About Registering for Commencement
PLEASE NOTE:
Applying for graduation with the Office of the Registrar does not automatically register you for the commencement ceremony! Registering to participate in commencement is a separate registration process.
You must submit the Commencement Participation Registration form in order to participate in the commencement ceremony. (see step 5 below)
Be sure to remind your fellow graduates about this important registration information!
Commencement Participation Timeline
All of the following steps must be completed in order to graduate and participate in the commencement exercises. A comprehensive timeline is available, containing full details.
1. Degree evaluation
(bachelor's degree candidates only)
Students who may be eligible to graduate will receive an email from the Registrar's Office. You can run your degree audit on LEOonline to check your academic progress.
2. Meet with your academic adviser
Schedule a meeting with your academic adviser (and minor adviser). Print a copy of your degree audit and bring it with you to your appointment.
3. Apply for graduation
The application is available online. Applying for graduation does not register you for the commencement ceremony. Please read all instructions carefully and submit the form by the prescribed deadlines.
Once your application is processed, you will receive an important email and your graduation status on LEOonline will be listed as "Pending." It will remain "pending" until you actually graduate.
4. Complete the senior assessment
(bachelor's degree candidates only)
You should receive an email invitation to take the assessment once you are eligible. If you do not receive your invitation, please complete the form located at www.odu.edu/senior. You must complete the assessment to receive your diploma.
5. Register to participate in the commencement ceremony
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All students who wish to participate must complete the online participation registration.
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The participation registration must be completed online. Printed or faxed copies will not be accepted.
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You must register by the prescribed deadline. Failure to do so will result in receiving a reduced number of guest tickets.
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If you register to participate and you have not already applied for graduation, your registration will be rejected.
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May 2013 Commencement Participation Registration begins on February 1, 2013.
Registration deadline: March 12, 2013
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If you fail to register for commencement before the registration deadline above, your name will not appear in the commencement program)
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Once you submit your registration, you will be taken to a confirmation page.
Print this page for your records!
Commencement@ODU is not able to provide registration confirmation via email or any other method. Thank you for your cooperation.
Note for August graduation candidates
August graduation candidates are encouraged to participate in the May ceremony. However, August graduates may participate in either the May ceremony or the December ceremony.
You may not participate in both Spring and Fall ceremonies.
6. Check Blackboard regularly
Important information about commencement will be posted to the "Commencement" organization on Blackboard. You will find it by clicking on the "My Professional Learning" tab at the top once you have logged in to Blackboard. Please remember to check this regularly. Your enrollment in the commencement organization will serve as your registration confirmation.
7. Purchase your academic regalia
It is recommended that you purchase your regalia at the Graduation Fair (see timeline at right for specific dates). If you are unable to attend the graduation fair, you can order your regalia online (note that if you go to the site too early in the semester, online ordering will not be available). If you miss the deadline, you will have to purchase your regalia the week of the ceremony at the University Village Bookstore. Supplies may be limited.
8. Pick up your guest tickets
Eligible students who register by the prescribed deadline will be able to pick up their guest tickets at the Campus Information Center in Webb University Center during the prescribed dates and times that will be announced via Blackboard. Please refer to the timeline at the right for dates for the current semester.
Students who miss the ticket distribution will be able to pick up their tickets at the TED box office beginning 3 days prior to the ceremony.
Tickets will not be distributed any other time.
9. Attend graduation activities
There are many activities for graduates to attend during commencement week and often during the semester. Check the schedule of activities for full listing and details. This list is updated as new events are scheduled.
10. Attend the commencement exercises
Your registration confirmation and your student ticket will have your ceremony assignment on it. If you have any questions, please refer to the Information for Graduating Students. The ceremony assignments are at the top of that page.