Celebrations and Ceremonies
at OU-HCOM

The Convocation/White Coat Ceremony is held in the Fall of each year to welcome the OU-HCOM entering class. This program is by invitation only and is limited to the freshman class. As part of the Convocation of Welcome the college presents the Phillips Medal of Public Service in recognition of the men and women involved in health care, education and public service. Additionally, the entering class is introduced and the white coat is presented with a luncheon following.

Questions & Answers for the Entering Class:

Why should I attend?

Attendance is not mandatory. It is, however, an opportunity to be a part of OU-HCOM's rich history and tradition. Your name, as part of the entering class, will be called whether you are present or not.

Who can attend?

Invitations are sent to the entering class and honored guests. Seating is limited.

Who can I contact for additional information or assistance?

You may contact Carol Blue in the Dean's Office at 740-593-2178 or by email:blue@exchange.oucom.ohiou.edu.

Held in June following completion of all requirements for the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Family and friends join the Dean and faculty at the ceremony held at the Templeton Blackburn Memorial Auditorium on the Ohio University College Green. The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree is awarded and several academic awards are bestowed in recognition of outstanding achievement. The program ends with the class recitation of the Osteopathic Oath.

Requirements for Graduation:

Only those candidates for the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine who have completed all of the requirements for such a degree will be allowed to participate in the official OU-HCOM commencement ceremonies.

1. Exceptions to the above policy may be granted by the Dean on an individual basis after his/her review of a specific request from a candidate that details the reasons why such an exemption should be granted.
    
2. The Dean's decision to grant an exception to the above policy will be guided by reasonable estimate of the likelihood that a candidate will be able to complete the requirements for the awarding of a D.O. degree within 60 days of the official date of graduation. An example of such a circumstance might be a student who had to miss two weeks of a required rotation because of illness or emergency and scheduling logistics prevented making up that time prior to graduation. Such a candidate could reasonably be expected to be able to complete the requirements within 60 days following commencement and therefore should be allowed to participate in the ceremonies.