NSO/SOAR

In general, students who attend college orientation programs are better prepared academically to start their first semester of college. They have an advantage because they are able to acclimate themselves to their new campus community before classes begin. As part of the Achieving the Dream Initiative, NOVA refined its New Student Orientation (NSO) and introduced additional Student Orientation Advising and Registration (SOAR) sessions to help students be prepared for college.

New Student Orientation (NSO)

New Student Orientation is an all day orientation designed for students and parents. At NSO parents and students learn about resources that support student success at NOVA, get information regarding transfer and career resources and about financing their education. They also have an opportunity to meet with faculty advisors, counselors and financial aid specialists and tour our facilities.

Sample NSO Agenda

Click here for more information about NOVA’s New Student Orientation.

Student Orientation Advising & Registration Sessions (SOAR)

Student Orientation Advising and Registration Sessions are designed for students who are first-time college students and provides assistance with understanding placement test results, choosing and registering for courses, discussing payment deadlines and financial aid, and an introduction to college resources.

Click here for more information about NOVA's SOAR program.

Resources on NSO/SOAR

• Assessment Plan for NSO/SOAR
• Development of New Student Orientation
• Proposal for Revision of New Student Orientation
• Review of NOVA NSO 2009

NSO Task Force Members

Name	Campus	Email
Mary Ahn	MA	MNamgoong@nvcc.edu
Robtrice Brawner	AL	rbrawner@nvcc.edu
Mark Bumgarner	WO	mbumgarner@nvcc.edu
Michael Donnelly	AL	mdonnelly@nvcc.edu
Michelle Garel	AN	MGarel@nvcc.edu
Richmond Hill	WO	rihill@nvcc.edu
Shannon Ingram	Pathway	singram@nvcc.edu
Don Johnson	MEC	djohnson@nvcc.edu
Tiffney Laing	LO	tlaing@nvcc.edu
Mark Mannheimer	AN	MMannheimer@nvcc.edu
Matt Niziol	LO	MNiziol@nvcc.edu
Sherri Robinson	ME	srobinson@nvcc.edu