Student Outreach & Support (SOS) is a service within the Dean of Students' office. SOS provides support to students who experience administrative, academic, or personal roadblocks. SOS works collaboratively with ODU's Care Team, and is here to help students achieve their personal and academic goals.
Important Resources
Find Information
Emergency Resources
Emergency student aid is available for unforeseen circumstances including Big Blue's Closet, meal and book vouchers, internet service, and more.
| Type of Aid | Office Contact | Details |
| Emergency Grant |
Student Engagement & Enrollment Services 2008 Webb Center |
Guideline(s): Grant application Link Funds are disbursed directly to vendors/businesses. GPA Requirements: Undergraduate Students - 2.0 Cum GPA Graduate Students - 3.0 Cum GPA |
| Monarch Clothing Closet | VAB 1007 Monarch Internship & Co-Op office; Kara Boone, Leadership & Learning; and Dr. Connie Merriman, School of Continuing Education |
Open Monday through Thursday 1 - 4:30pm |
| Monarch Food Pantry | 1541 Webb Center pantry@odu.edu |
Limit(s): Students can once per week Guideline(s): Order link |
| Meal Vouchers |
Dean of Students Office 2008 Webb Center |
Limit(s): One-time meal card (5 meal swipes per card). Limited availability Guideline(s): Contact the Dean of Students Office by phone or email. Walk-ins welcomed. 757-683-3442 |
| Book Vouchers |
Dean of Students Office 2008 Webb Center |
Limit(s):Funds from Auxiliary Services are identified on an ad hoc basis Guideline(s): Dean of Students Partners with Auxiliary Services |
|
SNAP (Formerly known as food stamps) |
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) |
Limit(s): Varies Guideline(s): The USDA has temporarily expanded SNAP eligibility for students enrolled at least part-time in a higher education institution |
| Emergency Internet Service | United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) |
Limit(s): $30 per month toward broadband services and one-time discount of $100 to purchase equipment Guideline(s): Affordable Connectivity Program Login or create a new account to complete ACP application online |
When to Make a Referral
Faculty members, staff members, and fellow students may be concerned for the well-being of a student after a student experiences a tragedy or seems to be in distress. Students needing additional care and support often exhibit one or more of the following signs.
Physical Signs
- Significant changes in energy
- Significant weight loss
- Worrisome changes in hygiene
- Notiecable cuts, bruises, or burns
- Sleeping in class/other inappropriate times
- Frequent intoxication
Emotional Signs
- Inappropriate emotional outbursts
- Direct statements indicating distress
- Expressions of hopelessness or suicide
- Behavior that draws peer concern
- Exaggerated personality traits (more withdrawn or animated than usual)
Academic Signs
- Deterioration in academic work
- Disorganized or erratic performance
- Repeated absences and missed assignments
- Ranting or threatening emails
- Continual seeking of special exceptions
*List created by the University of South Carolina; used with permission
When to Seek Services
Student Outreach & Support can help students overcoming obstacles in their college career. You can visit SOS for a variety of reasons:
- You need an administrative withdrawal
- You need an extended absence notification
- You need information on how to submit a student complaint
- You need clarification on University procedures
- You are a student in distress or who has recently experienced an unexpected tragedy
- You need guidance resolving an issue you are having with your professor or academic department
Make an appointment or email oducares@odu.edu for more information.
Extended Absence FAQ
- Extended periods (at least one week) of physical or mental illness of the student (including hospitalization)-documented by a physician's statement or other medical support on official letterhead.
- Extended periods (at least one week) of physical or mental illness of the student's immediate family member (including hospitalization) who is dependent upon the student for support-documented by physician's statement or other medical support on official letterhead.
- Death of a student's immediate family member.
- Involuntary changes in employment schedule or military orders.
SOS will not provide an absence notification for brief, self-limiting illnesses. It is understood that brief self-limiting illnesses will be common during the normal course of the school year and may be cared for by the student him/herself. It is the student's responsibility to notify instructors of illnesses and make arrangements regarding missed assignments.
Doctor's note/letter, accident report, military orders, or obituary. Please note that any documentation provided is subject to verification. SOS will not accept medical documentation.
You have five business days to request an absence notification. Requests will not be accepted after the last day of classes for the semester.
No, an absence notification verifies the extenuating circumstances that caused a student to be absent. Your instructors will then determine whether to excuse the absence or not.
You may complete an Extened Absence Notification form online by clicking here.
SOS will review the request and documentation and determine approval. If a request is approved, SOS will notify all professors that a request for an absence notification is being processed on the student's behalf. The student will be included on the notification and should then follow up with each instructor on specifics for each course.
