An announcement on Spring Commencement from Dean Hurn

Dear U-M School of Nursing spring 2021 graduates,

I hope this note finds you, your family and friends well and strong.

All of us in the school are excited about your impending graduation and the plans we have in store to honor your collective achievements at the May 1 U-M School of Nursing Spring Commencement 2021. In addition to the university-wide Spring Commencement 2021 ceremony, our event will be virtual, yet together. With elements of our traditional ceremony, we are planning an event that now allows all to be “on stage,” where all can see and be seen. The ceremony itself will unfold as our community and invitees watch and engage with the main stage events. Other parts will be set in place so that you are in shared, synchronous stages with your fellow program students and faculty. Then at closing, we will be in virtual reception rooms where you can move from room to room meeting, greeting and celebrating your success.

On May 1, you will celebrate your Commencement via the event platform hopin (yes, virtually, but in real time). Your loved ones and fellow classmates will hear your name read aloud and watch you receive a ceremonial diploma. Every graduating student will have this opportunity in full Commencement regalia as we normally would in person. We will safely record you receiving the ceremonial diploma prior to the event, then it will be woven into the ceremony. Details about this process are forthcoming, and you will receive further instructions from the associate dean or director of your program in the first week of March. 

The event will include all the pomp and circumstance of a traditional ceremony, including the official presentation of diplomas, pre-recorded with students in full Commencement regalia. There will be remarks from student speakers and School of Nursing leadership, as well as a keynote speech from Kevin W. Sowers, MSN, RN, FAAN, president of the Johns Hopkins Health System and executive vice president of Johns Hopkins Medicine.

You will be able to order up to four official Commencement programs, which will be printed and delivered to you in advance of the ceremony. Details to follow.

You will receive many more details and an official invitation in the coming weeks, but to participate in this ceremony, I encourage you to plan ahead.

• If you would like to be a Commencement speaker and share remarks with your fellow classmates, please sign up by Friday, March 5.
• If you would like to purchase your cap, gown and formal Commencement attire, you must place your order through Herff Jones must be placed by Saturday, February 27.

I understand your disappointment that we cannot gather together on campus for a traditional celebration due to ongoing health and safety concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I cannot emphasize strongly enough how important it is that we all follow the current COVID-19 guidelines on gatherings and be aware of the consequences for violating public health orders.

As we push forward in what I know is a tough but ultimately successful winter term, I look forward to celebrating your accomplishments in the best possible way. You are poised to become exceptional Michigan Nurses, whether this is your first degree or one of several. I thank you for your hard work and dedication to be the Leaders and Best.

With pride, seasoned with a dash of Go Blue!

Patricia D. Hurn, Ph.D., RN, FAAN
Dean and Professor
University of Michigan School of Nursing