SPRING 2026
8 narchs from Convocation
reminded of the strong history and legacy they’ re a part of. These events build a campus culture that tells students that we value them and we want them here. By intentionally designing these experiences to foster belonging, SCL reinforces the conditions that support students staying engaged from their first semester through graduation.
While it’ s easy to see the excitement and energy signature events bring to our campus, the data behind these programs helps us tell the story. For example, in Fall 2025, 91 % of ODU’ s first-time, full-time cohort returned for Spring 2026, but for students who attended Your Monarch Moment, that number rose to 93 %. These moments where students connect through a signature program matter and help students stay at ODU!
As we close the academic year and look toward Fall 2026, the data collected this year will help departments across our division make strategic decisions on how they prioritize resources, energy, and attention in our signature events and beyond. Through our continued effort to focus our work on programs that foster a strong sense of belonging, we can make sure more students stay and graduate.