Institutional Equity & Diversity

Equality, diversity, respect and inclusiveness for all

Old Dominion University has a long and proud legacy of commitment to the principles of equality and equal opportunity for all students, faculty and staff. The mission of the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity is to provide leadership and support on matters relating to equity, diversity, respect and inclusiveness for all members of the Old Dominion University community. The staff provides guidance, support and delivery of programming, services and educational initiatives to University faculty, staff, and students to support diversity, inclusiveness, equal access, equitable treatment, cultural understanding and the prevention of prohibited discrimination and harassment.

OIED has the following two functional areas. Please visit the directory for contact information.

Institutional Equity
Diversity and Inclusive Excellence

NEA Big Read at ODU

ODU has a proud history of being a two-time recipient of the NEA Big Read Grant in 2009-10 and 2018-19. As the 2024-25 recipients, our common read is Rebekah Taussig’s powerful memoir Sitting Pretty: The View From My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body.

Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month—a time for Old Dominion University to recognize, respect, and honor the contributions, cultures, and resilience of Native American communities

Honoring the 79th Annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month Access to Good Jobs for All

October 2024 marks the 79th annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to honor the significant contributions of people with disabilities to our workforce and economy.

Commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together

This year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together”, highlights the trailblazers who have led the way for future generations through their innovation, leadership, and unwavering dedication to progress in various fields, including education, science, business, the arts, and social justice.

Civility: The Monarch Way

The Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity (OIED) will be providing several opportunities for our community to become Aware, Culturally Competent, and Engaged (ACE). Find tools and tips to join the civility movement.

CommUNITY Conversations

CommUNITY Conversations is a series of proactive conversations offering a place for your voice to be heard! We are building an inclusive community, one conversation at a time.

Employee Diversity at ODU

Old Dominion University is deeply committed to the success of every member of the Monarch community which includes our entire workforce.

Information, consultation, training, resources to the University community with regard to diversity, harassment and discrimination prevention, affirmative action, equal opportunity and disability matters; and pregnancy and parenting;
Individual consultation with University supervisors, staff, faculty, students, and administrators;
A mechanism for responding to complaints of harassment and discrimination including alternative dispute resolution options;
Oversight of and support for the University's compliance efforts in the areas of equal opportunity, affirmative action, harassment and discrimination prevention, and compliance with all applicable State and Federal civil rights laws.

Equal Opportunity

The Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity oversees, facilitates and supports the University's efforts to ensure equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective styles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, national origin, age, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), political affiliation, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.