Summer Registration opens today!

Open registration for summer courses begins today, March 28, 2017!

To review a list of available courses, please click here (Select NOVA Online under Campus/Center).

If you need assistance, we are here for you:

Do you need help registering for the course?  For step-by-step online registration instructions, please click here.  If you need additional assistance, please contact us at 703.323.3347 or NOVA OnlineSuccess@nvcc.edu.

Do you need help with course selection? If you have not been assigned a faculty advisor you can contact a NOVA Online Counselor at elicounselors@nvcc.edu for assistance with course selection. If you would like to schedule a phone call with an academic counselor, please include your contact information. Use your VCCS student email and include your student ID# when emailing.

Are you a visiting/transient student? If you are attempting to enroll in a course at NOVA for which you believe you have successfully completed (a grade of “C“ or higher) the required prerequisite(s) at an accredited college or university, you will need to work with an advisor before being permitted to enroll in courses at NOVA. More information at the Visiting and Transient Student webpage or reach out to a Virtual Advisor at AcademicAdvising@nvcc.edu.

Are you new to NOVA Online?  We encourage you to attend a NOVA Online Orientation webinar! The NOVA Online Orientation will focus on answering key questions to getting started. For more information and to register for a session, click here.

Do you have questions about Tuition and Payment? For payment due dates, methods, and online payment instructions, please click here. Make sure to have your tuition paid or financial aid in place before the deadline, so you are not dropped from your courses.

If you are looking for additional resources to help you achieve academic success, the NOVA Online Student Services Team is here for you! You can access free online tutoringwebinars, and free online workshops to help you succeed in your NOVA Online courses.

We also encourage you to take the SmarterMeasure assessment to gauge your readiness for online learning.

You can reach us at 703.323.3347 or visit us at http://eli.nvcc.edu/

Prepare for Summer Registration

Thinking about an online class for Summer 2017? Summer Registration opens for all students on Tuesday, March 28. The online catalog is available in NOVAConnect now, however, you will not be able to load courses to your cart or complete enrollment until Tuesday. Search the online catalog to see what options you have for online courses.

NOVA Online offers courses that begin on May 16, 22, and June 5.

old wooden pier on the sea in sunset

Review & Understand your NOVAConnect Account

Plan ahead – Have any holds? Need to update your contact information? Request a final transcript or view your final grades? Run your advising report before working with your advisor? Log into your Student Center account (in NOVAConnect) for more information.

Be cleared of any prerequisites (if needed)

If you are attempting to enroll in a course at NOVA for which you believe you have successfully completed (a grade of “C“ or higher) the required prerequisite(s) at another regionally accredited institution, you will need to work with an advisor before being permitted to enroll in courses at NOVA. Any questions? More information at the Visiting and Transient Student webpage or reach out to a Virtual Advisor at AcademicAdvising@nvcc.edu.

Get Ready to Start your courses

Each course has a course site in Blackboard. Students are given access to the course specific link on the first day the course is scheduled to begin. Once you have access to your course in Blackboard, make sure to thoroughly review the course syllabus and course calendar (Overview of Assignments) to map out a plan for the course. Summer courses run at an accelerated pace, so make sure you plan ahead and stay on track.

Understand online learning through NOVA Online

Participate in the NOVA Online Orientation webinar to get off to a strong start. This one hour live online instructor session will focus on getting started in your courses, navigating your Blackboard course site, and identifying tips for success and student support services. The NOVA Online Orientation is highly recommended for students who are new to online learning. Live session dates will be posted soon.

Make sure you know your course start date and critical enrollment dates! Don’t miss your first assignment due date!

Take the Smarter Measure assessment to see how your personal learning styles will work with online courses.

Establish a Routine! All online courses, regardless of session length, are based on the full 16-week course material, so summer courses (12, 8, and 4 week classes) will move at an accelerated pace. Review this blog post for more information about pacing in online courses.

If you need assistance with your course selection, NOVA Online Counselors can be reached at, elicounselors@nvcc.edu.

Graduation Application Deadline!

Are YOU planning to graduate in May? The deadline to apply is March 1st! Graduation_16Not sure where to start?

