Morning Convocation
See the Facebook Gallery from last year's ceremony.
Friday, May 17, 2013
The ceremony will take place between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00pm on Friday, May 17, 2013 at the Baltimore Convention Center located at One West Pratt Street. Use the Pratt Street entrance. The ceremony will take place in the level 400 Ballroom. Students should arrive no later than 9:00a.m. to line up with their class. Students should line up in the west foyer near Howard Street. Our procession will start promptly so it is important for students to be in line and in their appropriate order. Our ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. promptly, with a lunch reception immediately following the ceremony. Afterward, at 1:15pm, we will all process to the UMB school-wide convocation ceremony at the First Mariner Arena at 2:00 p.m.
Keynote Speaker
Harvey V. Fineberg, MD, PhD - Institute of Medicine President
Harvey V. Fineberg is President of the Institute of Medicine. He served as Provost of Harvard University from 1997 to 2001, following thirteen years as Dean of the Harvard School of Public Health. He has devoted most of his academic career to the fields of health policy and medical decision making. His past research has focused on the process of policy development and implementation, assessment of medical technology, evaluation and use of vaccines, and dissemination of medical innovations.
Dr. Fineberg helped found and served as president of the Society for Medical Decision Making and has been a consultant to the World Health Organization. At the Institute of Medicine, he has chaired and served on a number of panels dealing with health policy issues, ranging from AIDS to new medical technology. He also served as a member of the Public Health Council of Massachusetts (1976-1979), as chairman of the Health Care Technology Study Section of the National Center for Health Services Research (1982-1985), and as president of the Association of Schools of Public Health (1995-1996).
Dr. Fineberg is co-author of the books Clinical Decision Analysis, Innovators in Physician Education, and The Epidemic that Never Was, an analysis of the controversial federal immunization program against swine flu in 1976. He has co-edited several books on such diverse topics as AIDS prevention, vaccine safety, and understanding risk in society. He has also authored numerous articles published in professional journals. Dr. Fineberg is the recipient of several honorary degrees and the Stephen Smith Medal for Distinguished Contributions in Public Health from the New York Academy of Medicine. He earned his bachelor's and doctoral degrees from Harvard University.
Parking
There are a number of affordable garages located all throughout downtown Baltimore.
You can pay in advance through Parking Panda for $20 a day at 300 E. Pratt St., or 30 E. Lee St.
Your families may opt to park in one of the campus parking facilities which are within walking distance of the Convention Center.
Handicap Accommodations
The Convention Center is Wheelchair accessible and handicapped seating will be available. If you need any other accommodations please contact the Office of Student Affairs.
Tickets
Tickets are now available. Students will have 12 tickets each. Graduates do not need a ticket for themselves. Please let Dawn Roberts know if you need extra tickets or check with your classmates. Please note that tickets are not necessary for the afternoon campus ceremony.
Hotel Accommodations
We have blocked a number of rooms at hotels very close to all commencement activities. UMB has taken the hassle out of negotiating room rates. Reserve rooms early to get the best rates possible. Rates will expire, so book your room now! Please see the UMB Commencement 2013 website for further details.
Student Regalia
How to Carry Your Hood
Students should place tassels on the right and hoods over your left arm, as shown above. Hoods should be carried like this throughout the ceremony. When you are called to the stage, you will hand your hood to the faculty member doing the hooding for your group, then face away from him/her as your hood is put on.
Ordering Regalia
The deadline has passed for ordering regalia. Click here to order graduation momentos.
Photography
Grad Images will be providing photography services for convocation. Every graduate will receive emailed proofs and printed proofs by mail with no obligation to buy. The packages start at $5.
Graduation Announcements and Rings
You may order personalized announcements and rings at Herff Jones.
Graduation Questionnaire (GQ)
Graduating students will be asked to complete a graduation questionnaire.
Student Volunteers
We are accepting student volunteers to assist with handing out programs, lining up students, directing the guests, and taking tickets.
If you would like to volunteer, please email Dawn Roberts.
You will be expected to dress in your white coats. Student volunteers will also be able to have lunch.
School of Medicine Faculty
Faculty will be able to go to the Office of Faculty Affairs and Professional Development website to sign up to attend the School of Medicine Convocation Ceremony, order regalia, and get detailed information on your arrival time and where you should report at a later date.
Other information
The SOM and affiliated groups and organizations host a number of events throughout each academic year. Students and/or their families may be asked to incur costs related to additional guests, dietary preferences or restrictions, or other special non-ADA accommodations at these and other events.