule.

Virtual Student Union 

Get connected and stay connected to the NOVA community.

Financial Stability and Advocacy Centers

Learn more about resources to support you with achieving your goals.

Focus on Your Career Development

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As you continue your studies, plan your schedule for your next semester, prepare to transfer, or get ready to begin a new job, take a moment to focus on your career development.  Are you attending NOVA to pursue a certificate or degree, but unsure about what career options might be available to you? Have you decided on a major, but have difficulty answering the question – “What can I do with a major in _____?

Do you need to fine tune your skills or add to your skill set in preparation for a career change? Learn more about career options by utilizing FOCUS 2, an online interactive self-guided career and education planning system that can help you:

  • Select a program/major based on your interests and aspirations
  • Discover occupations matching your personal preferences and attributes
  • Map out your career plans, present and future
  • Make informed career decisions

FOCUS 2 is free for NOVA students.   Learn more about and access the system at NOVA’s Career Services website.

View Announcements in the Virtual Student Union (VSU) and NOVA’s Events Calendar for events about FOCUS 2.

 

Summer Registration Continues

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Registration continues for the summer term. NOVA offers courses in a variety of formats both asynchronous and synchronous. Courses following an asynchronous format are offered through NOVA Online, NOVA’s online division, and with few exceptions, do not require any on-site or real-time meetings. Courses following a synchronous format are offered through a NOVA campus and may require on-site meetings and/or meetings online via Zoom in real-time.

Throughout the summer NOVA may offer courses following a 12, 10, 8, or 6 week schedule.  View NOVA’s academic calendar for information about registration and other important dates.  Scroll to the bottom of the calendar for information about sessions offered through NOVA Online.

View a current Schedule of Classes to learn more about course offerings.  Use the Search for A Class feature to search for courses of interest.  Select NOVA Online as the Location option to search for sections of courses offered through NOVA Online.  You will enroll in courses through NOVA’s student information system.

If you are new to NOVA, view the Ready to Become a Nighthawk? post for guidance on getting started.

Managing Your Time

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Below are tips to help you manage your time whether your course has already begun or as you prepare to start a course that will begin later this summer or fall.

  1. Check the academic calendar. Identify and take note of key dates for a session.
  2. Review each course syllabus. Note due dates as well as contact information for the professor and preferred method of contact.
  3. Create a schedule for studying and completing assignments. Refer to the following resource for time management tips: Time Management Strategies for Success workshop available on-demand through StudentLingo. If your course has already begun make note of the amount of time it took you to complete and submit an assignment.  Adjust your schedule as needed to make sure you are creating an accurate schedule.
  4. Access the Canvas and EdTech Resources for Students course to make sure you are aware of and utilizing features of Canvas. Some features include setting notifications for announcements from a professor and adding to-do items to your personal calendar.  If you need some help, consider attending a free NOVA Student Workshop: Getting Started in Canvas.  Workshops are currently offered on Tuesdays at 6PM and Thursdays at 3PM.  Join a workshop through the Canvas and EdTech Resources for Students tile in Canvas.

Getting Started in Your NOVA Online Course

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Getting Started in Your NOVA Online Course

Get off to a winning start in your NOVA Online course. If you are new to NOVA Online, we recommend you view our 25 minute Zoom recording, Getting Started in Your NOVA Online Class Passcode: M22R^iqA.  The recording will review how a NOVA Online course is different from a campus or virtual course.  You will learn how to log into your course and navigate through it. The recording also reviews best practices and NOVA supports and resources. If you have questions or need help navigating NOVA Online, Success Coaches are here to help guide you.

Email: onlinesuccess@nvcc.edu

Telephone: 703.323.3347

This article was written by Adrienne Raynor, NOVA Online Success Coach.

Congratulations Graduates!

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The following are a few items to add to your to do list:

  1. Pause and reflect.  Take time to appreciate all you have accomplished.
  2. Update or create your resume.  As an alumni, you have access to Career Connection, NOVA’s job & internship database for students.  Utilize the resume builder tool if you need help getting started.
  3. Request your transcript.  Order a copy for yourself as well as copies to provide to appropriate parties based on your goals.
  4. Stay connected to NOVA by joining NOVA’s Alumni and Friends Network.
  5. Take care of yourself.  Find helpful resources, including a Virtual Self-Care Kit, on the Office of Mental Health and Wellness website.

Congratulations and best wishes!

Are You Graduating This Summer or Fall?

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As part of the graduation process, you need to apply for graduation.  The deadline to submit the Application for Graduation is June 1 if you are planning to graduate this summer and October 1 if you are planning to graduate this fall.  Learn about the graduation process at https://www.nvcc.edu/graduation/. Also, consider participating in a Graduation Preparation Session webinar being held via Zoom on

  • Thursday, May 11, at 12:00 pm
  • Wednesday, May 17, at 12:00 pm

The webinar will provide information about graduation planning, career, financial aid, and transfer planning.  Key “To Do” items for the next leg of your academic or career journey will be discussed.   Register for the webinar at https://forms.gle/Z3Gs2KdxaN1r77dM9