Student Life For Organizations
SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Welcome & Overview of Manual
Greetings!
We are excited about your participation in Student Life at Northern Virginia Community College! Your leadership in a student club or organization is critical to the success of more than 75,000 of your fellow NOVA students.
We hope that you will find this Resource Guide to be a valuable tool to help you successfully manage your club or organization and its many activities.
If for any reason, you need assistance in understanding this guide, or in working with your respective Club or Organization , please don’t hesitate to visit your club advisor or campus
Student Life Office.
Once again, thank you for your contributions to NOVA.
1.2 Student Life
A. Mission Statement of the Office of Academic & Student Services
Academic and Student Services provides collaborative leadership, policy guidance, and operational coordination for a variety of activities and resources that support the effective delivery and continuing enhancement of instructional programs and services to NOVA students. The unit supports programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing student access and student success, programmatic development, and outreach to external partners. It is committed to promoting excellence and greater opportunities for students, faculty and staff.
B. NOVA Five E’s
a. Equity: Provide equity in access to our offerings along with education on equity in spaces related to service, inclusion, leadership and civic engagement.
b. Evidence: Collect and utilize data to enhance our services and the student experience.
c. Excellence: Provide excellence in service to our students and set the standards for student leadership development.
d. Empathy: Demonstrate a high level of care for all students and cultivate a culture of kindness and consideration in all operations.
e. Economic & Social Mobility: Coordinate and promote opportunities for students to become more financially literate and socially aware through internal and external resources.
C. Mission Statement of Student Life
The Office of Student Life is building a community of learners and inspiring the growth of the whole student by facilitating extracurricular and co-curricular programs that support student engagement, leadership, involvement, teamwork, retention, and lifelong learning opportunities.
A. Vision of Student Life
Student Life seeks to engage all NOVA students beyond the classroom by providing experiences and services that develop the whole student.
D. Purpose of Student Life
The purpose of Student Life is to complement the academic experience and to enhance the overall education of students through the development of a wide range of programs, services, and activities. These events encourage exposure to, and participation, in a variety of social, cultural, intellectual, spiritual, recreational, and governance opportunities. Such experiences are meant to educate and enrich the lives of students, helping them reach their full potential. A committed staff strives to provide and promote the successful achievement of students’ organizational, interpersonal, and social skill development, which are necessary tools for living full lives.
1.3 Areas of Student Life
Student Life consists of many areas:
A. Health, Wellness, & Recreation Programming
NOVA believes in developing the whole person. Student Life promotes wellness within the NOVA community through health education, alcohol/drug assessment and education, and violence awareness and prevention. We encourage students to make healthy, safe choices and encourage lifelong, thoughtful healthy decision-making through creative programming, and evidence-based education. Fitness Centers located at several NOVA campuses along with a robust recreation and wellness programing scheme contribute to our holistic approach to student development.
B. Leadership Development
Throughout the year, NOVA sponsors various leadership development opportunities. Options include campus based leadership workshops, college-wide retreats, and a state-wide leadership conference. Additionally, student organizations and student government offer multiple avenues for students to hone their leadership skills.
C. Online
Student Life offers extensive ways to connect online. Inside the Virtual Student Union (VSU), an online hub for students to connect with the college and each other, students can access virtual Student Life activities, discussion forums, and many educational resources. Click the tile on your Canvas dashboard to join.
D. Student Events
Campus and college-based activities and programs that are developed to enrich the student experience
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- College Information & Orientation
- Civic Engagement and Volunteerism
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Cultural Awareness
- Drug & Alcohol Awareness Education
- Leadership Development
- Recognition & Celebration
- Social Engagement/Sense of Belonging
- Wellness
E. Student Clubs & Organizations
Clubs and Organizations represent a wide range of student aptitudes and interests. The activities, events, and programs sponsored by the clubs and organizations at NOVA and in the surrounding community complement our academic program by providing opportunities for wholesome recreation, fellowship, and practical training for intelligent leadership and good citizenship.
1.4 The Office of Student Life as a Resource
The Office of Student Life provides a number of services and resources to support student clubs and organizations and faculty/staff advisors. Advisors are assisted by Student Life staff members who are available to clarify policies and procedures, assist in program planning and conflict resolution, and provide resources.
A. Policies and Procedures
Advisors are not expected to become experts on college policies and procedures. The Student Life staff will provide information, as needed, and research unusual issues or requests with the administration for clarification.
B. Program Planning
The Student Life staff members are a great resource for program planning, development and implementation, based on observation and involvement in previously successful and unsuccessful events sponsored by student groups.
C. Organization of Events
The Student Life staff members can provide student officers with the appropriate forms for reserving rooms, requesting audio visual equipment and services, posting flyers and PowerPoint presentations, catering services, etc.
D. Student Advising
Student officers often meet with the Student Life staff to discuss issues within the organization, seek advice and, at times, intervention. The staff members are available for general advising to student organizations and will keep the faculty advisor apprised of all developments within the organization.
E. Support for Advisors
The Office of Student Life is committed to assisting clubs and their advisors. The Student Life staff serves as a resource for advisors and encourages advisors to contact the office whenever there are questions or concerns on policies, procedures, or student issues. Student Life provides advisors with training, mentoring, and assists with helping all parties understand the roles and expectations of the advisor.