Home > Distance Learning > ELI Policies and Procedures Text-Only Version
ELI Policies and Procedures
ELI has specific policies and procedures concerning exams, graduation, incomplete grades, and submission of work.
- Academic Dishonesty
- Campus Learning Resource Services and Bookstores
- Course Progress
- Course Withdrawal
- ELI Addresses
- Examinations
- Examination Proctors
- Getting Help
- Graduation
- Important Dates
- Incomplete Grades
- Information for Students outside the Washington Metro Area
- Limited Holiday Services
- NOVA ID Cards
- Out-Of-Area Students
- Parking on Campus
- Submission of Work
- TV/Video Programs
- Textbook Order Online
- Textbook Mail Order Form
- Testing Centers, Computer Labs, Bookstores, Libraries
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of dishonorable conduct (see the NOVA Student Handbook for more detailed information). Such dishonesty will not be tolerated. Penalties can range from the issuance of failing grades (on an assignment, an exam, the course) to being referred to the Dean of Student Development for further disciplinary action, including possible expulsion from the College.
Campus Learning Resource Services and Bookstores
| Alexandria | Annandale | Loudoun | Manassas | Woodbridge | MEC |
| Address: 3001 N. Beauregard St. |
Address: 8333 Little River Turnpike |
Address: 1000 Harry Flood Byrd Highway (Route 7), Sterling |
Address: 6901 Sudley Road |
Address: 15200 Neabsco Mill Road |
Address: |
| Library:
(703) 845-6231 |
Library:
(703) 323-3128 |
Library:
(703) 450-2567 |
Library:
(703) 257-6640 |
Library:
(703) 878-5733 |
Library: |
| Testing Center:
(703) 845-6035 |
Testing Center:
(703) 323-3149 |
Testing Center:
(703) 450-2508 |
Testing Center:
(703) 257-6645 |
Testing Center:
(703) 878-5616 |
Testing Center: |
| Computer Lab:
(703) 845-6041 |
Computer Lab:
(703) 323-3298 |
Computer Lab:
(703) 450-2521 |
Computer Lab:
(703) 257-6639 |
Computer Lab:
(703) 878-5713 |
Computer Lab: |
| Bookstore:
(703) 671-0043 |
Bookstore:
(703) 425-2558 |
Bookstore:
(703) 430-9639 |
Bookstore:
(703) 368-8554 |
Bookstore:
(703)670-0050 |
Bookstore: |
| TDD:
(703) 845-6016 |
TDD:
(703) 323-3744 |
TDD:
(703) 450-2548 |
TDD:
(703) 368-3748 |
TDD:
(703) 878-5790 |
TDD: |
Course Progress
You are expected to make regular and steady progress in completing your course assignments and examinations. Assignments should be submitted in the order given, one assignment at a time. Assignments should not be submitted in a batch.
Secret to Success: Send in your first assignment on time! Our experience at ELI has shown that students who submit their first assignment promptly are much more likely to complete the course successfully and on time.
Once you begin this course, it is your responsibility to withdraw if you do not intend to finish it. If you do not withdraw and do not finish your course assignments, you will receive a grade based upon the work you have submitted. Usually, this grade is an "F."
Course Withdrawal
You may withdraw from a distance learning course without grade penalty by the Last Withdrawal Date without F . For your specific course dates, refer to the Quick Start Syllabus mailed to you by ELI. For additional information, see Enrollment Dates and Withdrawal Policy. Use NovaConnect (preferred method) or Telephone NovaConnect (also see How to Drop With Refund) to withdraw before the Last Withdrawal Date. If you withdraw from a course after your Last Withdrawal Date, you will receive an "F" for a grade.
Important Notes:
- Students who do not start their distance course within the first two weeks will be dropped with no refund.
- Students who do not send in their minimum required assignments as specified by the instructor by the Inactive Student Withdrawal date will be administratively withdrawn from the course with no refund. Consult the course syllabus for this information.
- Instructors also have the option of withdrawing (without refund) students who are not meeting course progress requirements by the Last Withdrawal Date without F . However, students who expect a W are responsible for withdrawing themselves in NovaConnect before the last withdrawal date.
If you are past your Last Withdrawal date without F but have mitigating circumstances that prevent you from finishing the course, your instructor may agree to assign a W grade. To request a W, complete a Withdrawal Initiated by Student form and submit it to your instructor with supporting documentation that justifies your request
Extended Learning Institute Office and Mailing Addresses
The Extended Learning Institute offices are located at 8000 Forbes Place in Springfield, Virginia, 22151-2294. It is conveniently located just off the Capital Beltway, I-495, at the Braddock Road Exit, Number 54A. This information is provided for students needing to drive to the offices to meet with an instructor, to register, or to drop off a paper.
