2008 School of Public Health Commencement
Monday, May 19, 2008
5:00 p.m.
Northrop Auditorium
84 Church Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Online registration to participate in Commencement on Monday, May 19 is now closed.
Please direct any questions your may have to 612-626-9303 or mart1047@umn.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the SPH Commencement Ceremony entail?
- Graduates and faculty gather at 4 p.m. to dress in their academic apparel before the ceremony. Light hors d'oeuvres are served. This is a wonderful way for students and faculty to socialize and prepare for the ceremony.
- The commencement ceremony begins at 5 p.m., with faculty leading students in procession. Dean John Finnegan welcomes graduates/guests, a SPH student speaker addresses the audience, and the commencement speaker (TBD) delivers the commencement address. There will be live music playing on and off throughout the ceremony.
- Each graduate then crosses the stage as his/her name is announced, shakes hands with a delegation of dignitaries, and receives a temporary proxy diploma. Ph.D. students are hooded on stage. The ceremony ends after the graduates recite the Public Health Pledge.
- A reception immediately following the ceremony provides light refreshments. The whole event ends in time (about 6:30 - 7 p.m.) for families to go out for dinner or make other celebration plans. It's an evening you'll remember forever, a time to share with teachers, classmates, families, and friends.
Who can participate in the SPH Commencement?
Students frequently ask questions regarding their eligibility to "graduate." Processing at the SPH Commencement is different from officially "graduating." The only requirements to participate in commencement are:
- You must be a SPH student seeking a M.H.A., M.P.H., M.S. or Ph.D. in one of the programs in the School of Public Health; and
- You must have already completed your degree requirements; or
- You intend to participate in the ceremony with the understanding that you will complete all your degree requirements by the end of August 2008.
The commencement ceremony is meant to celebrate the culmination of studies and most students participate as a way to mark that accomplishment. We want to preserve that tradition. We also want to be somewhat flexible to individual circumstances and enable you to connect with the school and your classmates in a way that is meaningful to you. There may be exceptions to our guidelines, for example, you may expect to finish in December and will not be available to participate in the ceremony next spring. You may have a few credits to take next fall but will be taking them independent study and working full time.
If you find yourself in extenuating circumstances, please talk to your major coordinator about participating this year rather than next. Keep in mind that commencement is purely ceremonial. You may not portray yourself as a graduate until you have been processed by the SPH or Grad School and the University registrar regardless of your participation in commencement. You are not actually handed your diploma at the ceremony. If you have questions about officially completing your degree, contact your major coordinator.
Can M.S./Ph.D. students participate in the SPH Commencement as well as the Graduate School Commencement?
Yes, you are welcome to attend both and we encourage M.S. and Ph.D. students to do just that. You may use the same gown and cap or hood for both ceremonies.
Where can I rent my cap and gown?
Students should plan to attend the U of M Bookstores Grad Fest 2008, on Wednesday, March 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or Thursday, March 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the Great Hall of Coffman Union. In addition to ordering your cap and gown, Grad Fest is a great source for all information and services related to graduation.
What about graduation announcements for family, friends, and faculty?
Personalized graduation announcements can be ordered at Grad Fest 2008 or on the Web.
Do my family and friends need a ticket to attend commencement?
Your family and friends will not need a ticket to attend commencement. The event is free and open to the public.
What if I am interested in purchasing a graduation stole?
The University Bookstore sells graduation stoles called Pride Cloths that cost $25 each. There are Pride Cloths representing several different cultures from around the world; Native American, Asian, University of Minnesota, and more.
Is there a University-wide graduation reception?
Yes. President Robert Bruininks and his wife, Susan Hagstrum, cordially invite you, a guest, and your family to a graduation reception with music and refreshments at Eastcliff. Sunday, May 18, 2008 12:30-2:30 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.
To attend, respond by May 15 to 612-624-6868 or urelate@umn.edu.
Major Coordinator E-mails for questions
Biostatistics (MS, MPH, or PhD) - Sally Olander - brown198@umn.edu
Clinical Research (MS) - Andrea Kish - gradstudies@epi.umn.edu
Community Health Education (MPH) - Kathryn Schwartz - gradstudies@epi.umn.edu Environmental Health (MS, MPH or PhD) - Kathy Soupir - soupi001@umn.edu
Epidemiology (MPH) -- Shelley Cooksey - gradstudies@epi.umn.edu
Epidemiology (PhD) -- Andrea Kish - gradstudies@epi.umn.edu
Health Services Research, Policy, and Admin (MS, PhD) - Maureen Andrew - andre031@umn.edu
Healthcare Administration (MHA) - Diane McClellan - mccle005@umn.edu or Mary Ellen Nerney - nerne002@umn.edu
Maternal & Child Health (MPH) - Kathryn Schwartz - gradstudies@epi.umn.edu
Public Health Administration and Policy (MPH) - Maureen Andrew - andre031@umn.edu
Public Health Nutrition (MPH) - Shelley Cooksey - gradstudies@epi.umn.edu
Public Health Practice -- Executive Program (MPH) - Anne Ehrenberg - php@umn.edu
Public Health Practice -- Veterinary Public Health Program (MPH) - Kate Hanson - hanso041@umn.edu
Public Health Practice -- Public Health Medicine Program (MPH) - Sarah Harper - php@umn.edu
Magnan is Commencement Speaker
Health Commissioner Sanne Magnan, Minnesota Department of Health, will deliver the 2008 SPH Commencement Address.