Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities

students sitting around a picnic table

Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities

The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities promotes and encourages honesty, integrity, and respect among NOVA students and staff. We accomplish our mission through education, compliance through behavioral standards, and support of individual rights. Our work helps enhance the quality of the NOVA community and equips students with the knowledge, skills, and resources to be successful inside and outside of the classroom.

The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities comprises the following areas:

Student Integrity and Conduct

Investigates alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct.

  • Adjudication of informal and formal Code of Conduct hearings
  • Mediation (settling differences)
  • Student development workshops
  • Professional development workshops on topics like Conflict Resolution and Classroom Management
  • Referrals to resources and services

Learn more about Student Integrity and Conduct

Student Ombuds Services

For students who believe an unfair resolution was made for a formal complaint made to NOVA (i.e., academic concerns, ethical behavior, violation of College policies and/or procedures, business services, financial aid, etc.), Student Ombuds Services will investigate the student’s concern.

  • Confidential – students may discuss problems or issues in a confidential manner
  • Independent – of any individual/office within NOVA
  • Informal – reviews matters received and makes informal inquiries to offer resolution options, make referrals, and mediate disputes
  • Neutral – strives for impartiality, fairness, and objectivity in the treatment of people and the consideration of issues
  • Voluntary – it is the student’s responsibility to contact Student Ombuds Services for services

Learn more about Student Ombuds Services

Contact Us

Matthew Coats
Director, Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities
Phone: 703.323.3134
Email: mcoats@nvcc.edu

Hours of Operation

Hours of Operation
Day Hours
Monday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. by appointment

College Mission Statement

Northern Virginia Community College provides equitable access to affordable and exceptional higher education and workforce programs, transforming the lives of our students and advancing opportunity in our community.