In an effort to provide counseling services and other support for the campus and the community, Old Dominion University will be closed Friday, March 13, 2026 at all locations. Classes are cancelled, and operations are suspended.
Family Information Center
- The ODU Family Information Center is available in Chartway Arena’s Big Blue Room. Chartway Arena is located at 4320 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23529.
- Counseling services are available at www.odu.edu/counseling-services. For immediate counseling assistance, please call (757) 683-4401.
- The emergency contact center can be reached at (757) 683-5845. All emergencies should be directly reported to 911.
A Message from President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
Dear Monarchs:
Earlier today, March 12, 2026, Old Dominion University faced a tragedy on our main campus. I am grateful for the swift response of our police officers, emergency management personnel, and our partners at the City of Norfolk who promptly assisted the injured.
Due to the incident, Old Dominion University has canceled classes and suspended operations on main campus for the remainder of the day, March 12, 2026. Due to the ongoing investigation, please avoid the area in and around Constant Hall and continue to follow instructions from ODU Alerts. Family Information Center is available in Chartway Arena’s Big Blue Room. Read the full message.
Incident Details
1:45 p.m. Continue to avoid the area in and around Constant Hall as the investigation is ongoing.
In an effort to provide counseling services and other support for the campus and the community, Old Dominion University will be closed tomorrow (Friday, March 13, 2026) at all locations. Classes are cancelled, and operations are suspended.
On Friday, March 13, 2026, counselors will be on the main campus and available from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Student counseling will be available in Broderick Dining Commons. Faculty, staff, and community counseling will be available in Student Government Chambers at Webb Center. Food services will be available for those remaining in campus housing.
As of 11:43 a.m., there is no longer a threat at Old Dominion University. Please continue to avoid the area in and around Constant Hall where emergency personnel continue to work.
As a reminder, Old Dominion University has canceled classes and operations on main campus for the remainder of the day, March 12, 2026. The next update will be at 12:30 p.m.
Shortly before 10:49 a.m., a gunman in Constant Hall opened fire. Two people were injured. Old Dominion University Police, Norfolk Police and emergency personnel responded; immediately. The gunman is now deceased. The injured were transported to a local hospital.
Old Dominion University has canceled classes and operations on main campus for the remainder of the day. Please avoid the area in and around Constant Hall where emergency personnel continue to work. Next update will be provided at 12:15 p.m.
Rave Alerts
3-12-26 (1:43 p.m.)
O.D.U. Urgent Alert: In an effort to provide counseling services and other support for the campus and the community, Old Dominion University will be closed tomorrow (Friday, March 13, 2026) at all locations. Classes are cancelled, and operations are suspended.
On Friday, March 13, 2026, counselors will be on the main campus and available from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Student counseling will be available in Broderick Dining Commons. Faculty, staff, and community counseling will be available in Student Government Chambers at Webb Center. Food services will be available for those remaining in campus housing.
Continue to avoid the area in and around Constant Hall as the investigation is ongoing.
3-12-26 (12:05 p.m.)
O.D.U. Urgent Alert: This is an all clear notification. The emergency at Constant Hall has ended. There is no longer an active threat to the campus community. Avoid the area in and around Constant Hall where emergency officials continue to work.
3-12-26 (11:30 a.m.)
Due to an active shooter situation in which the shooter has been neutralized, all classes and operations on the main campus are suspended for the remainder of the day (Thursday, March 12, 2026). Avoid the area in and around Constant Hall where emergency officials continue to work. An update will be provided as soon as possible.
3-12-26 (10:48 a.m.)
ODU Urgent Alert: Active threat reported at Constant Hall. Follow Run-Hide-Fight protocols. Emergency personnel responding. Avoid area.