Welcome to Northern Virginia Community College! We are glad you chose to continue your education with us. Follow the steps below to get started taking credit courses:

Step 1: Apply for Admission and Financial Aid

• If you are attending NOVA for the first time or returning after three years of non-attendance, you must submit an Application for Admission.
• If you believe you qualify for in-state tuition rates, you must also complete the in-state tuition section of the application form , prior to enrollment and payment of tuition. If you submit your applications in person, there will be a delay of up to 48 hours following receipt of your application before you can enroll for classes.
• If you wish to apply for student financial aid (grants, loans, work-study), complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at least four weeks prior to the payment deadline. You may submit an online FAFSA.
• If you wish to pay in installments, you must enroll in the FACTS program prior to your tuition due date.

Step 2: Pick Up Your NOVA Catalog

• The NOVA Catalog describes courses, college policies, and degree and certificate programs offered at NOVA. Each new student who submits an application will be given a free copy of the catalog.
• Students who apply will receive a welcome letter of acceptance or, in the case of non-U.S. citizens or applicants whose native language is not English, a letter confirming receipt of the application and instructions on what to do next. Applicants may bring this letter to any campus Student Services Center or to the Extended Learning Institute and receive a free copy of the Catalog. You also may access the catalog online..

Step 3: Take Placement Tests

• Most new students should take the English and math placement tests. The tests are given at the Testing Center at each campus. A photo ID and a NovaConnect Student ID number are required. Allow approximately two hours for each test. If you have questions about whether you need to take a placement test, please see a counselor.

Step 4: See a Counselor

• If you are attending NOVA for the first time, you are encouraged to speak with a counselor before enrolling for classes. Walk-in advising is available at each campus. Students with disabilities can meet with a counselor for Disability Services.

Step 5: Enroll for Classes

• Before enrolling view the enrollment video.
• To enroll for classes, use NovaConnect on the Web or the NovaConnect telephone enrollment system at 703-323-3770 or 703-330-3770 (Prince William County). See the NovaConnect Telephone Enrollment Helpful Hints .
• Mailed or faxed schedule planning worksheets will not be processed.
• First-time students are encouraged to enroll in SDV 100 or another Student Development course during their first semester. You may check for open classes on NovaConnect

**IMPORTANT: Be sure to click the “class note” symbol at the end of the line in each course listing in NovaConnect to find out all the important course details.

Step 6: Pay Your Tuition

• If you enrolled in the FACTS Deferred Tuition Payment Plan, see the FACTS Web site for payment schedule.
• When you enroll for classes, be sure the pay by the payment deadlines. In most cases, classes not paid for may be dropped after that date.
• Payments by check, cash, or money order may be made in person at any campus Business Office during posted business hours.
• Check or money order payments also may be mailed to any campus Business Office but must be received by 5:00PM the day of your payment deadline.
• Business Offices also accept contract authorizations. For wire transfer of funds from a bank, contact a campus Business Manager or the Cashier for instructions.
• To pay by credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express), pay online using NovaConnect by clicking the "Make A Payment" button in the Financial Services area. Then follow the instructions. The system can take a few minutes to process your payment. Do not click the payment button more than once! Be sure to print a copy of the confirmation number for future reference. You also may use the NovaConnect telephone system to make a credit card payment.
• Refunds to your credit card are only available for payments made on NovaConnect Web. All other refunds will be issued as checks payable to the student. Your refund will not be processed unless all debts to the College have been paid. Refunds for other services (i.e., parking) must be requested from the office providing the service.
• If your anticipated financial aid award is enough to cover your entire tuition, your classes will be held until it arrives. View your anticipated aid on NovaConnect under Learner Services > Finances > Account Summary or > Make A Payment. If your award is not enough to cover your entire balance by the deadline, you risk losing classes unless you:
  
  
  • Pay the balance by the deadline, or
  • Enroll in the FACTS tuition payment plan prior to the tuition due date, or
  • Apply for a student loan to cover the additional costs, if you are eligible.

Step 7: Check Your Enrollment Schedule

• You can print a copy of your enrollment schedule using the NovaConnect Web site. You also can check your classes and payment status by calling telephone enrollment. It is your responsibility to check for errors. Please verify that you have enrolled for the courses that you intended to select. It is important to print a copy of your enrollment schedule every time you make changes to your schedule

Step 8: Buy Your Books

• Print your schedule of classes and take it to the campus bookstore where the course will be taught or buy your books online.

Step 9: Buy a Parking Permit

• Permits are required for all vehicles parked in all lots except at parking meters and hourly pay lots. Student permits are valid only in "B" lots.
• Beginning July 14, 2006, you may purchase a fall 2006 permit with your credit card 24 hours after you enroll for classes by logging onto the Parking Services Web page. Permits are also available by cash or check at College Parking Offices.
• Parking permits are required for all semesters/sessions of enrollment.
• To use the parking garages at the Annandale and Medical Education Campuses, you must have a NOVACARD ID as well as a parking permit. Hourly pay parking is also available in the garages for those who do not have a current permit and ID card.

Step 10: Get Your NOVACARD Student Identification

• You can obtain your NOVACARD a minimum of 24 hours after you enroll for classes. Your first NOVACARD is free. It serves as your library card and also can be used for copying and printing on campus.

Step 11 Activate Your Free Student E-mail Account

• To protect your privacy, instructors may only use a student's official NOVA e-mail address. You will receive updates on course changes and other pertinent information through your NOVA e-mail account.

 

Best of Luck in Your Studies Here at NOVA!