Veteran Student Checklist

***Not all items may be applicable to your situation - Please read each one carefully

View AND select a degree program.

Traditional (in-person): https://www.odu.edu/academics/programs

ODU Global (online): https://online.odu.edu/programs

(Fill out the interest form for the online program you're interested in and an enrollment coach will contact you for personalized, one-on-one support.)

(Optional)

The GI Bill is not impacted by the FAFSA. If you receive grants or loans through FAFSA you will still receive the same amount of the GI Bill. To apply for FASFA visit studentaid.gov. 

Questions? Contact ODU’s Financial Aid Office 

Undergraduate & Graduate: ODU Application

Freshman Application Requirements:

Request $50 Application Fee Waiver: Email admissions@odu.edu

Students must apply for in-state tuition before classes start for the term (at least three weeks before). Students who fail to apply for in-state privileges will be billed at the out-of-state rate.

Questions concerning this benefit should be addressed to instate@odu.edu or call the Registrar's Office at 757-683-4425.

Military In-State Tuition Information: https://www.odu.edu/tuition-aid/costs-tuition/tuition/application/active- duty

Application for Active Duty/Veteran Tuition Rates: https://forms.odu.edu/view.php?id=467634

Submit credentials to the Office of Admissions

High School Transcript: (if earned less than 24 college credits)

  • Contact your high school or school district to obtain a diploma or order a transcript to be sent electronically to ODU’s Admissions Office

Official Joint Services Transcript: (OPTIONAL):  https://jst.doded.mil/

CCAF: (MANDATORY for Air Force personnel): http://www.airuniversity.af.mil/Barnes/CCAF/Display/Article/803247/

Previous College Experience Official Transcript(s): Contact your previous school to order the transcript to be sent electronically to ODU’s Admissions Office

Know which benefit you’re using? Click to go to directly to the application below:

**Ch 1606, Ch 30, and Ch 33 ONLY

Once you complete the application, the VA will take 30-45 days to process your request. Once the request is processed, the VA will mail a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to your home/mailing address. Keep the Certificate of Eligibility sent by the VA for your records and for submission to ODU.

https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/

Questions? Contact VA Education Hotline: 1-888-442-4551

OR use Ask VA https://ask.va.gov/

**Service members or veterans who have received VA benefits previously at another college need to file a “Request for Change of Program or Place of Training” VA Form 22-1995: https://www.va.gov/education/apply-for-education- benefits/application/1995/introduction

Admissions usually takes about 2-3 weeks to get back to you with a decision.

Confirm Your Admission and Submit the Deposit:: https://www.odu.edu/admission/admitted/confirm

Request $200 Tuition Deposit Waiver: Email admissions@odu.edu

(Graduate programs and ODU Global programs do not pay a tuition deposit fee)

If you have no prior college experience or have 23 college credits or less:

12a. FRESHMAN ORIENTATION OR If you have 24 college credits or more: 12b. TRANSFER ORIENTATION

Questions? Contact New Student Experience

Below are a selection of important tasks and opportunities for students to complete before the fall semester:

**If student has no prior college enrollment or has 23 college credits or less:

  • The New to Blue timeline is accompanied by the new student checklist that can be found in your myODU portal.
  • Discover Your Pride: Monarch Orientation is a one-day on-campus orientation experience for new students. Course registration happens during orientation.
  • Please check your ODU student email for Monarch Orientation registration information.

**If student has 24 college credits or more

  • Transfer Orientation is an optional, one-day on-campus orientation experience for new students who meet the transfer credit threshold requirement. Course registration happens during orientation.
  • Please check your ODU student email for Transfer Orientation registration information.

**Ch 1606, Ch 30, and Ch 33 ONLY

  • ODU School Certifying Officials (SCOs) begin reporting enrollment to the VA 30 days before the first day of your class start date.

Please allow 3-5 business days for processing, and during peak periods please allow 10-14 business days. Make sure to check your ODU student email for communications from the Veterans Affairs Certification Team.

**Chapter 31: Veteran Readiness and Employment:

Please contact your VA assigned VR&E counselor. Chapter 31 students do not need to submit a Veterans Clearance Form. A student’s VR&E counselor will submit an e-authorization in lieu of this form.

Contact the Office of Education Accessibility (OEA) to learn more about academic accommodations (Optional)

The Military Connection Center encourages students to register and establish accommodations with OEA prior to the start of courses.

Register for Services: https://www.odu.edu/accessibility/registration

Visit the Military Connection Center (MCC) and check out the spaces and resources designated for ODU’s military-affiliated students (Optional)

**The MCC hosts a Welcome Lunch at the beginning of every fall and spring semester. Contact the MCC for more details.

For more information, email military@odu.edu or stop by the Military Connection Center for a tour of our spaces, including:

  • MCC Main Office
  • MCC Support Services Office
  • Computer Lab
  • Community Lounge
  • Break Room
  • Reservable Study Spaces

  • Student Veterans of America (SVA) : Connects student veterans and family members to build community, provides resources and opportunities, and empowers students to reach their full potential. Email SVA President Chase Bennett at odustudentveteran@gmail.com for more information.
  • Veteran Student Success Coach and Operation: BLUE 

    Supports student veterans’ personal and academic success and assists with navigating college through major exploration, understanding basic needs (financial aid, housing, food), personal health and wellness, and adjusting to a non-military-oriented lifestyle.

    Operation BLUE: Bridging Life and University Experience is a year- long active learning program where student veterans are guided through intentionally designed workshops and activities to gain practical experience, self-awareness and transferable skills. For more information, complete an interest form.

    Email Sarah Cervantes at scervant@odu.edu for more information or schedule and appointment using the self service link: Book time with Cervantes, Sarah

  • Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE)This program connects current student veterans trained as Peer Advisors with incoming student veterans to help them navigate college life, address challenges they may face, refer them to appropriate resources on and off-campus, and provide ongoing support. To become a Peer Advisor, complete an interest form. Email Pave Team Leader Lauren Redd at pave@odu.edu for more information.


The Military Connection Center is an information and resource center for all our on-campus military affiliated students. It is on the first floor of Monarch Hall, located at 1106 Monarch Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529. The closest parking is Constant Center 45th Street Garage located at 1070 W 45th Street, Norfolk, VA 23508. Paid hourly parking is available and located on levels 2, 3, and 5.