Category Archives: Academics

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.

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

Time for Reflection

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As the spring semester comes to an end, now is a good time for reflection.  Take a moment to reflect on what went well for you this semester as well as what did not go well.  Take another moment 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.

Schedule Planning Tips for Taking Courses Through NOVA Online

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Here are some questions to ask as you plan your schedule.

  • Do you have realistic expectations about your time and the time required for the course?
  • Have you thought about all of your commitments that will occur during a specific semester?
  • Have you familiarized yourself with course expectations?
  • Have you considered which session length would work best for you?
  • What is your experience with or interest in the courses you are considering?

Helpful Tips for Transient/Visiting Students

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Welcome to NOVA!  We are so excited to have you join the Nighthawk family this summer.  Refer to the Visiting and Transient Student website for guidance on how to get started.  Keep in mind your home institution may require approval in order to transfer NOVA courses. Check with your advisor at your home institution prior to enrolling in a course at NOVA to make sure you have everything in place to receive transfer credit.  If you encounter problems enrolling in courses, other than needing assistance with verification of a prerequisite, review your student record for any holds.  To learn more about holds on your student account visit the holds information website.

Access the Schedule of Classes website to view course offerings.  Be sure to pay careful attention to course formats and requirements.  Sections of courses offered through the NOVA Online Division will begin with the letter “E”.  The NOVA Online Course Information website provides information about sections of courses offered through NOVA Online.  If you are enrolling in a section of a course offered through NOVA Online, review the NOVA Online Orientation website before beginning a course.  Regardless of course format, you should have access to the course tile in  Canvas up to three days prior to the scheduled start date.

After your course is finished and your grade has been posted to your transcript, you will be able to order an official copy of your NOVA transcript. Institutions’ transfer credit processes can vary, check with your institution to verify where your NOVA transcript should be sent and if any additional forms associated with the transfer credit process need to be completed.

Our summer courses fill quickly! We recommend finalizing your summer schedule as soon as possible.  Questions? Virtual Advisors are available to assist you in this process.  Connect with a virtual advisor by visiting the Virtual Advising website.

5 Tips for Building a Better Schedule

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Follow the tips below to build a better schedule.

Tip #1 – Plan your time accordingly.

As you begin to create your schedule, take a moment to think about all of the commitments you will have during the semester along with everything you wanted to accomplish.  How much time will you have available to focus on college courses?

Tip #2 – Identify how each course helps you achieve your goal.

Think about your academic and career goals.  How does each course you are planning to take help you progress towards achieving your goals?

Tip #3 – Know what will be covered in a course before you enroll.

Check out the course content summary to learn about major topics in a course.  View a partial syllabus for sections of courses offered through NOVA Online.

Tip #4 – Select a course format that works for you.

NOVA offers courses in a variety of formats.  Which format will work best for you for each course you plan to take?

Tip #5 – Be aware of important dates.

NOVA offers courses that vary in session length and have different start and end dates.  Know the important dates for sections of courses you are considering.

It’s Not Too Late to Enroll in Spring Courses

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Registration continues for the spring semester. 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 semester NOVA may offer courses following a 15, 13, 12, 10, 8, 7, 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.

For planning purposes, registration for the summer is open with first session courses beginning on May 16.  View the Getting Started at NOVA Online to learn more about continuing your studies.

 

Graduation Deadline – March 1

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Congratulations to students nearing the completion of their certificate or degree!  The deadline to apply for Spring 2022 Graduation is March 1.  Learn more about preparing for graduation by participating in a Graduation Prep Session (access the Virtual Student Union for registration information) or viewing the Crossing the Finish Line: NOVA Graduation Preparation Program video.