The term "convocation" means an assembly of persons. In the context of higher education, convocation is defined as an assembly of members of the college community who come together for any or all of the following purposes:

1. to celebrate new students’ entry into higher education
2. to officially welcome new students to the college
3. to build a sense of group identity or community among first year students
4. to articulate the institution’s mission and expectations to new students
5. to create a favorable first impression of the college for entering students

During FYE each campus will hold a convocation. We strongly encourage all first year students to attend.

At the convocation you will receive a first year lapel pin, additional information on college and campus programs and services, learn interesting facts about NOVA and higher education in general while meeting with other first year students, faculty and staff. Convocation is a great way to begin your college career!

The goal of FYE Peer Mentoring is to allow new students to seek and receive support from a peer who understands what it’s like to be a student.

Peer mentors can help you seek and gain the information and assistance you need to be successful while you are attending NOVA.

If you are interested in a peer mentor contact your FYE rep. You can learn about Peer Mentoring during New Student Orientation, while attending the FYE Convocation, in the Student Activities office and through campus flyers.

Creating meaningful relationships and a sense of community are two goals of the FYE Social Networking initiative.

Throughout the semester activities are sponsored to provide opportunities for first year students to meet one another as well as faculty and staff.

This information is initially provided during New Student Orientation, and is advertised on campus. Activities such as the Chat-n-Chew and Warm Welcome Back are open to all. You can visit Student Services and talk with the FYE contact person for activities and events on that campus.

One of the ways to make college more interesting, meet new people and feel good about yourself and your studies is to engage in meaningful community service.

Community service can be described as the act of volunteering one's self in order to provide services and help benefit the community.

Community service can be performed through cleaning roadways, helping the homeless, or even organizing charitable donations. First year students will be exposed to community service opportunities on campus through Email, flyers, the NOVA website as well as announcements in the FYE SDV course.