Old Dominion University had its formal beginning in 1930 as the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary. Afternoon and evening courses had been offered as early as 1919 for teachers and adult study groups in the area. In 1931, the Virginia Polytechnic Institute extended its work to Norfolk by giving, in the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary, the regular freshman and sophomore engineering classes that it gave at Blacksburg. In 1954, the school was authorized to offer baccalaureate programs. Two years later, the first bachelor’s degrees were awarded. In 1962, the institution gained its independence from the College of William and Mary by state legislative action. A governing board was appointed and the school was authorized to operate as an independent State institution.
Shortly thereafter, the school’s Board of Visitors adopted the name Old Dominion College. The institution was authorized by the State Council of Higher Education to offer graduate programs leading to the master’s degree in 1964. In 1968, the Board authorized that the name of the institution be changed to Old Dominion University effective September 1, 1969. New advanced programs are initiated as needs develop and as the necessary funds and facilities become available. In 1971, a Doctor of Philosophy degree with concentrations in engineering was approved, and in 1973, a Ph.D. with a concentration in oceanography was approved. There are currently 66 baccalaureate programs, 67 master’s programs, two educational specialist degrees, and 24 doctoral programs.
Mission Statement Summary
Old Dominion University promotes the advancement of knowledge and the pursuit of truth locally, nationally, and internationally. It develops in students a respect for the dignity and worth of the individual, a capacity for critical reasoning, and a genuine desire for learning. It fosters the extension of the boundaries of knowledge through research and scholarship and is committed to the preservation and dissemination of a rich cultural heritage. Old Dominion University is old enough to value tradition yet young enough to facilitate change. In a spirit of creative experimentation, innovation, research, and technology, the University is ready to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.
Statement of Work Values
At Old Dominion University we are interested in stating clearly the broad purpose of our institution and the means by which we achieve that purpose. Typically, most of the University’s operations are accomplished through day-to-day interactions between employees and their supervisors. However, we feel the Statement summarizes our expectations of all employees, including adjunct faculty.
High standards of performance are expected of all employees. Responsive, dependable, and courteous service to students, parents, and other members of the University community is the primary responsibility of all employees. Individual and collective initiatives to enhance performance and improve the work environment are encouraged and will be rewarded. The University will assist the employee to perform well by providing training, support, and a safe and healthful work environment.
All employees should promote a work environment in which:
- Individual freedom and dignity are respected and supported while each member pursues the University’s work goals and missions;
- Personal and career development are emphasized and understood so that employees will be satisfied and productive in their work and have a sense of pride in Old Dominion University;
- Trust is fostered by truthful working relationships;
- All employees are treated equitably with affirmative action and equal opportunities emphasized;
- Adequate communication, including clearly defined work goals, exists to support the mission of the work unit.
Managers have a special obligation to support and translate broad mission goals into operational objectives. Managers may expect:
- Training and development opportunities to improve their management leadership role;
- Support of decisions, which are aligned to the University Statement of Work Values; and
- Corrective action when the University Statement of Work Values is not followed.