VIEWBOOK. Partners In Your Success

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1 VIEWBOOK Partners In Your Success

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3 Welcome to NOVA Close your eyes. Picture your future. Imagine success. Northern Virginia Community College can take you anywhere you want to go, including places you ve never dreamed of. NOVA is a learning experience that is as unique as your goals, whether you re interested in becoming a doctor, an auto mechanic, a research At a Glance...3 Campus Life...7 Campus Locations...9 Frequently Asked Questions Other Learning Opportunities scientist, or a chef! Take a look at what we offer. Viewbook 1

4 NOVA is a great place to start. It offers a quality education and guaranteed admission into many colleges. I suggest that everyone begin their higher education journey at NOVA. Sehrish Shah

5 NOVA at a glance Who we are NOVA opened for classes in 1965 and is now the largest institution of higher education in Virginia and one of the largest community colleges in the nation. With six campuses and online courses, we prepare students for success both in the classroom and in the job market. We are the smart beginning to higher education. You ll find a counseling center on every campus, where counselors can help you make good decisions about occupational, educational, and personal goals. Who we teach More than 75,000 students enroll each year in our credit classes and many transfer to four-year schools. Our student body represents roughly 175 nations, and 53 percent come from a minority group. The median age of a NOVA student is 23; the ratio of females to males is about 53 percent to 48 percent. Viewbook 3

6 I ve been an English instructor at NOVA for a little over seven years. It s a very diverse and inclusive culture, set up to cater to a variety of different learning styles. NOVA promotes both academic and professional skills. I love teaching and can t imagine being anywhere else but here at NOVA. Andrew Young

7 What we teach NOVA s programs of study leading to a career studies certificate, certification, or an associate degree meet the needs of the ever-changing job market and easily transfer to four-year colleges and universities. From general studies and liberal arts classes to information technology and healthcare, we can put you on the right track to reaching your personal goals. Check with a counselor about designing your own program of study if you don t see exactly what you re looking for! Who will teach you The learning experience you get at NOVA is first-class. Our faculty members have advanced degrees and real-life experience a combination that can t be beat when it comes to preparing students for success. Our small class sizes (average number of students: 23) mean that you ll get lots of one-onone time with teachers, who provide support both inside and outside of the classroom. Their commitment to delivering a quality education will ensure you get the help you need to succeed. NOVA is one of America s leading community colleges. More than 90 percent of our faculty have achieved advanced degrees and more than one third have Ph.D.s. Our commitment to students To help you reach your full potential, NOVA works closely with Achieving the Dream, a national initiative focused on helping close the gap in achievement and increase success for community college students. Viewbook 5

8 When you start at NOVA, get involved. Whatever your interest, we most likely have a club or organization for you. Kimberly Armradit

9 NOVA s campus life Active campuses NOVA s campuses are full of activities. The clubs, athletics, exhibits, author talks, fine arts performances, presentations, seasonal and cultural celebrations, honors programs, and service groups reflect the wide range of our students interests. If none of the more than 60 organizations is a perfect match, start your own with the help of the student activities office. As for atmosphere, there are cyber-cafes with TVs, games, and internet access, scenic lakes to walk around or lounge by, tall shade trees for quiet reflection, wide expanses of sunny lawns on which to catch some rays, and cozy nooks and crannies indoors and out for tranquil study or small workgroups. At NOVA, we offer plenty of opportunities to get involved outside of the classroom. Our volleyball, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse teams are now part of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), the second largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the U.S. Viewbook 7

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11 Campus locations College Administration 4001 Wakefield Chapel Road Annandale, VA Alexandria Campus 3001 North Beauregard Street Alexandria, VA Annandale Campus 8333 Little River Turnpike Annandale, VA Loudoun Campus 1000 Harry Flood Byrd Highway Sterling, VA Manassas Campus 6901 Sudley Road Manassas, VA Medical Education Campus 6699 Springfield Center Drive Springfield, VA Woodbridge Campus Neabsco Mills Road Woodbridge, VA Arlington Center 4600 North Fairfax Drive Arlington, VA Innovation Park Center 9485 Innovation Drive Manassas, VA Reston Center 1831 Wiehle Avenue Reston, VA Extended Learning Institute Mailing address 8333 Little River Turnpike Annandale, VA In person address 8000 Forbes Place Springfield, VA Viewbook 9

12 Attending NOVA has taught me that community colleges are a smart financial move. You can take your core credits and transfer them to a four-year university. It s a win-win situation. Aaron Rawlings

13 Frequently asked questions Can I take classes at NOVA? Yes, if you have a high school diploma or equivalent, or if you are 18 years old and able to benefit academically from study at the College, as demonstrated by assessment in reading, writing, and math, you can enroll. I m not sure college is for me can NOVA help me decide? At NOVA you can experience college without a major financial commitment. Aim for an associate degree so that you are prepared to move forward. Can I attend NOVA before I graduate from high school? Yes, if you are at least 16 years of age and in high school, you may dual enroll. You ll need written permission from both your high school principal and parents (or guardian). What if I m not sure about a major? Most people start college without a clear idea of a career direction. At NOVA, you can explore different subject areas before committing to a program and without spending big bucks. My SAT numbers aren t very good. Does that matter? No, SAT scores are required only if you wish to take honors courses. However, both SAT and ACT scores may be used in lieu of placement tests. Will NOVA help me with transferring? Yes, every campus has a transfer center with catalogs, viewbooks, and applications from four-year colleges and universities. You can use one of our computers to surf the websites of the schools you re interested in. Also, our counselors are a great resource for transfer advice. Viewbook 11

