r/ODU • u/CrunchyBones26 • 5d ago
Venting Session
This is just a venting session to get some stuff off my chest.
- What happened in March was not normal. Not then, not now. Just prior to that, in Fall '25, there were dead bodies discovered on campus near BDC, and that got swept under the rug. What the hell? I am a combat veteran. I am very familiar with pain, grief and loss. I am not a fan of how March's tragedy has just become an "oh well, that happened" event, and that is it. There are still no implementations of better security, such as students using their physical ID cards to open campus buildings. I can still just walk into most rooms/offices without anyone batting an eye. This whole "open campus" thing is a load of crap, especially after a life was lost. When I was at Auburn and Arizona State, if you didn't have the proper digital permissions implemented by ITS on your ID Card for the buildings you were trying to access, then you didn't get in. It was that simple. I can't speak for every college or major, but that is how it was for me.
- For this to be an R1 university, just minutes from the largest naval base in the world, and for our veteran spaces to be in the shape they're in, is absolutely disgusting. The amount of money that ODU brings in from VA(GI Bill and VR&E) funding, you would think that at least some of that money could go to furnishing veteran spaces with non-dilapidated furniture, markers for a dry erase board, dry-erase boards that aren't stained from a decade's worth of use, etc. Seriously, I have attended schools across the United States, and ODU's veteran spaces are the worst I have ever seen.
- This eight week course idea is absolute bullshit. It is simply a matter of quantity instead of quality, at this point. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA across three universities while being in the service. Now that I am out, I do have more time to focus on my studies. It isn't about being lazy or procrastinating. It is about actually having the time to learn the material and not having to cram module after module in an expedited manner, just to say, "I fished a traditionally sixteen week course, in half the time." What do we do for our students who have disabilities that will be further aggravated by the heavy demand of these eight week courses? I am only taking two this semester, one each per semester, but my other classmates who are taking multiple, are genuinely having a hard time.
- This is a praise. ODU Police Department deserves far more recognition than what they get. I can personally speak for the investigations division, as they have been genuinely helpful of me and a situation I experienced over the Summer on campus. I also see them proactively cracking down on the asshole drivers on 39th, that, for whatever reason, love to drive 80 miles per hour, with the worst sounding exhausts. It's always hilarious seeing the looks on the faces of those who think state crosswalk laws do not apply to them.
- The President received a vote of no confidence for a reason. It is evident, and the guy only cares about money. He doesn't give a single shit about ODU students.
- Financial aid at ODU is rated one star for a reason. The way they speak to students is abysmal at best. I am sorry to everyone who ever has to deal with their customer service. I had a financial aid supervisor try to bill me for tuition, even after receiving notice that I was using my GI Bill at the time, and after payment was made. It took me threatening a congressional for them to actually realize that I mean what I say, and that I don't mind getting outside help for these internal, ongoing issues.
- I can see the burnout in my professors' faces. Thank you for sticking around, for caring about us, and for looking out for us, even though this admin could not be bothered less.
Do better, ODU.
Perhaps a letter to a standing Senator or House Representative may help? Just thinking out loud at this point.
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u/Infinite-Relation-38 5d ago
I’m also a veteran student at ODU. I signed up for a 16 week online course back when fall registration opened. This week at school, I found out that it had been chopped down to an 8 week course. I contacted my advisor and they confirmed to me that this was done over the summer and that administration admittedly gave little to no notice to students that had registered for 16 week courses that this had happened to their classes.
Given my schedule and how I am pretty bottlenecked out with my classes (further classes requiring pre-reqs before I can take them) - this fucked me on my full-time status for the GI bill. Not to mention the fact that the class itself is difficult and I was not prepared to take this in 8 weeks.
This school does not care about its students and definitely not its veterans. I have met some awesome staff members here, but the upper admin is a dumpster fire. I agree that it has become blatantly obvious that ODU has turned into a degree mill and sucking the most money out of students is the #1 priority.
