Your Final Semester is Almost Here!

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Congratulations to all students who will be preparing for their final semester !  You have almost reached the finish line. The following are a few things to do in preparation for graduation:

Apply for graduation. Access NOVA’s graduation website to view the Crossing the Finish Line: NOVA’s Graduation Program video and complete the Graduation Application Form.  The deadline to apply for graduation is March 1.

Update your resume.  Review an action plan you may have created in FOCUS 2.  Utilize resources in Career Connection.  Connect with a career advisor/counselor.

Prepare to conduct a job search if you will be looking for a job or a new opportunity.  NOVA’s Career Services website is a great place to start.

Review websites of potential transfer institutions for information about applying, if you are planning to transfer.  Don’t forget to look for information about financial aid and scholarships as well.  NOVA’s Plan to Transfer website has many helpful tips.

Participate in employment and transfer focused programs.  Check out NOVA’s Events calendar to see what is happening around the college.

Don’t forget, in addition to daily blog posts, NOVA Online is offering a lunchtime webinar series this week focusing on topics to help you with preparing for your next semester. All webinars are thirty minutes and begin at 12:15 pm. Learn more about the series and register at https://nvcceli.wufoo.com/forms/q17oo4ni0mszh1v/.

 

 

Are Your Career Plans in Focus?

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As you 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.

Don’t forget, in addition to daily blog posts, NOVA Online is offering a lunchtime webinar series this week focusing on topics to help you with preparing for your next semester.  All webinars are thirty minutes and begin at 12:15 pm.  Learn more about the series and register at https://nvcceli.wufoo.com/forms/q17oo4ni0mszh1v/.

Earn a Chance to Win a Padfolio

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During National Career Development Month 2019 earn a chance to win a padfolio by following the steps below –

  1. Participate in any career development program/event being offered across the college. Recommended events – any webinar that is part of the NOVA Online NCDM Webinar Series 2019.
  2. Access the NOVA Online Virtual Student Union during November 6 – November 30.
  3. Select Discussions.
  4. Review the Discussion Board Rules located at the top of the discussion board main page.
  5. Select National Career Development Month 2019 Contest from the list.
  6. Click the Reply button and respond to the following:
    1. What was the name, date, and location of the program/event in which you participated?
    2. Why did you select this program/event?
    3. How does participating in this program/event support you with your career development and achieving a career/professional goal?
  7. Click the Post Reply button

Students also trying to win a Rocket Book may not post about the same program/event in the Advising Week Spring 2020 and National Career Development Month 2019 discussions.

While you are in the discussion board, although not required for the challenge, we encourage you to read and respond to someone’s post.

Throughout November, read the NOVA Online Student Blog for posts with information to support your career development, participate in career focused webinars, and follow NOVA Online on Twitter to receive daily inspirational quotes.    Also take advantage of other programs/events offered across the college.

Three Reasons to Communicate with an Advisor

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It’s Advising Week – an excellent time to connect with an advisor. Here are three reasons why –

Confirm the program of study you are pursing aligns with your academic and career goals. 

What are your academic goals? What are your career goals? Share these goals with an advisor. Indicate the program of study you are pursuing. Discuss whether or not the program identified is an appropriate choice to support you with achieving your goals. Discuss your plan for achieving your goals. Don’t have a plan – work with your advisor on developing one.

Review your academic performance. 

How are you doing in your courses? Are you making appropriate progress towards earning your certificate or degree or completing courses for the reason(s) you are attending NOVA? Through NOVA Connect, students can view their grades and an advisement report. The report indicates requirements that have and have not been satisfied for a certificate/degree of interest. It also indicates courses that can be used to satisfy program requirements. Prior to enrolling in courses each semester it is a good idea to review your report. Confirm the report indicates the correct certificate/degree. Review requirements and check the progress you are making towards completion. If you have questions about the program, concerns about grades, or any of the information provided on the report – share questions and discuss concerns with an advisor.

