By Jonah Grinkewitz 

Old Dominion University’s Office of Advising Administration, in partnership with departments across campus, is hosting a series of in-person and virtual advising events this fall to help students get ready for the spring semester.

These advising and registration labs and parties provide a chance for students to explore courses that align with their degree paths and register for classes on the spot. 

“Our goal is to remove barriers to the registration process and give students the information, guidance and tools to make the best decisions possible for their educational future,” said Amy Johnson, assistant vice president for Academic Success.

There will be advising and registration labs geared toward students from specific schools and colleges as well as incoming first-year and transfer students and exploratory students who have not chosen a major. At these lab events, students can meet with an advisor and register for classes without making an appointment. 

Here is a full list of dates, times and locations for the upcoming advising and registration labs: 

  • Center for Orientation, Retention and Exploration (CORE): Nov. 12 from 12-2 p.m. in the Commuter Lounge (second floor of Webb Student Center)
  • Center for Orientation, Retention and Exploration (CORE): Nov. 19 from 12-2 p.m. in the Commuter Lounge (second floor of Webb Student Center)
  • Center for Orientation, Retention and Exploration (CORE): Nov. 21 from 12-2 p.m. in the Commuter Lounge (second floor of Webb Student Center)
  • Interdisciplinary Schools: Every Wednesday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m. in Monarch Hall Room 1133A/B

For students who cannot attend in-person, there will be an online registration lab on Nov. 18 from 2-4 p.m. with peer mentors available to walk students through the registration process. To attend, visit the Zoom link

The University will also host residence hall registration parties with advisors onsite to recommend classes and help students register. 

Here is a full list of dates, times and locations for the upcoming residence hall registration parties:

  • Whitehurst Hall: Nov. 12, 14 and 18 from 3-5 p.m. and Dec. 3 from 2-6 p.m. 
  • Owens House: Nov. 12, 14 and 18 from 3-5 p.m. and Dec. 3 from 2-6 p.m.
  • Rogers Hall: Nov. 12, 14 and 18 from 3-5 p.m. and Dec. 3 from 2-6 p.m. 
  • Scotland House: Nov. 12, 14 and 18 from 3-5 p.m. and Dec. 3 from 2-6 p.m. 

In addition to these events, the University is sending email communications to students about the registration process, posting flyers across campus and staff members are reaching out directly to individual students to help them register. Some student clubs and organizations are also giving away prizes to students who register by a certain date.

This initiative also hopes to dispel myths about the registration process, such as when tuition is due. Tuition is due on a specific date shortly after the start of each semester and is NOT tied to the time of registration – so registering early won’t mean you have to pay tuition early. 

Students can see who their assigned advisor is in the ODU Portal and DegreeWorks or follow this directory. If you’re still unable to identify your advisor, contact advisor@patnamarriage.com for assistance. 

For more information about the advising and registration process, learn about degree requirements and graduate student advising, visit the Office of Advising Administration website.