ODU Announces Change in Friday's Commencement Processional

May 04, 2017

With inclement weather - including heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds - expected all day Friday, May 5, Old Dominion University must alter plans for its two Friday commencement ceremonies. Because it is not anticipated that Saturday's commencement ceremonies will be affected by inclement weather, they will proceed as planned.

All commencement exercises will be held at the Ted Constant Convocation Center; however, to limit outdoor exposure to inclement weather for ODU students, faculty and staff, Friday's graduates will now assemble at the Mitchum Basketball Performance Center (instead of at Webb University Center) and faculty members will robe in the Ted Constant Center's Big Blue Room, off 43rd Street.

Due to the strong likelihood of rain on Friday, students and faculty may carry umbrellas into the arena for commencement.

The newly constructed Mitchum Center is located adjacent to the Ted Constant Convocation Center, on the corner of Monarch Way and 43rd Street. Since the University's basketball teams have not yet held practices in the facility, Friday's commencement activities will mark the first official use of the building.

Faculty and students participating in Friday's commencement ceremonies will park in the Constant Center South Garage, on 43rd Street. Faculty will walk directly across 43rd Street to enter the Big Blue Room. Students will enter the Mitchum Center through the main entrance located across from Tropical Smoothie and facing the University Village Bookstore. University shuttles will also provide transportation for faculty and graduating students from campus parking garages A and B.

Commencement guests and family members will go to the Ted Constant Center as previously planned.

The schedule is now as follows for Friday, May 5, 2017:

3:00 p.m. - Arts & Letters Undergraduate Ceremony

• Students report between 1:30 and 2:15 p.m. to the Mitchum Center
• Faculty report between 2:00 and 2:30 p.m. to the Big Blue Room of the Ted

7:30 p.m. - Advanced Degree Ceremony

• Students report between 6:00 and 6:45 p.m. to the Mitchum Center
• Faculty report between 6:30 and 7:00 p.m. to the Big Blue Room of the Ted