Identify challenges you have encountered and discuss solutions to address the challenges.  

  1. Refer to the following website for information on how to connect with an advisor: https://www.nvcc.edu/advising/my-advisor.html.
  2. How would you describe this semester? Are you earning the grades you intended to earn? Are you making steady progress towards completion of a certificate/degree? Are you making progress towards achieving your goals? NOVA offers many services and resources to support students. Communicate with an advisor about the challenges you are or have encountered. An advisor can work with you to address challenges, connect you to appropriate resources, and provide referrals when appropriate.

Don’t forget, in addition to daily blog posts, NOVA Online is offering a lunchtime webinar series this week focusing on topics to help you with preparing for your next semester. All webinars are thirty minutes and begin at 12:15 pm. Learn more about the series and register at https://nvcceli.wufoo.com/forms/q17oo4ni0mszh1v/.

Earn a Chance to Win a Rocketbook

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During Advising Week Spring 2020 earn a chance to win a Rocketbook by following the steps below –

  1. Participate in any advising week program/event being offered across the college. Recommended events – any webinar that is part of the NOVA Online Advising Week Spring 2020 webinar series.
  2. Access the NOVA Online Virtual Student Union during November 5 – November 10.
  3. Select Discussions.
  4. Review the Discussion Board Rules located at the top of the discussion board main page.
  5. Select Advising Week Spring 2020 Contest from the list.
  6. Click the Reply button and respond to the following:
    1. What was the name, date, and location of the program/event in which you participated?
    2. Why did you select this program/event?
    3. How does participating in this program/event support you with achieving your academic goals?
  7. Click the Post Reply button

While you are in the discussion board, although not required for the challenge, we encourage you to read and respond to someone’s post.

Throughout Advising Week the NOVA Online Student Blog will provide you with tools to plan effectively, resources to help guide your decisions, and answers to frequently asked questions.  Programs to support you will also be offered across the College. Take advantage of Advising Week events online as well as on campus as you plan your schedule and prepare to register for courses.

Advising Week for Spring 2020 is Here!

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Advising Week is offered every fall and spring at NOVA as a time for students to reflect upon their academic goals and career development in preparation for planning and evaluating their schedule for next semester.

Get the most out of Advising Week by following the steps below:

  1. Reflect on your academic and career goals. If you need more information about career options or would like to learn about a resource to help you build a career plan visit NOVA’s Career Services website.
  2. Review your Advisement Report. The report indicates requirements that have and have not been satisfied for a certificate/degree of interest. It also indicates courses that can be used to satisfy program requirements.
  3. Communicate with an advisor about your academic and career goals. If you are pursuing a certificate or degree check with your advisor to make sure you are pursuing a program of study that aligns with your goals. Also make certain the program of study listed on your advisement report is the program of study you are pursuing.   It is a good idea to have a copy of your academic plan, advisement report, and/or career plan handy when communicating with an advisor.
  4. Put courses you plan to take in your shopping cart in NOVA Connect so you will have the specific information needed when it’s time to register. Priority registration begins today.  Open registration begins on November 11.
  5. Participate in the Spring 2020 NOVA Online Advising Week lunchtime webinar series. See below for the webinar schedule.  The webinars will begin at 12:15 pm EST and end at 12:45 pm.
    • Getting Ready for Your Next Semester – Tuesday, November 5
    • What Can I Do With a Program of Study In . . .? – Wed., November 6
    • Support Services and Resources for Students – Thurs., November 7.
    • Learn more and register at https://nvcceli.wufoo.com/forms/q17oo4ni0mszh1v/.
  6. Earn a chance to win a Rocketbook by participating in the Advising Week Spring 2020 discussion board in the NOVA Online Virtual Student Union during November 5 – November 10. For more information access the VSU, select “Discussions”, then select “Advising Week Spring 2020 Contest” from the list.

