Essential Details
The commencement exercise is a formal academic ceremony. You and your fellow graduates have worked hard for this day and the commencement staff have worked hard to make the day a memorable one for you, your family and your guests. We ask that you respect the ceremony, your fellow graduates, and guests by dressing and behaving in the dignified manner that the occassion merits. Cap and gown regalia is required dress for all graduates. No food or beverage is permitted.
Tickets
Graduates do not need a ticket for themselves for commencement. Guest tickets are required. The expected ticket allotment will be based on participation numbers. Learn more about requesting guest tickets and read the ticket policy.
Reporting Place and Time
Information on reporting place and time will be emailed to all participants.
Student Parking
For ceremonies in Chartway Arena: Students should park in the 49th Street Stadium Garage or 43rd and Bluestone Avenue Garage. Students who utilize a DMV accessibility placard may park on the first level.
For ceremonies in S.B. Ballard Stadium: Students should park in the 43rd and Elkhorn and 43rd and Bluestone Parking Garages. Students who utilize a DMV accessibility placard may use the 49th Street Stadium Garage.
What to Wear
You must be in proper academic regalia (cap, gown, hood and academic tassel) to participate in Commencement. Be sure to bring these items with you. Attire for under your regalia is a personal preference, but graduation candidates are encouraged to dress for the occasion and appropriately for the weather. Order your regalia.
Photography
ODU has contracted with GradImages to provide quality graduation photos of each student. Proofs will be emailed to the student no later than 30 days after the ceremony.
Accessibility
Graduating students with accessibility requests should email the Commencement Office as early in the semester as possible so arrangements can be made. This includes graduates who choose not to participate in the processional and need to meet the line of march at either Chartway Arena or S.B. Ballard Stadium.
Personal Items
Students are asked to limit items brought to the ceremony. There will be nowhere to secure personal items during the ceremony so please limit what you bring. Bag checks will be conducted upon entry.
Clear Bag Policy at S.B. Ballard Stadium
ODU has implemented a Clear Bag Policy at Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium. Your guests can bring one clear bag and one small bag per person. Clear bags approved for entry: A clear tote (12x6x12) or a one gallon, clear plastic storage bag. Small bags (6.5x4.5") and wallets are allowed. Also approved are seat cushions (16x16") without arms or pockets. One cushion per person.
Not approved: Large purses, briefcases, backpacks, drawstring bags, personal seatbacks, diaper bags, fanny packs, coolers, computer bags, camera bags, binocular cases, and luggage of any kind.
ODUGlobal Graduates
All ODUGlobal students who wish to participate in the commencement ceremony must follow the same process and meet the same deadlines as resident instruction (on-campus) students. It is recommended that ODUGlobal students contact their advisor as early in the process as possible to ensure proper completion of all requirements.
Senior Class Challenge
ODU Student Concordia Scholarship
This scholarship is all about students helping students. "Concordia" which means unity in Latin is what is it is all about. This award will be completely funded by donations from the student body and will be awarded to a Monarch student each semester.
The Senior Class Challenge is a fundraising initiative that was created to give seniors of the current graduating class an opportunity to show their unwavering Monarch pride and leave their lasting legacy after graduation.
Every year, Monarch alumni, faculty, staff and friends make annual gifts to support Old Dominion University in areas such as academia, programming, events and athletics. The Senior Class Challenge specifically allows students to show their appreciation and give back to their Alma mater.
By participating in the Senior Class Challenge, our graduating seniors are helping to provide a scholarship to assist students who would not be able to complete their ODU degree due to financial constraints. The gifts will go directly to the ODU Student Concordia Award, an endowed scholarship created by University Advancement.
To give, students will pay $20.XX in honor of their graduation year. As a thank you, each student donor will receive an ODU philanthropy honor cord to wear at commencement as a show of their commitment and support.