Talk:Old Dominion University

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The phone threat made to ODU following the VT killings is not significant information to be included in this article.

Contents

[edit] Athletics Groups

There was no reference to any of the athletics based organizations.--Occasio (talk) 02:56, 17 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Updated Village Progress

I added a few updates to the progress of the University Village --Occasio (talk) 02:31, 17 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] ODU peer institutions

The Virginia State Council for higher education lists the following as peer institutions for ODU: CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY(OH) FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY(FL) GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY(GA) KENT STATE UNIVERSITY-MAIN CAMPUS(OH) NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY-MAIN CAMPUS(NM) OAKLAND UNIVERSITY(MI) OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY-MAIN CAMPUS(OK) OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY(VA) TEMPLE UNIVERSITY(PA) THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA(AL) UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON(OH) UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE(KY) UNIVERSITY OF MAINE(ME) UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS-LOWELL(MA) UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA NORMAN CAMPUS(OK) UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND(RI) UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA(AL) UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA(FL) UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE(TN) UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE(WI) WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY(MI) WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY(WV) WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY(MI) WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY(KS) WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY-MAIN CAMPUS(OH)

source: http://roie.schev.edu/four_year/ODU/listpeers.asp

[edit] Bias

I visited the wikipedia entries for several of the institutions listed as ODU peers according to http://roie.schev.edu/four_year/ODU/listpeers.asp

and none of them had the negative tone of the ODU entry. That the paragraph on teletechnet e-learning was titled "Correspondence School" seems proof that there is some sort of grudge or something going on here.

I'm a bit of a new comer to this discussion, but am fairly familiar with ODU and I disagree that there is definite bias. First off, the "peers" may just not have been edited as much. The article here seems fairly representative for ODU, and doesn't seem overly harsh. If anything, the "boosterism" in the peers needs to be removed. As for "Correspondence School" being a proof of grudge, firstly I don't see the term, secondly... what is wrong with a correspondence school? They're a perfectly acceptable way for people to get an education when they have different means. Looking at the program at ODU, it appears to be a modern sort of Correspondence school. We have a similar program here at UIUC. While not as prestigious as our regular program, it isn't a negative thing anyway. TheChief (PowWow) 19:24, 24 August 2005 (UTC)
Im new to this discussions also. I too feel that there is some sort of bias against ODU. I dont know if you people are trying to be funny or what. ODU was ranked as one of the best schools in the southeast by the princeton review with other schools such as Vanderbilt, Duke, and UVA. Also their business school is accredited by the AACSB. Dont listen to these people who dont have any backup. Read books about colleges and go to websites such as princetonreview.

[edit] Student Body Presidents

Is an incomplete list of former student body presidents really appropriate in an encyclopedic article, especially when the president's references have little or no encyclopedic value themselves? I'm open to hearing rationales, but it seems like this is just a way to get some folks names on wikipedia. Any other schools list (otherwise insignificant) SGA presidents? I can't remember seeing lists like this on other university pages. I think the list should be removed, but like I said, I'm open to be convinced otherwise. Masonpatriot 17:26, 23 January 2006 (UTC)

I'll agree. There isn't really anything notable in placing just a list of names, especially of a university. I'd say the only one worth mentioning would be the current Student Body President. Which reminds me, on an off-topic, side note, is the NEWPAGE course really worth mentioning? It's just one out of many required courses that the University requires people to take. Because it discusses "enviromental" issues isn't enough to make it worthy to mention, espeically with lackluster support from the student body. It's not convincing anyone. If people want to know what that course is, why don't they just go to ODU's website and find out for themselves? I just don't find it encylopedic to say the least.Radagast83 04:06, 25 January 2006 (UTC)
Well, since only one user has chimed in, I'll remove the SG Pres list for now, until someone puts forward a reasonable encyclopedic rationale for keeping it. I also don't see the reason to keep the current pres's name in the article, unless he has done something particularly significant that deserves mention in the artlce itself (outside of a mere list of SG presidents). As far as NEWPAGE, I tend to agree with Radagast83 that the NEWPAGE course in and of itself should be a pretty low priority within the wiki page. The only way I can see it's significance is to note some of the media coverage the course "controversy" recieved, though even that coverage was highly localized in the Hampton Roads area. Like I said above, though, I'm open to be convinced otherwise on any of these issues. Masonpatriot 05:08, 25 January 2006 (UTC)
Good enough. I'd also have to say, with further review, that really none of the "Environmentally friendly initiatives" are worth noting. Mentioning that the school has a water efficient landscape, made of recycled materials, ways to block sunlight, and lack of parking, espeically without really any sources to back up the information shouldn't make the cut. There is also mention of recycling bins, lots of places have those. While the section might have good intentions, I just don't see it being important enough to convey any of that information, espeically after looking at other similar college pages in the state of Virginia. Radagast83 17:26, 25 January 2006 (UTC)