Throughout Advising Week the NOVA Online Student Blog will provide you with tools to plan effectively, resources to help guide your decisions, and answers to frequently asked questions.  Programs to support you will also be offered across the College. Take advantage of Advising Week events online as well as on campus as you plan your schedule and prepare to register for courses.

National Career Development Month (NCDM) 2019 Begins Today!

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November is National Career Development Month.  NCDM was designed to highlight the importance of life-long career development and the personal empowerment of all people.

Take time to focus on your career development by participating in the NOVA Online National Career Development Month 2019 Webinar Series.  See below for the webinar schedule.  The webinars will begin at 12:15 pm EST and end at 12:45 pm.

  • What Can I Do With a Program of Study In . . .? – Wed., November 6
  • Focus on Your Career Development – Wed., November 13
  • How to Research a Company – Wed., November 20

The webinars are free, but registration is required.

Earn a chance to win a padfolio by participating in the National Career Development Month 2019 discussion board in the NOVA Online Virtual Student Union during November 6 – November 30. For more information access the VSU, select “Discussions”, then select “National Career Development Month 2019 Contest” from the list.

Follow NOVA Online on Twitter to receive a daily inspirational quote.   Read the NOVA Online student blog for tips, stories, and to stay connected.

Learn more about career development on NOVA’s Career Services website.  Check NOVA’s Events calendar for information about other programs and events being offered throughout the month.

Transfer Tips: College Visit Checklist

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CAMPUS VISIT CHECKLIST

Article written by the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACA)

checklistEvery college visit should have at least two dimensions: formal and informal. Use this checklist to begin your planning. And don’t forget to call the college ahead of time to schedule your visit—the admission office can help you hit all the highlights.

Formal

  • Take a campus tour.
  • Have an interview with an admission officer.
  • Participate in a group information session at the admission office.
  • Sit in on a class (or two).
  • Talk to a professor in your chosen major.
  • Talk to a coach in your chosen sport.
  • Talk to a student or counselor in the career center.
  • Spend the night in the dorm with a current student.

Informal

  • Read the student newspaper, even the ads.
  • Try to find other student publications—department newsletters, alternative newspapers, literary reviews.
  • Eat in the cafeteria.
  • Ask a student why he/she chose this college, and what their favorite part about it is.
  • Wander around the campus by yourself.
  • Search for your favorite book in the library.
  • Read the bulletin boards in the student union and in the academic department you’re interested in.
  • Ask a student what he/she dislikes about the college.
  • Browse in the college bookstore.
  • Eavesdrop on students to hear what they’re talking (or complaining) about.
  • Walk or drive around the community surrounding the campus.
  • Find out how most students get around: Is there public transportation? Can you have a vehicle on campus?
  • Ask a student what he/she does on weekends.
  • Visit career services and ask about upcoming job opportunities.
  • Look into clubs and organizations on campus that interest you.
  • Listen to the college’s radio station.
  • Try to see a dorm that you didn’t see on the tour.
  • See if you can imagine yourself as a student at the college.

 

For more information on NACAC visit their website. 

 

Let Your Voice be Heard! Register for #RealNOVA – A Student Needs Symposium

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Northern Virginia Community College is hosting real conversations and action-oriented approaches to tackling basic student needs. Join us! Students, be part of the conversation and share your story to initiate change!

The Symposium will work to start a collective conversation on the needs of our students (food, housing, transportation, mental, etc.) and address the barriers we can disable for our students. Students can attend the full day or second half of the event. FREE lunch and transportation provided if needed.

Wednesday, November 20th
9:30am-4:00pm
Woodbridge Campus – Workforce Building

Register online: bit.ly/realnova2019

Student Life Annual Fall Leadership Retreat

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Check out the photos from Student Life’s annual Fall Leadership Retreat. Students were able to network with like-minded leaders, dive deeper into their particular leadership style, participate in problem solving sessions, take part in a privilege walk, and push the limits on a ropes course adventure! What a weekend.

To get more involved in Student Life leadership opportunities, join the Virtual Student Union today!