Located in historic Norfolk, Va., the 188 acres of the Old Dominion University campus stretch from the Elizabeth River to the Lafayette River. Although situated in a metropolitan setting, the University offers a small-college look and feel, with tree-lined walkways, a mix of old and new buildings, and colorful gardens and ponds. Founded in 1930 as a division of the College of William and Mary, Old Dominion has grown into its own over the years and is now one of only 101 public universities with a Carnegie/Doctoral Research-Extensive distinction.

Since the early seventeenth century, Hampton Roads has been the state's gateway to the rest of the world and the world's gateway to Virginia in commerce and industry, in recreation and culture, and in national security. Now a complex of seven major cities, it is a microcosm of the opportunities and challenges of contemporary urban America. It is also a major center for research and development and a home for extensive scientific and technological activities in marine science, aerospace, ship design and construction, advanced electronics, and nuclear physics.

The university takes its unique character from Hampton Roads as it provides leadership to the state and nation in teaching, research, and service. Thus the university has a special mission for the Commonwealth in commerce, and in international affairs and cultures. It has a significant commitment in science, engineering and technology, particularly in fields of major importance to the region.

Old Dominion University's graduate offerings are focused on society's need for advanced professional education and on specialized programs at the master's and doctoral levels for which the institution is prepared through unusual strength of faculty or special geographic advantages. All graduate programs meet national standards of excellence.

As a national leader in the field of technology-delivered distance learning, the university strives to enhance the quality of the educational experience, wherever education is delivered, by applying emerging technologies; it also supports research to explore the impact of these technologies on the teaching-learning process. By utilizing these technologies and by partnering with institutions of higher education, corporations, and governmental entities, the university is able to provide undergraduate and graduate degree programs to students across time and geographic boundaries.

As a center of learning, Old Dominion University is committed to the principle of free inquiry. The university faculty of distinguished teacher-scholars seeks to pass on the best in academic tradition while establishing themselves at the forefront of discovery and creativity. As partners in the development of the university's future, the faculties enjoy full academic freedom and have a recognized role in the decision-making process of the university. Mindful of present and future needs for a multicultural academic climate, the university deems recruitment and retention of minority and women faculty members and staff to be essential.