14 Ten reasons to attend NOVA 1. Great teachers 2. Dozens of transfer agreements 3. Affordability 4. Financial aid packages 5. Free counseling and tutoring 6. Six convenient campuses 7. Student clubs and activities 8. Online classes 9. Dual enrollment 10. Weekend studies program How much paperwork is involved in enrolling? The good news: no admission essay is needed! High school, college, or university transcripts are used by advisors to make sure you are on the right track. Can I earn a career-oriented degree? Yes, we have associate degrees in many different fields, including paralegal studies, air conditioning and refrigeration, automotive technology, and health information management. Another option is a certificate or career studies certificate in areas such as food service management, infant and toddler care, music recording technology, and massage therapy. Many of these career fields lead to instant job offers. Does NOVA offer career advice? Yes, there s a career center on every campus. You ll find computer programs that will match your skills to a career, as well as a library of information about different job fields. You can participate in mock interviews, attend career workshops, or sit down with a counselor for one-on-one advice. 12 Viewbook How much will NOVA cost me? NOVA s very affordable. In-state students can save up to 58 percent over the average cost for one year at Virginia s public four-year colleges. Current tuition rates can be found online at To make balancing the budget even easier, we offer an interest-free tuition payment plan. Plus, qualified military dependents get in-state tuition rates.

15 Does NOVA offer scholarships and financial aid? Yes! Our financial aid officers can help you identify which federal, state, or local financial aid package you may be eligible to receive. On average, NOVA distributes more than $100 million in financial aid and offers hundreds of scholarships each year! What s the best way to begin? After applying, register for Student Orientation Advising and Registration (SOAR) and New Student Orientation (NSO). During SOAR, you ll practice using NOVAConnect to register for classes, access financial aid status, and perform other key tasks you ll use throughout your time at NOVA. In NSO, you ll learn about transferring and Guaranteed Admission Agreements, the financial aid process, college success skills, and more. Getting into NOVA is as easy as filling out an application for admission. The form can be completed online, by mail, or by visiting any of our six campus locations! What are Guaranteed Admission Agreements? NOVA has Guaranteed Admission Agreements with many four-year colleges and universities in Virginia. Earn an associate degree while following the agreement s guidelines, and you ll save thousands of dollars in tuition during your first two years of college! Plus, you ll finish with the same bachelor s degree as students who enrolled in the four-year school as freshmen. Why should I participate in First Year Experience (FYE)? FYE provides academic, career, and social support to guide your college career. FYE introduces you to NOVA and other students through such activities as convocation, learning communities, social networking, and peer mentoring. Viewbook 13

16 14 Viewbook I m a Student Ambassador. When you first apply and become a student at NOVA, it s important to attend a New Student Orientation session. It will help you understand the different resources available to you on your campus. Heather Kirkpatrick

17 Other learning opportunities Distance Learning Approximately 11 percent of the courses taught at NOVA are through the Extended Learning Institute (ELI). Enroll in ELI and pick from various certifications or go after a degree in accounting, business administration, business management, information technology, or liberal arts, just to name a few. For more information, visit or call Hybrid Courses Hybrid courses offer the best of both worlds by combining traditional classroom instruction with distance learning options. The amount of online coursework varies from 30 to 70 percent, with the rest done in a classroom. Classes are offered in such subject areas as English, ESL, math, psychology, speech and drama, information systems technology, and business. We re not only about traditional classroom education. NOVA offers a variety of learning options to fit our students diverse lifestyles. Our hybrid courses, workforce development, and weekend and distance learning options provide you with the flexibility and convenience you want. Weekend College If your busy Monday through Friday schedule doesn t allow time for classes, NOVA s weekend studies program is perfect! Classes are offered on Friday nights, Saturdays, and Sundays. You can earn a degree in just three years. Workforce Development Each campus boasts a Workforce Development office specializing in career enhancement, certification, and licensing, as well as personal enrichment courses. Working closely with local businesses, NOVA provides custom- Viewbook 15

18 designed programs, which can be taught on campus or on-site, and which offer practical solutions to the many challenges organizations face in today s competitive economic climate. Mission Statement With commitment to the values of access, opportunity, student success, and excellence, the mission of Northern Virginia Community College is to deliver world-class in-person and online post-secondary teaching, learning, and workforce development to ensure our region and the Commonwealth of Virginia have an educated population and globally competitive workforce. Veterans and Active Duty Military As a Servicemembers Opportunity College, NOVA is committed to providing flexible academic residency and to crediting learning from appropriate military training and experience. Accreditation NOVA is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees as well as certificates in selected occupational areas. Curricula of the College are approved by the NVCC Board and by the State Board. The two-year, associate degree programs are also approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Want to know more? Let NOVA provide you with a great learning experience! Visit our website at Contact our Call Center at Drop by any campus where admissions counselors are available to answer your questions. Check us out today and see how we can be a part of your future success! Viewbook 16

19 Produced by NOVAGraphics December 2012

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