View the recording of Crossing the Finish Line: NOVA Graduation Preparation Program (video opens in a separate window)!

This 17-minute video to obtain information on what you need to graduate from NOVA and plan for transfer or prepare for employment.

You will learn how to:

  • Verify the remaining requirements of your program
  • Apply for graduation and attend commencement
  • Financially prepare for your last semester at NOVA and your new institution. 

Learn about the information you will need to graduate from NOVA and plan for transfer or prepare for employment. Questions? Visit the NOVA Graduation Website or contact a NOVA Online Counselor at NOVA OnlineCounselors@nvcc.edu!

Transfer Planning Webinars

Thinking about transferring after NOVA and not sure where to start? Want to make sure you have options available to you if you decide to transfer? Start planning now! Join us for Transfer Planning Webinars!

Transfer Planning Webinar:

Join NOVA Online’s Transfer Counselor on Friday, February 17th, 12:00pm-1:00pm

It’s never too early to begin your planning to transfer another institution. This one-hour webinar will discuss the basics of transfer planning; information about Guaranteed Admission Agreements, Articulation Agreements, and Transfer Guides; and a provide web tour of NOVA’s transfer website.Join us live or request a recording.

Transfer Q&A Webinar:

Join in on this virtual open forum to chat and get your questions answered by a NOVA transfer counselor on Friday, February 24th, 12:00pm – 1:00pm. Join us live!

Everyone is welcome to join us!

This week at NOVA Online

Is today the first day of your NOVA Online course? Review the Critical Enrollment Dates blog post to make sure you get off to a great start. Join us for today’s NOVA Online Orientation webinar or request a recording!

Transfer Planning Webinar: Join NOVA Online’s Transfer Counselor on Friday, February 17th, 12:00pm-1:00pm

It’s never too early to begin your planning to transfer another institution. This one-hour webinar will discuss the basics of transfer planning; information about Guaranteed Admission Agreements, Articulation Agreements, and Transfer Guides; and a provide web tour of NOVA’s transfer website. Join us live or request a recording.

Don’t forget to sign-up for NOVA Alert.  NOVA Alert is a free alert system that allows NOVA to contact you during an emergency by sending messages to your cell phone and email. https://alert.nvcc.edu

Democracy Builders Essay Contest. Democracy depends on an informed citizenry actively participating in decisions, and that civil discourse is an essential part of the process. Essays may address specific current critical and/or controversial topics, at local, regional, state, or national levels.  Be creative and dream big.  The essays will be judged by a NOVA faculty panel and are due by March 17, 2017. The contest is sponsored by professors Reva Savkar and Robert Loser. Up to five essays will be selected for prizes of $100 each. For more information please visit https://blogs.nvcc.edu/democracybuilders/

Have you checked out NOVA’s new job and internship database powered by College Central Network?  There are over 1000 local employers registered and they are regularly posting opportunities to NOVA students and alumni.  You will also find over 200 active career opportunities and details regarding NOVA career events.  Log in with your NOVA ID number (found on your NOVA ID card) and VCCS email address.  http://www.collegecentral.com/nova.

Join NOVA Online’s Virtual Student Union. NOVA Online’s VSU has a new look! Are you taking online classes and looking to connect with other students outside of a classroom setting? Check out our Virtual Student Union or VSU. This is an engagement hub where NOVA Online students have access to create a profile, join discussion forums and connect with other students. In celebration of our new site launch, students will be eligible for raffle prizes once they create an account and interact on the site. Drawings will be done weekly and monthly through the fall semester. Join now!

E-lead Series. NOVA Online Student Life has created a virtual co-curricular opportunity to develop leadership skills for students! The overall goal is to foster a sense of community among students taking online courses, to develop more self-awareness of leadership strengths and skills, and to help you maximize your talents as they relate to academic and professional goals. This program is free and does not offer academic credit, however, students who participate will receive a certificate of completion. This is also a great resume builder! Dates: Feb 20th – March 19th Registration:   Leadership Pilot Program Registration Form. Please fill out no later than Feb. 17th at 5pm.  

