General FAQs
We assist military-affiliated students from application to graduation. Our team can help you choose a career path, navigate your VA education benefits, provide clarity with the application and enrollment process, and so much more.
Please don't hesitate to ask us a question. We're here to help you succeed and get the most out of your college experience.
A military-affiliated student is someone who has a direct connection to the military. This includes current or previous Active Duty members in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or National Guard, Reservists, those enrolled in any ODU ROTC program, or is a spouse or dependent of someone in the military.
The Military Connection Center is located at 1106 Monarch Hall. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8-5. You can connect with us online at military@odu.edu or by calling 757.683.7153.
Depending on your major, the process of contacting your advisor may vary. If you can't identify your primary point of contact using this directory, you also have the option of emailing advisor@odu.edu and requesting further assistance.
Military Tuition Rate will be available for eligible undergraduate active-duty military personnel enrolled in a degree or non-degree seeking, for-credit courses offered on campus or online. More information on this page.
Application & Enrollment FAQs
Contact the Office of Admissions at admission@odu.edu to request an application fee waiver request form.
Send all official transcripts directly to ODU Admissions. They can be emailed to admissions@odu.edu, or mailed to the address below:
1004 Rollins Hall
Norfolk, VA 23529
- Military Connection Center: for assistance with application, crafting a degree plan, enrolling in classes, career counseling, connecting with campus community. Email: military@odu.edu
- Contact Robert Clark if you have any questions regarding Navy ROTC or Army ROTC. Email: reclark@odu.edu Phone: 757-683-3018
- Contact Dan Whiting for assistance with distance learning enrollment. Email: dwhiting@odu.edu Phone: 757-683-5783
- Contact Veteran Affairs Certification Team for assistance with the G.I. Bill, Certifying classes through the VA, and other tuition benefit questions. Email: vaservices@odu.edu Phone: 757-683-4425
The Military Connection Center is located at 1106 Monarch Hall. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8-5. You can connect with us online at military@odu.edu or by calling 757.683.7153.
Depending on your major, the process of contacting your advisor may vary. If you can't identify your primary point of contact using this directory, you also have the option of emailing advisor@odu.edu and requesting further assistance.
VA & Education Benefit FAQs
Please visit this page for a step-by-step guide on how to apply for TA.
If this is your first time using VA benefits, you'll need to activate them via this website.
Once you complete the application and submit it, it will take up to 30 days to process your request through the VA.
Once processed, the VA will mail your a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to your home mailing address. Keep this for your records.
After receiving your certificate, click here for the next steps.
Questions to ask yourself first:
- Have you picked a traditional or online degree program?
- Have you ensured your degree program is eligible for VA benefits?
- Have you applied for your VA benefits, been approved, and received a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA?
- Have you confirmed with the Veteran Affairs Certification Team you've filled out all of your paperwork properly?
- Have you met with your education counselor and made an academic plan and enrolled in classes?
If all of the above steps have been completed. Please fill out the Veterans Clearance form and visit this page for additional information and what to expect next.
There are two ways to update your institution of study.
- If the GI Bill® you plan to use is your own, earned through your military service, click here for instructions on how to transfer your benefits.
- If the GI Bill® you plan to use was transferred to you by a servicemember because you're a spouse or dependent, click here for instructions on transferring benefits.
Active duty military, MEM Ashore, and certificate students using GI Bill® benefits must complete the Veterans Clearance Form EACH semester AFTER registering for ODU classes.
Chapter 31 students and Engineering Management students in the Portable Media Program do not need to complete the Veterans Clearance Form.
- Chapter 31 students will coordinate with their assigned VA Educational Counselor.
- Engineering Management students in the Portable Media Program will coordinate with the Engineering Management department.
If you are changing from one chapter of VA benefits to another, changing your education program or have had a break in enrollment, you will need to submit a new Veterans Clearance Form.
If you have not made any changes and were certified for VA Benefits in the prior semester, you do not need to submit a Veterans Clearance Form. You will be certified automatically and receive a confirmation email from VA Once after you have been certified.