What ceremonies occur here?
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Winter
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Graduation
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Graduation is a commencement ceremony for all summer and fall graduates. At the events:
- each graduate's name is called, along with any awards and honors, as they walk across the stage
- undergraduate and Clinical Nurse Leader students are pinned
- doctoral students are hooded
- diplomas are not distributed
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Spring
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Convocation
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Convocation honors spring nursing school graduates. At the event:
- each graduate's name is called as they walk across the stage
- undergraduate and Clinical Nurse Leader students are pinned
- doctoral students are hooded
- diplomas are not distributed
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What is the Dean’s Alumni Circle?
Graduates who attend both UMSON and UMB graduation activities are members of the Dean’s Alumni Circle and receive a red-and-gold cord.
Is academic regalia required? How do I order it?
Yes! All students must wear regalia.
- Online:
- Order regalia through Oak Hill
- Order announcements, nursing pins, rings, and frames through Herff Jones
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Population
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Academic Regalia
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BSN, RN-BSN, RN-MSN
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Bachelor’s cap, gown, tassel, and red stole with UMB logo
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CNL
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Master’s cap, gown, hood, and red stole with UMB logo
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MSN (except CNL)
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Master’s cap, gown, and hood
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DNP
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Doctoral cap, gown, and tassel with doctoral hood
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PhD
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Doctoral cap, gown, and tassel
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How long is each ceremony?
It depends on how many graduates participate. The ceremony should last no longer than two - three hours.
Will my guest(s) need a ticket to attend?
Tickets are required for Graduation, including for pinners for BSN and CNL graduates. The number of guest tickets we are able to provide depends on the number of graduates who RSVP to the ceremony. Tickets are distributed with packets. All graduates may attend; however, you must RSVP to secure tickets for guests. Details for guest tickets will be distributed after the RSVP deadline.
Where can I and my guests park?
Parking garages and street parking are conveniently located around the venue. There may be a charge for parking.
Who do I contact about special accommodations for either a guest or myself?
Graduation ceremonies require a lot of walking for graduates. Handicapped seating is available for guests at both spring and fall ceremonies by request. Closed caption must be requested. Please email nrsregistration@umaryland.edu to reserve guest handicapped seating, closed captioning, or if you, pinner, or a guest have accessibility needs.
Is there a place I can store personal items?
There is no storage for personal items. Please give articles to a family member or friend to hold for you. Storing items under your chair is not an option, as graduates may not return to the same seat after leaving the stage. UMSON staff cannot take responsibility for personal items.
Is there photography?
A photographer captures individual photos of graduates as they approach the stage and while on stage, including pinners for BSN and CNL, and offer students the opportunity to purchase photographs of this special occasion. Candid photos prior and during the ceremony may be taken by other graduates, guests, and School of Nursing staff for possible publication. Privately hired photographers and guests are not allowed in the graduate lineup area or on the arena floor during the ceremony.
When will I get my diploma?
Diplomas are mailed to the address listed in the Student User Friendly System (SURFS) approximately the third weeks after graduation.
When will my transcript reflect my degree?
- Winter Graduation: after the second week in January
- Spring Convocation: after the second week in June
If you would like to order a transcript with your degree, click the "Hold for Degree" box when you fill out your transcript request. After degrees are applied, transcripts will be mailed to the address provided on the request form.
I am a receiving my doctorate. What happens at Graduation?
Hooding for all doctoral (DNP and PhD) students occurs during graduation. To prepare, all doctoral students should watch this "How to Wear a Doctoral Hood" video (do not pin your cap, as you will remove it for hooding). DNP students receive their hood with their regalia. Hoods are provided to PhD students at UMB Commencement or the Graduate Hooding Ceremony.
I am receiving my master’s degree. What happens at Graduation?
Student receiving their master’s degree are called to the stage by specialty. Upon reaching the stage, each student is announced. Students process across the stage to shake hands with the dean and academic associate dean. CNL students are pinned.
I am a BSN (including RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MSN) or CNL student. What happens at graduation?
All BSN and CNL students are pinned. RN-to-BSN students who may have previously been pinned will receive a second pin from UMB to signify their completion of the BSN degree. RN-to-MSN students completing their undergraduate degree are also pinned.
Students are announced on stage along with the relationship of their pinner. BSN and CNL students are strongly encouraged to attend the pinning rehearsal. All CNL and baccalaureate students, including RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MSN students, must purchase a red stole for pinning from the UMB Bookstore. See the regalia section above for purchase information.
What is pinning?
Pinning is a time-honored nursing tradition. During the ceremony, graduates of the baccalaureate and Clinical Nurse Leader programs are presented with the UMSON nursing pin on the red UMB stole.
I am a BSN or CNL. Who can pin me?
You may choose one person to pin you. Pinners sit with graduates in a section separate from other guests. Due to safety concerns, children under 12 are not allowed on the arena floor. Being a pinner requires walking distances and standing for extend period. If you do not have a pinner, a faculty member will perform the honor. We strongly encourage graduates and pinners to arrive together.
Do I have to buy a nursing pin?
No. Each BSN and CNL student will receive a replica pin in their graduation packet; however, you must purchase the red stole. The stole is included in the regalia package if ordered from Oak Hall, or it may also be purchased separately from the bookstore.
Original nursing pins can be ordered through Herff-Jones or in person at the UMB Bookstore. If you purchase a pin from the bookstore, you may use it or the replica pin for pinning during graduation.
Do I have to attend the NCLEX review at the school?
To be certified as having completed all graduation requirements and to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam, BSN and CNL students are required to complete an NCLEX review provided by the School. The three-part review is offered at both the Baltimore and Universities at Shady Grove locations and consists of:
- 3 in-person sessions from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- 1 mandatory practice test
- 1 synchronous course held online.
We recommend all students plan for the NCLEX review to be held sometime between the week before, of, or immediately after graduation. Current NCLEX review dates are available on the Academic Calendar.
For more information regarding the NCLEX review and applying for an RN license, consult the "National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and Kaplan Resources" information on the Student Forms webpage.
For any questions, contact the Office of the Academic Deans at 410-706-4359 or nrsacademicdeans@umaryland.edu.
If you have any questions, please contact the office of the Registrar and Student Placements at nrsregistration@umaryland.edu or 410-706-2799.