Financial Avenue – Financial Literacy Contest – Twenty $100 NOVA bookstore gift cards towards educational costs at NOVA will be given-away throughout the 2016‐2017 academic year to randomly selected students NOVA Online who successfully complete Financial Avenue web‐based financial literacy modules! For more information visit Financial Aid’s Financial Literacy Blog. Official contest rules and registration to participate can be found here.

NOVA Holiday Hours

Northern Virginia Community College will close for Winter Break on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 5pm and remain closed until Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 8:00 am.

If you have common questions, the following information may be helpful:

Finals Grades: Fall 2016 grades will be accessible through NOVA Connect within 7 days of the end date of your course.

Blackboard Course Availability: Instructors make classes available in blackboard on the first day the course is scheduled to begin, or sometimes a few days in advance. If you are visiting Blackboard to access your Spring 2017 courses, you may not have access until the start date.

Course Start Dates: 1st 16 week, 1st 8 week, 1st 12 week and 1st 4 week (MTT only) sessions will begin on January 9, 2017. View your course specific critical enrollment dates on NOVA Online’s website.

Course Registration: If you have not registered, Spring 2017 registration is still open. Although the College is closed, online registration is open. For registration information, please click here. Additional step by step registration instructions can be viewed by clicking here. If you need assistance with your course selection, NOVA Online Counselors and Virtual Advisors will be available  when the college opens on Tuesday, January 3, 2017. Emails will be answered in the order they are received.

Prerequisites satisfied at another College: If you are attempting to enroll in a course at NOVA for which you believe you have successfully completed (a grade of “C“or higher) the required prerequisite(s) at another regionally accredited institution, you will need to submit a copy of your unofficial transcript to a NOVA Online counselor for review. Using your NOVA student email, submit the following information to the Virtual Advisors:

  • NOVA seven digit student identification number (EMPLID).
  • The specific course that you are registering for (ex: ENG 111 E55N, #45689).
  • Unofficial copy of your transcript (Must be able to clearly review your name, the dates attended, and the courses required).

Requests are reviewed and processed in the order in which they are received. You should expect to receive a response about your request within three business days after offices opens.

Online Academic Resources: If you have any downtime during the break, it would be an excellent opportunity to explore the free online workshops offered by Student Lingo. Student Lingo workshops focus on time management, career development, mastering the job interview, resume writing, stress management techniques, writing techniques, study skills, test anxiety and more! They are an excellent resource that will enrich your academic and career growth.

Consider registering for or reviewing NOVA Online Orientation Webinar. This one hour webinar will focus on getting started in your courses, navigating your Blackboard course site, and identifying tips for success and student support services. The NOVA Online Orientation is highly recommended for students who are new to online learning.

We wish you a safe and restful holiday break!

New Student Orientation for Adult Learners

Are you an adult learner starting courses this spring? Do you have questions about getting started at NOVA, enrolling in courses, or support resources/services available to you both virtually and on-campus. Join us for the virtual New Student Orientation for Adult Learners on Tuesday, December 6 from 12:15-1:15 pm.

web meeting 2Follow Up & Recording (Edited 12/7): To request a copy of the recording, email NOVA OnlineLearn@nvcc.edu with the subject: New Student Orientation for Adult Learners Recording

Upcoming Campus Sessions: Additional campus sessions are still available. To best support your successful transition and integration into college life, you are invited to attend a New Student Orientation for Adult Learners. Please click here to view additional sessions and register.

Who are Adult Learners?

  • Students who are 25 and older.
  • Students transferring into NOVA from another college/university.
  • Students returning to college after a leave of absence.

How is online learning different from on-campus courses?

In honor of our recent celebration of National Distance Learning Week, let’s talk about how online learning is different from on-campus courses!

Are you considering NOVA Online as an option for a spring course? We want to point out some of the differences between online and on-campus courses.

  • Format
  • Technology
  • Time Required

Although online learning and on-campus courses cover the same content, the format is different. NOVA Online courses are flexible, with stated deadlines, meaning, you can work on your course at any point throughout the week, but will need to meet weekly or even mid-weekly due dates. NOVA Online requires proctored exams to be completed within the stated course deadlines. Some courses may also be accelerated with the instructor’s permission.

