Am I eligible to graduate, and who can I contact?
It’s important that you meet with your academic advisor early in the graduation process to ensure that you meet all requirements and necessary deadlines. Be sure to also check the webpage for the University Registrar on how to cross the finish line.
How does my name get in the Commencement program?
Follow the instructions on the Office of the Registrar’s Applying for Graduation webpage to apply for graduation. Students who apply by the published deadline will have their names included in the Commencement program.
Do I have to register to attend the Commencement ceremony?
Yes. Applying for graduation does not automatically register you for Commencement.
After you apply for graduation, you must separately register to participate in the Commencement ceremony.
Is there a Commencement ceremony for students who graduate in August?
No. There is no Commencement ceremony in August. Graduates can choose to participate in the May ceremony or the following December ceremony.
What information will appear on the diploma?
Your name (as it appears on file with the Registrar's Office), your degree, your major, and your graduation date will appear on your diploma. The University seal and the signatures of the President and the Rector appear on the diploma as well.
What is the size of the diploma?
All Old Dominion University diplomas (bachelors, masters, doctorate) are displayed horizontally (landscape) at 14" x 11".
When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas are mailed 6-8 weeks after graduation to the permanent (home) address on file with the Registrar's Office. It is important that you update this information early in your final semester. May graduates' diplomas should arrive in late June/early July; August graduates' diplomas should arrive mid-October; December graduates' diplomas should arrive mid-February.
Where do I get information about transcripts?
Visit the transcripts page for this information.
Please visit the Regalia webpage for more information.
Please visit the Accessibility page for more information.
Where should I stay if I need overnight accommodations?
For guests looking for a place to stay, visit the lodging page for options.
I want to plan a special outing while visiting the area. What are some options?
Make the most of your visit to Coastal Virginia! Explore the Coastal Virginia page for recommendations on local attractions, dining, entertainment, outdoor activities, and other things to see and do while you're in the area.
Where should I park for the Commencement ceremony?
Parking, maps and shuttle information can be found on the Know Before You Go page.
Will there be a shuttle to help me get from the parking area to the designated Commencement venue?
Yes. Shuttle service will be available on Commencement day to help transport guests from designated parking areas to the Commencement venue. For shuttle routes, pickup locations, and other parking information, visit Know Before You Go.
What can I bring to the ceremony to help celebrate the graduates?
We encourage guests to celebrate their graduates and share in this special occasion! Flowers are permitted, and vendors will be onsite offering approved options for purchase.
For the safety and comfort of all graduates and guests, the following items are not permitted:
- Balloons
- Bullhorns or noisemakers
- Confetti
- Beach balls and other inflatables
- Sticks or clubs
- Wrapped gifts
- Signs or placards
- Outside food or beverages
- Coolers or thermos containers
- Water bottles or mugs
- Glass bottles or aluminum cans
- Weapons or fireworks
- Alcohol
- Backpacks and other prohibited bags
Please review the Clear-Bag Policy for information about approved bags and other items permitted inside S.B. Ballard stadium.
What if there is inclement weather?
In the event of inclement weather, details of the weather plan will be shared on the ODU homepage and Know Before You Go at least 24 hours prior of the ceremony.
What time should I arrive at the ceremony?
Graduates should report to the check-in area at least an hour and a half before the ceremony begins. Final detailed day of instructions will be emailed to graduates approximately one week before Commencement.
Guests should also plan to arrive at least one hour before the ceremony to allow time for parking, shuttle transportation, venue entry, and seating.
Do guests need a ticket to attend Commencement?
Yes. All guests must have a ticket to enter the venues. Tickets are distributed to registered graduating students. All children over the age of 2 require a ticket. Children 2 years of age and younger are not required to have a ticket if they can sit in a parent's lap.
What if I have personal items?
Students and guests are encouraged to limit the personal items they bring to the ceremony. No secure storage is available at the Commencement venue. All bags and personal items are subject to inspection upon entry.
What is the difference between graduation and Commencement?
Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements necessary to earn your degree and receive your diploma.
Commencement is the ceremonial celebration where graduation candidates are publicly recognized for their accomplishments. Participating in Commencement does not mean you have officially graduated or completed all degree requirements. Students must complete all requirements to be considered a graduate of the University.
Can a family member walk with me in the ceremony?
No. Only graduating students may participate in the processional and sit in the student section. Family members and guests must remain in the designated guest seating area and have a ticket to attend the ceremony.
What can I expect during the ceremony?
Each ceremony will begin with the processional entering the venue at the scheduled start time. The ceremony will include remarks from University speakers, the conferral of degrees and the individual recognition of graduates. Each graduate’s name will be announced as they cross the stage to be congratulated.
For outdoor ceremonies: Plan to be outdoors for one or more hours and dress appropriately for the weather. Check the forecast before arriving and prepare accordingly.
How long will the ceremony last?
Ceremony length varies depending on the number of graduation candidates participating.
Where can I meet my family after the ceremony?
Please remain seated until the ceremony has concluded. We ask that guests stay for the entire ceremony to celebrate all graduates and avoid disruptions.
After the ceremony, please plan to meet your family and guests outside the venue. The venue must be cleared promptly so there will not be an opportunity for post-ceremony photos inside the venue.
There are many opportunities to take photos on the plaza in front of Chartway Arena, around S.B. Ballard Stadium and at various locations throughout campus.
Am I eligible to graduate, and who can I contact?
