The commencement ceremonies are held by the School of Nursing twice a year in December and May. Attending the ceremony does not signify that the student has completed all degree requirements. Students who are near the completion stage of their dissertation and plan to complete by the end of August can participate in Spring commencement, or if you plan to complete by the end of January, can participate in December. If this does not apply to you, you are not encouraged to participate in commencement until you are further along. If you plan to be a part of commencement, please notify email gophernursing@umn.edu at the beginning of the semester in which you plan to participate in commencement.Â