ODU considers itself a forward-focused public doctoral research university, and it hosts more than 24,000 students. ODU enriches the local community by contributing $2.6 billion annually to Virginia's economy. It also contributes to the national and global community through rigorous academic programming, partnerships, and civic engagement. ODU has earned an R1 research designation from the Carnegie Foundation.
ODU also considers itself a "safe space" for the LGBTQ community. Its Safe Space Committee works to reduce homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism within the ODU and broader community. The Committee offers several opportunities for students to become involved through Safe Space membership, supporting Gay Cultural Studies, and self-identifying as an ally or LGBTQ on the Committee's website.