Navigating the academic calendar can be a daunting task for Old Dominion University students. With numerous important dates and deadlines scattered throughout the year, it's crucial to stay organized and informed to avoid any potential setbacks. From registration and drop/add periods to exam schedules and academic policies, the university's academic calendar provides a comprehensive overview of key dates that impact your academic journey. Understanding these deadlines is essential for planning your coursework, scheduling appointments, and ensuring a smooth and successful semester.
Important Dates and Deadlines for ODU Students
The Old Dominion University (ODU) academic calendar outlines the important dates and deadlines for undergraduate and graduate students. These dates include the start and end of each semester, registration periods, drop/add dates, exam schedules, and holidays. It's essential for students to be aware of these key dates to plan their academic journey effectively.
New Student Orientation and Welcome Week
New students to ODU are welcomed with a series of orientation programs and events during Welcome Week. These programs provide an overview of university policies, academic expectations, campus resources, and student life. New students can expect to learn about academic advising, registration, financial aid, and campus involvement opportunities.
Registration Periods
Registration periods are designated timeframes when students can select and enroll in courses for the upcoming semester. Undergraduate students typically register for classes during the spring and fall semesters, while graduate students may have additional registration periods throughout the year. It's important to note that registration dates may vary depending on the student's academic level, major, and other factors.
Drop/Add Dates
Drop/add dates refer to the period when students can make changes to their course schedules by adding or dropping courses. During this time, students can adjust their course load, switch sections, or withdraw from courses without penalty. Deadlines for adding or dropping courses vary by semester and academic level.
Exam Schedules and Deadlines
Exam schedules provide the dates and times for final exams in each course. Students should familiarize themselves with the exam schedule to avoid conflicts and plan their study time accordingly. Deadlines for submitting final assignments, projects, and presentations are also outlined in the academic calendar.
Academic Policies and Procedures
The academic calendar includes a comprehensive list of academic policies and procedures that govern student conduct, academic integrity, grading, and other academic matters. These policies ensure fairness, consistency, and transparency in academic processes.
Academic Calendar at a Glance
The academic calendar at a glance provides a quick overview of key dates and deadlines for the entire academic year. This condensed version of the calendar allows students to easily identify important events, such as the start and end of semesters, holidays, registration periods, and exam schedules.
Fall Semester
The fall semester typically begins in late August and ends in mid-December. Key dates for the fall semester include the start of classes, registration periods, drop/add dates, mid-term exams, and final exams. Thanksgiving break is also observed during the fall semester.
Spring Semester
The spring semester generally starts in mid-January and concludes in early May. Similar to the fall semester, important dates include the beginning of classes, registration periods, drop/add dates, mid-term exams, and final exams. Spring break is typically scheduled during the spring semester.
Summer Session
The summer session at ODU consists of two shorter terms: Summer I and Summer II. These terms provide students with the opportunity to take courses, catch up on coursework, or accelerate their degree progress. Registration periods, drop/add dates, and exam schedules vary for the summer session.
Undergraduate Academic Calendar
The undergraduate academic calendar specifically caters to the needs of undergraduate students. It outlines the academic schedule, registration deadlines, drop/add periods, and exam schedules for undergraduate programs. Undergraduate students can use this calendar to plan their coursework, manage their schedules, and stay on track towards graduation.
First-Year Experience
The first-year experience program at ODU is designed to support new undergraduate students during their transition to university life. The program includes academic advising, peer mentoring, and special events aimed at helping first-year students succeed.
General Education Requirements
Undergraduate students are required to complete a set of general education courses that provide a broad foundation in various academic disciplines. The general education curriculum ensures that students develop essential skills and knowledge necessary for success in their chosen fields and beyond.
Major-Specific Requirements
In addition to general education requirements, undergraduate students must complete courses specific to their chosen major. These courses provide in-depth knowledge and skills in the student's field of study and prepare them for their future careers.
