START FAQs
What is Summer START?
Summer START is a two-week program designed to facilitate your transition from high school to college. START fuses together actual college classroom experience, student success programs, involvement in the local community, and social activities to introduce you to many of the aspects that make up a rewarding – and fun – college experience. Participation in START is by invitation only.
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Why are you inviting me to participate?
You are being invited because ODU believes you are a first-time college student who shows great promise for being successful and doing outstanding things in college, but could benefit greatly from a program that focuses on you and supports your transition from high school to college.
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How many other students will be participating?
Including you, 35 ODU freshmen will be participating.
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How do I successfully complete the program?
Successful completion of START is determined by your consistent, active participation in all START activities (including and not limited to attending and participating in all classes and workshops, meeting all course expectations, and participating in all other mandatory meetings and programs). A full list of expectations will be provided in the START Participation Agreement.
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What else will I be doing besides taking classes?
You will attend success workshops, study, complete course assignments, participate in social activities, learn about a variety of campus resources, and go on a couple of exciting and unique Columbus adventures.
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How much does START cost?*
Nothing! Participating in Summer START is absolutely no cost to you or your family. Instructional materials, residence hall room, and activity fees are all covered for the program. In addition, breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served each day free of cost to you. We would suggest bringing some spending money in case you want or need to purchase snacks, souvenirs, or any miscellaneous personal items during the program. You will be responsible for acquiring and bringing your own basic school supplies (notebooks, paper, pens, etc.).
* The cost for taking ODU 110 during START is included in your Fall semester tuition. As long as you are enrolled as a full-time ODU student (which means you are taking at least 12 academic credits per semester), your tuition will not increase for taking ODU 110. If you enroll in less than 12 credits in the Fall semester (including ODU 110), the University classifies you as a part-time student (which means your tuition cost will be determined by the number of credits in which you are enrolled).
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What is ODU 110?
ODU 110 is the College Success course you will take for credit during the two weeks of START. Some topics covered in ODU 110 are mastering time management, accepting personal responsibility, becoming an active reader, improving note taking skills, gaining self-awareness, and developing emotional intelligence. Many students take ODU 110 during their first year.
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Why should I give up 2 weeks of summer to do this?
There are so many reasons to take advantage of Summer START. Check out our Top 10 favorites!
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Can I still go to work?
No. Summer START is packed full of activities for 2 weeks; therefore, it is a full-time commitment. To successfully complete Summer START, you are expected to attend all classes, workshops, cultural activities, group events, and social activities. There will be no time for you to work for those two weeks, so you will want to make arrangements to take off from work.
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Do I need to bring any money with me to Summer START?
We would suggest bringing spending money in case you want or need to purchase snacks in the Griffin Student Center, souvenirs at any START events, or any miscellaneous personal items during the program.
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Do I have to live on campus during Summer START?
Yes. Summer START requires your full participation in all aspects of the program. Since it is residential, you are required to live in Fitzpatrick Hall during the program. Living in one of ODU’s residence halls is one of the most important, and exciting, aspects of Summer START. This experience will give you a taste of what it is like to live away from home. Living with your peers during Summer START will help enhance the friendships and support network you will build during the program. If you plan to be a commuter student in the Fall semester, you are still eligible to participate in START. You will move into Fitzpatrick Hall on Sunday, July 28 and move out on Saturday, August 10.
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Do I have to stay on campus every night?
Every night except Saturday, August 3. Summer START requires your full participation in all aspects of the program. Since Summer START is residential, you are required to spend each night in the residence hall.
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Will I be able to go home on the weekends?
You will be able to go home after 3pm on Saturday, August 3. There will be no planned START activities on Sunday August 4. However, you will be expected to return to campus Sunday evening at a time decided upon by the START staff.
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Do I have to live with someone?
Most likely, yes. Just like most every student who lives on campus, you will have a roommate.
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Do I have to take my stuff back home after Summer START?
Not if you are living on campus in the Fall. If you are commuting in the Fall, you must check out of your residence hall room by Saturday, August 11.
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Can I bring my car?
Yes. You can go ahead and register your vehicle and request your Resident Student or Commuter Student Parking Permit beginning July 1, 2013.
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Can I leave campus whenever I want?
To successfully complete Summer START, you will need to attend all classes, workshops, cultural/social activities, and other scheduled events. You will not be able to leave campus during any of those times. There will be times each day during START where your schedule is flexible. These times will help you learn to make decisions that support your success at ODU. It will be up to you to choose, for example, whether to go shopping at Easton Town Center or study for an extra hour during non-scheduled hours. If you feel you need guidance with these decisions, we will be there to offer any help we can for you.
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Can I have visitors during Summer START?
Yes. You are welcome to have visitors, but only during non-scheduled times, and as long as the visitation is in compliance with the ODU Student Code of Conduct. You will receive a calendar of events during Summer START Kick-Off that outlines your schedule for the program.
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Can I be excused from Summer START activities to participate in sports or other activities?
No. Summer START requires your full participation. You will not be excused from scheduled Summer START activities to participate in sports practices, games, or any other non-program activities. We understand there are special circumstances that may cause a scheduling conflict for you during START. In those situations we will consider your circumstance, and if you are excused from an activity, our expectation is that you still meet all the requirements of START (which might mean completing an alternative requirement to make up for anything you missed).
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Will I be able to exercise every day?
That will be up to you. You’ll be busy throughout Summer START, but there will be non-scheduled hours each day that you can spend exercising. We’ve been known to play a game or two of ultimate frisbee on Panther Field!
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What if I have food allergies or other dietary restrictions?
If you have allergies or dietary constraints, please let Mandy Powell know as soon as possible so any accommodations can be made.
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What if I come and decide I don’t like it?
You are welcome to leave anytime. However, we want you to understand that choosing not to participate is an important decision, and as such, we would expect you to talk with us first about your reasons for wanting to leave. We would also expect you to consider the impact your decision could make on you academically and financially.
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If I participate in Summer START, am I still required to attend Orientation?
Yes. You will need to attend one of ODU's Summer Orientation sessions. Orientation will provide you with essential information and experiences that all new students need to receive. For questions about Orientation, contact Sharon Reed, Dean of Students at (614) 251-4595.
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Do I get a break before Fall classes begin?
Yes. The last day of START is Friday, August 9. Move-in/Welcome Weekend begins on Friday August 16 and classes begin on Monday, August 19.
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Who can I contact for further information?
If you have any questions, contact Mandy Powell or Cris Reisert!
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