Current Students - Graduation

Graduation Day The University of Oklahoma College of Nursing has proud traditions surrounding our graduation ceremonies. Though all students are encouraged to attend the main University Commencement ceremonies, the College will hold pinning ceremonies and offer individual recognition to each graduating student.

The Pinning Tradition

The School of Nursing pin is a distinctive mark, rich in history and meaning. It can be traced to heraldry, which is the system of devising and granting insignias for Coat of Arms. The Pinning Ceremony is a time-honored nursing school tradition, dating back to 1855 when Florence Nightingale was awarded a broach by England’s Queen Victoria for her efforts in the Crimean War. It signifies the integrity and tradition of badges worn by the early healers and crusaders of care. Over the course of time, the Pinning Ceremony has evolved, and for most, marks the passage from that of student nurse role to the practice role, and for some, the attainment of advanced education.

Each school adopts their symbol or pin to indicate the excellent nursing educational program the graduate came from. In the Pinning Ceremony performed today, each baccalaureate student will receive a pin that proudly displays The University of Oklahoma “Seed Sower.” Regardless of where their new careers in nursing take them, their pin will represent where they earned their professional experience. It signifies the acceptance of the responsibilities of the practice of Nursing and the educational preparation of the wearer. The wearing of the nursing pin is a source of pride; it symbolizes the right to serve others, and the privilege earned by the graduates of this program.

Pinning ceremonies will be held for graduates from all undergraduate programs at all campuses. All campuses are invited to participate in the events at the main Health Sciences Center campus in Oklahoma City. However, seperate pinning ceremonies are held for Tulsa and San Diego campuses at their respective campus location. All students are pinned with a symbolic pin by their elected faculty members. Nursing pins may be purchased online and worn during the ceremony. Students will be pinned during the Covocation ceremony immediately after receiving their diploma cover from Dean Kenner.

The Hooding Ceremony

In the 12th century university education began. The scholars that came to study in these hallowed halls took on the appearance of those of religious orders-long robes with hoods. These clothes were very practical as the university halls were drafty and unheated. English universities were the first to “define” acceptable academic regalia. It was not until many centuries later that in the United States the hoods with specific colors for various disciplines were designated. Medicine’s hood is lined with green to represent herbs used in the first medications. Nursing’s hood is lined with apricot.

The academic black robe is designed to reflect the level of education. The bachelor’s gown is untrimmed and has pointed sleeves. The master’s gown is untrimmed and has oblong sleeves, open at the wrist. The doctoral gown’s sleeves are bell-shaped with three velvet bars. The gown itself is trimmed with velvet that reflects either black or the color of the discipline. The cap either a traditional mortar board shaped or a tam with a tassel color coordinated to reflect the discipline. Nursing’s tassel is apricot.

The academic hood denotes the educational level. The bachelor’s hood is three feet in length. The master’s hood is longer, measuring three and one-half feet. The doctoral hood is the longest at four feet. Each hood is lined with the color of the college or university and can have various patterns.

Graduates from our Masters programs are recognized in the May Convocation ceremonies just prior to the Undergraduate Pinning process. Students are hooded by their academic advisor and will then receive their diploma cover from Dean Kenner.

2009 Graduation Events

Oklahoma City Campus

Traditional BSN, LPN-BSN and RN-BSN students will be recognized in May. An Awards Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 14th at the Oklahoma Memorial Union on the OU Norman campus.
Masters students graduating December 2008, May 2009 or July 2009 will all be recognized in May. An Awards Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 13th. Students will also be pinned at this ceremony. RSVP is required in advance. Contact Patricia-Wilhelm@ouhsc.edu with any questions.
ABSN students will be recognized in July 2009. More information will be posted soon.

Pinning/Hooding will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at the First Baptist Church in Moore. All Traditional BSN, LPN-BSN and RN-BSN students will be pinned at this ceremony by their elected faculty members. All Masters students will be hooded by their academic advisor. RSVP is required in advance for seating arrangements. All students will receive individual recognition and a professional photographer will be taking graduation pictures as the student "walks" across the stage. This event will begin at 2:30 p.m. and conclude at approximately 4:00 p.m. A light reception will be held following the ceremony.

Contact Margaret Robinson with any questions.

Tulsa Campus

Traditional BSN, LPN-BSN and RN-BSN students will be recognized in May. An Awards Ceremony is currently being planned by your student organization.
Masters students may participate in the pinning ceremony or may participate in the Oklahoma campus events listed above.
ABSN students will be recognized in July 2009. More information will be posted soon.

Pinning is date/location are TBA. A mandatory rehearsal will be held. RSVPs are required in advance for seating arrangements.

Campus-wide commencement will be held held in May. Date and location will be announced soon.

Contact Jessica Maldonado with any questions.

Lawton Campuses

Traditional BSN, LPN-BSN and RN-BSN students will be recognized in May. An Awards Ceremony will be held. Students will participate in the Pinning ceremony in Oklahoma City on May 16th.
Masters students may participate in the Awards Ceremony in Oklahoma City on May 13th. Students may be hooded at the ceremony in Oklahoma City on May 16th.
ABSN students will be recognized in July 2009 with the Oklahoma City campus. More information will be posted soon.

Contact Cathy Callen with any questions.

San Diego Campus

Events, including Awards Ceremony and Pinning, will be held on-site in San Diego. Please see your site coordinator for additional information

Distant Site Campuses

All graduates from any distant site campus is invited to attend events with the Oklahoma City campus, including the Awards Ceremony and Pinning Ceremony, as listed above.

Contact Margaret Robinson with any questions.