Old Dominion University @ CVCC

History and Facts of the CVCC Site

Changing Lives in the Lynchburg Area

Old Dominion University’s Distance Learning Site at Central Virginia Community College opened in 1994 when it began delivery of interactive courses through ODU’s satellite network. The partnership between ODU and CVCC has been strong, with each college operating in an environment of mutual cooperation. ODU on the CVCC campus has given community college students the opportunity to obtain a four-year degree from the only public university in Lynchburg without leaving their local area. ODU is a regular participant in CVCC events to include Spring and Fall Convocations for faculty and staff, student picnics, college fairs, and graduation. ODU flyers, brochures, and other information is available throughout the CVCC campus and CVCC off-campus centers.

Interesting Notes and Facts

The number of graduates since the opening of the ODU Site at CVCC is 182. The average age of a distance learning student at the Site is 26. Over the past five years, students accepted into ODU programs have returned to CVCC to take over 300 classes to fulfill their degree requirements. Over 20 CVCC employees have enrolled in ODU courses or completed their degree programs at the ODU Site. Enrollments have steadily increased over the past five years. The most popular program is Human Services, followed closely by Mechanical Engineering Technology and Civil Engineering Technology. Equal percentages of students are enrolled in IDS-Teacher Prep, Health Sciences, and Occupational Technical Studies. Increases are being seen in Professional Communication, Professional Writing, and Graduate Nursing. Business programs, as a group have shown no change over the past three semesters. Although the majority of students are part-time, there has been a recent increase in the number of full-time students.

Why Students Choose ODU Distance Learning at CVCC

Local advising is one of the main reasons that students choose ODU Distance Learning at CVCC. Students also enjoy participation in a “live” class whether the delivery method is satellite or videostreaming or a hybrid that includes a web component. For students who prefer web courses, some programs such as Criminal Justice and RN to BSN can be taken totally online. Another advantage for distance learning students is that most can be admitted to ODU by the Site Director and do not have to wait weeks to hear their admission decisions. Some programs, however, such as Nursing, Health Sciences, and Business programs have an additional application process that may occur during the same semester as admission to the University, but may be submitted later.

CVCC Programs Prepare Students for ODU Programs

Many CVCC programs serve as “feeder” programs into ODU degree programs. The Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical, Electronics, and Civil Engineering Technology and the Associate of Science program in Engineering, provide excellent technical background for students who seek entry into ODU Bachelor’s programs in Engineering Technology. CVCC’s AAS programs in allied health professions such as Medical Laboratory Technology, Radiological Technology, and Respiratory Therapy Technology prepare licensed and certified health professionals who are well qualified to enter ODU’s BS in Health Sciences program. CVCC Dental Hygiene graduates may enter the ODU B.S. Dental Hygiene program. Students who complete AAS programs in Information Systems Technology, Application Software, Programming, or Web Developer may seek entry into ODU’s Computer Science or Information Technology Bachelor’s programs. Administrations of Justice graduates from CVCC are well qualified to enter ODU’s Criminal Justice, online or satellite program. Those CVCC students who complete Associate in Arts and Sciences degrees in Business, Education, Liberal Arts, Science, or General Studies have most of the general education requirements for ODU Business, Education, or various other degree programs such as Human Services, Professional Writing, and Professional Communication. ODU’s Bachelor’s in Occupational Technical Studies is ideal for CVCC students who complete various other programs, particularly in technical areas.

Student Testimonials

Jewell Newman is an instructor in the Machine and Welding Technology lab at CVCC AND a Spring 2006 ODU graduate of the Occupational and Technical Studies B.S. program. Jewell’s goal is to attain a Master's degree and a full-time teaching position; her ODU degree will help qualify her for this future job. She characterizes the ODU Distance Learning Site as “one of the best things in Lynchburg.” She further explains her enthusiasm for ODU by citing the cost, convenience, and the personal service she received at the CVCC Site. Jewell has referred several prospective students to ODU, and she says she is happy to “spread the word” about the wonderful educational opportunities available from the only public University in Lynchburg.

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