UNMC to recognize 2020 Graduates through Virtual Ceremonies

UNMC has decided to move the ceremony to a virtual format where the graduates’ names will be read while a slide of their name, degree, and photo will be shown on screen. Graduates are invited to "walk" in person at any future UNMC commencement. 

The ceremonies will carry common elements -- such as a commencement address from UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. Each ceremony has been customized to reflect the unique culture of each college. Convocation and hooding will be included within the ceremonies when applicable. Each ceremony will conclude with the conferral of degrees.

Schedule

Separate online ceremonies will be held for each of UNMC's six academic colleges and for those earning graduate studies degrees. 
  

• College of Dentistry

  Thursday, May 7, at 9:30 a.m.
  Watch ceremony | View program

• Graduate Studies

  Friday, May 8, at 10 a.m.
  Watch ceremony | View program

• College of Pharmacy

  Friday, May 8, at 2 p.m.
  Watch ceremony | View program

• College of Allied Health Professions

  Friday, May 8, at 3 p.m.
  Watch ceremony | View program

• College of Nursing

  Saturday, May 9, at 9 a.m.
  Watch ceremony | View program

• College of Medicine

  Saturday, May 9, at 10 a.m.
  Watch ceremony | View program

• College of Public Health

  Saturday, May 9, at 1 p.m.
  Watch ceremony | View program

Frequently Asked Questions

Jump to question:

• Is Commencement canceled?
• When will the new virtual commencement occur?
• What will the UNMC Spring Convocation and Commencement ceremonies feature?
• How do we watch the commencement ceremonies?
• With the ceremony going virtual, will I still officially graduate in May?
• Will the shift to remote learning mode effect my ability to graduate in May 2020?
• How do I know if I have a HOLD on my student account?
• When will I receive my physical diploma?
• Can I pick up my diploma on campus?
  
• When will graduates receive Academic Regalia?
• What do I do with my UNMC Badge Photo ID?
• What if I have additional questions about receiving my degree?

Is Commencement canceled?

No. We have decided to move the ceremony to a virtual format where the graduates’ names will be read while a slide of their name, degree, and photo will be shown on screen. Separate online ceremonies will be held for each of UNMC’s six academic colleges and a separate ceremony will be held for those receiving graduate studies degrees. No in-person ceremony will be held due to COVID-19.

When will the new virtual commencement occur?

UNMC’s May ceremonies will be held in an online format on May 7 through May 9. Separate online ceremonies will be held for each of UNMC’s six academic colleges and a separate ceremony will be held for those receiving graduate studies degrees. More than 1,000 students are expected to receive their diplomas from UNMC this spring. 

Each College will host a Virtual Convocation/Commencement Ceremony at the following days/times:

• College of Dentistry: Thursday, May 7, at 9:30 a.m.
• Graduate Studies: Friday, May 8, at 10 a.m.
• College of Pharmacy: Friday, May 8, at 2 p.m.
• College of Allied Health Professions: Friday, May 8, at 3 p.m.
• College of Nursing: Saturday, May 9, at 9 a.m.
• College of Medicine: Saturday, May 9, at 10 a.m.
• College of Public Health: Saturday, May 9, at 1 p.m.
  
  

What will the UNMC Spring Convocation and Commencement ceremonies feature?

Each virtual ceremony will include: Remarks from Chancellor Gold, the presentation of University Awards and remarks from the dean and some will include a student or other keynote speaker. Each ceremony will conclude with the conferral of degrees.

How do we watch the commencement ceremonies?

UNMC will host one ceremony per college, which can be seen on the commencement website http://www.unmc.edu/commencement. An email with additional information and links will be sent to graduates closer to the day of commencement.

With the ceremony going virtual, will I still officially graduate in May?

Yes, your degree will be awarded in the same timeframe that is typical for spring graduation. All grades are due five days following the last day of the term. Once all final grades are posted on your academic record, your degree will be posted on your transcript. This is approximately 1-2 weeks after the end of the spring semester. All degree requirements must be complete and campus holds must be released in order for your degree to be awarded.

Will the shift to remote learning mode effect my ability to graduate in May 2020?

Graduation candidacy will continue to be processed as normal according to UNMC requirements and guidelines.

How do I know if I have a HOLD on my student account?

All HOLD information can be found in MyRecords. You must clear the HOLD with the appropriate department/person/college. 

When will I receive my physical diploma?

Your diploma will be mailed approximately 3-4 weeks after the end of the spring semester. All degree requirements must be completed and campus holds must be released in order to receive your diploma. Please note we may experience shipping delays with the current COVID-19 situation.

Can I pick up my diploma on campus?

No. Due to current social distancing guidelines in response to the COVID-19 situation, all diplomas will be mailed to your provided address.  If you need to update your diploma mailing address, please e-mail Academic Records at studentservices@unmc.edu.

When will graduates receive Academic Regalia?

All graduate academic regalia (cap, tassel, gown and hood(if applicable) started shipping via USPS on April 27.  Regalia was mailed to the student’s Diploma address.

What do I do with my UNMC Badge Photo ID?

All graduating students will need to mail their photo id (no clip or additional card) to:

Photo ID Card Office
984290 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha NE  68198-4290

What if I have additional questions about receiving my degree?

Students should contact the Academic Records office at studentservices@unmc.edu.

 Transcript Information for Graduating Students