Convocation
Our Events
Friday, August 9, 2024, at 3 p.m.
51社区 Convocation Center
Event Details
The Convocation/White Coat Ceremony is held annually to welcome the newest Heritage College class into 51社区 and the osteopathic profession. During the ceremony, members of the Class of 2028 will be presented with a white coat by a D.O. or M.D. clinician. The white coats proudly display patches for the 51社区 Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Ohio Osteopathic Association and are a gift from the Ohio Osteopathic Foundation.
In addition to the presentation of the white coat, the college awards its highest honor, the Phillips Medal of Public Service, to individuals who embody excellence in osteopathic family practice, hospital administration, and public policy leadership.
Doors to the Convocation Center will open at 1:30 p.m. We anticipate the event will conclude around 4:30 p.m.
Seating and Accommodations
Seating in the Convocation Center is first-come, first-served, and tickets will not be issued. The number of guests that medical students may invite to the ceremony is not limited.
Mobility Devices: The venues do not offer mobility devices (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.) for guest use on-site. Please make arrangements to arrive at the venues with the appropriate mobility devices. As a courtesy, we have created a . The companies listed are not affiliated with 51社区 or the Heritage College.
Accessibility Seating: There are designated seating sections for guests with limited mobility and for full-time wheelchair users. To maximize our accessibility seating options, we ask that only one additional guest sit in this section. Ushers will be available to direct guests to these seats.
Limited Mobility Seating is available in the designated sections of the lower and upper balconies and requires navigating 1-2 steps in general seating. The wheelchair and stroller check area will be available in the main lobby.
Guests who are full-time wheelchair users and one guest will be directed to the floor in the Wheelchair User Seating Area, which is on the right side of the Graduate Seating and is accessible.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing: An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will provide interpreting services at the ceremony. There is a designated ASL seating section for the best view of the interpreter. The interpreter will also be shown on the live stream link so guests can watch the ceremony remotely.
Lactation: At 217 on the concourse, there is a Mamava lactation suite, a comfortable, private location for individuals needing to pump or nurse. To utilize the Mamava suite, you must download the Mamava App on the Apple App Store or Google Play. The app will allow you to unlock the Mamava suite in the Convocation Center. You can also use the code on the door, which is 8008.
Baby Changing: Located in the accessible stall in each restroom (last stall).
Security: Bag checks will be performed at the entrances. All bags and persons are subject to search.
Prohibited Items: Aerosol cans, Alcohol, Animals, Balloons, Bookbags/Backpacks, Commercial Video/Audio Equipment and Tripods, Fireworks, Food/Beverages, Hoverboards/Skateboards, Ice Chests/Coolers, Laser Pointers, Noisemakers/Airhorns, Weapons (including pepper spray and knives/blades of any length), Signs, Flags, and Banners, Poles for signs, flags, and banners, and any item(s) deemed hazardous by event personnel.
Video Recording
Parking
Free parking is available at the Convocation Center at 95 Richland Avenue. Special parking will be available for mobility-impaired guests.
COVID-19
At this time, masks are not required for campus gatherings. However, should circumstances change, masks will be provided for all guests.
Lodging, Food, and Things to Do in Athens
If your travels to Athens allow time for spending the night, grabbing a bite to eat, or exploring what our quintessential college town offers for fun, consider checking out the for up-to-date recommendations.
Links to the 2024 Ceremony
Convocation Program