The first thing you should do is become familiar with your University Identification Number (UIN), which was provided on your official offer of admission. It is important to know this number because you will use it often. Memorizing this number will make your transition to ODU much easier.

Now that you have been admitted, you need to activate your ODU MIDAS ID and your ODU email account. Your ODU MIDAS ID account coordinates identity and password management for the entire university and important communication will only be sent to your ODU email account.

Watch a tutorial video to assist you with activating your ODU MIDAS ID.

1. Go to https://midas.odu.edu/ and Click Need an account?
2. Proceed as instructed using your University Identification Number (UIN) for your User ID. This process also activates your email.
3. Make sure to write down your ODU MIDAS ID.
4. Once your email is activated, visit http://monarchs.odu.edu.
5. Enter your newly created ODU MIDAS ID and password
6. You can access your student email through the myODU portal using your ODU MIDAS ID and password.

The MBA program is a little different than other programs on campus, instead of the Graduate Program Director (GPD) doing academic advising; you have a program specific advisor. You will want to email MBAadvisor@odu.edu to complete your initial advising. This can be done on the phone, via email, on Zoom, or in person.

The degree evaluation tool, DegreeWorks, is available in the University Portal, myODU. On the Academic tab in the portal, you will see a new channel called "DegreeWorks." DegreeWorks is a web-based, academic advising tool designed to help students manage their academic progress. It identifies courses that fulfill requirements for your degree completion. It displays graduation requirements you've met already and those you've yet to complete. You can also generate 'What If' evaluations for future planning purposes. This can be a very powerful tool that can help you achieve your academic goals on time in collaboration with your academic advisor.

Here's the link to the registrar's site for more information: http://www.odu.edu/academics/academic-records/degree-evaluation.

All Graduate Students at ODU are required to complete Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training. This needs to be completed within 12 credits of starting your graduate work at ODU. Please be sure to comply with this requirement or there will be holds placed on your account after that time that the MBA program office will not be able to help do anything about.

The Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) consists of seven core RCR Training modules. This training may be done at your convenience on your computer and you do not have to complete all seven modules in one sitting. It typically takes approximately 2 hours in total to complete.

To begin the process, go to https://www.odu.edu/impact/responsible-conduct-of-training. College of Business students should select the Social & Behavioral track. If you have additional questions, you may contact Dr. Adam Rubenstein in the Office of Research at arubenst@odu.edu.

Our program has additional reporting requirements than other graduate programs at the University. If you would please complete this survey that will help us in that reporting process, please know that your individual responses remain anonymous.

There are only two of us working in the office trying to help approximately 200 students. Help us help you by doing these couple of things:

1. All students are required to register for an ODU email account and sign up for the MBA Google Group and search for MBA List. This latter item is often overlooked especially by ODU alumni. Please be certain to sign up for the Google Group as it is the primary means of communication from the MBA Program office.
2. New Admit Computer Requirement Instructions

Graduate assistantship provide a stipend each semester ($7,500 in Fall/Spring and varies in Summer) and a tuition waiver for out of state students for up to 9 credit hours in Fall/Spring and 6 credits in Summer that brings the tuition rate to in-state rates. Assistantships require that students spend an average 20 hours per week conducting teaching / research / administrative services.

In order to receive an assistantship and any eligible tuition support students must be enrolled in a degree program, attend school on a fulltime basis (summer semester six (6) graduate credit hours and fall and spring semesters nine (9) graduate credit hours is the minimum for full time status) and no more than 6 credit hours during the Summer semester or 9 credits in Fall/Spring covered by the award. Students must also maintain a 3.0 (or higher) grade point average. Please note the assistantship (including any tuition support) will be immediately terminated if students do not maintain the 3.00 grade point average. Students who resign their assistantships or whose assistantships are terminated will be responsible for all tuition which has been paid on their behalf in the semester in which the resignation or termination occurs.

Please note that assistantships are not guaranteed beyond the current semester.

The process to award assistantships begins the semester prior to the award period, please apply by submitting an updated resume and application to mbainfo@odu.edu at your earliest convenience. Please include your UIN where the application asks for SS#. This office also does not require the essay requested on the form only a current resume.

Full-time, on campus students must complete and submit the required student health forms to Student Health Services by August 1 for the fall semester and January 4 for the spring semester. Read about the immunization requirements here.

We have a very active MBA Association for students & alums; I encourage you to become an MBAA member as they are a fun group of professionals. Also, it is the organization that is your voice to administration as an MBA student. It is a great networking and professional development opportunity to add to your resume and enhance your MBA experience.

If you haven't already, please email, mail or fax us the New Student Information Sheet included in your Admissions packet.

After meeting with your advisor, you can register for your classes. Be sure to register for the entire semester. To get further information on how to register, review the Drop, Add, Withdraw steps.

Yes, then you will want to familiarize yourself with the Distance Learning Department and the tools you will need to be a successful online student. Visit the Once You're Accepted and How It works sections especially of the Distance Learning website.

Yes. Don't forget to get an ID with the University Card Center after you have registered so that you can take your printed registration to the Card Office to get an ID and an appropriate parking pass with Transportation and Parking Services. You will be able to get your parking pass in person or simply go to the parking office website to request one there.

How to find your text books

If you are a main campus student, books can be purchased from the University Bookstore.

If you are a student at an ODU Higher Education Center, your books will be available for purchase at the Center several weeks before classes begin.

If you are a distance student, you will order your books from ODU Express.