Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering at Old Dominion University

Dear Monarch Community:

Old Dominion University will reschedule the first day of fall classes to Saturday, August 29, in light of current COVID-19 trends in Hampton Roads and Governor Northam’s recently adopted restrictions in Executive Order 68.

Old Dominion University President John R. Broderick said: “Although we had hoped to begin the semester early on August 15, several factors persuaded us to reschedule our opening. Current projections suggest that the incidence of COVID-19 will likely pose a higher risk to our region in the coming weeks.” In addition, the delay will allow Old Dominion to better prepare and expand capacity for its own COVID-19 testing center on campus.

The updated schedule, he said, maintains the framework of the University’s reopening plan, which sets out parameters for changes based on the unpredictable course of the coronavirus.

The semester will begin, as planned, with a combination of in-person, online and hybrid courses. “We believe it is critical to offer an array of options to encourage student success, particularly for those who face challenges with access to the internet and other technology,” President Broderick said.

Students planning to live on campus will receive additional information regarding move-in plans and times, as well as Weeks of Welcome activities.

Under the new schedule for the semester:

September 7 – Labor Day holiday (no classes held).
There will be no fall break.
November 3 - Election Day holiday (no classes held).
November 25 to 29 - Thanksgiving break (no classes held).
After Thanksgiving break, all classes will be delivered online through December 11.
December 12 to 18 – Final exams will be administered online.

Old Dominion will continue to monitor developments daily and provide timely updates. More information is available at www.odu.edu/blueprint. If you have questions, please email [email protected].

Sincerely,

Giovanna Genard
Assistant Vice President for Strategic Communication and Marketing

A private funeral mass for Dr. Frederic D. McKenzie will take place on Friday, July 24, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. and is open to all via Facebook live stream at the Church of the Ascension, VB beginning at 10:55 a.m.

Forever in our hearts.

Old Dominion University lost one of its most respected engineering faculty members with the passing of Frederic (Rick) McKenzie, professor and chair of the Department of Computational Modeling and Simulation Engineering (CMSE) in the Batten College of Engineering and Technology (BCET).McKenzie, who provided 21 years of dedicated and invaluable service to ODU, died over the weekend. He was 55.

https://www.odu.edu/news/2020/7/the_passing_of_a_res #.Xw8V1y2z1Bx

Sachin Shetty, associate director at ODU's Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center (VMASC) and associate professor in the Department of Computational Modeling and Simulation Engineering was awarded a $150,000 grant for further technical development and commercialization planning for Bloxure initiative: https://bit.ly/3gJ7TFX.

ODU Blueprint for Fall 2020:

Dear Monarchs:

As all of you know, we recently concluded one of the most challenging semesters Old Dominion University has ever experienced. Despite the hardship and uncertainty, you adapted and persevered.

ODU’s Steering Committee on Academic and Student Involvement has completed guidance on what we expect for the return to on-campus instruction this fall and drafted ODU’s Blueprint for Fall 2020 reopening.

The highlights include:

A fall 2020 academic calendar that allows for on-campus, hybrid and online instruction, starting Aug. 15 and finishing before Thanksgiving break, on Nov. 25. This calendar eliminates fall break.
Reduced density in classrooms, workspaces and buildings to promote physical distancing.
Procurement of critical equipment and supplies to lessen the risk of virus transmission on campus.
Protocols for enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of buildings and facilities.
COVID-19 testing and tracing.

To view the Steering Committee’s full report, visit odu.edu/blueprint

Campus leaders, in collaboration with faculty and staff, will begin adopting these measures, but we will need everyone's commitment and engagement for a successful fall semester. All of us share the responsibility for keeping our community safe.

We will continue to provide regular updates, including any modifications, as conditions may warrant. In the coming weeks, Student Engagement and Enrollment Services will release guidance on our phased approach for students returning to campus, including details on housing, health and counseling support, campus dining, activities and events. SEES will also launch a campaign to promote wellness.

This global crisis has reinforced our resolve and resilience. We don’t know when the pandemic will end, but as we continue to adapt to this new way of life, we will strive to build an even stronger Monarch community.

I have missed seeing you, and I look forward to welcoming you back to campus in just a couple of months. In the meantime, please stay healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

John R. Broderick
President

Commencement update.

ODU Commencement Update:
None of us could have predicted that the global pandemic would require us to postpone spring commencement. But do not worry. We WILL celebrate this joyous occasion.

To ensure that everyone who wishes to participate in commencement may do so, we have developed these flexible options:

-We are rescheduling spring commencement for a future date.
-Students and families who prefer to attend spring commencement virtually may do so.
-Students who are not able to attend the rescheduled spring commencement may attend a future commencement in person or virtually.

Details will follow. We look forward to marking this important milestone in your educational journey.

For more information, visit odu.edu/covid19

Meet Jordan Smith

Faces of ODU: Jordan Smith Jordan Smith is a senior at Old Dominion University studying Modeling and Simulation. He recently interned at Newport News Shipbuilding working on nuclear ai...

MSIM 440/540 Game Physics Modeling and Simulation is available this Spring! Register today.