Our Mission
Old Dominion University has a long and proud legacy of commitment to the principles of equality and equal opportunity for all students, faculty and staff. The Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity exists to provide leadership and support on matters relating to equity, diversity, respect and inclusiveness for all members of the Old Dominion University community. The staff provides guidance, support and delivery of programming, services and educational initiatives to University faculty, staff, and students to support diversity, inclusiveness, equal access, equitable treatment, cultural understanding and the prevention of prohibited discrimination and harassment.
This office is also responsible for coordinating and monitoring ODU's Affirmative Action Plans and advising, reporting, and implementing all matters related to compliance with federal and state equal opportunity and affirmative action legislation. This responsibility includes, but is not limited to: monitoring the employment and educational policies, practices and procedures of the University; assisting with the resolution of discrimination and employee relations complaints; and providing education programming for students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, the office administers the Discrimination Complaint Procedure Policy, the Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures, and the Accommodation of Students with Disabilities Policy Procedures.
University Non-Discrimination Statement
Old Dominion University does not discriminate in admissions, treatment, employment or access to its programs or activities on the basis of race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective styles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), political affiliation, marital status, veteran status, family medical and genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability, as required by The Civil Rights Act of 1964; The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended; The Age Discrimination Act of 1975; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Virginia Human Rights Act; the Governor's Executive Order Number One (2018); and other state or federal laws and university policies (1005). ODU prohibits sexual and sex-/gender-based misconduct, discrimination, harassment and interpersonal violence, including sexual assault. ODU also prohibits discrimination against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.
As an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, ODU promotes the full realization of employment opportunity for all persons, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans. ODU bases all employment decisions only on job requirements. These efforts apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, selection, hiring, promotion and compensation.
Any member of the ODU community has the right to raise concerns or file a complaint regarding discrimination without fear of retaliation. Any and all inquiries regarding the application of this statement and related policies may be referred to the Director of Equity.
Title IX Coordinator
The University's designated Title IX Coordinator is:
Kate Couch
Institutional Equity and Diversity
Innovation Research Park I Suite 106
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA 23508
(757) 683-3141
titleixcoordinator@odu.edu
Section 504/ADA Coordinator
The University's Section 504/ADA Coordinator handles concerns. Contact:
Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity
Innovation Research Park I Suite 106
Norfolk, VA 23508
(757) 683-3141
equityanddiversity@odu.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity works to clarify diversity issues, and to balance, negotiate and dissipate myths surrounding all aspects of diversity, equal opportunity and Affirmative Action. The Office is responsible to coordinating and monitoring ODU Affirmative Action Plans, and advising, reporting and implementing all matters related to compliance with federal, state, and university equal opportunity and affirmative action legislation, rules, regulations, and policies.
Equal Opportunity is a term used to describe policies that prohibit specific forms of discrimination. "It is the policy of Old Dominion University to provide equal employment, educational and social opportunities for all persons, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, veteran status, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or genetic information."
Affirmative Action is a term used to describe special efforts to recruit and employ groups (minorities and women) who may have been discriminated against in the past. Affirmative action is designed to correct underutilization of qualified women and minorities; it is not designed to prefer them to the exclusion of other groups.
Employees and Applicants may make a request through the Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity via the University's Section 504/ADA Coordinator. See the directory.
Students may request accommodations through the Office of Educational Accessibility.