Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Affiliated with Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), the Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia (LLI/NOVA) is a non-profit, member-run organization dedicated to providing continuing educational opportunities to age 50 or older adults of all backgrounds and income levels.  LLI/NOVA is a member of the Road Scholar LLI Resource Network and benefits from the services it provides in program development.  LLI/NOVA membership is especially attractive to individuals 50 years old or older (retired or semi-retired), who are interested in pursuing intellectual enrichment and enjoying social interaction with their peers. LLI/NOVA:

  • is governed and financed by members.
  • is supported by member-led planning, administration, and instruction.
  • provides non-credit, non-degree classes.
  • offers educational, cultural, and social events.
  • recognizes that physical and mental health are major elements of vital aging.
  • Participation in classes and special interest groups (SIGs) throughout the year, usually without charge.
  • Participation in day and overnight excursions at the special membership rate.
  • Participation in the group overseas Study/Travel Program.
  • Attendance at social events such as the winter holiday luncheon.
  • Monthly newsletter.
  • New friendships.

In addition, affiliation with both NOVA and Road Scholar LLI Resource Network means that, as a member of LLI/NOVA, you are entitled to a Community Patron card, obtained from the NOVA library by showing a picture ID.  This entitles members to use the NOVA library, located on the third floor of the Godwin Building.  Up to three books can be charged out for three weeks; they can be renewed online for an additional period.  Go to the NOVA Library for more information. There is no cost for the card.

The current annual membership fee is $125*.  The membership period is for 12 months, beginning on the day dues are paid.  There are two ways to apply for membership:

  1. Apply Online - You can pay your dues using a credit card or by mailing a check made out to LLI/NOVA (address below).
  2. Fill out the PDF Membership Form (click the link for a copy of the form).  Submit the form and your dues check made out to LLI/NOVA and mail to the address below.

If you pay by check, please mail it to the following address:

LLI/NOVA

Founders Hall Building (CFH), Room 202

8333 Little River Turnpike

Annandale, VA 22003

*As a general practice, LLI/NOVA does not refund membership dues.  Under extenuating circumstances, LLI/NOVA will consider requests for refunds if they are made in writing within 30 days of joining the organization.

Complete instructions and guidance may be found here. (Click to follow the link)

We have two broad categories of travel available to LLI/NOVA members, their friends and families.

  • The Study/Travel Program provides one or more annual, extended duration, long-distance travel opportunities that normally require airline travel.  Prior to the trip, Study/Travel usually presents courses, listed in the course catalog and open to all members, about the area to be visited.
  • LLI/NOVA also provides opportunities for shorter duration, regional or more locally oriented day or overnight trips that often require travel by bus as part of the Cultural Excursions Program.

  You may get additional information on these travel opportunities by going to "Forums, Events & Travel" on the main menu, and selecting either Cultural Excursions Program for shorter regional and local trips, or Study/Travel Program for extended duration travel (click the links to go directly).  Follow the instructions for registering for the trip or travel opportunity in which you are interested.   Both categories of travel are generally announced at the monthly Forum meetings, on LLI/NOVA's website, in LLI/NOVA’s monthly newsletter, and/or via emails to the membership.

For all information related to LLI/NOVA's classes, see "Classes - What You Need to Know" under the Classes tab on the Home page.

Online Forms Instructions:

  • Fill out all of the required fields.  Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).
  • If necessary, enter your payment information.  Your payments are processed on a secure server, so your credit card number is safe.
  • If you prefer to pay by check, click the "Pay by Check" button.
  • Submit the form.
  • You are not able to print a copy of the online form.  However, you will receive an email confirming you filled out the form.
  • For membership application, if you pay by credit card, your application will be processed immediately.  If you pay by check, you will need to wait until the check is received before your application is processed. You will receive an email notification when your check is received and your application has been processed.

PDF Forms Instructions:

To Fill Out Your PDF Form On the Computer:

  1. Fill out all of the required fillable fields. Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).
  2. If necessary, enter your payment information - either credit card or check.
  3. To save your form:
    • Click the *Print icon at the top right.
    • In the printer field choose 'Save as PDF.'
    • Click Save.
    • Browse to the correct location and give your document a name.
    • Click Save again.

* You must save your form in this manner so the text you enter on the form shows up in the saved version. If you save by choosing 'Save As,' you will save the empty form without the content you entered.

To Fill Out Your PDF Form By Hand:

  1. Print the form.
  2. Fill out all of the required fields. Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).
  3. If necessary, enter your payment information - either credit card or check.
  4. To save your form:
    • Scan your form.
    • Save as a PDF.

To Email Your PDF Form:

  1. Open your email client.
  2. Create a new email.
  3. Use the attach tool (looks like a paperclip) to attach your form to the email.
  4. Write your message and send the email.

Go to the Forms Page (members only)

Members and non-member guests are warmly welcomed to attend the Speakers Program and Open House Forum.  The Forum is held monthly (except December, July, and August), generally on the first Wednesday, at 10:00 a.m. on the second level of the Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center (CE Building) on the NOVA Annandale Campus.   Forums may be held in other venues.  For more information, contact the LLI/NOVA Administrator at admin@llinova.org or 703-323-3746; also see information on LLI/NOVA's website under Current Forum (click on link) or in the current LLI/NOVA monthly newsletter   or check the Class/Event calendar.  Persons attending these Forums should park in the garage on Center Drive next to the Ernst Center. There is a $2.00 per hour charge to park in the garage.

Inclement weather policy:  LLI/NOVA follows the lead of Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), regardless of the location of the class or event when schedules are changed due to inclement weather or area-wide emergencies:

  • If the FCPS are open, all LLI/NOVA classes and events will be held.
  • If the FCPS close, there will be no LLI/NOVA classes, SIGs, or Forums.
  • If the FCPS delay morning opening, the LLI/NOVA morning classes, SIGs, and Forums are cancelled.
  • If the FCPS close early, the afternoon LLI/NOVA classes and SIGs are cancelled.

Regardless of the weather or road conditions, every LLI/NOVA member must make his/her own decision about whether it is safe to travel.  This includes our instructors.  Trips and social events will take place unless cancelled at the leaders’ discretion.  When in doubt, check the LLI/NOVA website at https://llinova.org.

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