If a student's request or documentation is incomplete or insufficient to approve, SOS will contact the student for additional information, or in cases where a notification cannot be sent, to discuss other options available to the student.
Yes, if you have missed a week or more of your online course due to extenuating circumstance, you can submit an EAN request. While your absence may not be a physical absence from a classroom, you may have missed deadline or synchronous virtual class meetings.
Administrative Withdrawals FAQ
The Administrative Withdrawals allows students to request withdrawal from a full semester of classes due to documented extenuating circumstances. Requests may be submitted after other withdrawal deadlines have passed for a semester, including after the semester has ended.
If your Administrative Withdrawal request is approved, all of your grades for the semester of request will become "W"s. Please note that all grades will be changed, including those courses you may have passed.
No. The University only has one letter grade to denote Withdrawal. Your transcript will only show a "W".
Students have up to one year to submit a Request for Administrative Withdrawal. Please note that one year is from the start of the semester of request (for example, if your request is for Spring 2019, you have up until the start of the Spring 2020 semester to submit your request).
If you would like to submit a request after the one year timeframe, you may do so, and your request will be reviewed by an appeals committee. In addition to the request form and supporting documentation, you will also need to submit a statement including convincing evidence explaining the student's inability to submit the request within one calendar year. You may attach any additional documentation supporting your statement for review.
The type of documentation needed to support your request will depend on the basis of your request. The following list provides examples of documentation that may be required. Please feel free to contact SOS if you have questions about your specific circumstances.
- Student Medical/Mental Health Circumstances: a letter of support from student's healthcare provider indicating that, due to the student's medical diagnosis/circumstances/treatment during the semester, the provider supports withdrawal. Letters should be typed, dated, on letter head, and signed by the provider.
- Medical/Mental Health Circumstances of an Immediate Family Member: a letter of support from the family members healthcare provider indicating that, due to the family members medical diagnosis/circumstances/treatment during the semester, and the student's role as a care provider, the provider supports withdrawal. Letters should be typed, dated, on letter head, and signed by the provider.
- Death of an Immediate Family Member: obituary, copy of a funeral program listing the student as a family member, or death certificate.
- Involuntary Changes in Employment or Military Requirements: an official letter from the student's employer or commanding officer outlining the specific changes in employment (change in schedule, relocation, increased workload) and potential impact on coursework. Letters should be typed, dated, on letter head, and signed by the employer/commanding officer.
You can submit your request and documentation through the request form here. Once SOS has received your request and supporting documentation, your request will be reviewed. If approved, you will receive notice by email (your ODU student email account). If denied, you will receive notice by email. If your request requires additional information or documentation, SOS will contact you to discuss your request further.
Once a completed request has been submitted (including request form and supporting documentation), your request may take up to two weeks for review and processing through SOS. Please note that once the notification of approval is sent, the Registrar's office may take an additional week to update your transcript.
ODU is a Caring Community
ODUCares is the commitment of the ODU community to provide students with customized support to ensure their success. The Care Team provides a university-wide system of care and support for students who experience an unexpected crisis or are in distress. Its role is to determine effective strategies for addressing concerns and connecting students with the appropriate resources.
Care Team Members
- Counseling Services
- Educational Accessibility
- ODU Police Department
- Student Conduct & Academic Integrity
- University Chaplains Association
- Academic Enhancement
- Housing & Residence Life
- Student Health Services
- Student Outreach & Support
- Women's Center
If you need to report an emergency, call the Old Dominion University Police at 757-683-4000, or dial 911.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
As an Old Dominion University student, you may be eligible to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program!
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service. SNAP provides a monthly benefit to individuals through an Electronic Benefits Card (EBT) to supplement the purchase of nutritious foods. The EBT can be used to purchase fruits and vegetables; meat, poultry, and fish; dairy products; breads and cereals; and other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages.
Student eligibility for SNAP benefits is based on:
- Eligibility to participate in state or federally financed work-study during the academic year (it is not required to actually participate), or
- Expected family Contribution (EFC) of $0 in the current academic year
Affordability Connectivity Program
If you are a federal Pell Grant recipient, you are eligible to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program!
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the internet they need for work, school, and more.
Benefits of ACP include:
- Up to $30/month discount on your internet service
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
Apply online in less than 10 minutes!