Graduate Academic Calendar
The graduate academic calendar is tailored to the needs of graduate students, including master's and doctoral programs. It provides information on registration deadlines, drop/add dates, exam schedules, and degree completion requirements. Graduate students can use this calendar to plan their coursework, manage their schedules, and track their progress towards graduation.
Thesis and Dissertation Deadlines
Graduate students working on their thesis or dissertation must adhere to specific deadlines outlined in the academic calendar. These deadlines include submission dates for thesis or dissertation proposals, final drafts, and defense presentations.
Candidacy Examinations
Candidacy examinations are required for doctoral students to advance to candidacy status. The academic calendar provides information on the format, scheduling, and deadlines for these examinations.
Comprehensive Exams
Comprehensive exams are required for master's students to demonstrate their mastery of the subject matter in their field of study. The academic calendar provides details on the format, scheduling, and deadlines for comprehensive exams.
Important Dates for International Students
International students attending ODU should pay special attention to important dates related to immigration regulations, such as visa expiration dates, reporting requirements, and work authorization deadlines.
International Student Orientation
International students are required to attend an orientation program upon arrival at ODU. This program provides information on immigration regulations, campus resources, and cultural adjustment.
Visa Regulations
International students must maintain a valid visa throughout their studies at ODU. The academic calendar includes important dates for visa renewals, extensions, and other visa-related matters.
Work Authorization
International students may be eligible for work authorization under certain circumstances. The academic calendar provides information on the types of work authorization available to international students and the deadlines for applying.
Registration and Drop/Add Dates
Registration and drop/add dates are crucial for students to plan their academic schedules and make necessary adjustments. The academic calendar clearly outlines these dates for each semester, allowing students to avoid conflicts and ensure they are enrolled in the correct courses.
Early Registration
Early registration allows students to secure their seats in preferred courses before they fill up. Students who register early have a better chance of obtaining their desired class times, instructors, and course sections.
Late Registration
Students who miss the regular registration period may be able to register for classes during late registration. However, late registration may incur additional fees and may result in limited course availability.
Drop/Add Period
The drop/add period provides students with the flexibility to make changes to their schedules. During this period, students can add courses to their schedule, drop courses without penalty, or switch sections if necessary.
Exam Schedules and Deadlines
Exam schedules and deadlines play a significant role in academic planning. The academic calendar provides detailed information on the dates and times of final exams for each course. Students should familiarize themselves with the exam schedule to avoid conflicts and plan their study time accordingly.
Final Exam Schedule
The final exam schedule outlines the exact date, time, and location of final exams for each course. Students should check the schedule carefully to ensure they know when and where their exams will take place.
Exam Deadlines
In addition to the final exam schedule, the academic calendar also includes deadlines for submitting final assignments, projects, and presentations. Meeting these deadlines is essential for students to complete their coursework and earn their grades.
Make-Up Exams
Make-up exams are typically only granted for documented emergencies or conflicts with university-sponsored events. Students should contact their instructors as soon as possible to request a make-up exam.
Academic Policies and Procedures
The academic calendar includes a comprehensive overview of academic policies and procedures that govern student conduct, academic integrity, grading, and other academic matters. These policies ensure fairness, consistency, and transparency in academic processes.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is of paramount importance at ODU. The academic calendar outlines the university's expectations for academic honesty and the consequences of plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic misconduct.
Grading Policies
The academic calendar provides information on the university's grading policies, including the scale used to determine letter grades, the calculation of grade point averages, and the deadlines for grade submissions.
Grade Appeals
Students who believe their grades have been assigned unfairly may initiate a grade appeal process. The academic calendar outlines the procedures for filing a grade appeal and the timelines for review.
Contact Information for Academic Advising
Academic advising is a crucial resource for students to succeed in their academic journey. The academic calendar provides contact information for academic advisors in each department and program. Students can schedule appointments with their advisors to discuss their academic progress, course selection, and future goals.
First-Year Advising
First-year students are typically assigned to a dedicated first-year advisor who provides guidance and support during their transition to university
