Steps to Participating in Commencement

PLEASE NOTE:
Applying for graduation with the Office of the Registrar does not automatically register you for the commencement ceremony! Registering to participate in commencement is a separate registration process.

You must submit the Commencement Participation Registration form in order to participate in the commencement ceremony. (see step 5 below)

Be sure to remind your fellow graduates about this important registration information!

1. Degree evaluation

   • For bachelor's candidates only

   • If you are close to completing your degree, you will receive an email about graduation from the Registrar's Office.

   • If you do not receive an email about graduation and you believe you are eligible, run your degree evaluation (on LEO Online) and meet with your academic advisor.

2. Meet with your advisor

   • Run your degree evaluation through LEO Online.

   • Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor (and your minor advisor, if applicable).

   • Print a copy of your degree evaluation and bring it with you to your advising appointments.

3. Apply for graduation with the Office of the Registrar

   • The application for graduation is available online in LEO Online (preferred method of applying). If you are unable to use the LEO Online Application for Graduation, please submit a paper/PDF application provided below:
     
     • Undergraduate Application for Graduation
     • Masters/Ph.D. Application for Graduation
       
   • Read all instructions and information completely and carefully.

   • You must apply for graduation online (preferred method) or by submitting the paper/PDF application to the Registrar's Office via mail, email to graduate@odu.edu, fax or drop it off in person by the perscribed deadline for the semester in which you wish to complete your degree requirements.
     Deadlines:

     • Spring: November 30
     • Summer: February 28
     • Fall: June 30

   • The application for graduation does not register you to participate in the commencement ceremony or guarantee commencement tickets.

   • Generally processed within 5 business days (applications submitted close to deadlines may take longer).

   • Once processed, you will receive a confirmation email with reminders about

     • Senior Assessment
     • Commencement

   • Your graduation status on LEO Online will show as Pending.

4. Complete the senior assessment

   • For bachelor's candidates only

   • Required for graduation.

   • If you apply for graduation by the deadline, you will receive an invitation to take the survey in your ODU email.

   • The survey is completed entirely online.

   • Further information about the assessment, including a link to request an invitation if you did not receive yours, is located at http://www.odu.edu/academics/graduation-commencement/exit/assessment.

5. Register to participate in the commencement ceremony

   • All students who wish to participate in the commencement ceremony must complete the participation registration.

   • The participation registration must be completed online. Printed or faxed copies will not be accepted.

   • Failure to register by the prescribed deadline will result in a reduced number of guest tickets.

   • Registrations submitted by students who have not applied for graduation will be rejected.

   • May 2014 Commencement Participation Registration begins on January 17, 2014.
     Please click on the "Register for Commencement" button found near the top right side of this page.
     
     Registration Deadline: March 13, 2014
     

   • When the registration is complete, you will see a page with your registration information. Print this page for your records. Commencement@ODU is not able to provide copies of this information.

6. Check Blackboard regularly

   Important information about commencement will be posted to the "Commencement" organization on Blackboard. You will find it by clicking on the "My Professional Learning" tab at the top once you have logged in to Blackboard. Please remember to check this regularly.

7. Purchase your academic regalia

   Click here for more information abour Academic Regalia.
   

8. Update your ODU CareerLink account

   ODU Alumni receive career services for life, please let us know how the Career Management Center (CMC) can best serve you. Simply update your ODU Career Link Privacy Settings and tell us your current employment needs within 30 days of graduation. Your MIDAS login will remain active for a year after graduation but your CMC account and services never expire!

9. Pick up your commencement tickets

   • Eligible students who register by the prescribed deadline will be able to pick up their guest tickets at the Campus Information Center in Webb University Center during the prescribed dates and times that will be announced via Blackboard.
     
     Students who miss the ticket distribution will be able to pick up their tickets at the TED box office beginning 3 days prior to the ceremony.
     
     Tickets will not be distributed any other time.

     Extra tickets for the ceremony are not available.

   • Full ticket information and policies are available on the Ticket Information page.

10. Attend graduation activities

11. Attend your commencement ceremony