Congratulations on Your Upcoming Graduation!
To participate in a Commencement ceremony, please complete the steps below.
Apply to Graduate
Submit your graduation application through Leo Online. You will need your ODU login credentials to access Leo Online.
Information regarding graduation eligibility and degree requirements is available in Leo Online. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Office of the Registrar.
Important: You will not receive an email confirmation after submitting your graduation application.
Register to Participate in the Commencement Ceremony
Applying to graduate and registering to participate in Commencement are two separate processes.
After you have applied to graduate through Leo Online, you must complete the Commencement Participation Registration Form.
Once your participation registration has been submitted, you will receive email confirmation with:
- Ceremony details and updates
- Instructions for reserving guest e-tickets
- Important Commencement deadlines and information
Important: Fall 2026 Commencement Program Printing Deadline
- Friday, October 16, 2026 (this date will change each semester)
- Students who complete the Commencement Participation Registration Form after this deadline are still be eligible to participate in the ceremony; however, their names may not appear in the printed Commencement program.
Order Your Regalia
All graduates participating in Commencement are required to wear official regalia.
Order your cap, gown, hood (if applicable), and other Commencement items through Herff Jones.
Apply to Graduate
Submit your graduation application through Leo Online. You will need your ODU login credentials to access Leo Online.
Information regarding graduation eligibility and degree requirements is available in Leo Online. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Office of the Registrar.
Important: You will not receive an email confirmation after submitting your graduation application.
Register to Participate in the Commencement Ceremony
Applying to graduate and registering to participate in Commencement are two separate processes.
After you have applied to graduate through Leo Online, you must complete the Commencement Participation Registration Form.
Once your participation registration has been submitted, you will receive email confirmation with:
- Ceremony details and updates
- Instructions for reserving guest e-tickets
- Important Commencement deadlines and information
Important: Fall 2026 Commencement Program Printing Deadline
- Friday, October 16, 2026 (this date will change each semester)
- Students who complete the Commencement Participation Registration Form after this deadline are still be eligible to participate in the ceremony; however, their names may not appear in the printed Commencement program.
Order Your Regalia
All graduates participating in Commencement are required to wear official regalia.
Order your cap, gown, hood (if applicable), and other Commencement items through Herff Jones.
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?
Commencement Ceremony Accessibility
Old Dominion University is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive Commencement experience for all graduates and guests.
Information regarding accommodation, accessible seating, parking, and other services will be available on the Commencement accessibility page.
