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Comparable Schools' Diversity Grades:
College Prowler Take
Old Dominion University has a wonderfully diverse campus. This may have something to do with the fact that it is about five minutes from the largest naval station in the world, which brings together families of many different backgrounds. And this is a great thing—because it is almost a requirement that the college experience, or whatever you want to call it, to meet people from different races, backgrounds, cultures, and belief sets. Though 65 percent of campus is Caucasian, compared to other schools, this is a pretty marginal majority. Walking down the sidewalk or through the academic building, there is a good chance that you will hear another language being spoken, and whoever it is will usually be flattered to tell you about his or her culture. Organizations, classes, fraternities, and sororities set a mosaic background, but you will still find that students pretty much hang out with the people who they relate to. This is true, but the beauty about this is it’s because they choose to, not because there is nothing else available. Students who are interested in branching out culturally can start with ODU’s Multicultural Services office, but students who wish to stay in their comfort zone have the option to respectfully do so.
Students Speak Out
Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:
ODUlw says: Old Dominion University 2014 English Language and Literature  |
ODU is blessed to be one of the...
ODU is blessed to be one of the most diverse campuses in the area. I came from a high school that was more than 80 percent white, and I felt sheltered and culturally limited. ODU was a shocker and eye-opener for me. Many of the people in my classes had extremely different views on politics, the environment, religion, etc. Although my opinion differed from other people in my classes, I feel lucky to have been exposed to different points of view; it has made me a more well-rounded and tolerant person.
Diversity: April 07, 2009
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ODUAD says: Old Dominion University 2015 Biological and Biomedical Sciences  |
I think there is a great diversity...
I think there is a great diversity on campus from ethnicity to politics and economic status. With all the financial aid and scholarships available, lower-income students are able to earn the education they deserve. There are a number of religious organizations for students as well.
Diversity: April 07, 2009
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ODUIS says: Old Dominion University 2013 Communication and Journalism  |
The campus is diverse. We have a...
The campus is diverse. We have a broad spectrum from all across the globe ranging from Indians to Italians. However, the majority of the student population is white.
Diversity: April 02, 2009
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ODUEV says: Old Dominion University 2016 Other  |
There are many organizations for...
There are many organizations for all kinds of religions, as well as an OUT club for gay and lesbian students. The campus is very diverse race-wise.
Diversity: March 20, 2009
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Anonymous says:  |
The campus doesn’t really seem all...
The campus doesn’t really seem all that diverse. People hang out with each other and never really split. At least that’s how I see it. There may be a bunch of variety in the types of people—but not in the types of groups. It’s way too cliquey. Especially the organizations. You have to really work at being in an organization, because most of the time everyone there has been there for a while and isn’t looking to make new friends. |
FactsEconomic Status
ODU’s students run the gamut when it comes to finances. There are the stereotypical college kids swimming in a debt they won’t get out of until they’re 30, and then there are the students who haven’t ever had a lick of financial trouble. A lot of students receive financial aid, and most are at ease because of parental aid.
Gay Pride
ODU is really apathetic when it comes to its gay community—not totally surprising. Organizations such as ODU OUT are really active on campus, probably even more so than a lot of organizations—but they don’t steal the scene.
Minority Clubs
ODU offers several minority organizations such as ODU OUT, as well as clubs geared toward ethnic groups. And, should there not be an organization already available, usually ODU's policy on starting new organizations is favorable to start-ups. Current multicultural organizations include: African Caribbean Association, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Asian Pacific American Student Union, Bahai’ Club, Black Student Alliance, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Ebony Impact Gospel Choir, Filipino American Student Association, Korean American Student Association, Latino Student Alliance, Minds About Progress, NAACP, National Pan-Hellenic Council, National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), ODU Music & Arts Society, ODU Out, Omega Psi Phi, Inc., Pagan Student Alliance, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, South Asian Cultural Assocation, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Sigma Lambda Upsilon Sorority, Sword of the Spirit, Tribes Unite, Vietnamese Student Association, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
Most Common Religions
Religion isn’t even visible on campus, although there are on-campus groups like the Baptist Student Union, the Catholic Campus Ministry, the Muslim Students’ Association, and Dialogues for Religious Harmony available if students are interested.
Political Activity
Surprisingly, there are a fair number of conservative students at ODU. But maybe this is not so surprising, seeing as a lot of ODU students come from a naval background or are in the Navy themselves. The campus does have its occasional uproar or protest, but for the most part, the campus is kind of listless.
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