The Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary was established in 1930. Its name was changed in 1960 to Norfolk College of William and Mary. The institution became independent from the College of William and Mary in 1962 and the name was changed at that time to Old Dominion College. In 1969, the institution's name was changed to the current Old Dominion University.

The Flat Hat, a student newspaper at the College of William and Mary, is a rich source of information, announcing events taking place on campus as well as reflecting student opinion. It began publication in October 1911 and, except during the fall of 1918, has been continuously published ever since.

The Weathervane, a supplement to The Flat Hat, documents student protests and discontent during the Vietnam War era.

Offshoots, including The Straw Hat and The High Hat, were published separately. The Straw Hat was the summer school student newspaper with issues for July 3-Aug. 14, 1914, published at William and Mary's Dublin, Virginia branch; 1927-1933 issues were published at the Williamsburg campus. The High Hat (1930-1961) was the student newspaper of the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary. The Fat Head is the traditional April 1 edition.