5
SPARK SCL
IT TAKES A VILLAGE:
PARTNERING WITH FAMILIES TO SUPPORT MONARCH SUCCESS
BY DR. VICTORIA L. MARTIN,
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT OF RETENTION AND TRANSITIONS
As the Fall 2025 semester begins and our Monarchs settle into their new routines, the Division of Student and Campus Life( SCL) is excited to walk alongside them— celebrating victories, exploring new opportunities, and offering support during challenges.
ODU provides a wide range of on-campus resources to help students build community, discover their passions, and grow with confidence. But we also recognize an equally important resource in their journey: the SCL faculty and staff, our Monarch parents, families, and supporters. Your ongoing encouragement and connection play a powerful role in y student success.
One of the most valuable tools available is CampusESP, our family communication platform that keeps families connected throughout a student’ s ODU experience. From the moment a student expresses interest in joining the Monarch community, CampusESP begins delivering timely and relevant information. Whether it’ s learning about campus traditions, opportunities to visit, or next steps in the enrollment process, this platform helps families stay engaged from day one.
The data tells a compelling story:
• 85 % of families want weekly communication from their student’ s college( a 20 % increase since 2020)
• 41 % of students communicate with their families daily
• 40 % of families want to be more involved in their student’ s experience
Once a student officially becomes a Monarch, CampusESP continues to be a trusted source of information. Through coordinated messages from the New2Blue and CORE teams, families receive updates and helpful resources to support a student’ s transition and continued success.
What sets CampusESP apart is its ability to personalize communication based on a student’ s background— whether they are first-generation, out-of-state, part of a special program, or navigating college in a unique way. This ensures that families receive the most relevant information to have meaningful, informed conversations with each Monarch.
Our commitment to family engagement is a cornerstone of ODU’ s mission to Get. Keep. Graduate. students. Thanks to the support of the SCHEV PIV grant, CampusESP has become an essential part of our strategy to enhance student success and community connection.
Together, we can create a strong, supportive network that helps our Monarchs thrive— on campus and beyond.
What updates should parents know from your office right now? To include your content in the next Monarch Family
Newsletter, email Dr. Pearson: c1pearso @ odu. edu.