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New Student Orientation

Welcome to NOVA! Every important journey requires careful preparation. Your adjustment during the first semester of college can have a major impact on the remainder of your college experience. In general, students who attend college orientation programs are better prepared academically to start their first semester of college. They also have an advantage because they are able to acclimate themselves to their new campus community before classes begin.

NOVA invites you to participate in our orientation program which consists of two very unique programs offered at five of NOVA's campuses:

  • Student Orientation Advising and Registration (SOAR)
  • New Student Orientation (NSO)

All new first-time college students will be directed to sign up for SOAR. At SOAR you will receive:

  • First semester advising
  • Create your class schedule
  • Learn about payment options
  • Register for courses

SOAR sessions are led by Student Services faculty/staff, college teaching faculty and student ambassadors.

New Student Orientation (NSO) gives you and your parents the opportunity to learn about resources that support student success at NOVA. We will provide more information regarding transfer and career resources, financing your education and your academic division. You will have the opportunity to meet with faculty advisors, counselors and financial aid specialists. You can also tour our facilities and receive answers to your specific questions.

NOVA is a large community. We encourage you to take advantage of the personalized attention we show our new students to get a jump start on your academic career at NOVA. Sessions are offered at the beginning of every semester on a first come, first serve basis. Students who participate in both SOAR and NSO this summer will earn extra credit in their Student Development (SDV) course college-wide!

Learn how to sign up for SOAR and NSO by clicking on the buttons below.
information on soar register for new student orientation

New Student Orientation Contact Numbers
Campus Location
 Contact Number Room
Alexandria Campus 703.845.6301 AA194
Annandale Campus 703.323.3147 CF226
Loudoun Campus 703.450.2512 LR 246
Manassas Campus 703.257.6610 MH 110
Medical Education Campus 703.822.6531 HE 202
Woodbridge Campus 703.878.5760 WC 202

Pathway to Baccalaureate Students Only


Pathway students do not attend the SOAR sessions, but should sign up for the NSO sessions. In place of attending SOAR sessions, Pathway students should schedule advising and registration appointments with their Pathway counselors from high school if they have not already registered for classes.

Pathway students may also call the following numbers to schedule advising appointments with Pathway counselors: Annandale Campus: 703.323.3359; Alexandria Campus: 703.933.5087 or 703.933.5049; and Loudoun Campus: 703.948.7739. Incoming students who are NOT in the Pathway program need to sign up for a SOAR session and New Student Orientation.

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