It’s important that you meet with your academic advisor early in the graduation process to ensure that you meet all requirements and necessary deadlines. Be sure to also check the webpage for the University Registrar on how to cross the finish line.
How does my name get in the Commencement program?
Follow the instructions on the Office of the Registrar’s Applying for Graduation webpage to apply for graduation. Students who apply by the published deadline will have their names included in the Commencement program.
Do I have to register to attend the Commencement ceremony?
Yes. Applying for graduation does not automatically register you for Commencement.
After you apply for graduation, you must separately register to participate in the Commencement ceremony.
Is there a Commencement ceremony for students who graduate in August?
No. There is no Commencement ceremony in August. Graduates can choose to participate in the May ceremony or the following December ceremony.
What information will appear on the diploma?
Your name (as it appears on file with the Registrar's Office), your degree, your major, and your graduation date will appear on your diploma. The University seal and the signatures of the President and the Rector appear on the diploma as well.
What is the size of the diploma?
All Old Dominion University diplomas (bachelors, masters, doctorate) are displayed horizontally (landscape) at 14" x 11".
When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas are mailed 6-8 weeks after graduation to the permanent (home) address on file with the Registrar's Office. It is important that you update this information early in your final semester. May graduates' diplomas should arrive in late June/early July; August graduates' diplomas should arrive mid-October; December graduates' diplomas should arrive mid-February.
Where do I get information about transcripts?
Visit the transcripts page for this information.
Please visit the Regalia webpage for more information.
Please visit the Accessibility page for more information.
Where should I stay if I need overnight accommodations?
For guests looking for a place to stay, visit the lodging page for options.
I want to plan a special outing while visiting the area. What are some options?
Make the most of your visit to Coastal Virginia! Explore the Coastal Virginia page for recommendations on local attractions, dining, entertainment, outdoor activities, and other things to see and do while you're in the area.
Where should I park for the Commencement ceremony?
Parking, maps and shuttle information can be found on the Know Before You Go page.
Will there be a shuttle to help me get from the parking area to the designated Commencement venue?
Yes. Shuttle service will be available on Commencement day to help transport guests from designated parking areas to the Commencement venue. For shuttle routes, pickup locations, and other parking information, visit Know Before You Go.
What can I bring to the ceremony to help celebrate the graduates?
We encourage guests to celebrate their graduates and share in this special occasion! Flowers are permitted, and vendors will be onsite offering approved options for purchase.
For the safety and comfort of all graduates and guests, the following items are not permitted:
- Balloons
- Bullhorns or noisemakers
- Confetti
- Beach balls and other inflatables
- Sticks or clubs
- Wrapped gifts
- Signs or placards
- Outside food or beverages
- Coolers or thermos containers
- Water bottles or mugs
- Glass bottles or aluminum cans
- Weapons or fireworks
- Alcohol
- Backpacks and other prohibited bags
Please review the Clear-Bag Policy for information about approved bags and other items permitted inside S.B. Ballard stadium.
What if there is inclement weather?
In the event of inclement weather, details of the weather plan will be shared on the ODU homepage and Know Before You Go at least 24 hours prior of the ceremony.
What time should I arrive at the ceremony?
Graduates should report to the check-in area at least an hour and a half before the ceremony begins. Final detailed day of instructions will be emailed to graduates approximately one week before Commencement.
Guests should also plan to arrive at least one hour before the ceremony to allow time for parking, shuttle transportation, venue entry, and seating.
Do guests need a ticket to attend Commencement?
Yes. All guests must have a ticket to enter the venues. Tickets are distributed to registered graduating students. All children over the age of 2 require a ticket. Children 2 years of age and younger are not required to have a ticket if they can sit in a parent's lap.
What if I have personal items?
Students and guests are encouraged to limit the personal items they bring to the ceremony. No secure storage is available at the Commencement venue. All bags and personal items are subject to inspection upon entry.
What is the difference between graduation and Commencement?
Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements necessary to earn your degree and receive your diploma.
Commencement is the ceremonial celebration where graduation candidates are publicly recognized for their accomplishments. Participating in Commencement does not mean you have officially graduated or completed all degree requirements. Students must complete all requirements to be considered a graduate of the University.
Can a family member walk with me in the ceremony?
No. Only graduating students may participate in the processional and sit in the student section. Family members and guests must remain in the designated guest seating area and have a ticket to attend the ceremony.
What can I expect during the ceremony?
Each ceremony will begin with the processional entering the venue at the scheduled start time. The ceremony will include remarks from University speakers, the conferral of degrees and the individual recognition of graduates. Each graduate’s name will be announced as they cross the stage to be congratulated.
For outdoor ceremonies: Plan to be outdoors for one or more hours and dress appropriately for the weather. Check the forecast before arriving and prepare accordingly.
How long will the ceremony last?
Ceremony length varies depending on the number of graduation candidates participating.
Where can I meet my family after the ceremony?
Please remain seated until the ceremony has concluded. We ask that guests stay for the entire ceremony to celebrate all graduates and avoid disruptions.
After the ceremony, please plan to meet your family and guests outside the venue. The venue must be cleared promptly so there will not be an opportunity for post-ceremony photos inside the venue.
There are many opportunities to take photos on the plaza in front of Chartway Arena, around S.B. Ballard Stadium and at various locations throughout campus.
Didn’t find what you need here?
Contact the Commencement office at commencement@odu.edu.