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NOVA 2009-2010 College Catalog

GENERAL INFORMATION -- The College

Northern Virginia Community College is an open access, comprehensive community college offering two-year associate degrees, one-year certificates, and career studies certificates as well as continuing education and community services programs. As one of the 23 colleges comprising the Virginia Community College System, NOVA is governed by the Virginia State Board for Community Colleges.

NOVA strives to meet the educational and training needs of people with differing abilities, education, experiences, and individual goals through a variety of curricula and co-curricula programs and community services. Many curricula are available on all campuses although some highly specialized programs are offered on only one or two campuses. Each campus offers a comprehensive array of student services.

NOVA provides a strong counseling program to assist students in making sound decisions regarding career, educational, and personal goals. Counselors work with students to guide them to the curriculum that best suits their needs and interests. The College also provides services in pre-college and freshman orientation, career counseling, financial aid, testing, veterans affairs, and student activities.

The College operates on the semester system with 16-week fall and spring semesters and a 12-week summer term. Many courses are offered in shorter sessions to meet the needs of students, business and industry.