Also, I have been to multiple colleges now as well. Using my chapter 33 GI bill, I have never had to come out of pocket for a substantial amount of stuff for a semester. I unexpectedly get a call from a debt collector on ODU’s behalf at the end of Spring 2026 because some of my “tuition” wasn’t paid. I called the military connection center and I asked them what was going on. They said that the VA won’t pay all of the things that ODU charges because it doesn’t fall under the category of what the GI bill covers. I went to find out what it was and there were tons of bullshit vague fee’s such as “innovation fee” and “technology fee” that I had to come out of pocket hundreds of dollars for. Never had this problem at other universities.
At this point, I would suggest for vets to look elsewhere. Disappointing man. I badly wanted to love this school. But it’s gotten worse with every semester that I’ve been here.
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u/WorriedCraft3564 4d ago
Im glad to hear i wasnt the only one who wasnt notified about their class changing from 16 week to 8!!! I failed an asynchronous class over the summer due to not realizing that. No email or anything. I reached out to the professor the day i received a notification for the final and he admitted that it was 16 weeks at first (stated on the syllabus) but that the school had him reduce it to 8 weeks. That meant two assignments had to be completed per week, not one. Still cant believe how no one was required to notify students about this change
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u/CrunchyBones26 5d ago
I couldn’t agree more bro. I heard about students receiving debt collector calls…I would be furious. I really do not want to go to school online. I also don’t want to transfer. That being said, I’m not sure how much more of admin’s bs I can take. I’m trying so hard to hold on, and to keep the path, but this school…My husband is coming in to be an instructor for the Marines out in Oceana. If we weren’t here for four years, I’d just transfer out to VCU or somewhere else. Hemphill and his cronies continue to blatantly ignore the majority of students who said they don’t want this eight week bs. He also is very performative.
My professors and the amazing classmates I have met are the sole reason I am still here.
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u/Infinite-Relation-38 5d ago
I was pissed when I got the debt collector call. But I was straight crashing out when I saw what the fee’s were lol.
I totally understand wanting out. I talk to my girl about it all the time and she encourages me to stay the course. We’re also tied to the area, otherwise I’d be looking elsewhere myself. I’ve been taking a hybrid schedule. Usually with one or two online classes along with my in person classes. Really just whatever my schedule needs at the time. It’s looking like that’s not gonna be a viable option for vet students looking to get their full benefits anymore.
I also agree about the students and professors. I was previously at CNU in Newport News and a big perk of coming to ODU was the diversity and personality of the school. No shade to CNU. ODU was always just more fitting for me.
However, CNU was a great school to be at as a veteran. My enthusiasm for ODU has now been extremely overshadowed by the bs that we all deal with.My girl also graduated from ODU and we’re both concerned about how the value of an ODU degree might become watered down in the future given the course that the university is on. I’ve heard that EVMS is not happy about the 8 week situation and might be looking to cut ties with the school in some ways.
We worked our ass off for these education benefits. Deployed like a mf for years and this is the education and treatment that ODU thinks is acceptable on the other side of that. I try not to think about it too much but shit like that bothers me maybe more than it should.
Thanks for sharing your vent. Makes me feel like I’m not alone dealing with this bs. Really hope things change for the better for you going forward. We both might just have to ride this one out
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u/CrunchyBones26 5d ago
Honestly, same man. I am trauma bonded to this community now, but at the same time, what the fuck is going on with this school? We absolutely did work our asses off, and then just to be shit on here. I hate complaining. I am not a fan of complaining without a solution. This shit though is on another tier. Absolutely, this is the worst ran university I have ever been to, by miles. I do appreciate that I could help you not feel so alone in this. That is incredibly important. I think a good ear to listen, and a shoulder to cry on, goes a long way in our community. If you ever need anything from me, don't hesitate to shoot me a message. I am not the most responsive on Discord, contrary to what this thread may lead one to believe. However, for a fellow veteran, I will always make time.
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u/beencaughtbuttering 4d ago
Gents, I am a retired Army Officer and current ODU global student, offering my support to you both as well.
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u/juiceafterhours 5d ago
please elaborate on the dead bodies thing this is the first i’m hearing of it and WHAT???