- Create a new account to complete ACP application online
*Select: The state where you would like service
*Provide the address where you would like service
*Select: Qualify by yourself
- Login and select option #2: Apply for ACP
- Select: Federal Pell Grant in the current year award
- Fill out the ACP QuestionnaireRelease information
*Proof may be required one day, but not now
- Confirmation will be sent to the email address you provided with more information, including next steps and a deadline to sign up for service
*Within the confirmation email is a link to find a provider in your area
- Contact the provider you have selected and begin the setup process
Emergency Resources
Emergency student aid is available for unforeseen circumstances including Big Blue's Closet, meal and book vouchers, internet service, and more.
| Type of Aid | Office Contact | Details |
| Emergency Grant |
Student Engagement & Enrollment Services 2008 Webb Center |
Guideline(s): Grant application Link Funds are disbursed directly to vendors/businesses. GPA Requirements: Undergraduate Students - 2.0 Cum GPA Graduate Students - 3.0 Cum GPA |
| Monarch Clothing Closet | VAB 1007 Monarch Internship & Co-Op office; Kara Boone, Leadership & Learning; and Dr. Connie Merriman, School of Continuing Education |
Open Monday through Thursday 1 - 4:30pm |
| Monarch Food Pantry | 1541 Webb Center pantry@odu.edu |
Limit(s): Students can once per week Guideline(s): Order link |
| Meal Vouchers |
Dean of Students Office 2008 Webb Center |
Limit(s): One-time meal card (5 meal swipes per card). Limited availability Guideline(s): Contact the Dean of Students Office by phone or email. Walk-ins welcomed. 757-683-3442 |
| Book Vouchers |
Dean of Students Office 2008 Webb Center |
Limit(s):Funds from Auxiliary Services are identified on an ad hoc basis Guideline(s): Dean of Students Partners with Auxiliary Services |
|
SNAP (Formerly known as food stamps) |
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) |
Limit(s): Varies Guideline(s): The USDA has temporarily expanded SNAP eligibility for students enrolled at least part-time in a higher education institution |
| Emergency Internet Service | United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) |
Limit(s): $30 per month toward broadband services and one-time discount of $100 to purchase equipment Guideline(s): Affordable Connectivity Program Login or create a new account to complete ACP application online |
When to Make a Referral
Faculty members, staff members, and fellow students may be concerned for the well-being of a student after a student experiences a tragedy or seems to be in distress. Students needing additional care and support often exhibit one or more of the following signs.
Physical Signs
- Significant changes in energy
- Significant weight loss
- Worrisome changes in hygiene
- Notiecable cuts, bruises, or burns
- Sleeping in class/other inappropriate times
- Frequent intoxication
Emotional Signs
- Inappropriate emotional outbursts
- Direct statements indicating distress
- Expressions of hopelessness or suicide
- Behavior that draws peer concern
- Exaggerated personality traits (more withdrawn or animated than usual)
Academic Signs
- Deterioration in academic work
- Disorganized or erratic performance
- Repeated absences and missed assignments
- Ranting or threatening emails
- Continual seeking of special exceptions
*List created by the University of South Carolina; used with permission
When to Seek Services
Student Outreach & Support can help students overcoming obstacles in their college career. You can visit SOS for a variety of reasons:
- You need an administrative withdrawal
- You need an extended absence notification
- You need information on how to submit a student complaint
- You need clarification on University procedures
- You are a student in distress or who has recently experienced an unexpected tragedy
- You need guidance resolving an issue you are having with your professor or academic department
Make an appointment or email oducares@odu.edu for more information.
Extended Absence FAQ
- Extended periods (at least one week) of physical or mental illness of the student (including hospitalization)-documented by a physician's statement or other medical support on official letterhead.
- Extended periods (at least one week) of physical or mental illness of the student's immediate family member (including hospitalization) who is dependent upon the student for support-documented by physician's statement or other medical support on official letterhead.
- Death of a student's immediate family member.
- Involuntary changes in employment schedule or military orders.
SOS will not provide an absence notification for brief, self-limiting illnesses. It is understood that brief self-limiting illnesses will be common during the normal course of the school year and may be cared for by the student him/herself. It is the student's responsibility to notify instructors of illnesses and make arrangements regarding missed assignments.
Doctor's note/letter, accident report, military orders, or obituary. Please note that any documentation provided is subject to verification. SOS will not accept medical documentation.
You have five business days to request an absence notification. Requests will not be accepted after the last day of classes for the semester.
No, an absence notification verifies the extenuating circumstances that caused a student to be absent. Your instructors will then determine whether to excuse the absence or not.
You may complete an Extened Absence Notification form online by clicking here.
SOS will review the request and documentation and determine approval. If a request is approved, SOS will notify all professors that a request for an absence notification is being processed on the student's behalf. The student will be included on the notification and should then follow up with each instructor on specifics for each course.
If a student's request or documentation is incomplete or insufficient to approve, SOS will contact the student for additional information, or in cases where a notification cannot be sent, to discuss other options available to the student.
