Across the Finish Line: ADVANCE at NOVA and GMU

With main campuses less than 5 miles apart from each other, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and George Mason University (GMU) have built an innovative partnership model that is changing the way Virginia’s community colleges think about the transfer process.

On September 12, we were joined by Jennifer Nelson (Director of University Transfer & Initiatives, Northern Virginia Community College) and Dr. Jason Dodge (Executive Director, ADVANCE, George Mason University) who took us behind the scenes of the ADVANCE Program. Since 2018 the ADVANCE Program has simplified the process for NOVA students transferring to GMU.

ADVANCE supplies students with support coaches, ensures that they’re staying on track, and helps them save money. Students enrolled in the program also receive access to campus programs at GMU and don’t have to fill out a transfer application when they’re ready to graduate from their two-year degree. The program has seen a 96% graduation rate and is even being replicated with five other community colleges across the state.