General Education Reform

What is General Education Reform?

In fall of 2023, ODU started the process of reviewing our general education program. For the last three years, we have developed a community of practice that has included around 200 faculty, staff, administrators, and students, and together we have been exploring different possibilities for what general education at ODU could look like in the future. Instead of just tweaking what we have already, we want to reimagine what is possible.

Mission & Goals

Resources & Updates

Proposed Model

Faculty SLO Feedback Sessions

G – Information Literacy: Wednesday, September 2, from 3:00-4:30 in the Library Conference Rooms (1310-1311)
L – Literature: Tuesday, September 8, from 12:30-2:00 in Education Building 1110
H – History: Wednesday, September 9, from 3:00-4:30 in the Library Conference Rooms (1310-1311)
M – Math: Friday, September 11, from 3:00-4:30 in OCNPS 142
N - Nature of Science:
Monday, September 14, from 12:00-1:30 in Hampton/NN
Monday, September 14, from 3:00-4:30 in OCNPS 142
R - Oral Communication:
Tuesday, September 15, from 12:30-2:00 in Ches/Port/VB (2nd floor Webb)
Tuesday, September 15, from 3:00-4:30 in Burgess Rm (BAL 9th floor)
A – Human Creativity: Wednesday, September 16, from 3:00-4:30 in the Library Conference Rooms (1310-1311)
E & P - Ethics & Philosophy: Thursday, September 17, from 3:00-4:30 in Burgess Rm (BAL 9th floor)
S - Human Behavior: Monday, September 21, from 12:00-1:30 in Hampton/NN
T - Impact of Technology: Monday, September 21, from 3:00-4:30 in OCNPS 14
F – Language & Culture: Wednesday, September 23, from 3:00-4:30 in the Library Conference Rooms (1310-1311)
C – Written Communication: Wednesday, September 30, from 3:00-4:30 in the Chesapeake/Portsmouth/Virginia Beach Rooms (2nd floor Webb Center)
Open Session for All Faculty: Monday, September 28, from 3:00-5:00 in the Education Building Multipurpose Room (1107) and on Zoom.

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Student Voices

This reform values students’ experiences, creating a more flexible, meaningful education. Though I’ll graduate before it’s fully implemented, I’m grateful to help shape changes that will benefit future generations.

Abigail Berardi Junior, Electrical and Computer Engineering: Modeling and Simulation

As a STEM student, I initially questioned general education classes, but humanities courses showed me their value. Joining the GenEd Reform group reinforced my belief in interdisciplinary learning—it helps us engage with the world, become active citizens, and grow both personally and professionally.

Epiphany Smith Junior Electrical Engineering Technology

General education at ODU challenged me, sharpened my critical thinking, and strengthened my computer science skills. Working on the GenEd Reform team, I’ve seen firsthand how a well-rounded education benefits all students.

Spencer Peloquin Senior, Computer Science, ODU Global