ODU Students Prepare to Return to Campus After Deadly Shooting

University expands counseling and crisis resources as students face anxiety and uncertainty.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 4:37am

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Students at Old Dominion University are preparing to return to campus on Monday, marking their first time back since the deadly shooting at Constant Hall earlier this month. Many students are experiencing anxiety, uncertainty, and difficult emotions as the campus community continues to process the tragedy. University leaders say they have been working to provide comprehensive support, including expanded counseling services and crisis response resources, to help students as they return to the place where the trauma occurred.

Why it matters

The return to campus after a traumatic event like this shooting can be extremely challenging for students, as they must confront the environment where the tragedy took place. However, mental health experts say this return can also be an opportunity for healing, as students are able to process their emotions in real-time and regain a sense of stability through reconnecting with their community and routines.

The details

For many students, the return to ODU is bringing a range of difficult emotions. Ari Rozell, a junior and resident assistant, said the days since the shooting have felt "very surreal" and "very hectic," and they are "very nervous" to go back to class, no longer feeling safe on campus. Another student, Ash Thomas, is unsure how they will react when classes resume, as they were very close to the danger that day. University leaders say they have been working to create a comprehensive support plan, including more than 150 students already seeking counseling, as well as additional mental health advocates, care stations, and therapy dogs across campus.

  • Students are preparing to return to campus on Monday, marking their first day back from spring break and their first time returning since the deadly shooting at Constant Hall earlier this month.

The players

Ari Rozell

A junior and resident assistant at ODU who said the days since the shooting have felt "very surreal" and "very hectic," and they are "very nervous" to go back to class, no longer feeling safe on campus.

Ash Thomas

An ODU student who was on campus during the shooting and is unsure how they will react when classes resume, as they were very close to the danger that day.

Dr. Joy Himmel

The director of ODU's Office of Counseling Services, who said the university has been working to put together a "very comprehensive crisis response plan" and that more than 150 students have already sought counseling support since the shooting.

Dr. Sarah Williams

A licensed clinical mental health therapist who said that returning to the place where the trauma happened can be an opportunity for students to process their emotions in real time, and that healing occurs best in community.

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What they’re saying

“It's been very surreal. It's been very hectic, and I'm very nervous to go back to class. I don't want to be in crowds anymore. I still don't really feel safe on campus.”

— Ari Rozell, Junior and resident assistant at ODU

“I think I'm a little bit unsure of how to feel, because so many of us were very close to danger that day. I really don't know how I'm actually going to react when I'm back on the campus.”

— Ash Thomas, ODU student

“We have been working very hard to put together a very comprehensive crisis response plan for the university. Really looking at the return of students to the classroom and providing a safe and welcoming environment.”

— Dr. Joy Himmel, Director of ODU's Office of Counseling Services

“Students are returning to the place where the trauma happened. This is an opportunity to process in real time what your body needs — to allow yourself to experience every single emotion, whether it's anger, sadness, fear or anxiety.”

— Dr. Sarah Williams, Licensed clinical mental health therapist

What’s next

University officials say counseling and support services will remain available throughout the semester as the campus community continues working through the aftermath of the shooting.

The takeaway

The return to campus after a traumatic event like this shooting can be extremely difficult for students, as they must confront the environment where the tragedy occurred. However, mental health experts say this return can also be an opportunity for healing, as students are able to process their emotions in real-time and regain a sense of stability through reconnecting with their community and routines. The comprehensive support plan put in place by ODU, including expanded counseling services and crisis resources, will be crucial in helping students navigate this challenging transition.