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u/CrunchyBones26 5d ago
Absolutely. Last year, there was a shooting off campus but the deceased were found on campus. Wasn’t much publicity about if I remember correctly.
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u/Pretend-Payment70 4d ago
This is my second to last semester as a senior and I also agree with everything you said here. I'm not military but from the other angles. I have ADHD, and I was locked into a course map timeline before these changes and now I'm working two full-time jobs with classwork. What does ODU do about it? Nothing. What do I do? Cry, have panic attacks, cry some more, and then do more homework. I had 10 assignments due this first week, I still have 5 more still due on Sunday after coming home every day this week and working non-stop. FML
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u/WatercressNo4879 1d ago
Yup…. I have ADHD, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. In the spring, they didn’t offer any 16 courses I was able to take. I cried at least twice a week because I was so stressed out and it was absolutely unmanageable. I had to quit my job and spend my savings because I cared about my GPA more than a stupid job I won’t stay at forever. Not to mention, those of us who work Monday- Friday get off around 5/6 and study/do work until 12/1am it’s not sustainable. I’m absolutely exhausted and sleep deprived
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u/KEEPINGUPWITHTHEB21 4d ago
I have been complaining about out this since I found out last semester. I am also a senior and the classes I have left have scared me from even registering this semester. I have PTSD and the only reason I stay with ODU is for the 16 week courses. It really allowed me to the chance to pace myself with all my issues to do well. The 8 week courses do not set anyone looking for a real job up for success. It only set you up for failure. There is no support and yet they continue to take our money and raise prices. I am glad I was not the only one dealing with this.
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u/Ol_stinkler 4d ago
Agreed 1000 times over. I love this campus, I love the sense of community I've found here, I love my professors... That said the cracks are starting to show into my sophomore year.
To your first point, I completely agree. There are zero additional security measures that have been implemented on campus. Everyone else seems to be going about their business as usual, but I can't help but have some fear and apprehension being on campus after the events that took place last semester.
Secondly, the military connection center, or whatever they have decided to call it during this Fall semester, is borderline useless. They didn't process my enrollment, lied about it to me saying that they did, only admitting they didn't when I put a VA rep on a call with the staff representing the MCC.
Thirdly, signing up for a sixteen week course, only for it to be changed without your knowledge to eight has to be teetering on the line of legality. I'm gonna hazard a guess that not having this course in the latter eight weeks of the semester drops you below the 12 credit hours needed for your full MHA?
I don't know what can be done, but if people want to organize, I'm all ears. This is beyond out of hand at this point and has me seriously considering transfer to a different school altogether for the remainder of my education. I'd really prefer not to do that, as I see the potential in this school, and would like to remain in the area for the foreseeable future.
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u/CrunchyBones26 4d ago
I would be completely open to peacefully organizing and having our voices heard. Please let me know if you want to do this, I do not mind at all.
I am sorry to hear that your benefits were not processed in a timely manner. I have come to realize that apparently MCC and Military Benefits Office are two separate spaces at ODU. It is VERY confusing. I did not learn about the veterans space over in Webb until early in February last semester. Monarch Hall houses the benefits office. Still though, it is very confusing, and I am unsure why both aren't in one physical location.
Your third point is absolutely valid. No student should ever be unaware that their registration in a class has changed without their knowing, to include the time allotment for a course. It absolutely is a money game to keep more money in ODU's pocket, and less in the students'.
What I managed to do is have four in person classes, for a total of twelve credits. All of those are 16 week courses. Then I took one eight week course for the first eight weeks, and one eight week course for the second eight weeks. This way, at no point during the semester, do I drop below full time enrollment. It is demanding time wise, but this helps me to not be so stressed about financials. I am using VR/E for transparency. It is a little bit different than the GI Bill, but still a wonderful program if you can get approved.
Again, on the organizing point- if you would like to meet peacefully, please let me know. I am down.
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u/Ol_stinkler 4d ago
I'm not even sure where something like this would start, but student unions have existed in the past.
I think one would need to gather a group of interested students and then list out our concerns, questions, and qualms. That would then need to be prioritized in a list, and ideally have proposed solutions accompanying them.
