Once You're Accepted
Important information and first steps for new Distance Learning students at ODU.
1. Your University Identification Number (UIN)
Your UIN is a unique 8-digit number that is used to identify your student record. The Office of the Registrar manages this information and provides guidance on how to acquire your UIN.
2. Monarch Identification and Authorization System (MIDAS)
Your MIDAS user name and password give you access to secure ODU resources, such as student email and Blackboard. The Office of Computing and Communications Services (OCCS) has both a video tutorial and printable instructions on how to activate your account.
3. Student Email
Your ODU email account is activated automatically when you activate your MIDAS account and is accessible in about 10 minutes after your MIDAS account is activated. To access email, visit http://monarchs.odu.edu. Login with your MIDAS ID and password, and you should be redirected to your email account. For help with your email account, please contact OCCS.
Because ODU uses Gmail for student email, accessing your email also gives you access to Google Apps for Education. OCCS has more details about these online software applications.
4. Review "How to Succeed"
We've created three guides to help you as an ODU Distance Learning student, whether you're taking classes online or on-site at an extended campus location. Each link opens in a new window.
- How to Succeed as an Online Student (PDF)
- How to Succeed as an On-site Student (PDF)
- How to Succeed as a Portable Media Student (PDF)
5. Undergraduate Student Orientation Online
ODU has online orientation to help make your transfer experience a smooth one. You can access the Transfer Online Orientation by providing your University Identification Number (UIN) and birth date.
6. Transcript Evaluations
Once admitted, you can view your awarded credits (transfer, military, AP, IB, CLEP and DANTES) using LEO Online.
Your Site Director/Advisor will provide a curriculum evaluation for your major that details how awarded transfer credits are applied to your degree. If you believe that you have not been awarded credit appropriately, your Site Director/Advisor will give you information on the transfer evaluation review process.
If you are currently enrolled in courses at another college or university, please have an official transcript sent to us as soon as your final grade and degree (if applicable) have been posted. This will enable us to update your records and provide you with proper academic advising. In addition, please remember to submit official test scores for any AP, IB, CLEP or DANTES scores for which you are seeking credit.
7. Undergraduate Writing Sample Placement Test
All freshmen and undergraduate transfer students are required to take the Writing Sample Placement Test. If you complete a preview session either online or on-campus, you will take care of this requirement at that time. If not, email wspt@odu.edu and request to be added to an Organization in Blackboard specifically designed to accommodate the testing process. Please include the following information in the email:
Subject Line: WSPT Registration
Message: Request to be added to WSPT organization in Blackboard to take placement test. Please add me to the organization for students attending classes at a distance, including higher education centers, entitled: WSPT for TTN Transfer Students.
Your Name:
Your user name (MIDAS ID):
Transfer students are required to pass the WSPT before the end of their second semester. Transfer students who do not pass the WSPT must meet with a Writing Center counselor (over the telephone) to discuss the exam before registering for the second semester.
8. Graduate Student CITI Training
All ODU graduate students must complete the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) seven core training modules in the fundamentals of Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR). This policy was adopted with the understanding that the knowledge and philosophy presented in the RCR training can enhance the professional development of all students, regardless of discipline.
The CITI training must be completed within your first year of enrollment at ODU. For instructions, please visit the Office of Research web site.
Navy College Students
There are some additional steps you may need to take. Review the Navy College Enrollment Checklist here.