Monarch Minutes

Monarch Minutes, an official podcast of Old Dominion University and the Office of Enrollment Management, is your go-to resource for navigating the college journey. Released bi-weekly, each episode features a dynamic lineup of hosts, including Admissions Counselors, Financial Aid Representatives, and more. You'll also hear from special guests like campus partners, community members, and even representatives from other institutions across the Commonwealth. Whether you're a prospective student or a family member, this podcast is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions during the college search process. From insights into life at ODU to a deep dive into the nuances of college admissions, Monarch Minutes is here to help you discover the right path for your future.

Latest episodes

12 May 2025

A Quick Guide to ODU's New to Blue: New Student Experience

Join Admissions Counselor Jaira Rahman-Bowman for a quick chat with Leah Mudd, Associate Director of Orientation, to walk you through New to Blue: New Student Experience. From completing your Explore Your Kingdom modules to attending Discover Your Pride: Monarch Orientation, this episode covers every phase of your transition to life at Old Dominion University. You’ll learn what to expect, how to prepare, and what steps to take over the summer to start strong. Whether you're confirmed or still making plans, this episode is your guide to starting your Monarch journey with confidence.

Explore, Discover & Rule your New Student Experience: https://www.odu.edu/new-to-blue-new-student-experience

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24 April 2025

National Decision Day: Top Insights from Monarch Minutes

In this special episode of Monarch Minutes, Cayla Morgan, Associate Director of Digital Strategy for Enrollment Marketing, takes listeners on a countdown to National College Decision Day—one of the biggest moments for high school seniors.

Whether you're finalizing your college choice or still exploring your options, this episode offers advice and real student voices to guide and inspire you. Revisit top insights from past episodes on everything from financial aid and campus visits to finding your best fit, and hear from current Monarchs Ray Griffin and Aaliyah Diggs-Berry as they share their own college decision stories.

No matter where you are in your journey, this episode is here to remind you: you've got this—and ODU is here to support you every step of the way.

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14 April 2025

Deciding and Declaring a Major: What You Need To Know

In this episode of Monarch Minutes, we’re talking about one of the biggest questions students face when starting college—how to choose the right major. Host, Josh Foe, a current ODU senior who started his college journey as undecided/exploratory, sits down with Katie St John, Director of Exploration and Student Success at Old Dominion University, to explore what it really means to be “undecided”, how to navigate your options, and what resources are available to help you make an informed, confident decision. From major exploration events to combining majors and minors, this episode is full of practical advice and personal insight to guide you on your academic journey.

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26 March 2025

Love Where You Live: Housing and Living Learning Communities

In this episode of Monarch Minutes, we’re diving into what makes on-campus living at Old Dominion University such an important and rewarding experience. Admissions Counselor Hadley Deputy is joined by Richard Clark, Executive Director of Housing & Residence Life, and Kayla Brown, Assistant Director for Living-Learning Communities, to break down everything you need to know about housing options, the application process, roommate selection, and the unique benefits of Living-Learning Communities. Whether you’re planning to live on campus or just curious about what ODU has to offer, this episode is packed with insights to help you make the most of your college experience.

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17 March 2025

Admitted, Now What? A Guide to Admitted Students Day

In this episode of Monarch Minutes, Ana Luz Williams, Associate Director of Enrollment for Undergraduate Admissions, is joined by students and Monarch Makers Joshua Foe and Amanda Wilder to talk all things Admitted Students Day!

They’ll break down what makes this signature event a must-attend experience for admitted students and their families—how it differs from a typical campus tour or Open House, what to expect, and how to make the most of the day. From connecting with future classmates to experiencing ODU traditions, this episode is packed with insights to help you get ready for an unforgettable day at ODU.

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03 March 2025

Virginia Roundup (Part 2): Welcoming Special Guests from JMU, UVA, and W&M

Join TeCarla Moore, Assistant Director of Admissions at Old Dominion University, for Part Two of our Virginia School Roundup with special guests Catrina J. Garland, Ed.D. from the University of Virginia, Monyette Martin from James Madison University, and Latoya Lawson from William & Mary.

In this episode, the conversation continues as they answer common questions from students and families, share tips for navigating the admissions process, and offer advice on what to consider when choosing the right college. Whether you're preparing to apply or weighing your options, this episode will help you take the next step on your journey across the Commonwealth.

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