Tips for a Successful Semester

Welcome to the Fall 2013 Semester at ELI!

 
If you are new to ELI or a seasoned online learner, the ELI Success Coaches would like to suggest some tips to get you off to a good start and promote a successful semester! 

Attend our Online Orientation Webinar: The ELI Orientation webinar is a live, one hour online instruction session that focuses on getting started in your ELI courses, navigating your Blackboard course site, identifying tips for success, and highlighting student support services. During the webinar, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have before you start your course. To register or request a recording, please click here.

Assignment Due Dates: Be sure to complete your first assignment prior to the Census Date, which is the last day you can submit your first assignment to avoid being dropped, without a refund, from the class.  This date is listed in your Syllabus and/or Course Assignments Tab.

Review your Syllabus Thoroughly: Visit your Blackboard and review  your assignments and plan them out in your day planner or online planning system.  Be aware of when you need to post to the discussion board and how often.  Also, be sure to record your testing dates.  If possible, try not to wait until the last day to take your exams.

Communicate with your Professor: Do not hesitate to communicate with your professor.  Most professors will reference their office hours in Blackboard.  Feel free to contact s/he during office hours or send an email anytime.  Also, most of our online courses have a discussion forum.  If you have a general question, you can post it to the discussion forum.  Do not hesitate to contact your professor if you have any questions regarding assignment due dates or need any clarification.  They are here to help you and promote your success. 

Email: Be sure to check your NOVA email regularly.  There are many important announcements sent by the College, ELI and your professor(s).  When you are communicating with your professor or any NOVA associate, be sure to use your NOVA email.

Develop a Study Schedule and Create a Workspace: Time goes by quickly, be sure to develop a daily study schedule along with a quiet, distraction-free environment to optimize concentration and productivity.

Get Involved: ELI offers many resources and tips through our NovaELIfe social media channels to help you get involved.  For links to our informational blogs, academic resources, Virtual Student Union, Facebook and Twitter, please click here.

Contact Your Success Coach: If you have questions or concerns about your courses or would benefit from academic resources such as webinars, workshops and free online tutoring, your ELI Success Coach can provide resources to help you out and promote your academic success.  To connect with your Coach, contact elisuccess@nvcc.edu or call 703.764.0120. 

Take these steps today and promote your success!