Winter Session

Winter Session

NOVA's Winter Session provides a valuable opportunity for students to make the most of their winter break by offering a selection of asynchronous online courses. These 4-week courses enable students to earn credit hours, stay on track with their academic goals, and get ahead in their studies. Whether you want to explore a new subject, fulfill a prerequisite, or accelerate your degree, NOVA Winter Session has the course for you. Our online platform allows you to learn at your own pace and conveniently access course materials from anywhere.

Winter Session

  • Winter Session enrollment is restricted to one course.
  • Enrollment counts toward spring semester enrollment limit.
  • Classes start on December 17, 2025. 

Financial Aid

NOVA Winter Session is an extension of the Spring 2026 academic semester. Students who receive Federal Student Aid or Military Benefits should check with the Financial Aid Office to determine the eligibility and availability of funds for the NOVA Winter Session. It is important for students to understand how participating in the Winter Session may affect their financial aid status, including any potential impact on their enrollment status, credit hours, and satisfactory academic progress.

The Winter Session is considered part of the Spring 2026 term.  Enrollment in a Winter Session course counts toward financial aid eligibility for Spring 2026.  Students must be enrolled in at least one eligible course for Spring 2026 that begins on or after January 20, 2026 for enrollment in an eligible Winter Session course to count toward their Spring 2026 financial aid eligibility. 

Financial aid that is offered for Spring 2026, including any aid that is offered for a Winter Session course, should be disbursed 2-3 weeks after the Spring term census (February 5, 2026), if the student has attended at least 6 eligible credits for the Winter Session/Spring 2026 past the last day to drop with a tuition refund. Holds or incomplete To Do List items on a student’s myNOVA account may prevent the disbursement of financial aid.  For more information on financial aid disbursements, please visit the Financial Aid Awards, Adjustments, Disbursements & Refunds page.

If you did not opt out of the NOVA All Access program, the cost of your course materials is included in the charges shown on your myNOVA SIS account summary. Information on obtaining your course materials through the NOVA All Access program is provided at the All-Access website. Note that several Winter Session courses will use Open Educational Resources (OER), so textbooks are not required for those courses. The other Winter Session courses will use electronic textbooks.

Visit the Buy Books & Supplies with Financial Aid page for more information about using financial aid at the bookstore.

Dates and Deadlines

Enrollment for NOVA’s Winter Session begins on October 27, 2025.
This incredible opportunity allows you to complete an entire semester's worth of coursework in four weeks. With a condensed timeframe, you'll experience an intense, yet focused, study schedule —offering maximum efficiency. 

Important 2025 Winter Session Dates

Date Event
Monday, October 27 Registration opens
Wednesday, November 19 Tuition payment due
Thursday, December 4 Last day to add to waitlist
Wednesday, December 17 Classes begin
Thursday, December 18 Last day to enroll
Monday, December 22 Last Day for Refund (Census)
Last Day to Opt-In/Opt-Out of All Access
Monday, December 22 —
Sunday, January 4, 2026		 Winter Break*
(NOVA Offices Closed; Remote Services Available)
Monday, January 5 Last day to withdraw without grade penalty
Saturday, January 17 Classes, exams end
Monday, January 19 Last day to submit grades
*Note: classes will continue throughout Winter Break, except on the following days:
December 24, December 25, December 31, January 1.

Registration

Enrolling in the Winter Session may impact students receiving financial aid, military benefits, or international students. To understand how these potential impacts may affect your situation, we encourage you to contact the appropriate counselor for more information.

NOVA has an open-door admission policy. Any person 18 years or older with a high school diploma or equivalent can take advantage of our academic opportunities. Dual enrollment options are also available for current high school students looking to take college courses while still in high school.  

NOVA's application for admission is free, fast, easy and you can save your progress as you go.

Apply Now

Visit the Schedule of Classes. Search for winter session classes in SIS by selecting the winter session dates, 12/17/2025 – 01/17/2026.

For tuition payment deadlines and payment options, refer to our Payment page.

Review Payment Options

Explore a wide range of resources carefully curated to support your success, including personalized assistance and comprehensive study materials. We'll equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to excel during this intensive period.

WS25 Information Session

Get ahead or catch up this winter! Join NOVA Online’s virtual information session about Winter Session 2025 to learn how you can earn college credits in just 4 weeks. We’ll cover course options, how to register, key deadlines, and tips for succeeding in an accelerated online class. Don’t miss this chance to make your winter break productive!

October 30, 2025

3:00 PM

Zoom RSVP

https://vccs.zoom.us/meeting/register/-eBLdg79SR2MQRsVx98NHQ

November 12, 2025

12:00 PM

Zoom RSVP

https://vccs.zoom.us/meeting/register/jV6Ql4HHT6qZDEGRh77IIw

 

WS25 Orientation

Start smart this winter! Get ready to make the most of your 4-week winter session course with the virtual orientation to NOVA Online Winter Session 2025. Learn how to access your class, connect with your instructor, manage the fast pace, and take advantage of key online learning resources. Join us and start your session confident, prepared, and ready to succeed!

December 9, 2025

12:00 PM

Zoom RSVP

https://vccs.zoom.us/meeting/register/0h1T389VTAWESEo8L5RXFQ

December 11, 2025

6:00 PM

Zoom RSVP

https://vccs.zoom.us/meeting/register/lpVIG8TUTLyqYfzpQdIz5w

Courses Offered

Below is a list of the courses that will be offered during Winter Session 2025.

ADJ 201 - Criminology
ECO 201 - Principles of Macroeconomics
ECO 202 - Principles of Microeconomics
EDU 206 - Classroom and Behavioral Management
EDU 207 - Human Growth and Development
EDU 280 - Introduction to Instructional Technologies
ITE 140 - Spreadsheet Software
ITE 152 - Introduction to Digital and Information Literacy and Com
PHT 110 - History of Photography
SDV 100 - College Success Skills
SDV 101 - Orientation to: Information Technology
SOC 200 - Introduction to Sociology

Resources