Spirit, Pride and Traditions

Campus Traditions

The Seal

One of the longest and most known traditions here at Old Dominion is the seal tradition. The seal on Kaufman Mall is one of the most iconic and prideful areas of this university. The inside of the seal has the crest of William and Mary, originally established as the Norfolk division of the College of William & Mary in 1930, but later became Old Dominion University in 1969. Because the seal is in the heart of the main campus it is prestige with a great amount of respect and privilege. The tradition here at Old Dominion is that one may not step on the seal – out of respect but also to adhere to the myth. The myth is that if one steps on the seal, then they will not graduate from Old Dominion. Although the myth may not be true and may simply be a legacy that has been passed down throughout the years – it has made graduation day truly an experience of a lifetime. As students proceed to convocation, from the Webb Center to the Ted Constant Convocation Center, they are able to dance, hop, skip, and stroll on the seal as they embark on graduating. It is a great way of finishing off your time here at Old Dominion by saying you finally made it.

Ice Cream & Cake

Although referred to as a desert in many cases, at ODU most students associate Ice Cream and Cake with the last 7 minutes in every home basketball game. Around this time frame, the song Ice Cream & Cake plays and the entire student section goes into frenzy. If you’re skeptical, YouTube it and you’ll see students even doing it without the music – just because it is an everlasting legacy here at Old Dominion.

Convocation Pins

Every first year student gets an ODU lapel pin at Convocation. The Student Body President encourages everyone to wear the pin with pride throughout their four years at Old Dominion University and then subsequently wear it on their robe at graduation!

Homecoming

A week’s worth of on-campus events that lead to a large football game. Some typical Homecoming activities include; a step show, comedy show, a parade circulating campus, founder’s day, and an extravagant concert that both ODU students and community members can attend.

Activity Hour

A bi-weekly occurrence where students do not typically have class between 12:30PM and 1:30PM (every Tuesday & Thursday). This allows for many student organizations to meet, host events, and for friends to congregate. Activity Hour gives students the opportunity to stay engaged at ODU. The Center for Service & Civic Engagement (CSCE) also hosts various volunteering opportunities during this time.

Spirit Fridays

A tradition established to show your Monarch pride and spirit. All members of the University community are asked to wear either school colors (blue and silver) or ODU apparel every Friday regardless if they are on or off-campus.