Yes, if you have missed a week or more of your online course due to extenuating circumstance, you can submit an EAN request. While your absence may not be a physical absence from a classroom, you may have missed deadline or synchronous virtual class meetings.
Administrative Withdrawals FAQ
The Administrative Withdrawals allows students to request withdrawal from a full semester of classes due to documented extenuating circumstances. Requests may be submitted after other withdrawal deadlines have passed for a semester, including after the semester has ended.
If your Administrative Withdrawal request is approved, all of your grades for the semester of request will become "W"s. Please note that all grades will be changed, including those courses you may have passed.
No. The University only has one letter grade to denote Withdrawal. Your transcript will only show a "W".
Students have up to one year to submit a Request for Administrative Withdrawal. Please note that one year is from the start of the semester of request (for example, if your request is for Spring 2019, you have up until the start of the Spring 2020 semester to submit your request).
If you would like to submit a request after the one year timeframe, you may do so, and your request will be reviewed by an appeals committee. In addition to the request form and supporting documentation, you will also need to submit a statement including convincing evidence explaining the student's inability to submit the request within one calendar year. You may attach any additional documentation supporting your statement for review.
The type of documentation needed to support your request will depend on the basis of your request. The following list provides examples of documentation that may be required. Please feel free to contact SOS if you have questions about your specific circumstances.
- Student Medical/Mental Health Circumstances: a letter of support from student's healthcare provider indicating that, due to the student's medical diagnosis/circumstances/treatment during the semester, the provider supports withdrawal. Letters should be typed, dated, on letter head, and signed by the provider.
- Medical/Mental Health Circumstances of an Immediate Family Member: a letter of support from the family members healthcare provider indicating that, due to the family members medical diagnosis/circumstances/treatment during the semester, and the student's role as a care provider, the provider supports withdrawal. Letters should be typed, dated, on letter head, and signed by the provider.
- Death of an Immediate Family Member: obituary, copy of a funeral program listing the student as a family member, or death certificate.
- Involuntary Changes in Employment or Military Requirements: an official letter from the student's employer or commanding officer outlining the specific changes in employment (change in schedule, relocation, increased workload) and potential impact on coursework. Letters should be typed, dated, on letter head, and signed by the employer/commanding officer.
You can submit your request and documentation through the request form here. Once SOS has received your request and supporting documentation, your request will be reviewed. If approved, you will receive notice by email (your ODU student email account). If denied, you will receive notice by email. If your request requires additional information or documentation, SOS will contact you to discuss your request further.
Once a completed request has been submitted (including request form and supporting documentation), your request may take up to two weeks for review and processing through SOS. Please note that once the notification of approval is sent, the Registrar's office may take an additional week to update your transcript.
ODU is a Caring Community
ODUCares is the commitment of the ODU community to provide students with customized support to ensure their success. The Care Team provides a university-wide system of care and support for students who experience an unexpected crisis or are in distress. Its role is to determine effective strategies for addressing concerns and connecting students with the appropriate resources.
Care Team Members
- Counseling Services
- Educational Accessibility
- ODU Police Department
- Student Conduct & Academic Integrity
- University Chaplains Association
- Academic Enhancement
- Housing & Residence Life
- Student Health Services
- Student Outreach & Support
- Women's Center
If you need to report an emergency, call the Old Dominion University Police at 757-683-4000, or dial 911.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
As an Old Dominion University student, you may be eligible to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program!
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service. SNAP provides a monthly benefit to individuals through an Electronic Benefits Card (EBT) to supplement the purchase of nutritious foods. The EBT can be used to purchase fruits and vegetables; meat, poultry, and fish; dairy products; breads and cereals; and other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages.
Student eligibility for SNAP benefits is based on:
- Eligibility to participate in state or federally financed work-study during the academic year (it is not required to actually participate), or
- Expected family Contribution (EFC) of $0 in the current academic year
Affordability Connectivity Program
If you are a federal Pell Grant recipient, you are eligible to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program!
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the internet they need for work, school, and more.
Benefits of ACP include:
- Up to $30/month discount on your internet service
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
Apply online in less than 10 minutes!
- Create a new account to complete ACP application online
*Select: The state where you would like service
*Provide the address where you would like service
*Select: Qualify by yourself
- Login and select option #2: Apply for ACP
- Select: Federal Pell Grant in the current year award
- Fill out the ACP QuestionnaireRelease information
*Proof may be required one day, but not now
- Confirmation will be sent to the email address you provided with more information, including next steps and a deadline to sign up for service
*Within the confirmation email is a link to find a provider in your area
- Contact the provider you have selected and begin the setup process