Please note that the mailing address is not the same as the office address. Be sure to mail everything to:
Extended Learning Institute (ELI)
Northern Virginia Community College
8333 Little River Turnpike
Annandale, VA 22003-3796
Exams
You are expected to take your examinations at one of the NOVA campus Testing Centers. (ELI (Extended Learning Institute) students who are located outside the Northern Virginia/Washington, DC, metropolitan area, who have a disability which prevents them from traveling to a campus, or who are incarcerated may request to have their exams proctored. Refer to How do I secure an exam proctor? for directions on how to request a proctor, and to obtain a Proctor Request Form.) You do not need an appointment to take an exam, but you should call the Testing Center before you go, to check their hours of operation, and to make sure that the Testing Center is not having network problems. Testing Centers will NOT let you take an exam if you bring your children. This is an issue of liability. You are responsible for your own transportation, childcare and work schedule adjustments.
You must begin your ELI exam no later than 90 minutes prior to the Testing Center’s closing time; if you expect the exam to take longer, allow enough time to finish before closing. Online exam sessions expire after three hours; you must complete an online exam within three hours to avoid losing your answers.
You will need the following to take an exam in a Testing Center:
- Photo Identification -- This may be an official driver's license, a DMV ID, or a military ID.
- Exam Pass -- Take the one that corresponds to the exam you plan to take. See Exam Passes elsewhere on this page or in the Syllabus.
- Your NovaConnect ID -- This is also called your Student Number and EmplID. To look up your NovaConnect ID before you go to the Testing Center, go to http://www.nvcc.edu/novaconnect.
If you have received a W grade, you must have written permission from your instructor to take exams. Be sure to take this permission with you to the Testing Center to take the exam.
Exam Proctors
All students who live in the Northern Virginia/metropolitan Washington, DC, area are expected to take their examinations on an NOVA campus. If you cannot travel to an NOVA campus because you are located outside of the Northern Virginia/Washington, DC, metropolitan area, you have a disability which prevents you from traveling to a campus, or you are incarcerated, you will need a proctor for your examinations. It is the student’s responsibility to secure a proctor and to pay any fees charged by the proctor.
ELI requires that a proctor be a staff member at a college or university testing center, a full-time faculty member, or a professional librarian. Proctors cannot be a family member, employer, or someone with whom the student works. Proctors also cannot be an adjunct faculty member, teaching assistant, athletic coach, or student worker. Military students may use an educational or test control officer as their proctor. Disabled students who cannot travel to a campus should suggest and alternative proctor, preferably an educator, or contact ELI for help in identifying an appropriate proctor. Incarcerated students should suggest an educator or a counselor. As the student, it is your responsibility to secure a proctor and to pay any fees charged by the proctor. Requests for proctored exams and proctors must be approved by ELI. ELI reserves the right to reject requests for proctors for any reason.
To request a proctor, complete the ELI Proctor Request Form and submit it with your proctor's statement on letterhead to ELI (see the Proctor Request Form for details.)
Request your exams early so you can successfully meet any required deadlines in your course. Please allow at least 5 business days for processing your request. All students will receive an email confirmation when the exams have been sent to the proctor.
Getting Help
For questions not answered in the Syllabus or other course materials, call:
The ELI Hotline at 703-323-3347 or 1-888-4DL-NOVA (1-888-435-6822). ELI staff members are available between 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and some Saturdays (hours vary by semester). If you are hearing impaired, call the V/TDD number, 703-323-3717, and leave a message. View the Contact Us page for more details.
Graduation
If you plan to graduate in the current semester, you must complete all work before the College's regular semester ends, regardless of your ELI End of Enrollment Date. Check the NOVA Schedule of Classes for the date when "Classes and Examinations End" and the "Last Day to Apply for Graduation." Be sure to inform your instructor so you can establish an accelerated study schedule and so your instructor can receive and grade your work before the deadline.
Important Dates
Start Date : This is your official start date; all other dates are based on it. Your enrollment does not necessarily correspond to campus enrollment dates. You are expected to meet a schedule for submission of your work, so you need to buy your course materials and start on time.
Last Refund Date: This is the last date on which you can drop your course and receive a refund of your tuition. This is also the last date on which you can drop your course and add another course without paying additional tuition. To drop your course, use the NovaConnect online or telephone registration system.
Blackboard Sign-in Deadline: You must log in to your Blackboard course site by this date and complete attendance sign-in to avoid being administratively deleted without refund.
Inactive Students Withdrawal: Inactive students who have not completed minimum required assignments as specified in course material will be administratively withdrawn without tuition refund. You will receive a grade of W.
Last Date for Withdrawal without F : This is the last date on which you can withdraw yourself without grade penalty. Use NovaConnect online to complete the process. You will receive a grade of W. Withdrawal after this date will result in a grade of F, except under mitigating circumstances.
End Date: You should complete all assignments and examinations by this date. (Also see Incomplete Grades.)
