NORFOLK, Va. — Constant Hall at Old Dominion University will remain closed for classes and student activities for the rest of the Spring 2026 semester, according to a statement released Friday by university President Dr. Brian Hemphill.
The decision comes one day after a deadly shooting on campus that left Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a leader in ODU’s ROTC program, dead.
In his message to the campus community, Hemphill said arrangements are being made for students, faculty and staff to retrieve personal belongings left inside the building. Item pick-up will take place Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15, at the Center Café inside the Webb Center from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
University officials say the registrar is working with campus partners to determine new classroom locations and room assignments. Those changes are expected to be communicated directly to faculty and students before the end of Spring Break.
Hemphill also said Dean Erika Marsillac will work with faculty and staff in the Strome College of Business to determine next steps for offices located in Constant Hall. Options under consideration include temporary workspaces and remote work through the current term.
The university is also developing a long-term plan for the building, with its future configuration and use beyond the Spring 2026 semester still under review.
In the statement, Hemphill said the university is continuing to assist the FBI and local law enforcement as the investigation into the shooting moves forward.
He also thanked elected officials and community partners for their support, calling it a “very somber time” for the campus community while encouraging students and staff to draw strength from Shah’s legacy as a Monarch alumnus, soldier, mentor and leader.
University leaders say they will continue providing updates on both the investigation and future plans for Constant Hall in the coming days.
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