White Coat Ceremony
As part of a long historical tradition, students at Midwestern University receive their clinical white coats in our annual ceremony.
About the White Coat Ceremony
In an annual ceremony, first year students will receive their clinical white coats at the White Coat Ceremony.
During the ceremony, students from each campus will pledge their commitment to uphold the standards of tomorrow's healthcare team and preparing for their future as healthcare professionals.
Friends and family of students are welcome to attend. There will be no tickets and seating will be on a first come first serve basis. Doors open 1 hour before the ceremonies begin. Please review the Security Policy we have established to enhance our safety and security practices at all on-campus commencement and white coat ceremonies.
Save the Date
Please check back for updates on the White Coat Ceremony for the 2025-2026 academic year.
View 2024 White Coat Recordings
Contact Information
For additional information, please contact your College Dean's Office.
Security Policy
The White Coat Ceremony marks a significant milestone for each student and their guests. Midwestern University fully embraces and welcomes the excitement, joy, and enthusiasm that accompany this special day! We ask all students, guests, and participants to honor the dignity and significance of the occasion. Please review the policies and guidelines we have established to enhance our safety and security practices at all on-campus commencement and white coat ceremonies. Please incorporate additional time into your planning.
Security Screening Process
All students and guests, as well as employees and vendors, will be subject to walking through a security screening process.
Clear Bag Policy and Security Inspection
Note: All bags are subject to inspection.
Guests may bring any of the following:
- All clear tote bags - plastic, vinyl, or PVC that do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”. All contents must be visible. Bags may be hand-carried or have a shoulder strap. This includes fanny packs, backpacks, or sling bags.
- Cell Phones (placed on silent)
- Flower bouquets (must not obstruct the view of others)
- Medically necessary items, including diaper bags that accompany infants.
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc)
- Small Clutch Purses (4.5 by 6.5 inches)
- Umbrellas
- Water Bottles (unopened/sealed)
Prohibited Items
Please note that the following are not permitted at Midwestern University commencement or white coat ceremonies:
- Aerosol and other pressurized canisters and sprays
- Alcohol
- All weapons of any kind or items that could be used as a weapon (knives, brass knuckles, metal chains, sharp metal objects, pepper sprays, bullets, stun guns, etc.)
- Any and all items/controlled substances that are illegal at the city, county, State, and/or Federal level or deemed suspicious due to quantity or uniqueness
- Any other item deemed by security to be inappropriate for the event or a threat to public safety
- Balloons, filled or unfilled
- Banners, signs, or flags
- Beach Balls, Skateboards, roller blades, roller shoes
- Bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, and scooters
- Cameras with detachable lenses greater than 10", GoPro cameras, video cameras and tripods
- Cigarettes and e-cigarettes
- Confetti cannons
- Coolers or large containers
- Drones
- Fireworks / Pyrotechnics of any kind
- Flammable liquids, unauthorized chemicals
- Food or drink (outside of items described in the “Permitted Items” section)
- Laser pointers, glow sticks, or flashbulbs
- Mace, pepper spray, or similar chemical spray
- Megaphones
- Noise-makers of any kind (such as air horns, cowbells, etc.)
- Objects that can be used as projectiles
- Paint (any type or form)
- Torches and other open flames
- Unapproved pamphlets, handouts, signs, etc.
- Wagons and carts
2024 White Coat Ceremonies
Downers Grove, IL
Ceremony #1
Saturday, October 5, 2024 | 10 a.m.
Cardinal Hall
- Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
- College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove
Downers Grove, IL
Ceremony #2
Saturday, October 5, 2024 | 2:00 p.m.
Cardinal Hall
- College of Health Sciences
- College of Dental Medicine - Illinois
- Chicago College of Optometry
Glendale, AZ
Ceremony #1
Friday, September 27, 2024 | 4:00 p.m.
Auditorium
- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine
Glendale, AZ
Ceremony #2
Saturday, September 28, 2024 | 10:00 a.m.
Auditorium
- College of Dental Medicine - Arizona
- College of Pharmacy - Glendale
- College of Veterinary Medicine
Glendale, AZ
Ceremony #3
Saturday, September 28, 2024 | 2:00 p.m.
Auditorium
- College of Health Sciences
- Arizona College of Optometry