Navy College: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start my program at any time?
It depends. Some asynchronous courses may be available for "open enrollment." This determination will be made as the courses are developed and scheduled. Otherwise, the fixed term dates for the Fall, Spring and Summer terms are applicable. Class schedules and course information may be found on the Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership website for Old Dominion University.

Will I be assigned an advisor, and will I be able to communicate with that person on a regular basis?
Yes, students will be assigned an academic advisor, a person with whom they can communicate on a regular basis either in person for those folks stationed in the Norfolk area, or via phone or e-mail. All degree status undergraduate students are required to have an academic or faculty advisor approve their courses of study prior to each registration. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor regularly to evaluate their academic progress and once each semester to select courses for the following semester.

How much of the degree has to be taken through a partnership school to meet residency requirements?
In addition to meeting other requirements of the University, students must earn a minimum of 25 percent of the total number of credits in a 120-credit degree program, through on or off-campus instruction. This must include a minimum of 12-hours of upper division courses in the department of the declared major.

Will courses from other colleges transfer into your partnership school degree plan?
Old Dominion is developing articulation agreements with the Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership's schools who share the same Navy ratings with us. In addition, Old Dominion is a member of SOCNAV, and courses/credits approved under SOCNAV will transfer to Old Dominion from another SOCNAV institution. Lastly, Old Dominion maintains guaranteed articulation agreements with all of the institutions of the Virginia Community College System including Tidewater and Thomas Nelson Community Colleges in the Norfolk area. In addition, articulation agreements in Engineering Technology and Health Sciences are maintained with Tidewater Community College. Normally, a grade of C (2.00) or above must be earned, and the course must be appropriate to the University's degree program.

How will classes be delivered?
In a variety of formats to include traditional classroom delivery, over the University's satellite and video teleconferencing broadcast systems to multiple locations in and outside the state of Virginia, and in a number of asynchronous distance learning formats to include Web based instruction, and CDROM courses.

Is there a placement test?
Before or during their first semester, all degree-seeking students must take the Writing Sample Placement Test. The test identifies any weaknesses that would affect performance on the Exit Examination of Writing Proficiency (a graduation requirement for all undergraduate students).

Do you have study guides for the courses offered?
Students are provided with the necessary materials to assist them in completing the course. This may include study guides, handouts, related journal articles, and/or other types of materials. In addition, students have access to the resources of the Perry library using on-line services. These resources are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week by anyone who has access to the Internet.

Do I have to own a computer to do distance learning?
It depends on the distance learning media used for course delivery. No computer is needed to access courses delivered over the University's satellite or video teleconferencing systems. For asynchronous courses, owning a computer is not a requirement if the student has access to a computer with Internet access and/or CDROM capability if he/she decides to take a course. Old Dominion will continue to offer courses in a variety of formats to meet the needs of the students.

Does your school accept credits from foreign institutions?
Possibly, but each request will have to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Can I take CLEP and other tests for credit toward a degree?
Yes.

Can I continue my degree while at sea?
If the course you wish to take is available for asynchronous delivery, and there are no other restrictions imposed by the Navy, students can take courses at sea provided they can access the course materials either through the Internet or via CDROM. Old Dominion already has students taking courses in an asynchronous format while on deployments.

How many courses can I take at a time?
The student makes this determination in consultation with his/her academic advisor. Normally, students employed full-time, especially those engaged in high operations tempos aboard Navy vessels, find that one course is all that they can handle given their job responsibilities and other obligations. Of course, some students may be able to take more than one course per semester, but it all depends on the status of the student and how much time they can devote to educational pursuits.

Will tuition assistance cover the costs for this type of study?
The normal tuition assistance rules apply to this partnership program. The government pays 75 percent (100 percent under some conditions), and the student share is 25 percent, plus the cost of books and fees.

How do I apply for grants/financial aid?
The best option is to visit the University's Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership website and click on the link to Financial Aid. Or, the student can call the toll free number listed at the head of this document and we will put them in contact with the right folks at Old Dominion University.

Does your school offer scholarships to military and family members?
Scholarships are available to students who can demonstrate that they meet the eligibility requirements for the award based on financial need and/or scholastic achievement. There are no scholarships specifically targeted solely for military students attending Old Dominion. Each scholarship application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Additionally, Old Dominion University students may submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal financial aid programs.

How do I use my VA benefits?
The Office of Military Student Services handles the administration of VA benefits for military students. These benefits may be used to offset the costs associated with earning a degree. Approximately 25 percent of Old Dominion's campus enrollment is comprised of military personnel. The University is well equipped to handle questions related to the use of Veteran's Benefits. They can call our toll free number, or contact the Military Student Services Office directly at emcclint@odu.edu, or by calling 757-683-3706, or sending a fax to 757-683-5865.

Does the student pay in-state or out of state fees?
Students using tuition assistance will receive in-state rates even if their official domicile is a state other than Virginia. In other situations, it is recommended that the student contact one of Old Dominion's field offices or the Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership office at the main campus. We will be happy to assist them in determining if they can qualify for in-state tuition. Old Dominion works hard to accommodate the needs of military students whenever we can.

Can anyone take classes at ODU sites located on military bases, or are programs restricted to military personnel?
Active duty military, retired military, military dependents, and civilians can take classes and complete degree programs at ODU sites located on military bases.  Individuals must meet whatever requirements are necessary to gain access to the base.

Is there any additional information that a student should know about Old Dominion?
Old Dominion is a state-assisted doctoral research institution with its main campus in Norfolk, VA. It ranks among the nation's most technologically oriented schools, and technology-delivered distance education has been a characteristic of the University's mission and operations since 1984.

The distance learning courses offered under the Partnership Program are fully accredited, and all distance learning degree program curricula and requirements are identical to those offered on the main campus. The faculty who teach in the curriculum are outstanding scholars and educators in their own right and over 80% of Old Dominion's distance learning courses are taught by members of the University's regular, full-time instructional faculty.

The Perry library offers a full range of library services to distance learners including access to library collections and a number of different research databases 24 hours a day. Document delivery is available through UNCOVER, a database of current article information from 17,000 journals in all disciplines.

A high percentage of students enrolled in distance learning courses through Old Dominion have successfully completed their programs. Because of the proximity of some distance sites to the University's main campus or regional higher education centers, some students attend classes both in "traditional" classroom instruction and through distance learning technologies. There are numerous other locations spread around the state of Virginia at community colleges, and at Olympic College in Washington state which is in proximity to military installations in the area.

Is there a point of contact in the Navy I can contact for information about other schools and programs?
The Navy point of contact is Mr. Barry Nelson, NETPDTC N2, Navy College Center Director, email barry.nelson@cnet.navy.mil; phone 850-452-1001, ext. 2102.