By Jonah Grinkewitz 

On December 13, nearly 1,600 Old Dominion University students will graduate and officially become alumni. For graduating students, guests and faculty, here is everything you need to know to celebrate at Chartway Arena for the University’s 143rd Commencement Exercises.  

Ceremony Details 

  • 9:00 a.m. Ceremony: Batten College of Engineering and Technology, College of Arts and Letters, College of Sciences, School of Cybersecurity, School of Data Science and the School of Supply Chain, Logistics & Maritime Operations.
  • 12:30 p.m. Ceremony: Darden College of Education and Professional Studies, Ellmer College of Health Sciences, Ellmer College of Nursing, EVMS School of Health Professions, Strome College of Business and the Joint School of Public Health, in partnership with Norfolk State University.

R. Bruce Bradley (MBA ’78), former Rector of the Old Dominion University Board of Visitors, will deliver the keynote address. Over his 34-year career in the newspaper industry, Bradley served as president of Landmark Publishing Group and as executive vice president of Landmark Media Enterprises, LLC. A committed public servant, Bradley has served as board chair for many of the region’s most influential organizations, including the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, the Elizabeth River Project, the United Way of South Hampton Roads and the ACCESS College Foundation. 

Parking and Accessibility 

For the 9 a.m. ceremony:  

  • Students should park in the Constant Center 43rd Street Garage.
  • Guests can also park in the Constant Center 43rd Street Garage or in the Constant Center 45th Street Garage.
  • Faculty should park in the 43rd Street and Bluestone Avenue Garage with a continuous shuttle service to Chartway Arena.
  • View the parking map for the 9:00 a.m. ceremony here. 

For the 12:30 p.m. ceremony:  

  • Students should park in Village Lot 2 and Village Lot 3.
  • Guests can park in either the Constant Center 43rd Street Garage or the Constant Center 45th Street Garage.
  • Faculty should park in the 43rd Street and Bluestone Avenue Garage with a continuous shuttle service to Chartway Arena.
  • View the parking map for the 12:30 p.m. ceremony here. 

Accessible parking is available for those with DMV accessibility placards. Guests should plan to arrive at least 60 minutes prior to the ceremony. Signage on Hampton Boulevard outside Chartway Arena will direct guests to the appropriate entrances. 

Tickets and Viewing 

While graduating students do not require tickets, guest tickets are mandatory. Tickets were distributed to qualified graduating students. All children over the age of 2 require a ticket. Children 2 and younger are not required to have a ticket if they can sit in the lap of a parent or guardian. 

Learn more about requesting guest tickets and read the ticket policy here. 

ODUGlobal graduating students are required to follow the same processes and deadlines as on-campus graduating students. Early coordination with advisors is recommended to ensure smooth participation. 

Photography and Meet-up Post-Ceremony 

GradImages, a professional photography company, will capture photos during the ceremonies and email them to students within 30 days of the event.  

Guests are asked to remain in their seats until the ceremony ends and then proceed to planned meet-up locations outside the venue for post-ceremony celebrations. There will not be opportunities for after-ceremony photos inside the venue. 

Marshals and Faculty Participation 

Faculty are encouraged to participate and can coordinate with their school or college’s commencement representative. Marshals play various roles to ensure smooth operations on the ceremony day, from directing processions to assisting with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) support. 

Share Your Excitement Online 

Graduates and their families are encouraged to share their excitement on social media using Old Dominion University's digital swag kit available here.