Graduation is a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate everything you’ve accomplished. Whether you are completing your first nursing degree or advancing your professional journey, the UW School of Nursing is honored to celebrate this milestone with you, your loved ones, and our community.
Each year, we host several ceremonies to recognize the achievements of our students. Below you’ll find an overview of each ceremony, what to expect, and how to prepare so you can focus on enjoying this special moment.
This page focuses specifically on ceremony celebrations. For graduation eligibility, degree requirements, and administrative steps, please visit the Graduation page.
Ceremonies at a Glance
The UW School of Nursing hosts multiple graduation-related ceremonies including:
The Pinning Ceremony is a longstanding nursing tradition that symbolizes your transition into the nursing profession. During this ceremony, students are individually recognized and presented with their nursing pin by the pinner of their choice.
This ceremony is typically more intimate and reflective, emphasizing the values, responsibility, and community of nursing practice.
Please visit our Pinning Ceremonies page for additional details.
Convocation is the UW School of Nursing’s signature graduation celebration. This ceremony honors graduating students across Nursing programs and includes recognition of academic achievement, leadership, and awards.
Faculty, staff, families, and friends come together to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates in a joyful, community-centered event.
Please visit our Convocation & Awards Ceremony page for additional details.
UW Commencement is the University of Washington’s official degree conferral ceremony, held at Husky Stadium. Graduates from across the university are recognized together as degrees are formally conferred.
Participation in Commencement is optional and coordinated by the University of Washington. If you want your name included in the program for the University-wide Commencement ceremony in Husky Stadium, please review the Eligibility on the UW Commencement website.
Please visit the UW Commencement page for additional details.
Schedule of Ceremonies
| Ceremony | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABSN Spring Pinning | Friday, March 20, 2026 | 10 am – 11 am Doors open 9:30 am |
Kane Hall 130 (Roethke Auditorium) |
| DNP Pinning | Friday, March 20, 2026 | 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Doors open 11:45 am |
Kane Hall 130 (Roethke Auditorium) |
| SoN Convocation & Awards | Friday, June 5, 2026 | 6 pm – 8 pm | Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion |
| BSN Pinning | Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 11 am – 12 pm Doors open 10:30 am |
Kane Hall 130 (Roethke Auditorium) |
| UW Commencement | Saturday, June 13, 2026 | Visit UW Commencement for details | Husky Stadium |
| ABSN Fall Pinning | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 1 pm – 2 pm Doors open 12:15 pm |
Kane Hall 130 (Roethke Auditorium) |
General Ceremony Information
Attire:
- Pinning Ceremonies: Business-professional or semi-formal attire is recommended.
- Convocation & Awards Ceremony and UW Commencement: Cap and gown are required for participating students. Details on how to order the cap & gown will be shared directly with students ahead of each event.
Guests are encouraged to wear business-casual or semi-formal attire appropriate for a celebratory event.
Graduation ceremonies are meaningful milestones for students and their families. We appreciate everyone’s help in creating a respectful and celebratory environment for all participants.
- Please remain seated during student recognition whenever possible.
- Silence or turn off mobile devices during the ceremony.
- Be mindful of movement in aisles and walkways, particularly while names are being called.
- Applause and celebration are encouraged, while allowing each graduate their moment of recognition.
- Follow directions from event staff and volunteers to support a smooth ceremony experience.
Thank you for helping us honor our graduates’ achievements and ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance.
Guests and participants should plan to arrive early to allow time for parking, check-in, seating, and accessibility needs. Specific arrival instructions will be communicated directly to students prior to each ceremony.
Pinning Ceremonies and Convocation & Awards:
Tickets are not required. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
UW Commencement:
Tickets are required. Ticketing, seating, and participation details are managed by the University of Washington. Please visit the UW Commencement website for details.
Parking and transportation information will be provided on the Pinning Ceremonies and Convocation pages.
Parking and transportation for UW Commencement are coordinated by the University of Washington. Please visit the UW Commencement website for detailed information.
Accessible seating and accommodations are available for all ceremonies. Instructions for requesting accommodations will be shared directly with students ahead of each event.
Professional photographers will be present at all ceremonies to capture the event. Photos will be available for students and families to view and purchase following each ceremony.
All ceremonies are live-streamed and recorded for those who are unable to attend in person. Links to livestreams and recordings will be shared in advance of each event.
Guests are welcome to take photos during the ceremony and are encouraged to be respectful and minimize movement while students are being recognized.
Past Events
Want to re-live the magic? Check out our past events below.
| Event | Digital Program | Recording |
|---|---|---|
| ABSN Spring 2025 Pinning Ceremony | Download | Watch replay |
| DNP 2025 Pinning Ceremony | Download | Watch replay |
| BSN 2025 Pinning Ceremony | Download | Watch replay |
| 2025 Convocation & Awards Ceremony | – | Watch replay |
| ABSN Summer 2025 Pinning Ceremony | Download | Watch replay |