By Amber Kennedy

Old Dominion University is inviting students, faculty, staff, alumni and the broader community to share input on proposals for the future of the campus on Sept. 25 and 26.

Three forums will be offered:

  • Sept. 25: 2-3:30 p.m., North Cafeteria in Webb Center.
  • Sept. 25: 6-7 p.m., Virtual forum. Register to attend.
  • Sept. 26: 2-3:30 p.m., Big Blue Room in Chartway Arena.

These interactive forums will debut ideas for the physical evolution of campus, ensuring its buildings, walkways and green spaces continue to support the University’s goals. Community input is essential to development of ODU’s next Campus Master Plan.

“We have been so impressed by the creativity and care our students, faculty and staff have brought to the master planning process,” said Stephen Harrison, the deputy chief facilities officer at ODU who serves as the master plan project manager. “Now, we invite everyone to join us for these forums and weigh in on some of the exciting concepts that could shape ODU for decades to come.”

At the start of the year, the University began the master planning process to guide the physical development of ODU, from its residence halls and academic buildings to its green spaces and walkways. A master plan provides immediate and long-term objectives to ensure the physical campus continues to support the goals of student success, community engagement and lifelong learning.

The master planning process is supported by SmithGroup, an architecture and engineering firm with an integrated team of architects, campus planners, engineers, strategists and landscape architects. The process is guided by a committee of campus representatives who, alongside SmithGroup, will develop and review a plan targeted for approval in spring 2025.

In February, the campus community participated in open forums and surveys, identifying areas of opportunity for preservation, renovation and development. From that initial feedback, the planners learned how campus facilities are used, common travel routes and opportunities for better land use.

The Campus Master Plan will set a vision for ODU’s future, exploring all aspects of what it means to live, work and study at its locations in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth and Hampton. Share feedback and learn more about the process on the campus master plan website.