Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025

Time: 3:00 p.m.

Location: Martin Campus Gymnasium

Participation in the Pinning Ceremony

HIT students who complete the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Health Information Technology and the Certificate program in Medical Coding have the option of participating in a pinning ceremony. The pinning ceremony is a symbolic event serving as a transitional step signaling the end of the training period as a student and the beginning of a career as a professional. Each graduating student will be awarded the SSCC-designated Health Information Technology pin for their hard work and dedication. The ceremony is held at the end of the fall semester each year and will be under the auspices of Shelton State Community College and thus under the general control of the HIT Program administration and faculty.

Health Information Pin Information

The HIT graduate pin is a circular-shape pin; it is custom-designed for graduates of the Shelton State HIT Program. The pin includes two special words specific to students’ journey in the program:

Dedication– The quality of being committed to a task or purpose. HIT Professionals are committed to protecting the privacy and security of patient health information. This dedication must extend to creating efficiencies and to the extent possible eliminating fraud and abuse in the healthcare system. HIT professionals become a part of a complex system that must serve all patients with excellence and dignity.

Excellence– The state, quality, or condition of excelling; superiority. Excellence is about contributing our best to the world while evoking others to do the same. It is about understanding our place and making our mark in the world, as we attempt to make it a better place. Excellence is about contribution and honoring others as we move forward towards our vision. Excellence lies in the hearts of all who evoke it in others by mentoring, supporting, exemplifying, and giving back.

These two words explain what it takes to be successful, not only in the HIT Program, but also in life. Graduates are expected to wear their pins as part of their uniform wherever employed. For more information about securing of the pin contact the HIT office at 205.391.2641.

Pins: $7.00 (Price is subject to change.)

Practice

Pinning Ceremony practice is conducted by the Health Information Technology faculty and staff and graduates will be notified of the practice time. Graduates are asked to attend practice in order to make the ceremony proceed smoothly.

Parking

Parking is available at the West Entrance for the December Pinning Ceremony held in the Martin Campus Gymnasium.

Arrival

Participants are to line up in the designated hallway near the Martin Campus Gymnasium thirty minutes prior to the ceremony.

Appropriate Attire

• Graduates are required to wear black pants, white top with a collar and black shoes.
• Shoulder length or longer hair must be pulled back and pinned up away from the face. Minimal jewelry and makeup should be worn.
  Note: Attire must be clean, neat, pressed, and well-fitted.
• Faculty, staff and attendees suggested attire is dressy casual.

Arrival and Event Procedures

Health Information Technology graduates are expected to arrive at the selected pinning ceremony location in their appropriate attire approximately thirty minutes prior to the beginning of the ceremony. The ceremony begins with a processional of the stage guests, Health Information Technology faculty and staff, and Health Information Technology graduates. Everyone is asked to stand for the processional. The ceremony will consist of a general welcome, introduction of faculty and staff, pinning of the graduates, presentation of awards, and a recessional of the graduates.

Proper Stage Etiquette

• When the announcer reads the graduate’s name, the graduate will walk to the front of the stage to be pinned.
• The graduate will hand the pin to the instructor and stand with one shoulder facing the audience to be pinned. Smile, say thank you, and proceed to the designated place until all graduates are pinned.

Photography and Video

Photography and video are allowed during the ceremony.

Shelton State offers an online Photo Store where you may purchase photographs and other merchandise. Please allow up to 3 weeks after the date of the event for photos to become available.

Event Etiquette
The Health Information Technology Pinning Ceremony is a time of great honor and dignity and a special occasion for our graduates and their family members. We ask that you refrain from talking, cheering, excessive movement, and using electronic devices during the ceremony.  Balloons and gift items for graduates are not allowed in the ceremony venue.

Conclusion of Ceremony
At the conclusion of the ceremony, staff members will direct family and friends to the reception area.