ODU students asked to disclose criminal histories after campus shooting

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Old Dominion University is asking students to voluntarily disclose their criminal history following a deadly campus shooting, as classes are set to resume Monday.

The university recently sent a questionnaire to currently enrolled students, encouraging them to report prior convictions. While the survey is not explicitly required, officials said they are “confident students will recognize the importance” of completing it by March 26.

The move comes just over a week after a shooting on campus that killed ROTC instructor Lt. Col. Brandon Shah and injured two others, shaking the university community.

Under Virginia law, public universities cannot consider criminal history during the admissions process. However, after a student is accepted, schools may review that history and take action, including revoking enrollment, if there are concerns about campus safety.

University officials said a prior conviction will not automatically result in disciplinary action and that each case will be reviewed individually.

Graduate student Gina Badolato said she was teaching young children when the gunfire began.

“We actually got inside a good two or three minutes before ODU sent out their alert,” she said. “We were sheltered in place in our kitchen for about 90 minutes with a bunch of four-year-olds.”

Authorities identified the gunman as Mohamed Jalloh, a former Virginia National Guardsman and ODU student. Investigators said he previously served time for ties to an Islamic State group and was released from prison in 2024.

The revelation has raised concerns about how someone with that background was enrolled at the university.

“The question I want to know is why someone with ties to terrorism was able to walk freely here,” said Rep. Jen Kiggans.

Some students said the questionnaire could improve awareness, while others questioned it.

“There are people who had lives before college and are trying to turn things around,” said student Jania Battle. “So it really should not be a requirement.”

Others say broader safety concerns remain, including access to campus buildings.

“Anyone could just walk in the building,” Battle said.

University officials said they do not have independent access to comprehensive criminal records for currently enrolled students, but noted that thousands have already completed the questionnaire. Officials said the goal is to better understand the campus community and strengthen safety measures.

Classes are scheduled to resume on Monday.

ODU statement:

"In light of the tragic events on our campus, Old Dominion University is taking a number of thoughtful, measured steps to support the safety and well-being of our community. The questionnaire is one component of a broader, ongoing approach to campus safety that reflects our responsibility to consider appropriate actions within applicable laws and institutional policies. The objective of the questionnaire is not to serve as a single solution, as no single measure can guarantee prevention, but to contribute to a more informed and proactive understanding of our campus community. This effort is part of a layered approach focused on awareness, support, and appropriate follow-up when needed.  

The questionnaire is based on a self-reporting model, which is standard practice for public institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth. Universities do not have independent access to comprehensive criminal records for enrolled students. This process allows students to share relevant information directly with the institution so that, when appropriate, the University can take necessary steps consistent with policy and law. Like many institutions, we rely on self-reporting and voluntary disclosure to maintain appropriate awareness, while respecting legal and privacy boundaries. The questionnaire was distributed to currently enrolled students across the University. It is not part of the admissions process. The University has followed established legal processes regarding admissions. What we are doing now is a separate step, outside of admissions, focused on our responsibility to support a safe campus environment. 

Participation is not mandatory but we are confident our students will participate in this effort, as thousands have already responded, which is grounded in care for our community and a shared responsibility to support a safe campus environment. Information submitted is handled with care and discretion and is accessible only to a limited number of authorized University personnel with a legitimate need to review it in support of campus safety. Any review is conducted thoughtfully and on a case by case basis. 

The University is acting within applicable federal and state laws, including Code of Virginia 23.1-407.1, which governs how criminal history may be considered in the admission process. This questionnaire is separate from that process."