Technology provides content and interaction. NOVA Online courses use Blackboard as the course management system to communicate and facilitate class discussions. Students are required to use their VCCS student email account to communicate with the instructor.

Online learning courses usually require at least as much time as you would spend taking a campus-based course. You should plan to study at least 2-3 hours a week for each credit. In other words, for a 16-week, three-credit course, you would study 6-9 hours per week. For 12 or 8-week courses, more time would need to be scheduled to complete your requirements. When you compare this time with what you spend in class and studying outside of class, it is about the same.

Here is a chart that illustrates the general amount of time per week you should expect to study per credit hour based on the course length. For example, if you enroll in an 8-week, 3-credit class, you can expect to spend 12-18 hours per week studying for this class. In general, the shorter the class length (8-, 12-, or 16-week), the more hours of study time you can expect to spend per week per credit. (Click on chart to enlarge picture)nullWe encourage you to participate in an NOVA Online Orientation to help as you are getting started in your first online course. You can view short videos from Blackboard to review how to submit an assignment, post on discussion board, check grades, etc.

For more information about getting started at NOVA Online, please email elisuccess@nvcc.edu or call 703.764.5076. Have a question, but not sure who to ask? Start with a Success Coach!

This week at NOVA Online!

Priority registration for continuing students begins on Tuesday, November 8 and open registration for all students starts Monday, November 14.

To help you plan for your next semester, join a NOVA Online Counselor on Thursday, November 10 from 12:15 – 1:00 pm (EST) for the Getting Ready for your Next Semester Webinar! This 45 minute webinar that will focus on answering key questions students have about preparing for their next semester. This is a great opportunity for new and returning students!

Have any questions about your spring term courses? Need to change your degree plan? Schedule a virtual appointment with an NOVA Online Counselor! Visit NOVA Online’s Advising Week blog series for more information to help you plan your spring schedule.

November is National Career Development Month. Join NOVA Online Career Counselor on Wednesday, November 9, 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm for the Exploring Career Options Webinar. This 45 minute webinar will focus on using various online resources to research career options.

This week is National Distance Learning Week! Not sure if online courses are right for you? Take the SmarterMeasure assessment to gauge your readiness!

logoWe will celebrate throughout the week with trivia, facts/myths, and memories ! NOVA Online started as correspondence classes in 1975 and used video, audio, and postal mail for courses. Can you imagine? Join us on Facebook and Twitter throughout the week for more!

s NOVA Online-2Have a great week!

Wrap up from the advising week blog series!

That’s a wrap for our Advising Week blog series, but that doesn’t mean it’s over! Still have questions about spring registration? Let us know!

Take some time to reflect on what you have learned over the last two weeks. Go back and review past posts to dig a little deeper. Missed any of the live sessions? Go back and request a recording.

Here are a few tips to help you move forward:

coffee breakJoin us for the November 10th Getting Ready for Your Next Semester webinar. Learn more about the webinar and request a recording.

Use the Student Success Planner to build your academic plan and compare your plan to program requirements.

Take a moment to facilitate a time study. Remember you have different options for session length (16, 12, or 8 weeks). Make sure you have enough time to devote to the courses you take on. What has worked in the past? What hasn’t worked? Check out StudentLingo and NOVA Online webinars on time management.

Review your Advisement Report. Access NOVAConnect to run an advisement report to view your progress and outstanding degree requirements.

Take a moment to reflect upon your career planning. If you need more information about career options or would like to learn about a resource to help you build a career plan. Go back and review old blog posts to help you Focus on Career Planning, and take advantage of Free Job Search Tools!

Communicate with your advisor about your academic and career goals. Be sure to take a moment to review your plans for both the summer term (registration is occurring now) and the fall semester. Plan to have your academic plan,  advisement report, and/or career plan handy when communicating with your advisor.

If you have not declared a program of study or are not pursuing a specific program at NOVA connect with an academic counselor or advisor for assistance.

Ready to enroll? Follow this tutorial to help you add your courses in NOVA Connect.

Reach out to the Student Services offices or Virtual Advisors with any questions you have as you are planning your courses.