Old Dominion University — Attraction in Norfolk

I did my undergrad studies at ODU in biology/chemistry, class of 2012. I feel like it was a very poor university to study at for several reasons. First of all, the program itself was a joke in terms of how easy it was and how little practical training they provided for us. At other universities I've done graduate degrees at, I saw what the undergrad curriculum entailed and generally they received much more in the way of practical laboratory experience. At ODU, none of the 4 "core" biology modules (ecology, evolution, cell biology, genetics) had ANY mandatory lab components. So the very core of the subject was based on exams only. This does nothing to help you career-wise... any employer will expect a biology graduate to actually have laboratory training in molecular biology/genetics. It's such an insult and waste of time to award a degree without that. And then after the core classes you want to specialize in an area of biology by taking electives? Good luck registering for the class you actually want! The biology electives fill up in a matter of hours... the entire time I was at ODU I was unable to take virology, one of my interests, because it was always full. And then the final "project" was by far the most insulting part of the program. 4 years of study culminated with a research paper and a presentation. Are you kidding me? Again, any decent university would have the final project consist of lab work or field work so that you actually have practical experience in the area you want to work in. The chemistry program was a lot better, because there was actually a ton of lab work. The campus itself and surrounding area is super depressing and every third weekend there was a report of a shooting/robbery. I lived in Norfolk for quite a while, and since I've left I've never looked back. I have no idea why anybody would choose ODU of all places, unless they offered you a full scholarship or a PhD stipend... otherwise,...

My son began there as a freshman, we had just suffered a family tragedy 6 months prior. His first semester he went to his counselor because of depression and told them he was having suicidal thoughts - the counselor told him everyone in college does - go back to your dorm. He went to his dorm, called me and I came and got him. He finished the semester but it was rough and he had no support, no matter who he reached out to at ODU. He returned to campus the next semester, 10 weeks in, he was told they disregarded some paperwork he was supposed to be given and they could not fix the error and he was forced to withdraw from all classes with no credit. He had to file an appeal, that was denied even though the school took responsibility. Now he is trying to go to another school but can’t because ODU is “still processing” the sending of his transcript to the other school. It took them 7 months to deny his appeal that was their error, now he can’t get into any of the schools that have accepted him just because no one can even process a transcript request in a timely manner. There is no support at this school for your students. There is no support for parents. Let’s also add that there was a shooting right outside my sons dorm, on campus and there was no mental health services for students - it was just business as usual. I reached out to the president, my sons name was dragged thru the mud by his executive assistant who said my son was a liar and not even a student but then when they realized it was all their fault, they left us hanging, no apology, no further help - just hung us out to dry. Do not send you child to ODU, heaven forbid they don’t do their jobs and it ruins your child’s life too. 19, scrambling to get a job because their mistake took away...

⚠️Cover your webcam with a physical cover and dont download zoom from a link campus provides⚠️

If you are transferring in as an established adult, post military; I would re-consider going to this university.

This schools primary focus is sports; this is where the funding goes. They want young minds to manipulate/control. Definitely not military friendly as their politics/ethics conflicts with what you've been accustomed to.

I departed after 2 years(they disenrolled me from the campus and removed my academic advisor), I was junior standing. The issue was i knew they had 24/7 acces to my own personally purchased electronic. If you want to spy inside my residence, away from campus, provide me with a laptop like a corporation would.

Only 12 credits were accepted at my new university. That is a semesters' worth of classes out of two years.

Lots of crime around the campus. active shooter at the recreation center (Jan 11, 2023). weekly emails from campus police asking for help identifying suspects(students getting robbed or cars stolen/broken into). It will be grainy CCTV footage.

Finally, Look into Allen Walkers' scientific research ODU backed up.

Not all professors were bad. Your personal experience may vary, especially if you are fresh out of high school and your...