GENERAL GRADUATION INFORMATION

University requirements for undergraduates and graduate students are published in the University Catalog. Students are responsible for monitoring their own progress toward degree completion, and for meeting all graduation requirements.

Prior to the beginning of their final semester, students are strongly encouraged to consult their major and minor advisors regarding their academic progress. Distance learning students should meet with their Site Director.

Correspondence regarding graduation applications, status, processing and clearance is being sent via e-mail to the ODU student e-mail address. Students are required by University policy to activate, maintain, and regularly check their ODU e-mail accounts so they will receive important administrative correspondence. Letters will be mailed to the permanent address for students whose e-mail is returned or who have no active University e-mail address. Land-based mail is slower than e-mail and may delay processes for students.

Students who are graduating at the end of the current term will have a hold that prevents further registration. If you need to take courses beyond your expected graduation date or change your graduation date, you must e-mail graduate@odu.edu to notify the University Registrar that you are continuing in your present degree program (provide your NEW GRADUATION TERM), and to request that the hold be lifted. If you have been admitted to a new degree program, there will not be a hold preventing registration.

Final transcripts are not automatically provided to graduates, but must be requested in writing. There is a $5 charge for each official transcript requested. E-mail requests for transcripts are not accepted. See Transcripts (Requesting Transcripts) for more information.

About Registering for Commencement
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 at www.odu.edu/commencement). All questions related to commencement should be directed to the Office of University Events at commencement@odu.edu.  

Students are reminded that participation in commencement ceremonies does not confirm that a degree has been conferred.