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Graduates participating in Commencement are required to wear official academic regalia, including a cap, gown, hood, and tassel. Please bring regalia items with you on the day of the ceremony.
Attire worn beneath academic regalia is a matter of personal preference; however, graduates are encouraged to dress appropriately for this special occasion and for expected weather conditions. Because graduates and faculty may walk considerable distances before and during the ceremony, comfortable footwear is strongly recommended.
Obtaining Your Regalia
Academic regalia may be rented or purchased through , the University's official regalia provider, or purchased directly from the Old Dominion University Bookstore.
Prior to Commencement, Herff Jones representatives visit campus to host Grad Fairs, where graduates can receive assistance with ordering regalia and other Commencement-related items. Information about upcoming Grad Fair dates will be posted on this page as it becomes available.
For questions regarding Herff Jones orders, please contact: jtshewmaker@herffjones.com or virginiagrad@herffjones.com.
Ordering Deadlines
Graduates are encouraged to order regalia by the published Herff Jones deadline to ensure availability and timely delivery. If you miss the Herff Jones ordering deadline, regalia may still be available for purchase through the Old Dominion University Bookstore. Please note that the ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ Bookstore does not accept phone orders for regalia purchases.
Regalia Facts / Tips
Members of an honor organization (ODK, Golden Key, etc.) must contact that organization directly for any regalia items they may offer. If you are a member of multiple honors organizations, the choice of how many and which pieces of regalia is up to the graduate. Please exercise good taste.
Graduation Cap
Graduates may personalize and decorate the top of their mortarboard caps to celebrate their achievements and express their individuality. Decorations should be appropriate for a university setting, must not contain offensive or disruptive content, and should not obstruct the view of other participants or interfere with the ceremony. Adornments must lay flat on the surface of the cap.
Stoles & Recognition Items
Graduates may wear approved stoles, cords, and other Commencement recognition items that have been awarded through University-affiliated programs, academic honors, student organizations, military service, or recognized honor societies. These items are intended to recognize academic achievement, leadership, service, cultural heritage, and student involvement.
All recognition items should be worn in a manner that maintains the dignity and decorum of the Commencement ceremony.
Personalized Stoles
Graduates may also choose to purchase a personalized Commencement stole through . Personalized stoles can be customized to celebrate academic accomplishments, student involvement, cultural identity, military service, or other meaningful achievements.