Dear Spring 2020 Monarch graduates,
Congratulations on your accomplishments. All of us at Old Dominion University are proud of you. We had hoped to celebrate with you in person at your May commencement. We share your disappointment that, at this critical time, we will not be able to host our traditional ceremony next month.
We are thrilled to let you know that we will celebrate your graduation together later in the year. We have secured December 18 for an in-person ceremony just for you, your family, guests and classmates, complete with all the pomp and tradition cherished by Monarchs who preceded you. So mark your calendars now, and, assuming no gathering restrictions, we'll see you at Chartway Arena in the Ted Constant Convocation Center on December 18!
You will receive more details about the December ceremony in the next couple of weeks, including how to register and order your academic regalia. Please be on the lookout for that communication as it will ask about your availability to participate. It is very important that you register so we know to expect you and those who will be celebrating with you. Your degree will still be conferred this spring when you have completed all requirements and your diploma will be mailed approximately six weeks after conferral.
In the meantime, to get the celebration started, the commencement team has been planning a special Grad Week celebration with online events for social media engagement on the days leading up to your previously scheduled commencement ceremony. Monarch Grad Week, from May 4 to 9, will provide opportunities for you to share photos, videos and quotes that capture your experience as a Monarch. Visit odu.edu/grad2020 to see the ways we are celebrating YOUR achievement with you. Here are some of the options:
- You can share a short video clip that will be added to ODU's official graduation video commemorating your achievement. Wear your ODU swag and send your fellow graduates a message, ending with "We Did It!" Videos must be submitted by April 28.
- We've created a website where you can leave messages for your fellow graduates. Parents, family and friends also can post their congratulatory messages to you.
- In addition, we've created special edition frames and GIFs for Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram. You'll also find Zoom backgrounds celebrating your new grad status and options for your proud family members, as well.
We recognize that delaying the ceremony may impose burdens on you. However, we want you to know that we are committed to making it special for you and your classmates. We continue to be inspired by your resilience and perseverance.
Please let us know if we can do anything to help you complete your graduation requirements. If you have any questions about commencement, please email commencement@odu.edu. Even though your classes will soon be done, you will always be a member of the Monarch community. We look forward to helping you celebrate in May - and in December.
REIGN ON!
Don Stansberry, Ph.D., Interim Vice President for Student Engagement and Enrollment Services
Augustine O. Agho, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
