Congratulations, Monarchs!
Your hard work, dedication and determination have brought you to this incredible milestone. We’re here to help you celebrate every moment and find everything you need to prepare for your Commencement day.
Fall 2026 Commencement Ceremonies
Saturday, December 12, 2026
9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in Chartway Arena
Each ceremony will include all degree levels from the colleges and schools assigned to that ceremony time (Bachelors, Master’s, Education Specialist, and Doctoral Degree Candidates).
Students will cross the seal on Kaufman Mall and hear their name read on stage at the arena. The ceremony is expected to last approximately two hours.
2026 Digital Swag
Download our free digital swag to help celebrate the moment and to let others know what you have accomplished!
Senior Class Challenge
Make a Difference. Leave a Legacy.
Celebrate your Monarch pride by participating in ODU’s Senior Class Challenge! This annual tradition invites graduating seniors to give back to Old Dominion University and support fellow students as they work toward their degrees.
Your gift supports the ODU Student Concordia Scholarship, an endowed scholarship funded entirely by student donations and managed by University Advancement. Inspired by concordia, the Latin word for unity, this scholarship helps Monarchs overcome financial barriers and continue their education.
Make Your Mark
Join your fellow graduates by contributing $20.26 in honor of the Class of 2026. Your donation directly supports scholarships for ODU students, creating opportunities for your fellow Monarchs to succeed.
As a thank-you, participating seniors will receive an ODU philanthropy honor cord to wear at commencement, recognizing their generosity and commitment to the Monarch community.
Keep the Tradition Growing
Your impact doesn't have to end at graduation. We hope you'll continue supporting ODU and future generations of Monarchs for years to come.
Ready to leave your legacy?
Traditions
During the Commencement Exercise, students walk from Webb Student Center, through Kaufman Mall, and down Hampton Boulevard dressed in academic regalia towards the ceremony in Chartway Arena. All graduating seniors step across the University Seal on the mall as new alumni of the University.
The University Mace is carried during the Commencement ceremony by the University Marshal to lead the academic processional and recessional, and is displayed on the platform during the ceremony. The mace was commissioned by the University for the inauguration of Joseph M. Marchello as the fourth president in 1985. It was designed by William Wagner and was created by Dianne DeBeixedon, both professors of art at ODU, and features a silver head with a three-dimensional evolution of the elliptically-shaped University Medallion. The shaft was crafted from Brazilian rosewood.
History of Commencement
Explore the history of Old Dominion University’s Commencement tradition, from its beginnings in 1943 to today’s celebrations honoring the achievements and accomplishments of Monarch graduates.