SPRING 2026
12
CONNECTION,
PERSISTENCE
Notably, 40 % of ODU’ s TalkCampus users had never previously received support, highlighting its reach to students who may not engage in traditional counseling.
Student reflections on TalkCampus platform highlight the impact of this access. One student shared,“ Feeling so low and unworthy of love … I feel empty inside,” while another wrote,“ Keep pushing! We will make it through one day at a time.” By providing immediate connection during moments of distress, TalkCampus helps students feel less isolated and more supported during challenges that might otherwise disrupt their academic persistence. Expanding access to timely support, especially access for students who may not seek traditional counseling, strengthens the network of resources that helps students remain enrolled and continue progressing toward their academic goals.
Keep pushing! We will make it through one day at a time.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate how OCS mental health services serve as a cornerstone of student success and retention at Old Dominion University by strengthening students’ sense of support, belonging, and capacity to persist.
( Eisenberg, D., Lipson, S. K., Heinze, J., Zhou, S., Vyletel, B., Henry, H., Fucinari, J., Voichoski, E., & Bell, J.( 2025). Healthy Minds Study: 2024 – 2025 National Data Report. Healthy Minds Network).
ODU STUDENT SATISFACTORY SURVEY
RETENTION PERFORMANCE CONNECTION
84 % 74 % 76-91 %
reported counseling helped them stay in school reported counseling supported academic performance reported feeling connected to others