Dear Monarch Community:
Due to the rising number of coronavirus cases in Hampton Roads and across the nation, and in accordance with our reopening blueprint, Old Dominion University will start at least the first two weeks of the spring 2021 semester, from Jan. 19 to Feb. 1, with remote instruction. This means nearly all classes will be delivered online, with the exception of a limited number of courses and labs that require in-person hours. Faculty will reach out to students in these programs. Prevailing conditions will determine if further modifications will be needed.
The decision to delay students' arrival on campus and face-to-face instruction, which was made by the University's Executive Policy Team, will help protect the health and well-being of Monarchs and the Hampton Roads community at a time when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Virginia Department of Health project COVID-19 cases will peak. Students facing extenuating circumstances or who need additional support are encouraged to contact the Dean of Students Office at oducares@odu.edu or 757-683-3442.
As a community, we will continue to promote Monarchs' safety while providing the same high-quality education and minimizing disruptions. ODU offices will reopen, as scheduled, on Jan. 4 to ensure the continuity of student support services as well as our academic and research enterprise. Telework and staggered on-site shifts are still encouraged wherever possible.
We are committed to providing classes in-person — when it is safe to do so — online and in a hybrid mode this spring. The Executive Policy Team will continue monitoring the latest developments and will provide updates every Monday of what lies ahead.
In the meantime, ODU's CLIA-certified COVID-19 clinical diagnostics lab in Innovation Research Park is expanding its on-demand and surveillance testing program. More details will follow.
Please continue to #ReignResponsibly and follow recommended precautions to stay healthy. We will keep you informed of the latest information via email and on ODU's official social media channels.
Best wishes for a happy new year!
Sincerely,
Giovanna M. Genard
Assistant Vice President for Strategic Communication and Marketing
Old Dominion University
