OHSU

FAQs - Graduation

pinning
Why is Graduation on June 3?
The OHSU School of Nursing will be holding Commencement on Monday, June 3, 2013 from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.  A variety of factors were taken into consideration when determining the date for 2013 graduation, including venue availability and the incorporation of the other OHSU schools and administration.

Do I need tickets for Commencement?  Is an RSVP needed? 
While no tickets are required for the Commencement ceremony, we will need to obtain the number of graduating students attending as well as an estimated number of guests.  A Commencement RSVP form is available online. Please complete your online RSVP by March 22, 2013.

How many guests can I bring?
Graduation is an important accomplishment and your family and friends are cordially invited to attend this special celebration. While this is a non-tickets event, we do request that graduates limit their number of guests to a maximum of 7-8 guests to ensure availability of seats.  If you have special circumstances in which your guest list would be more than this number, your guests are of course welcome.

Where can my out of town guests stay?
If you have friends or family arriving from out of town, you may want to consider a local hotel or bed & breakfast. OHSU maintains an updated list of local hotels and other options for local accommodations. Check out the complete list of local hotels.


Hotels close to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall* include:
•    Hilton Portland
•    Heathman Hotel Portland
•    Paramount Hotel
•    The Nines
•    Westin Portland
•    Hotel Modera

Will there be a reception following Commencement?
Yes, the School of Nursing will be hosting a small reception after graduation to allow our graduates the opportunity to mix and mingle with friends, family and faculty. We have reserved space for the reception in the Performing Arts Center directly across the corridor from the Schnitz.

What is the Application for Degree and when is it due?
The Application for Degree is a form generated by the OHSU Registrar's Office that allows graduates to receive their diploma upon program completion.  All students planning to graduate during Spring term must submit an Application for Degree to the Registrar no later than March 22, 2013.

What if I only have 1 course to complete? Can I still walk in the Graduation?
Students who wish to participate in Commencement should plan to have all degree requirements complete by the end of Spring term. Students with no more than one OHSU nursing course (max. of 6 credits) to complete during the Summer term may petition to participate in the ceremony. Petitions will only be granted to those who have completed their non-nursing (undergraduate) and/or CPH509 (MPH only) courses by Spring term. Accelerated baccalaureate students with only their IP in progress for Summer term are eligible to participate without a petition. Students should contact their program for petition forms by April 12th.

How do I order Regalia?
Students participating in the 2013 Portland Commencement ceremony are required to wear appropriate regalia. Rental regalia can be ordered online through Royal T Papers.Orders MUST be placed online at www.royaltpapers.com no later than April 19, 2013. 

Doctoral students who are interested in purchasing regalia can see pricing and customization options on this website. 

If you have customization options, please call our representative Dan at 360 254-7870.

Ordering Instructions

Do Baccalaureate graduates have to purchase a nursing pin?
No.  The nursing pin is not a requirement of graduation.  Baccalaureate graduates have the option to purchase a nursing pin through Klein Jewelers (deadline March 22, 2013) and be pinned at the Commencement ceremony by a faculty representative.  Unfortunately, graduates cannot select which faculty member does the pinning. 

I did not purchase a pin, does that mean I'm not participating in the pinning ceremony?
Not at all.  Graduates who do not purchase a nursing pin will still participate in the ceremony.  When on-stage, you will shake hands with the faculty member rather than be pinned.

Does it have to be a nursing pin or can I bring my own pin?
It is tradition that the pins used for the pinning ceremony be nursing pins, as this is a nursing pin ceremony.  This pin can be either the pin purchased this year or one that has been handed down in your family.

When is the Graduation Fair?
Graduation Fair will be held on in mid-May 24, 2013 on the 6th floor of the School of Nursing in Portland.  Graduates will be able to pick up their regalia, honor cords (if applicable), and pins at this time.  Class pictures will also be taken at this time. Please plan on attending this event if you will be graduating from either or Portland or Virtual campus.

What if I am unable to attend the Graduation Fair?  How can I get my Regalia?
Please be in contact with the Graduation Coordinators if you are unable to pick up regalia at the Graduation Fair; special accommodations can be made to ensure you receive your regalia.  If you are located near the Portland area you can pick up your regalia from the Graduation Coordinator prior to June 3.  For those unable to pick up regalia, such as distance education graduates, please connect with the commencement coordinator ahead of time. Please contact sn-affrs@ohsu.edu with questions.

Who is eligible to graduate?
Students who have completed their program of study and are set to graduate during the 2012-2013 academic year are eligible to participate in the 2013 Commencement Ceremony.  If you are unsure of your status, please be in contact with your program support staff.  

Which programs are graduating and can attend Commencement?
Graduates from the following degree programs are eligible and are encouraged to attend the Commencement ceremony:

  • Bachelor of Science Degree -
    Traditional Seniors-Portland Campus, Accelerated Baccalaureates*, RN to Bachelor Completion, and Community College Transition Seniors
  • Master of Nursing/Master of Science Degree -
    Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwifery, Nurse Anesthesia, Health Systems and Organizational Leadership, and Nursing Education.
  • Post Masters Certificate Degree-
    Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwifery, Advanced Practice Gerontology and Nursing Education.
  • Master of Public Health Degree
  • Graduate Certificate of Public Health
  • Doctor of Philosophy
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice

*Fall 2012 graduates and Summer 2013 graduates.