Google Translate

Are you an international student who often comes across English words that you don’t know but wish to learn their meanings in your native language? Are you an American student who would like help writing an assignment for your German, French, or Spanish class? Well, Google Translate could be your solution. It not only translates words; it also translates paragraphs or entire passages.

Google Translate is Google’s free online language translation service.  It supports about 40 languages. You can go to the Google Translate site simply by typing in “Google Translate” in a Google search box. (You can also find it by clicking the "More" link along the top left once you log into your student email account.)

Once you are on the Google Translate site, you can enter any text that you want to translate into any of the 40 languages. All you need to do is to enter the text you want to translate in the blank box, click the drop-down arrow to find your target language, and then click the Translate button to translate it. (See the image below.)

Beat the Heat this Summer…

SplashDown Waterpark

Where:  7500 Ben Lomond Park Drive, Manassas VA 20109

When:  May 26, 2012 – September 3, 2012

Click here for hours of operation

Washington Walking Tour

Abraham Lincoln's Washington Walking Tour with Washington Walks

Downtown DC - adjacent to the White House, Meet outside the McPherson Square Metro - White House exit (1400 I Street, NW Washington, DC 20005)

Guides from Washington Walks will show you sights that elude Lincoln's life and times.

Two Scheduled Dates:

Saturday, May. 26 @ 11am - 1pm
Saturday, Jul. 21 @ 11am - 1pm

Discount tickets can be purchased on Goldstar.

The Bookstore's Return Policy

Do you know the Bookstore’s Return Policy?

It can be a bit puzzling and varies by time period, product, and whether you bought it online versus in the store. To clarify, here is the policy – straight from the bookstore’s website.

Returns and Exchanges at Alexandria Campus Bookstore:
We will gladly accept returns/exchanges for online textbook purchases at the bookstore. Make sure you have your customer invoice/receipt when returning or exchanging your textbooks.

Returns and exchanges made in your on-campus bookstore must adhere to the same timeframes as returns or exchanges processed through the mail.

TEXTBOOKS
A full refund will be given in your original form of payment if textbooks are returned during the first week of classes with original receipt.

- With proof of a schedule change and original receipt, a full refund will be
   given in your original form of payment during the first 30 days of classes.
- No refunds on unwrapped loose leaf books or activated eBooks.
- Textbooks must be in original condition.
- No refunds or exchanges without original receipt.


GENERAL READING BOOKS, SOFTWARE, AUDIO, VIDEO & SMALL ELECTRONICS
A full refund will be given in your original form of payment if merchandise is returned within 14 days of purchase with original receipt.

- Opened software, audio books, DVDs, CDs, music, and small electronics may
   not be returned. They can be exchanged for the same item if defective.
- Merchandise must be in original condition.
- No refunds or exchanges without original receipt.


ALL OTHER MERCHANDISE
A full refund will be given in your original form of payment with original receipt.

- Without a receipt, a store credit will be issued at the current selling price.
- Cash back on merchandise credits or gift cards will not exceed $1.
- No refunds on gift cards, prepaid cards, phone cards, newspapers, or
  magazines.
- Merchandise must be in original condition.


Returns and Exchange Process by Mail :
Textbook returns must be postmarked during the first week of classes. Your return or exchange should include a completed Return/Exchange Form and proof of schedule change, if applicable.

The Return/Exchange Form is included as part of your original shipment. If you do not have the Return/Exchange Form, submit the following information with your return/exchange:

- Name
- Address
- Email Address
- Phone Number
- Order # (if available)

*Send returns/exchanges to the store. Send returns/exchanges via prepaid shipping. The bookstore will not accept returns/exchanges via COD. We are not responsible for lost return/exchange packages. Therefore, we highly recommend that you insure any mailed returns/exchanges. The credit for your return will be applied to the form of payment used to make the purchase. Allow up to two credit card billing cycles for the credit to appear on your statement.

Use a GPA Calculator to help set goals for next semester's grades!

Have you thought about setting a goal for the GPA you would like to have at the end of this semester or when you graduate from NOVA? This is a great time to see where you are at and decide on the grades you would like to earn in each of your classes. You can use a GPA calculator to see how your future potential grades can impact your overall GPA. Knowing what you really want to earn in each course can help you stay motivated throughout the semester, especially when you are aware of how each grade can impact your GPA.

If you have questions or need guidance in addressing course selection and working to improve your GPA please contact our counseling team here at ELI. They are more than happy to work with you by phone or email. You can reach them by calling 703-323-2425 or by sending an email to elicounselors@nvcc.edu. If you choose to correspond by email be sure to include your NOVA student ID number in your message.

Looking to Improve Your Finances? Go on a Financial Fast!

If you are looking for a bright start to your financial future, try going on a financial fast. Follow the steps below to make your fast a success!

