Resources & Information for EKU Faculty, Staff, and Students

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NOVA Program

The NOVA Program is a federal TRIO Student Support Services grant project committed to fostering the intellectual, personal, and professional growth of first-generation and low-income students from Orientation to Graduation.

Eligibility Criteria

  • U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident; AND
  • Fully admitted to EKU; AND
  • Enrolled (or planning to be enrolled) full-time on the main Richmond campus; AND
  • Demonstrate an academic need (as determined by the program); AND
  • First-generation college student (neither parent graduated with a bachelor’s degree); AND/OR
  • Low-income; AND/OR
  • The term “low-income individual” means an individual from a family whose taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of an amount equal to the poverty level determined by using criteria of poverty established by the Bureau of the Census.
  • Documented disability (must be a verifiable physical/learning/emotional disability).

Application

The 2024-2025 academic cohort for NOVA is now full. If you would like to apply for 2025-2026, please check back in January 2025.

Courses

The 2024-2025 academic cohort for NOVA is now full. If you would like to apply for 2025-2026, please check back in January 2025.

  • 3 credit-hour freshman orientation course taught by a NOVA staff member (required for all incoming freshmen)
  • Helps students navigate the waters of their first semester at EKU
  • Students have the guidance and support of a Peer Mentor (a NOVA upperclassman student)
  • Equips students with the knowledge of campus resources, positive academic behaviors, and tools for getting engaged on campus

  • 1 credit-hour course which introduces emerging leaders to leadership theory and development
  • Attention is given to leadership styles, conflict resolution, communication skills, ethics and values
  • Students in this course work with a small group of peers to provide community service to an assigned local community partner

  • 1 credit hour course designed for Sophomores, Juniors, or Seniors
  • Prepares NOVA students for the job market prior to co-ops & internships
  • Topics include: self assessment, communication, resumes and cover letters, interviewing techniques, and business etiquette

  • 1 credit-hour course required for all NOVA Peer Mentors
  • NOVA students enrolled in this course receive instruction and training in mentoring skills and techniques
  • Students will serve as a peer mentor and assist with teaching an assigned section of NOVA GSD 101 and/or GSD 225S
  • May be retaken up to 6 credit hours

  • 3 credit-hour course for NOVA juniors and seniors
  • Helps students recognize and build skills needed for desired career fields
  • Topics include: job search, resumes, cover letters, interview skills, and making connections between academic experiences and professional goals
  • Designed to help students transition from college to career or graduate school

Newsletter

Our latest newsletter for August/September is available HERE.

NOVA publishes monthly newsletters to keep our students, friends, and family in-the-know! In each NOVA Newsletter, you can find:

  • Upcoming events
  • Important dates/deadlines
  • Staff updates
  • Student spotlights
  • …and more!

If you’re interested in subscribing to our newsletter, shoot us an email at nova@eku.edu. All current NOVA students will automatically receive our newsletters.

For past newsletters, please contact Ashton Chaffins at ashton.chaffins@eku.edu.

Peer Mentors

Below are our Peer Mentors for this semester. The Peer Mentors will guide NOVA freshman throughout their first year of college at EKU.

Fall 2024 Peer Mentors

  • Cloey Davis
  • Katie Delaney
  • Jackson Dunagan
  • Adri Gaulzetti
  • Adrian Guillen
  • Abbi Hall
  • Kaden Hollingsworth
  • Olive Ibarra
  • Hope Kerns
  • Makala Morris
  • Whitney Snyder
  • Anna Swann
  • Chloe Watson

Mission, Vision & Values

Mission
The NOVA Program is a federally-funded TRIO Student Support Services project that increases the retention and graduation rates of first-generation, limited-income, and/or students with disabilities. Utilizing an individualized, strengths-based approach, NOVA provides comprehensive support services from Orientation to Graduation to empower students to realize their fullest potential.

Vision
The NOVA Program will serve as a national model of excellence, providing a transformative undergraduate experience to students from underrepresented populations. NOVA graduates will be well-rounded, self-actualized, global citizens who aspire to achieve their full potential and contribute to the betterment of the world.

Core Values & Beliefs

  • Advocacy: NOVA believes in advocating for the unique needs of our students on campus, within our community, and at both state and national levels.
  • Accountability: NOVA values accountability and transparency of both internal and external program stakeholders.
  • Community: NOVA believes that honesty, understanding, and communication are integral to the success of our community.
  • Diversity: NOVA values and celebrates all student voices, experiences, and perspectives.
  • Inclusivity: NOVA honors students from all backgrounds, orientations, and belief systems.
  • Leadership: NOVA believes in the importance of servant leadership and community stewardship.
  • Professionalism: NOVA values the development of skills and competencies expected of a well-rounded professional.
  • Scholarship: NOVA believes that all students have the potential for academic success.