Northern Virginia Community College cancels classes, to shift to “Virtual Learning Plan”

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) will shift to remote learning for students out of an abundance of caution and with a goal of supporting CDC guidance regarding social distancing during the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Students are advised to take precautionary measures and to not return from spring break.  NOVA classes will be cancelled on March 16th and March 17to allow for the transition.  All classroom instruction will be conducted virtually from Wednesday, March 18th until April 3rd.

Those taking courses that do not have a remote learning option and require workforce experience (e.g. clinicals, labs and internships) should check with their instructors for alternatives. 

Currently, there are no known COVID-19 cases on NOVA campuses, according to Hoang Nguyen, NOVA public information officer. NOVA is implementing this remote learning policy to mitigate the risk of transmission.  Further, NOVA is implementing a self-quarantine requirement for individuals who have traveled to countries for which the CDC has issued a Level 2 or 3 Travel Warning, as follows: 

Consistent with CDC guidelines, students, faculty, and staff returning from travel—whether personal or professional—to any country for which the CDC has issued a Level 2 or 3 Travel Warning related to COVID-19 must self-quarantine for 14 days. The self-quarantine is required—regardless of whether the individual is exhibiting symptoms. During the quarantine, access to NOVA campuses and activities is prohibited.

Campus Operations:

NOVA campuses will remain open unless otherwise notified.  Keeping NOVA open allows faculty to develop and deliver lessons and materials electronically, thus maintaining continuity of teaching and learning.  It also allows staff and administrators to continue to provide services to help with additional response efforts.  In certain instances, an employee may need to work remotely and is advised to contact his or her supervisor. 

NOVA continues to monitor the situation locally and will update as developments warrant. At this point, prevention and preparation are the best courses of action, and NOVA encourages all students, faculty, staff and community members to follow the CDC recommended hygiene and social distancing practices.  Further updates will be addressed by March 27 if NOVA decides to extend remote learning beyond April 3. 

Student Organizations, Activities and Events:

Student safety is NOVA’s first priority.  Effectively immediately, all in-person student organized activities are suspended until April 3.  Student Services staff members will work with student organizations that need assistance in rescheduling events.