The White Coat Ceremony represents the start of your medical school journey, and we want the event to run as smoothly as possible. To help answer questions you may and to ensure the ceremony is seamless and memorable, we are happy to provide this information.
How and when do I get my White coat?
You should have already received information on getting fitted for your white coat. Coats have been ordered for all incoming students and will be distributed to you during Orientation. We do not offer alteration services, so if you need to alter your coat, please take it to an alteration service.
Will I be given invitations to the ceremony to distribute to family and friends?
Noorda-COM will mail up to 10 printed invitations out to students’ designated family and friends. Students should submit these names to the Office of Student Affairs. Additionally, you will receive an e-invitation which you can send out to family and friends.
How many people can I invite to attend? Is there a limit?
The venue has seating for up to 7,000 attendees so there are no limits required on the number of guests you can bring. Seating is on a first come, first-serve basis with no reserved seating except for dignitaries and VIPs invited by Noorda-COM.
Are tickets required to attend?
No, your White Coat Ceremony is not a ticketed event. Attendees do not need a ticket to enter the venue. Attendees may also stream the event live here.
When and where will the White Coat Ceremony take place?
The 2024 White Coat Ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 27, 2027 at 10:00 a.m. at the UCCU Center on the campus of Utah Valley University. The address for the UCCU Center is 800 West University Parkway, Orem UT 84097.
When should I arrive and where do I go?
Students should arrive no later than 9:00 a.m. This will allow ample time for students to assemble prior to the start of the ceremony. Once you arrive at the UCCU Center, follow the signage to the staging area . This area is reserved ONLY for students and Noorda-COM faculty and staff. No family members or friends are allowed in the staging area.
What do I do on the day of the ceremony?
Prior to the day of the ceremony, please be sure to iron/press your white coat so all wrinkles are removed. Once you arrive in the staging area, you will check-in and receive an index card with your name and number on the bottom corner of the card. The number will be used for line-up purposes.
What do I do with my white coat during the ceremony?
Please make sure you bring your white coat to the ceremony. You are strongly encouraged to press/iron your coat so it does not appear wrinkled or disheveled as you are on stage for photographs. You will process into the arena with your white coat folded over your right arm. This is also how you will walk to the podium to be coated. Once you are coated on stage, please keep your coat on for the remainder of the ceremony and the recessional.
What happens when I am coated?
Students will be seated in alphabetical order and will process to the stage to be coated. Students will proceed to the podium to announce their names and where they did their undergraduate studies. Students will then move to the center of the stage where you will present your coat to a Noorda-COM faculty member who will place the coat on you. Please remain facing the audience while being coated so photographers can capture this special moment. After being coated, you will return to your seat for the remainder of the ceremony. Students are not allowed to leave the ceremony prior to its conclusion.
NOTE: A white coat “practice” session will be held during Student Orientation.
What should I wear?
Students should wear business attire for the White Coat Ceremony. Collared, button-down dress shirts and ties, dresses, or blouses and slacks. We do not recommend wearing a suit jacket or sport coat as the venue may get warm and you will be putting on your white coat during the ceremony. We also do not recommend wearing high heels as there will be stairs to navigate.
How will we be lined up?
You will be lined up in alphabetical order. Your number at the bottom of the index card you will receive at check-in corresponds with where you should be in line.
Can I bring a handbag, purse, and/or cell phone with me on stage?
Personal belongings will not be allowed and cannot be brought up on stage for the coating. Please leave all personal items with family, friends, or in your vehicle.
Can my family join me in the staging area?
No, your family and friends are not permitted to join you in the staging area. Given the compressed timeframe to get students and faculty checked in, photos taken, and lined up, it is not possible to allow family and friends in this area. Instead, they should proceed to their seats as soon as the venue doors open to get optimal seating.
How long is the ceremony and do I have to stay for the entire ceremony?
We anticipate the ceremony will last approximately two hours. You are required to stay for the entire ceremony.
Will there be professional photographs taken?
Yes, we have arranged for professional photographers to capture the students as they cross the stage and receive their white coats. Professional headshots of the students as well as a class photo will also be taken at the White Coat practice session during Orientation. Students will receive information on how to order these photographs directly from the professional photographer. Candid photos will also be taken before, during, and after the ceremony. These photographs will be available for download within a week or two of the ceremony. Additional information will be provided.
Where can I park?
There is ample parking available adjacent to the UCCU Center. Please visit: https://www.uccucenter.com/docs/parkingguide.pdf for more information or to access the parking map.
Questions?
If you have additional questions, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at:
385-378-5151
