From Guesswork to Celebration: Transforming Commencement at TTUHSC School of Nursing

When Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Nursing made the switch to Tassel, they didn't just solve their planning headaches; they discovered new ways to make graduation day truly special. What started as a quest for better data became a journey toward creating more meaningful celebrations for their graduates and families.

The Challenge: Seeking Greater Certainty

Before Tassel, the School of Nursing faced common challenges with ceremony planning, including getting an accurate headcount from students. Their internal graduation application provided some information, but participation was inconsistent as not all students completed it. Kayla Talbott, who coordinates their three annual ceremonies, often supplemented this data by checking regalia orders from their vendor to gauge expected attendance.

"Maybe I knew how many were coming, and maybe not," Kayla recalled. "It was just hit and miss."

The process involved multiple touchpoints, with different departments collecting similar information from students. This created some redundancy and confusion. The School of Nursing was looking for a more streamlined approach that would provide clearer attendance projections and better data collection.

Making the Switch: More Than Just Better Data

The School of Nursing transitioned to Tassel in May 2024, choosing the Expert package specifically for its celebration features. The graduate slideshow caught their attention as a chance to add personal touches that their previous system couldn't provide.

The onboarding process exceeded expectations. "Kim made it easy," Kayla explains. "Between the training videos and printed materials, I felt prepared." Even the technical setup at their arena, which had been a source of anxiety, worked seamlessly.

The Power of Celebration

What surprised the School of Nursing the most wasn't just the improved data accuracy, though that was transformative, but how Tassel helped them create more meaningful graduation experiences.

The Slideshow Becomes the Star

About half of their graduates now participate in the personal slideshow feature, uploading photos and messages for their families. The school plays these slideshows in the hour before each ceremony, giving families a chance to see their graduate's personal message. They also show it in the robing room, creating an emotional moment for the students themselves.

"We're always looking for ways to celebrate that day, and that's one way to do it," Kayla notes.

Personal Touches That Matter

The ceremony display showcases each graduate's name and honors on screen as they cross the stage, something the School of Nursing had wanted to do for years but couldn't manage with their previous system. The name pronunciation tool ensures every graduate's name is read correctly, with students recording their own pronunciations for the reader.

"The name pronunciation feature is fabulous," Kayla says. "As long as students record their names, it's not hard."

Beyond Celebration: Building for the Future

While the celebration features drew them in, the School of Nursing discovered Tassel's broader impact on their operations. They now collect comprehensive alumni data - permanent emails, phone numbers, and employment information - supporting both their alumni relations and accreditation requirements.

"Before Tassel, we really weren't tracking alumni info," Kayla explains. "Now I can share that information with our alumni team."

The accurate headcount that seemed impossible before is now automatic. Even better, Kayla has noticed what she believes is an uptick in attendance since adopting Tassel. “I just feel like more [graduates] are attending,” she added.

Looking Ahead

As the TTUHSC School of Nursing continues using Tassel, they're focused on refining their process further. Kayla is considering collecting formal student feedback to enhance the graduation experience even more.

For the School of Nursing, Tassel delivered more than they expected, not just solving their planning challenges, but helping them create the kind of celebration their graduates deserve. What began as a search for better data became a transformation in how they honor their students' achievements.