• Refrain from spending on anything except basic necessities. Resist the urge to use your credit or debit card, opting only to use cash for purchases. Stay committed to keeping your spending in check by breaking the bonds that are keeping you in a struggle with your money; this often takes the form of unnecessary spending.

• Get out of your own way. Stop taking steps or actions that keep you trapped in a financial tidal wave. Spending too much or giving into cultural signs involving “keeping up with Joneses” can derail our efforts to stay financially stable.

• Avoid feelings of entitlement that often get transmitted in the form of advertisements that suggest that we can have anything whenever we want and put added financial pressure on us; “Sale: limited time only.” “Prices will go up on this merchandise next week – act now!”

• Avoid worrying about now having enough. Sometimes, issues surrounding money can be related to general unhappiness about not having what we want; the latest tablet device or power vacuum cleaner that might be outside of your budget right now. One way to combat these feelings of lack is to clean everything in your house, take a long look at your surroundings and be thankful for what you currently have, even if you crave more stuff.

• Create a budget to keep track of your spending. Use a format that works best for you; an Excel spreadsheet is always a good choice. However, if you prefer not to use the computer, track your expenses in a journal. At the end of every day, write down what you spent and compare it to a list that you created that details your monthly and weekly expenses.

• Embrace the power of saving. Even if you just set aside a few dollars per paycheck, setting aside a regular savings can prepare you for unexpected emergencies.

• Work to eliminate debt at all costs; this will invite more peace into your life.

• Take inventory of all of your possessions and the breadth of what you have to avoid falling into the trap of wanting more.

• Peace and serenity is not something you can purchase. Remind yourself of this as you work to gain financial control over your life. The peace and personal freedom that comes with having financial stability is an uncomparable feeling of relief and one that money can’t buy!

For more information on this topic, visit this link.

Keep Your Kids Busy this Summer!

Attention parents!

You may have decided to take the plunge and sign up for your first ELI course or perhaps you’ve decided to ride the momentum you had last semester and decided will take a course or two during the summer session. Before your kids are tugging on your arm, letting you know how bored they are this summer, you may want to explore some of the summer camps and activities available to keep your little ones as busy as you will be with your ELI coursework.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is offering its Rec PacSummer Camp series beginning on July 2 and running through August 9. Each week is packed with activities that are fitness focused and also reinforce the benefits of a healthy diet. The program is for first through sixth graders who live in Fairfax County, Falls Church City or Fairfax City. Fees are based on a sliding scale according to income. Free and reduced lunches will be available at sites that qualify. Make sure to submit your applications by June 8.

The Counselor in Training Program with Rec Pac is looking for volunteers who are between 14 and 17. This is in opportunity for volunteers to develop their leadership and communication skills as well as gain experience in planning and instructing activities for young children. Applications for the Counselor in Training Program are due June 8.

Peruse the Partakes Catalog for other summer activities in Fairfax County. You can find more than 1000 opportunities this summer.

Take advantage of the Summer Learning Camps offered through Fairfax County Schools. Activities range from Fashion Camp to Stem Camp, even language immersion programs.

Check out even more summer camps in the DC area ranging from ballet to martial arts!

What will you do this summer to keep your kids engaged and busy? Let us know!

CONGRATS 2012 Graduates!!!

The Extended Learning Institute would like to congratulate all 2012 graduates! 

We wish you success & happiness today, tomorrow, and forever after! 

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

As a friendly reminder, Mother’s Day is right around the corner – this Sunday, May 13th.  If you haven’t selected a gift yet, below is a list of options to choose from:

• A gift card – If you know your mother’s favorite clothing store or restaurant, inserting a gift card into your Mother’s Day card makes a nice surprise gift.  If you are not sure of your mother’s favorite places to shop and dine, ask some of her friends and other relatives.  You can purchase these at most grocery stores or drug stores.

• A gift basket – A fruit basket is always a good choice, but if you know what your mother likes to cook with such as a combination of spices or sauces, they sell gift baskets with different varieties of these selections, you might also benefit if your mother cooks an extra special meal!

• A day at the spa (or an hour depending on your budget!).   Your mother will appreciate a day, or even just a 30-60 minute massage to relax and unwind.  You may even be able to find Mother’s Day specials at some spas or a special offer if it is your first visit.

• Home décor gifts are always a good choice.  If your mother likes decorated picture frames, or even a cozy blanket throw that matches her sofa, knowing her favorite colors and decoration pieces will help you select an appropriate gift to blend in with her home décor.  You could even personalize it by contributing a family photo in a decorative picture frame.

• You can’t go wrong with sending chocolates or cookies; these can be especially fun if the family unites for a Mother’s Day dinner party.

• A plant.  If your mother likes to care for plants and watch them grow, this is an especially good option.  Or, if she likes gardening, getting her some gardening plants will help inspire her creativity.
 
