Old Dominion University (ODU) is a diverse, inclusive university that is committed to developing and sustaining international partnerships that enhance scholarship and learning opportunities for its students, faculty, and staff as well as further the University's internationalization. Classified as a Higher Research Activity Doctoral University in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, Old Dominion University is a forward-focused metropolitan research university comprised of students, faculty, and scholars from nearly 100 countries around the world.
ODU seeks international linkages that are mutually beneficial to both partners, that are highly active and sustainable, and provide various means by which the partner institutions can collaborate. A process of consultation, negotiation, and approval, in accordance with ODU rules, regulations, and practices, establishes international agreements, which formalize strategic international partnerships.
Types of ODU International Agreements
Agreement that allows students to earn an ODU degree and a degree offered by the international partner. Each institution recognizes academic credit earned in the other degree plans, thus shortening the duration of overall study for participating students. At completion, students are eligible for awarding of academic degrees issued separately by each institution. Students must apply and be accepted for study by each institution separately. Dual degrees are also referred to as double degrees. Dual degrees are not joint degrees.
Agreement established for the purpose of faculty teaching, studying, conducting research, or other forms of academic collaboration with an international partner.
Agreement that establishes a general form of academic collaboration with an international partner (e.g. university, research institute, center, or laboratory, NGO, etc.) in areas of mutual interest. MOUs - which are also referred to as "umbrella agreements" - are the initial step in establishing a partnership with international institutions. Establishment of agreements delineating specific forms of academic collaboration between international partners occurs after a MOU has been put in place.
Agreement that allows international partner students to combine online and on-campus study for an ODU academic certificate and/or degree.
Agreement established for the purpose of faculty and students participating together in study, research, or another form of academic collaboration with an international partner.
Agreement established for the purpose of students studying, conducting research, or participating in other forms of academic collaboration with an international partner.
Agreement that allows international partner students to transfer credits earned at their home university towards an ODU academic degree. This form of agreement includes "credit matching" for particular area(s) of curricular study and degree program(s) at ODU and the home university. At times, these agreements are referred to as "2+2", "3+1", or "3+2" agreements in reference to the year(s) of academic credits that may be accepted for transfer. They are also referred to as "degree completion program" agreements.