Old Dominion University Closes Batten Arts Building
A large first-responder presence at the Norfolk campus prompted the emergency closure and cancellation of morning classes.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Emergency Response
Old Dominion University issued an urgent alert Wednesday morning due to a significant first-responder presence at the Batten Arts and Letters building. Authorities have closed the building and canceled all classes scheduled there until noon.
Why it matters
The sudden closure of the facility and the presence of emergency personnel caused disruptions to the academic schedule for students and faculty. University officials have confirmed that there is currently no active threat to the safety of the campus community.
Official campus communications confirmed the closure of the Batten Arts and Letters building in Norfolk. Operations at the facility are suspended through noon today, while campus officials continue to assess the ongoing situation.
The players
Old Dominion University
This public research university is located in Norfolk, Virginia, and serves a diverse student body across various academic disciplines.
The details
University administrators alerted the campus community to the active police and emergency presence, resulting in the immediate lockdown of the building. Access to the affected area is currently restricted as first responders address the incident.
Timeline
Wednesday morning: Old Dominion University issued an urgent alert.
Until noon: Classes at the Batten Arts and Letters building are canceled.
Seasonal Patterns
This alert follows the pattern established by the Clery Act, which requires institutions to communicate safety-related campus incidents to the public. Such emergency notifications are a standard protocol for maintaining institutional transparency during active scene responses.
Students and faculty should avoid the Batten Arts and Letters building until the university provides an official update. Local residents and campus members are advised to follow official university alerts for instructions on when normal operations will resume.
The takeaway
University officials have prioritized safety by limiting access to the affected building during the emergency response. Students are encouraged to monitor their university email and alert systems for any further changes to today's class schedule.
Further reading
For more information on local safety updates, visit the Emergency Response section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WAVY-TV 10 Hampton Roads.
