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 2023 White Coat Ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 29, 2023 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 8:30 a.m. This will allow ample time for your White Coat headshot photos to be taken backstage 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. During this time before line-up, all students will get headshot photos taken in the staging area in your white coats and we will also do a group photo.
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 folder 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 front of the stage to be coated. Students will 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. After being coated, you will return to your seat on stage for the remainder of the ceremony. (A white coat “practice” session will be held during Student Orientation.)
What should I wear?
Students should wear business attire for your ceremony. Collared, button-down shirts and ties, dresses, or 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. 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.
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 will also be taken prior to the ceremony. Students will receive information on how to order these photographs directly from the professional photographer. Candid photos and a class photo will also be taken before and after the ceremony. These photographs will be available for download a few days after 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 us at:
385-378-5151
