NIGHTHAWK
NEWS
News, Information and Events for NOVA Students
NOVA FALL SEMESTER PLANS
Dear NOVA Nighthawks,
 
Thank you for your patience and understanding as NOVA worked through our plans for serving our students in Fall 2020. 
 
You matter to NOVA, and we have listened to you. You want to be able to meet your educational goals in a way that both supports your health and well-being at this uncertain time and provides the quality academic experience that you expect from our college. Our plans balance these two objectives.
 
You will find NOVA's fall plans here .
 
We are grateful for the talents, skills, dedication, and drive for success that you bring to NOVA, and we look forward to welcoming you back--both remotely and in person--this fall!
 
Sincerely,
Anne Kress
A Message from NOVA President
Dr. Anne Kress: What Can We Do?
On April 16, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., wrote what came to be called the “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” He was in that city to engage in nonviolent protest because of the violence that Black residents experienced at the hands of the notoriously racist segregation-era Birmingham police, but he mentions this purpose only in passing. It is the obvious evil. The majority of his letter is a condemnation of the white voices of moderation who have, time and time again, called upon Black citizens facing discrimination, oppression, violence and hatred to “wait” for the right time to call for their rights. Dr. King observed that “this ‘Wait’ has almost always meant ‘Never.’”

I’ve thought of and reread this righteously and rightfully angry letter often over the past few days. Dr. King wrote of a wait that had, at that point, lasted more than 340 years. The murder of George Floyd has brought such pain and grief to members of our community because this tragedy is not unique; it is chillingly familiar and repeats a history of racism that must seem like it will never end. What would Dr. King write of a wait or a “broken promise” that has now stretched to almost 400 years?

Dr. King ends his letter with a powerful vision: “I hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away and the deep fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our fear drenched communities, and in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty.” Yet, that hope did not come to pass soon; for too many, this wait seems to have led—once more—to never.

Like you, throughout the weekend, I watched as nonviolent protests in the tradition and spirit of Dr. King were twisted into violence and chaos and wondered: what can we do?

At NOVA, our values are clear: we have a shared commitment to providing open access and promoting equality for all who seek to improve their lives; we believe in the worth, dignity, and human potential of each individual; we recognize our responsibility to build and maintain a welcoming, caring and inclusive environment in which to learn and work.

These values are a promise to our students and colleagues that they will not wait for equity in opportunity at NOVA.

We have a responsibility to our community to make this promise real. We are accountable to our students and our colleagues for creating a culture that finds its strength in diversity and opposes hatred in all its forms. We have an obligation as educators to create a learning environment that is committed to excellence and grounded in humanity and empathy.

We must act on our values with purpose and integrity, live them every single day. This is what a real community does; it embodies the “inescapable network of mutuality” that Dr. King described. This is how equality and equity are achieved and sustained. This is the only way that opportunity isn’t pushed off to that elusive “not too distant tomorrow” that never comes.

We are NOVA, and we will keep our promise because it is the right and just thing to do.
CARES ACT EMERGENCY AID GRANTS 
The  CARES Act Student Emergency Aid  grant application is still open. Eligible, enrolled students, including those who received a spring grant, can apply for a summer grant. 

Eligible part-time students may receive $500 and eligible full-time students may receive $750. There is a limit on the available funds ($10M in total), and eligible students will be awarded in the order of their approved applications until the funds are exhausted.

NOVA's first 30 day report has been posted online as required and can be found here .
Money Talk: COVID Finances Workshop
Wed. June 17 at 3:00 PM
COVID-19 has changed the way we think about money. It has us second guessing our decisions and asking questions we never thought we would ask. How do we manage with less or no income? How are we supposed to pay our bills? What will happen to my credit? 

Join us as we chat about managing finances during COVID-19. Registration is required. Please register here and a zoom link will be provided.

Do you have other questions or need help connecting with community resources? Please email  singlestop@nvcc.edu.
Antiracism: A Guide to Stories, Perspectives, and Connections
During this time of collective truth-seeking, it feels like we’re drinking from a fire hose of information. For this time and for every time, NOVA Libraries has compiled a guide of antiracism resources for the NOVA community. In this place and in every place, Black stories matter, and Black perspectives matter, because Black lives matter.
 
