College of Education Pinning Ceremony

Collage of students at a pinning ceremony

The College of Education Pinning ceremony is a special recognition for our undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Teaching graduates and Graduate Level Initial Licensure graduates. This time-honored tradition celebrates the achievements of our students as they enter their teaching profession. This ceremony is held each semester, the Friday prior to Commencement.


Upcoming College of Education Pinning Ceremony:

The May 2025 Pinning ceremony will occur on Friday, May 9, 2025.


Student Check-In

Just before the ceremony, teacher candidates should pick up their name card from the check-in table at the entrance of the CSU Ballroom. A volunteer will be available to assist students at the check-in table beginning at 1:45 p.m.  

Reception

A reception with light refreshments occurs from 2:00 - 2:30 p.m. in the CSU Ballroom.

Pinning Ceremony

The Pinning Ceremony occurs at 2:30 p.m. The Pinning ceremony is held in the University CSU Ballroom. The ceremony typically concludes within one hour (ending at approximately 3:30 p.m.).


Invitations

Bachelor of Science in Teaching candidates and Graduate Level Initial Licensure candidates are invited to attend the Pinning Ceremony, along with up to two guests each. Students will receive an invitation email from the College. For more information, contact the OFIE office at 507-389-1517. 


Pinning Ceremony Guest Tickets

To ensure adequate seating for our graduating students and to maintain a comfortable environment, each teacher candidate will be given two guest tickets. Each candidate may invite up to two guests, and tickets will be required for entry. To accommodate additional family and friends, the May ceremony will be live-streamed, and an overflow viewing room of the livestream will be available. 


Ticket Distribution

Each candidate will receive two guest tickets to ensure adequate seating and a comfortable experience for all attendees. Teacher candidate supervisors have received and will distribute tickets to their assigned teacher candidates. Teacher candidates should coordinate with their supervisors to pick up their tickets. Once received, teacher candidates can distribute the tickets to their guests in advance, as they will be required for entry into the ceremony.


Guest Attendance and Viewing Options

Each teacher candidate is permitted to invite up to two guests, and tickets will be required for entry. To ensure that additional family and friends can still participate, the May ceremony will be live-streamed, and an overflow viewing room of the live stream will be available.

Guests exceeding the two-guest limit have two options for viewing the Pinning Ceremony:

  1. A live-stream link will be provided (see link below), allowing guests to watch the ceremony from any location. 
  2. The overflow viewing room will offer a live broadcast of the event for those attending in person without a ticket.

COE Pinning Livestream Link


Attire

The Pinning Ceremony is a separate ceremony from the commencement ceremony. Students should not wear academic regalia for Pinning. No commencement caps or gowns should be worn for Pinning. Instead, business casual attire is recommended.


Parking

Parking on campus will be free on the day of Commencement with the exception of Lots 8, 9 and 11. Refer to the University's parking information and maps link for further information. 

Parking Maps and Information


View Previous Pinning Photo Albums

Relive the special moments from past Pinning Ceremonies! Browse our photo albums to view and download memories of graduates, faculty, family, and friends.

COE Photo Albums 


University Commencement Details 

Many students participating in the Pinning Ceremony will also be attending the University Commencement Ceremony. For details about the Commencement Ceremony, please see the information below. 

University Commencement Details