Consumer Information and Accreditation

Consumer Information

The College is obligated under the 1998 Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 to disclose annually where the following student consumer information may be found.

Consumer Information Where Available
  • Procedures for inspecting and reviewing of student’s education records
  • Procedures for amending student records
  • Procedures for disclosing student’s educational records
  • Procedures for filing a complaint to the U.S. Department of Education
  • A list of all available federal, state, local, private, and institutional financial need-based and non-need-based assistance programs
  • The application procedures, eligibility criteria, method and frequency of disbursements, terms of loans, general conditions, and exit counseling information for these assistance programs
  • Cost of attending College (tuition and fees posted online only)
  • Refund policy
  • Grant or loan return or repayment procedures for withdrawn students
  • Requirements for officially withdrawing from the College
  • Academic programs information
  • Organizations that accredit, license, or approve the College and its programs. Procedures for reviewing schools’ accreditation, licensing, or approval documentation
  • Description of any special services and facilities for disabled students
  • Title and availability of NOVA staff responsible for dissemination of institutional and financial assistance disclosure information and how to contact them
  • Statement that enrollment in a study abroad program approved for credit may be considered enrollment at NOVA for the purpose of applying for Title IV assistance
  • Completion or graduation rate for NOVA certificate-or degree-seeking, full-time students who graduated or completed their program within 150% of the normal time for graduation or completion
  • Transfer-out rate for above described students
  • Guaranteed Admission Agreements and Articulation Agreements
  • Campus security report. The Annual Security Report includes statistics concerning crimes on College property. The report includes institutional policies on campus security, alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters.
  • Privacy of Records (FERPA): Notification of student rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
  • Student Code of Conduct including prohibited conduct, disciplinary procedures, and sanctions related to behavior, academic integrity, copyright infringement, etc.
  • Voter Registration information

Accreditation

Northern Virginia Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate degree. Northern Virginia Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree level. Questions about the accreditation of Northern Virginia Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; by calling (404) 679-4500; or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website. For other information about the College, please contact NOVA’s Administrative Offices, 4001 Wakefield Chapel Road, Annandale, Virginia 22003 (703-323-3000). Curricula of the College are approved by the College Board and by the State Board. The two-year associate degree programs are also approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

Statement of Non-Discrimination: Equal Opportunity Institution

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and educational opportunities to all students and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors. Inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policy may be addressed to the EEO Officer at 3926 Pender Drive, Suite 150, Fairfax, VA 22030, (703) 323-3284, or eo@nvcc.edu.

Oversight of Student Grievance and Complaint Procedures

Northern Virginia Community College provides fair and orderly procedures to resolve student grievances. Policy 608 Student Grievances and its accompanying procedures specify the timeline and process to follow to initiate the grievance process. The procedures for Policy 608 are subject to oversight of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). If an issue cannot be resolved by NOVA’s internal processes, students may file a formal complaint directly with SCHEV.

Additionally, the Virginia State Approving Agency (SAA) validates and approves education and training courses and programs to be pursued by veterans and eligible persons. The SAA oversees Virginia’s educational and training institutions and ensures compliance with federal and state guidelines. The SAA protects veterans and schools from fraud, waste, and abuse and investigates complaints of GI Bill® beneficiaries and others. Complaints should follow NOVA’s grievance policy. If the situation cannot be resolved at NOVA, military-affiliated students may contact SAA at saa@dvs.virginia.gov.

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) includes consumer protection provisions for online students that require an institution’s home state, in this case SCHEV, to investigate and resolve allegations of dishonest or fraudulent activity. Student complaints relating to consumer protection laws offered under the terms and conditions of SARA must first be filed with the institution to seek resolution (Note: grade or student conduct appeals are not included). If the situation cannot be resolved at NOVA, online students may contact SCHEV.

Refer to “Course Grade Appeals/Student Grievances” under “Academic Policies and Information” for internal procedures.