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Pinning Ceremonies

This page provides step-by-step guidance for students participating in a UW School of Nursing Pinning Ceremony, including planning timelines, venue logistics, and what to expect on the day of the ceremony.

Students should review this page carefully and use it as their primary reference when preparing for pinning. General ceremony information (pinning ceremony dates, accessibility, attire, photography, and guest guidance) is available on the Graduation & Recognition Ceremonies page.

Programs with Pinning Ceremonies

Pinning ceremonies are held for students in the following programs:

  • Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Pinning ceremony dates, times, and locations vary by program and cohort. Please refer to the Graduation & Recognition Ceremonies page for the full schedule.

Planning Timeline & Student Preparation

Pinning ceremonies are planned several months in advance by the Office of Student & Academic Affairs (OSAA). Students should use the timeline below to prepare:

  • Prior to the final quarter: Ceremony dates and venues are confirmed and posted to the ceremonies page.
  • During the final quarter: Students should review this page for:
    • Student RSVP
    • Arrival and check-in expectations
    • Student speaker information
    • Venue and parking logistics
    • Day-of ceremony flow

Students are encouraged to bookmark this page and refer back to it as the ceremony approaches.

Important Ceremony Details

Approximately 8 weeks prior to the pinning ceremony, OSAA will send a required student RSVP form via UW email.

Completion of the RSVP form is essential, as the information collected is used for multiple components of the ceremony.

Information Collected in the Student RSVP

Students will be asked to provide:

Student information:

  • Preferred name
  • Pronouns
  • Phonetic spelling of name

Pinner information:

  • Pinner’s full name
  • Relationship to the student
  • Phonetic spelling of the pinner’s name

This information is used to create:

  • The name card used at check-in
  • The pinning ceremony program

Students are encouraged to review all entries carefully for accuracy.

Additional Uses of the RSVP Form

The RSVP form also supports:

  • Student speaker nominations: Students may nominate themselves or peers.
  • Student photos: Used in the ceremony slideshow.
  • Accessibility needs: Helps plan accommodations for guests.

Important Notes

  • The RSVP deadline is firm.
  • Late or incomplete submissions may result in errors.
  • Contact OSAA if changes are needed.

Why this matters

The RSVP helps ensure accurate recognition and smooth ceremony logistics.

Each pinning ceremony includes a student speaker selected by the cohort.

Nomination & Selection Process

  • Nominations: Submitted through the RSVP form.
  • Confirmation: OSAA contacts nominees.
  • Selection: Final speaker chosen by student vote.

Timeline & Support

  • Speaker notified approximately 3–4 weeks prior.
  • Time provided for drafting and rehearsal.
  • OSAA provides guidance and support.

All ceremonies are held at:

Kane Hall 130 (Roethke Auditorium)
University of Washington
4069 Spokane Lane NE
Seattle, WA 98195

Parking & Arrival Planning

Parking can be limited. Review details in advance and share with guests:

PayByPhone Parking App

  • Download the PayByPhone app in advance
  • Onsite pay stations are slow and can cause delays

Plan Ahead

Allow extra time for:

  • Traffic
  • Parking
  • Walking to Kane Hall
  • Entering the venue

Unable to attend in person? Join via livestream:

ABSN Pinning Ceremony

Join ABSN livestream
Meeting ID: 921 9217 3643
Passcode: absn26

DNP Pinning Ceremony

Join DNP livestream
Meeting ID: 982 4688 5189
Passcode: dnp26

  • Doors open 30–45 minutes prior
  • Check-in desk located outside auditorium
  • Students receive name card and instructions

Venue Entry

  • Left entrance: guests
  • Right entrance: students and pinners

  • Students seated in assigned section
  • One pinner sits with each student
  • Guests seated in general seating

  • Students and pinners seated together
  • Approach stage when called
  • Receive pin individually
  • Return to seats

*Diagram coming soon*

If you cannot attend, email asknursing@uw.edu to arrange pickup of your pin and program.