Incomplete Grades
The incomplete grade is used for verifiable unavoidable reasons. If you have made significant progress in your course, your end date is near, and you have reasons that can be documented as unavoidable, you may request a grade of Incomplete. To request a grade of Incomplete for this course, you must:
- Have satisfactorily completed about 75% of the course work (specified in the course by your instructor).
- Explain your extenuating circumstances to me in writing.
- Provide a plan for completing the remaining assignments in writing.
Information for Students outside the Washington Metro Area
If you are enrolled in an ELI (Extended Learning Institute) distance learning course and you cannot travel to an NOVA campus testing center because you are located outside the Northern Virginia/Washington, DC, metropolitan area, you have a disability which prevents you from traveling to a campus, or you are incarcerated you may request to have your exams proctored.
ELI requires that a proctor be a staff member at a college or university testing center, a full-time faculty member, or a professional librarian. Proctors cannot be a family member, employer, or someone with whom the student works. Proctors also cannot be an adjunct faculty member, teaching assistant, athletic coach, or student worker. Military students may use an educational or test control officer as their proctor. Disabled students who cannot travel to a campus should suggest and alternative proctor, preferably an educator, or contact ELI for help in identifying an appropriate proctor. Incarcerated students should suggest an educator or a counselor. As the student, it is your responsibility to secure a proctor and to pay any fees charged by the proctor. Requests for proctored exams and proctors must be approved by ELI. ELI reserves the right to reject requests for proctors for any reason.
To request a proctor, complete the ELI Proctor Request Form and submit it with your proctor's statement on letterhead to ELI (see the Proctor Request Form for details.)
Request your exams early so you can successfully meet any required deadlines in your course. Please allow at least 5 business days for processing your request. All students will receive an email confirmation when the exams have been sent to the proctor.
Limited Services during Holidays
Many campus offices, as well as the Learning Resource Centers, are closed or have limited hours during holiday and semester breaks. Be sure to call first before you arrive on campus to use these facilities. Faculty also may not have regular office hours during those times, which may delay the return of your assignments.
NOVA ID Cards
You may obtain a NOVA ID card at any campus. An NOVA ID is required to use the materials in the library or learning labs.
Parking on Campus
For visits to campus (to buy books, use the library, take an exam, etc.), you may park at a meter, park in a visitor lot, or purchase a parking sticker for the semester from the campus security office. Visit the College's Parking Services for details.
Submission of Work
In most ELI courses, you will submit your assignments online to the course Blackboard site. If you need to submit your work by mail, be sure to include a self-addressed envelope for the return of each assignment. Attach a full-page cover sheet to your work sent by mail. Try to submit your work according to the schedule listed in the Course Syllabus. Submit one assignment at a time.
| Cover Sheet Information: | Mail your assignments to ELI at this address: |
Your Name |
Extended Learning Institute (ELI) |
Try to complete any mail-in work in a timely manner so that you can send it via the U.S. Mail. If you are at, or past, your deadline for sending an assignment, you can send it by fax at (703) 323-3392, but do not routinely send assignments by fax. If you must send an assignment by fax, it must be typed so your instructor can read it. Anything sent by fax that cannot be read will be returned to you ungraded via U.S. Mail.
You can also bring your work to ELI office; see the Extended Learning Institute Office and Mailing Addresses for directions. Please note that ELI's mailing address is not the same as its office address. A drop box is available for assignments dropped off after hours.
Be sure to keep a copy of all work you submit and also keep the graded copy that is returned to you with your instructor's comments. Without these copies, any later discussion concerning your grade will be based solely on ELI's records.
TV/Video Programs
Video programs for most ELI telecourses can be viewed on line through the college's Video On Demand service at http://www.nvcc.edu/tvcenter/studentInformation.htm. Follow the directions given there to log on.
If your programs are not available on line, or your internet access is too slow to view video programs on line, you may access the programs in several other ways:
- Most telecourses are broadcast via NOVA cable television. Lessons are broadcast weekly in sequence and repeated if extra weeks are available.
- Several telecourses are blockfed overnight on NOVA-TV from 11:59pm to 6am. The overnight blockfeed includes all lessons for the course, and in some cases takes two or three nights.
- Most telecourses are available for rental on videotape or DVD from a private rental agency.
- Videotapes of all telecourses are available at campus Learning Resource Services (LRS) facilities, but tapes may not be checked out and VCRs are limited. Viewing tapes on campus can be time-consuming.
- Some courses require viewing videos available from local video stores.
- Some courses require purchase of videos from campus bookstores.
For telecourse and overnight blockfeed schedules, local cable channels, rental agency and other video information, see the ELI Telecourse Broadcast Schedule (http://eli.nvcc.edu/tvschedule.htm). If you start your course after broadcasts have begun, you may view previously shown programs at campus LRS facilities, or, if available, off the overnight blockfeed or rented video. If you experience TV reception problems, call (703) 323-3377.