Before medical students attend the university-wide commencement ceremony, they celebrate the academic achievement among peers from the College of Medicine. The same people that sat near them in lectures and bonded with them through clinical practice. Together, they walk across the Oval—recalling fond memories made at Ohio State—and head toward Mershon Auditorium.
The Ohio State University College of Medicine Convocation is the culmination of their hard work and dedication, celebrating the transformation of student to medical practitioner. It features an address by the professor of the year, who has been chosen for this highest teaching honor by the graduating class.
To place their hoods, students may choose a College of Medicine faculty member (MD/DO/PhD) or another physician who has been important in their choice to become a physician or who has helped them along the way. The placement of graduation hood symbolizes the additional effort put in by graduate students to continue their education after receiving their first academic degree.
Students can invite as many family and friends as they want to this important event. It’s always great to see the support our students have coming from all corners of the world.
More about the ceremony
Family, loved ones and friends are invited to the White Coat Ceremony on Friday, August 8, 2025! All are welcome to attend; no RSVP is required and this event is not ticketed.
Schedule Overview
3:00 p.m. – Doors open at Mershon Auditorium
4:00 p.m. – White Coat Ceremony at Mershon Auditorium
5:30 p.m. – Ice Cream Social Reception at the Ohio Union | Performance Hall + Potter Plaza
Parking
Parking is available in the Ohio Union South Garage at 1759 N. High Street, south of Mershon Auditorium. The cost of Convocation special event parking is $10 pre-pay, per car upon entry via card only (tap to pay not accepted) – no cash will be accepted. For guests who need additional time or assistance, please utilize the circle drive in front of Mershon Auditorium (1871 N. High St.) to drop off these guests.
Accessibility
The main floor of Mershon Auditorium has wheelchair accessible seating available in the rear of the auditorium for guests with mobility-based needs and their companions. Please note that Mershon Auditorium does not have an elevator and the only access to the balcony is by stairs. To plan accessible seating in advance or make other accommodation requests, please contact the Mershon Accessibility Manager at accessibility@wexarts.org or call (614) 688-3890 as soon as possible. You can learn more information about accessibility at Mershon Auditorium.
Prohibited Items
No weapons, glass, cans, fireworks, back packs/large bags bigger than 8”x5”x1”, laser pens, confetti canons, noise makers, projectiles, or smoking/vape devices. No balloons. No professional cameras/equipment/external flashes. Outside food and beverages are not permitted – empty water bottles are acceptable. Large signs and flags that obstruct view or with symbolic meanings are not allowed. All poles and sticks are prohibited.
Highlights from Convocation