Find it online here: Antiracism: A Guide to Stories, Perspectives, and Connections. This guide includes links to selected eBooks (including audio books), articles, videos, and podcasts, as well as local antiracist groups to support, and preassembled information kits to help us:
 
  • Identify racism in ourselves and in our institutions;
  • Reach out to local government officials, police forces, and private organizations;
  • Engage with students in our classes and children in our homes.
 
The resources linked in this guide are only a fraction of what the library can offer. In addition to the conversations you’re having with colleagues, friends, family, and local leadership, please reach out to any NOVA librarian at any time to help you find further resources, or try searching the library databases on your own. The guide includes links to do both.
 
NOVA Librarians are committed to being antiracist and inclusive in our content purchases, our class instruction, and our individual reference services. Read our Library Policies , which include:
 
  • A commitment to helping students gain confidence in identifying, finding and using information effectively and ethically.
  • Valuing and respecting our students, their diversity, their goals and their previous experiences.
  • Encouraging critical thinking skills and continuous learning beyond the academic setting.
  • A commitment to ongoing assessment of the instruction program.
 
Let’s all commit to ongoing assessment of what we think we know and what we still have to learn from each other. If you have any feedback or questions, please contact librarian 
Remote Summer, No Problem!
Student Life Has You Covered.
We are ready to #EngageAll ! Connect with Student Life through the Virtual Student Union (VSU) within Canvas.

This summer, we will be hosting student led discussion boards, leadership workshops, social events, community service opportunities and more!

Join us and be a part of Student Life.
NOVA ATHLETICS 2020-2021
SEASON SUSPENDED
With careful consideration of the health risks presented by COVID-19, the need for strict social distancing, and NOVA’s limits on facility infrastructure, the college has decided to suspend all NOVA Intercollegiate Athletics for the 2020-21 school year. Although we are very disappointed that we cannot provide our students with the vast benefits of a comprehensive Athletics program, we understand the importance of the health and safety of all of our college community. We look forward to bringing back an even stronger set of opportunities for our students in the fall 2021. 
 
The Athletic Department will continue to offer the college community our brand-new Rec on Canvas, remote eSports experiences and virtual personal training during this suspension. Our staff will also continue to grow our base as we work to recruit the best high school students to join our NOVA teams in fall 2021 when the Nighthawks Nation returns to the playing fields and gymnasiums. Go Green and Gold.
 
If you have questions about NOVA Nighthawks Athletics or you have recruit recommendations, please contact the Athletic Director, Steve Mrowka. For Recreation and eSports information, please contact Assistant Athletic Director, C.J. Jackson.
Need Help with Your Classes? You Got it!
The new 24/7 online tut oring service from Tutor.com can help you do better on tests and write better papers. Free tutoring is available for all NOVA students. You can access Tutor.com from the button in each of your courses in CANVAS. More than 96% of NOVA students who used Tutor.com recommend it and give their online tutors a rating of 4.6 out of 5.

Live, face-to-face tutoring is also available through your campus tutoring center. Information on tutoring center online services can be found on the NOVA Tutoring website .
Looking for Assistance and Resources to
Help Meet Your Basic Needs?
As we adapt to changes that are now in place at NOVA and in our nation because of COVID-19, please know that there is assistance available that you can receive during this time. When it comes to meeting your basic needs, please know that our Single Stop office will be able to help you.

Single Stop is part of NOVA's Financial Stability Program and is a one-stop shop for students to get resources for their life needs such as food, housing, healthcare, childcare, finances, jobs, and more.

If you are a student that needs further assistance, please go to the Single Stop website to complete the Single Stop Screener. By doing this, not only will you have access to valuable community resources, but you will also be contacted to set up a one-on-one phone or virtual meeting so that we can help meet your specific needs.

To complete the Single Stop Screener:

  1. Go to nvcc.singlestoptechnologies.com.
  2. Click Sign Up: Use your email address as your username and create a password for your account. Make sure to also include a phone number.
  3. Fill in your information: Take 5-7 minutes to complete your information. It will automatically calculate your eligibility.
  4. Submit: Make sure you hit the send button and a Single Stop Center staff member will contact you.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact the Single Stop office at singlestop@nvcc.edu or visit the website.
Fall Registration is Open:
Get Help with Planning Your Classes
Registration for fall 2020 is open and advisors are available to help Nighthawks Take Flight for Fall. 

