Old Dominion University was established as the Norfolk division of the College of William & Mary in 1930. In 1962, it finally became an independent institution.
Interested in environmental justice, our dangerous, ever-changing global climate, or sustainable development? If not, get ready to be. In 2005, Old Dominion University began the NewPAGE (New Portals to Appreciating our Global Environment) course. A requirement of all freshmen,
the course has stirred controversy amongst incoming students who have blamed professors, and the course in general, of agenda pushing, and find it to be a complete waste of time. Even so, there is no sign of it going away.
In 1999, Old Dominion University agreed to work with American Maglev to construct a maglev system on campus. It would connect either sides of the University campus and eventually bridge Washington DC to Hampton Roads. Other universities had been chosen for the project as well, but they all declined due to the concerns regarding the project’s cost and its safety. Because of inadequate funding, the maglev remains unfinished, and its original 2007 completion date continues to be pushed back.
Old Dominion University is one of the largest providers of distance-learning degree programs in the country via its Teletechnet initiative. More than 3,000 students have graduated from Old Dominion via distance-learning, including Navy personnel who took classes while being deployed around the world.
Need some time away from studying and classes? The Lady Monarchs are the University’s best-known sports team and, having won three national championships, provide for some excellent entertainment.