Commencement

Helpful Resources

Tickets

Northrop Auditorium requires all guests to have a ticket for commencement ceremonies, which can be requested using the following link: Commencement Ticket Request Form. Please note that these tickets are free, but they are required to enter the building for the ceremony. Every child, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Tickets will be released in two waves:

  • March 25th - April 15th: You may request up to 8 tickets total. You do not need to request a ticket for yourself. 
  • After April 15th: All unclaimed tickets will be re-released to all students to be requested on a first-come first-serve basis. Each graduate may only request a maximum total of 15 tickets.

Our office highly recommends that students do not request tickets on behalf of their guests, as graduates will be very busy on the day of commencement and unavailable to troubleshoot ticketing issues day-of. 

Additionally, please make note of Northrop's Commencement Policies and plan accordingly. Pay specific attention to the 'Bags and Backpacks' and 'Commencements' sections. 

Directions and Parking

Graduates and guests are encouraged to utilize the 4th Street ramp and Washington Avenue ramp. The Church Street garage has very limited public parking available on days with commencement ceremonies. Note that there is a passenger drop-off and pick-up area along Church Street with single level access into Northrop that can be used for those with mobility concerns.

For driving directions to campus, please utilize the University of Minnesota's Undergraduate Admissions page.

Accessible Accommodations

Graduates or guests requiring access accommodations for the ceremony (wheelchair seating, sign language interpreter, limited stairs, etc.) are asked to complete the accommodation request form no later than 3 weeks prior to the ceremony dates. Due to limited space, reserved access seating including wheelchairs or walkers is limited to 6 guests. Additional guests within the party will be asked to utilize open seating which may or may not be adjacent to the access seating. Please reach out to [email protected] with questions related to accessible accommodations for graduates and/or guests.

Information for Graduates

Eligibility

Each School of Nursing program sets individual eligibility criteria for participation in commencement. Please consult your program handbook and/or academic advisor to confirm eligibility criteria. Eligible students will be prompted to submit information for the commencement program and RSVP information approximately two months prior to the commencement ceremony date.

Regalia

All students participating in the commencement ceremony are required to wear the regalia appropriate for their degree. Regalia is available through the University Bookstore and can be ordered online. Those intending to purchase their regalia are strongly advised to order at least 8 weeks prior to the ceremony date to allow adequate time for delivery. Questions regarding regalia should be directed to the Bookstore staff.

Degree Conferral

Participation in commencement is a ceremonial recognition of degree conferral. Students must successfully complete all degree requirements for the degree to be officially conferred.

Please contact the Office of Student and Career Advancement Services at [email protected] or (612) 625-7980) with questions.Pinning ceremony

Steeped in history, the pinning ceremony is a nursing tradition that represents a symbolic welcoming of new graduates into the nursing profession. Each school of nursing designs its own customized pin.

The University of Minnesota School of Nursing pin has been in use since 1913 and displays the symbols of this proud heritage.

Commencement ceremony pin

What the symbols represent

  • The four dimensions of a baccalaureate education
    • An antique lamp represents the metaphysical dimension
    • A telescope represents the physical sciences
    • A plow represents the industrial arts
    • An artist’s palette represents the fine arts
  • The cross of St. George represents unselfish service.

Thank you to the School of Nursing Alumni Society and the generous donors to the Nursing Legacy Fund that provide the pins.