I firmly believe that student safety should be at the tippy top. The retrofitting of doors that only open with an ID scan isn't foolproof, but it is a hell of a lot better then the open door policy the campus has now. This only addresses a fraction of the problem though, as ODU has an open campus.
Fencing around several of the exterior edges of campus could be installed with a handful of open enterances, less entry points meaning security efforts could be directed more in these areas, and less securing the entire perimeter. While not a perfect solution, it more efficiently uses the security staff that is currently employed by ODU.
Lastly, IF none of the proposed solutions are effective and the campus does see another worst case scenario, god forbid, I think a "stop the bleed" course (along with the supplies to do so effectively), self defense courses, and periodic drills should be highly encouraged. While I understand the topic of firearms gets touchy, especially in the aftermath of the tragedy that took place at ODU this spring; I personally encourage ODU to loosen its stance on what self defense items are, and aren't allowed on campus. A pocket knife, for instance, is seemingly totally acceptable while a Byrna, and similar non-lethal self defense tools remain firmly against ODU's rules and regulations. This could be something that only students who demonstrate proficiency and utmost respect for, could be certified by the university to carry.
Just my ¢2, but it's better than the currently proposed solution by ODU... Which thusfar has amounted to nothing.
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u/CrunchyBones26 4d ago
I know that the campus pastor for WesleyODU located across the street from Ludwig on 39th is a huge proponent of peaceful assembly and he is open to students talking with him to address concerns. His name is Josh, and he’s fairly easily accessible. I’m going to talk to one of my professors Tuesday and see if I could potentially get something going. I really like the ideas you proposed here.
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u/Ol_stinkler 4d ago
Keep me posted if you get something going! If it works with my schedule I'd love to get involved
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u/Acceptable-Wealth579 4d ago
Oh boy don’t even get me started on the title IX office. They do not protect women who get SAed on their campus AT ALL. But they sure do protect their frat boys. The new memorial is so disappointing too. It’s just a blank room with chairs that will be disgusting in a year. Also when has anyone wanted to hang out in a room someone was murdered in? Where STUDENTS fought back and also killed someone. Just insane.
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u/CrunchyBones26 4d ago
I want to preface that, if this has happened to you on campus, I am sorry. I am a survivor of MST myself, and it is a pain that sticks with you, but it does not, and never will, define you. Again, I am truly sorry if this is something that you have endured during your time here. My words probably don't mean much, but just know I care.
As far as the room goes..."The Loft" I believe it was rebranded as(?), I have my own thoughts on that. I have not stepped foot inside of Constant since the shooting. I saw an article about it, and I just don't think we are doing enough to honor LTC Shah's sacrifice. I believe at a minimum, they could rename Constant as Shah Hall, or rename the ROTC building in his honor. It all feels very performative, and I am not a fan.
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u/tztang 4d ago
Not to mention tragedy almost every day.. they want a student get hit on Hampton Boulevard day two a house fire on the third Street day three stabbing out in front of the quad what’s the point of having id card if you’re not gonna use it to scan in and out once you put your ID card on your phone you can’t use your physical ID card anymore they need to make it so that you can use it on your phone or your card it doesn’t matter as long as that student has their ID card lock those buildings down there’s no reason for those buildings to be wide open high schools aren’t wide open not anybody should be able to walk in there yeah and I agree the president didn’t get a vote of confidence so why is he still there making $1 million?
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u/CrunchyBones26 4d ago
Absolutely. Our security should be taken more seriously. I did not hear about the stabbing, but at this point, as jaded and callous as it sounds, I am not surprised. My blame is not on ODU Police for our security. They do care. My blame lies with admin, because they see money per head, and could care less about actual safety.
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u/Comfortable_Soil3688 5d ago
as a third year student, i absolutely agree with everything you just said. ODU needs to do better for students, staff, and anyone that attends that university. if i wasn’t so far into my degree i definitely would’ve transferred a long time ago. it makes me sad because when i came to ODU i loved this campus. now, they just stopped giving a shit.