Get the answers you need from the comfort of your home. 

Advisors are available virtually to assist with advising, scheduling and planning.  
FAFSA Week: June 22 - 26
NOVA’s Financial Aid Office has dedicated a week of online financial aid workshops to help you file your FAFSA.

Filing the FAFSA:
Step by Step
Thursday, June 25, 4:00 p.m. (English) REGISTER
6:00 p.m. (Spanish) REGISTER
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has a reputation! Though improved instructions and the online process have improved through the years, the form can still feel daunting, especially when done for the first time. NOVA Financial Aid staff will walk you through the process. Register Here.

Financial Literacy 101
Monday, June 22, 12:00 noon (English) REGISTER
Tuesday, June 23, 4:00 p.m. (Spanish) REGISTER
NOVA Financial Aid staff will share the basics of financial literacy and the wealth of resources available to NOVA students. Building a strong foundation in money management will create a much healthier financial future throughout college and beyond.

Financial Aid Essentials – For Parents  
Monday, June 22, 4 :00 p.m. (English) REGISTER
6:00 p.m. (Spanish) REGISTER
Parental information is required on the FAFSA for most students under the age of 24. NOVA Financial Aid staff will talk with parents about the financial aid process including what is required of them, securing their own FSA ID, completing the FAFSA, verification and much more.

Financial Aid Essentials – For New Students
Tuesday, June 23, 10:00 a.m. (English) REGISTER
12:00 p.m. (Spanish) REGISTER
NOVA Financial Aid staff will walk new students through the financial aid process, from securing an FSA ID to completing the FAFSA and verification. You will learn how to communicate with financial aid staff, what to expect in your aid notification, how to apply for scholarships, and your academic responsibilities for maintaining financial aid eligibility.

Financial Aid Essentials – For Current Students
Wednesday, June 24, 12:00 noon (English) REGISTER
4:00 p.m. (Spanish) REGISTER
NOVA Financial Aid staff will walk returning students through the steps required to reapply for financial aid. You will hear more about scholarships, appeals, Satisfactory Academic Progress, and making the most of limited Pell Grants and student loans.

Satisfactory Academic Progress
Wednesday, June 24, 10:00 a.m. (English) REGISTER
Thursday, June 25, 12:00 noon (Spanish) REGISTER
To remain eligible for financial aid, students must do their part to make reasonable academic progress toward completing their program of study. NOVA Financial Aid staff will explain the requirements of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), the extenuating circumstances that could be appealed and the process for doing so, the value of understanding an advisement report and of creating an academic plan.

Completing Verification – Step by Step
Friday, June 26, 10:00 a.m. (English) REGISTER
12:00 noon (Spanish) REGISTER
NOVA Financial Aid staff will walk you through the verification process, help you understand what is required and point out areas that cause problems. The sooner you complete the process, the sooner you will know what aid is available for you.
Need Health Insurance? 
Learn About Medicaid and How to Apply.
If you need of health insurance and would like to learn more about Medicaid or other health insurance, this upcoming workshop is for you. 
The Single Stop office, a part of NOVA’s Financial Stability Program, is hosting two virtual health sessions on Tuesday, June 9 at 6:00 p.m. in English and 7:00 p.m. in Spanish.  

For more information, contact Single Stop at singlestop@nvcc.edu.
Open Computer Lab
Workshops & Tech Support
We are now offering workshops and tech support through Zoom for a variety of topics including: 
 
  • Embedding CSS into HTML
  • Creating a basic HTML page
  • Basic Programming structure
  • Logical ”if” and “else” statements and looping basics
  • How to download and install software
  • How to create folder and document

If you would like to get online assistance, click here to view and join our Zoom sessions :
  • Monday - Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Important Dates
June 2 - Oct. 1:  Fall 2020 graduation application period 
June 15: 8-week classes begin
June 22 - 26: FAFSA Week
June 29 - Second 6-week classes begin
July 20 – 24:  Advising Week
July 27 – 31:  FAFSA Week             
August 3:   Payment Due for Fall Classes
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