I have removed a great deal of information that was not notable, some of it was only school specific dealing with past presidents, of which outside of ODU are not notable in terms of this article. I wanted to point out that Wikipedia is not an indiscriminate collection of information. Radagast83 07:29, 10 April 2006 (UTC)

The Student Government Association president list is an important addition. We as Student Body Presidents initiate change onar the campus. I would insist that the list remain. Our academic buildings are named after former SGA presidents, our leadership is uncompareable.

I'm sorry but a list of NON-NOTABLE people (outside the University) is not worthy of mention. If a SGA president IS notable, then they should be included, but the countless number of non-notable ones are not. If any of them are actually worthy of mentioning, add them back in, but do not add back in the entire list. By the way, the only academic building which could be named after an SGA president is Gornto. Anyway, that in itself does not constitue notability on this encylopedic entry. Radagast83 21:13, 11 May 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Environmental Issues and Newpage

Well it's been over a month and there hasn't been any extra discussion on the subject. Personally I find the entire section pretty low as Masonpatriot does, and frankly feel that it is poorly worded and not very notable. Yes it's nice that ODU recycles, but is that really notable? It's also nice that ODU has classes that pack all the freshmen in at once and tell them about environmental issues, but that isn't notable either even with a published article or two talking about how much the students hate the course. I removed the section for the time being, and if anyone wants to add it back it, please do some major work to make any materal added in notable before anyone is quick to hit the revert button. Radagast83 05:08, 1 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Paul Johnston

This person seems to be intent on getting his name in Wikipedia. I think that the one who heads up the committee is an insignificant detail and shouldn't be included on the page.

Completely agree... the person is non-notable (in fact I believe that the entire mention of the committee is non-notable). -Masonpatriot 20:13, 24 March 2006 (UTC)

perhaps so.

I know this person, and he didn't put his name there himself, and was rather surprised when I told him he was on wikipedia. In fact, because I noticed it and told him, he thinks I did it.  ;-) (not true though) That CS Guy 01:40, 17 May 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Student Organizations

I can easily see this section getting out of hand with various people adding groups to the page, which would just make the page look like a mess and would be unmaintainable. I propose instead of listing organizations just have a section that discusses the role of organizations instead of the organizations themselves. Radagast83 08:41, 8 May 2006 (UTC)

Completely agree with Radagast83, as these organizations are hardly a phenomenon unique to ODU, as they likely exist on the majority of US campuses. They are teetering ever so finely on the edge of non-notability. Masonpatriot 20:08, 9 May 2006 (UTC)

I completely removed this section, because the entries were getting ridiculous. For example, the student organization Students 4 Life isn't a notable aspect.

I have added the student life section back to the article, but removed individual student organization listings. I also added the campus ministry section because the campus ministries (without website/minister listings for each) at ODU are well-known to be a very effective program. I think this is a better compromise (as suggested by Redgast83/MasonPatriot) than deleting the section entirely. That CS Guy 01:37, 17 May 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Plaigarism

Some of the Academics section is an exact copy of the info (word for word) from the princton review site (the what the school says section), this needs to be rewriten, but in a way to keep the same content.