• Candles – If your mother enjoys scented candles, picking out a spice or an aroma that is synonymous with her favorite flower, spice or dessert is a good choice.  If your mother prefers unscented candles, you could get her a decorative candle with lots of colors and design patterns.  Yankee Candle has a great selection of various candle types to choose from.

• Flowers – It is pretty common that most Floral Shops offer Mother’s Day specials and you can order and have them delivered right from your computer.  Pro-flowers and FTD are suggestions; however, there may be other choices that offer great deals for this special occasion.

These are just some options and your mother may have already mentioned something that she wanted; in that case, most of the work is done for you.  You don’t have to go through the thinking involved in wondering what she would like, but if you do, the above suggestions are good starters.  For more information on this topic, visit this link.

Looking for a something new to see & do this month?

Here are just a few wonderful events going on in Williamsburg, VA in May…

An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia

On May 10–28, 2012, Commemorate the Battle of Williamsburg

View a traveling panel exhibit comprised of images, interpretive text, and a companion website, detailing Virginia's role in the Civil War. Due to the longevity of this exhibit, please visit the Tabb Library website www.yorkcounty.gov/library for library hours on specific days, or call 757-890-5100. Free and open to the public.

Run Where Our Founders Walked

Second Annual Run for the Dream
May 19–20, 2012

Heirloom Clocks Tell Time And Stories

Tall Case Clocks April 7, 2012 – December 31, 2012

More than 20 southern clocks are on display

Art In Clay Exhibit

Potters Turn Simple Materials into Art

September 24, 2011 through July 29, 2012 in the Gladys & Franklin Clark Foundation Gallery at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum

Join us for an ELI Orientation

Are you enrolled in an ELI course for the summer 2012 session? Is this your first ELI course? Or, have you taken an online course previously and want to ensure that you are headed in the right direction this summer? A great place to start is with the ELI Orientation webinar.

A webinar is a live, online instruction session. You can participate in a webinar from any computer with Internet access. Participation in all webinars offered through ELI is free, but registration is required. Prior to the webinar, all students registered will receive an email with more information about how to join the webinar live. You can view the ELI Webinar schedule and registration process here.

The ELI Orientation webinar is a live, 1 hour online instruction session and focuses on getting started in your courses, navigating your Blackboard course site, and identifying tips for success and student support services. During the webinar, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have before you start your course.

In addition to the Orientation webinar, there are several “Strategies for Success” webinars scheduled. This live, 45 minute webinar is an opportunity to learn tips for success in distance learning courses and focuses on time management, learning preferences, study strategies, tutoring services, test anxiety, and exam preparation.

Before you get started in your course, you may want to consider reviewing ELI’s Orientation section of the ELI website. There are five sections with post-tests at the end of each section as well as a sample Blackboard course site.

Do you have questions about getting started in your ELI course? Contact Katie Aimone, ELI Orientation Specialist at 703.323.3510 or kaimone@nvcc.edu.

Connect with ELI on Facebook and Twitter.

Buying Books with Financial Aid

Ordering books from the bookstore can be a daunting prospect if you have never done it before. But really, the procedure is fairly simple. You can order the textbooks you need online and pay for them using your Financial Aid award any time between now and May 27, 2012.

To obtain your books this way, go online to the ELI Bookstore, order your textbooks/ supplies, then check out. When you come to the screen where you can choose a payment method, first look above it for a paragraph in red (shown below). Read the paragraph and use the link labeled “Click here” to download an authorization form. You will need to complete this form and email or fax it to the fax number or email address listed on the form.

Then, in the Payment section, look for the Student Financial Aid option. Enter your student ID number and check the box next to “I Accept Student Financial Aid terms and conditions.”



To figure out how much you can purchase using Financial Aid, look at the amount you were awarded and have ACCEPTED for this semester. Subtract your tuition from this amount. The remaining amount is what you can use for purchases from the bookstore. Shipping costs can also be covered by your financial aid if you have enough.

If your textbooks and supplies cost more than your available financial aid, remove some items from your cart until the total plus shipping is less than or equal to your remaining available financial aid. Then order the rest of the supplies that you need in a different order and pay for them by whatever other method you wish to use.

Is Distance Learning for me?

ELI student services offers an Is Distance Learning for Me webinar the first Wednesday of every month. If you are considering taking a distance learning course, or want to refresh your knowledge of NOVA's Extended Learning Institute, this is a great opportunity for you to either participate in a live session or listen to a recording. 

Sign up for tomorrow's live session and check out the other webinar's scheduled for the rest of the semester here.

This is a 45 minute webinar for prospective students and will focus on the distance learning courses offered through ELI. Topics include an overview of distance learning, technical requirements, characteristics of a successful distance learning student, courses offered, course length and format, and the registration process.

Connect with ELIfe on  facebook and twitter!