I cleaned up a bunch of the wording, and yes it was word-for-word before. Any other changes should be dealt with by re-writing. Also, could you please sign your comments? Thanks Radagast83 09:09, 14 May 2006 (UTC)


[edit] Famous Alumni

This section needs to be seriously pruned. A bunch of marginal WNBA players a great university maketh not. Overall this page went from being a tad biased on the negative side to having way too much fluff. And I am an ODU alumnus.

Completely agree (and I am an alumnus as well). Maybe leave in the players who have recieved some sort of notable award in their field or something to make them more than just "played in the WNBA" would be in order. Most would be removed and any that are actually notable would remain. Radagast83 04:55, 10 July 2006 (UTC)
Agree as well. Masonpatriot 14:09, 10 July 2006 (UTC)
What sort of standard do you think should be set on what consitutes prominent? I agree that just being a professional-sport player is not enough. Not to seem like we're trying to cherry pick, but it's important for some notability, or we may as well find out who all became millionaires after graduation or some such nonsense. At least for sports, we should keep all Hall of Famers, and probably at least dump all non multi-year All-Stars and MVPs. Radagast83 08:31, 26 July 2006 (UTC)

Alicia Silverstone's bio doesn't mention ODU. Sounds like she didn't even finish high school. Contradiction?--THE FOUNDERS INTENT TALK 04:39, 21 January 2008 (UTC)

I saw that 24.91.32.172 added Alicia Silverstone to the page, saying she graduated from ODU. I looked her up on IMDB and according to them she did go there, but it doesn't say if she graduated. Should she not be included in Famous Alumni but some other section? -- Wiki publius 18:58, 19 April 2007 (UTC)

I'm skeptical at even including her on the page entirely (I removed her probably about a year ago after another user added her). IMDb bios are pretty unreliable if it isn't mentioned elsewhere. I actually serched far and wide and just about all the references online are just clones/ripoffs of the IMDb page. I'd like some solid proof from something more definitive before including someone famous with virtually no information covering her actually going there. Radagast83 00:57, 20 April 2007 (UTC)
Didn't know all that. Definately should have some more background then.03:55, 20 April 2007 (UTC)

Can anyone verify that Brian S. Bentley is in fact 1) an ODU alumni and, 2) the former LAPD officer and author? Also, why aren't the people listed in alphabetical order? --THE FOUNDERS INTENT TALK 17:57, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

I recommend we try to keep the famous alumni list in alphabetical order. Some people are just plopping names on the list anywhere.--THE FOUNDERS INTENT TALK 00:45, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Fair use rationale for Image:Odu seal.jpg

Image:Odu seal.jpg is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in this Wikipedia article constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.

Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.

If there is other other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page. Note that any fair use images uploaded after 4 May, 2006, and lacking such an explanation will be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.BetacommandBot 04:56, 6 June 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Fair use rationale for Image:Odu seal.jpg

Image:Odu seal.jpg is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in this Wikipedia article constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.

Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.

If there is other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page. Note that any fair use images uploaded after 4 May, 2006, and lacking such an explanation will be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.

BetacommandBot 00:49, 2 July 2007 (UTC)

I'm not sure that's even the school seal anymore. Someone should check, I couldn't find it on their website.--THE FOUNDERS INTENT TALK 04:34, 21 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Peer Review not complete

You need to finish the peer review - follow the link and directions in the box at the top of this page. Ruhrfisch ><>°° 02:27, 18 January 2008 (UTC)

  • I removed the peer review request as it was not finished in over a day and never completed. Feel free to relist it. Ruhrfisch ><>°° 00:34, 20 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Music

It would probably be a good idea to include something about the arts programs (especially music) here. Possibly any notable music alumni as well. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Mynameisnotpj (talk • contribs) 16:38, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Academics

From the content you wouldn't think ODU has much of an academic program. It's a sports university with many famous alumni.--THE FOUNDERS INTENT TALK 22:27, 1 April 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Student Parking

WTF? Are we joking here or what? What significance does this have on Wikipedia? If someone wants to know this sort of thing, let them go to the ODU homepage. Next we'll be adding info on the color of the campus police uniforms. How about we add info on where all the copiers are? How about a map of the parking lots? This section needs to go.--THE FOUNDERS INTENT TALK 16:19, 10 April 2008 (UTC)