White Coat Ceremony
Frequently Asked Questions
White Coat Ceremony
Get in Touch
Office of Student Affairs
[email protected]
903-877-8294
General Questions:
A white coat ceremony is a formal ceremony that inducts new students into the medical profession. It is a rite of passage that was first created by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation in 1993. During the ceremony, a white coat is placed on each student’s shoulders, and often a Physician’s Oath is recited.
Students will be coated by their academic house co-leaders during the White Coat Ceremony. These faculty and staff members will be an integral part of their medical school journey and professional identify formation.
The ceremony will take place at the UT Tyler Cowan Center (on the main UT Tyler campus). We anticipate the ceremony to last 90 minutes.
UT Tyler Main Campus
UT Tyler Cowan Center
2835 Old Omen Rd, Tyler, TX 75701
The University of Texas at Tyler is located in East Texas approximately 100 miles east of Dallas, Texas and 100 miles west of Shreveport, Louisiana.
From Dallas: Take Interstate 20 east to U.S. Highway 69. Follow U.S. 69 south to Loop 323. Turn left (east) on Loop 323.
From Shreveport: Take Interstate 20 west to U.S. Highway 271. Follow U.S. 271 south to Loop 323. Turn left (east) on Loop 323.
The University of Texas at Tyler campus is located in Tyler's southeast corner. Exit Loop 323 onto University Blvd. (Spur 248), then head east on University Blvd. until you reach Old Omen Road (approximately two miles). Take a left onto Old Omen Road and you will see the main entrance to the campus on your left (approximately 1/2 mile).
You can park in any of the lots closest to the Cowan Center. On the campus map, we recommend parking in lots 6, 7, and 8 (in that order). A parking pass is not required to park at this event.
Yes, for those who are unable to attend in person, the ceremony link will be uploaded to the UT Tyler School of Medicine White Coat Ceremony website for future viewing. Pending production days, our goal is to upload the recording by August 1st.
To provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all, students and guests are encouraged to review and adhere to the list of prohibited items. Prohibited items will be confiscated. Patrons may be refused entry if they are in possession of the following:
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- Food and Drinks
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Illegal Drugs
- Inflatables/Balloons
- Aerosol Cans/Noisemakers
- Strollers
The recommended attire is business casual.
You are welcome to take photographs and video, however, you must remain in your seats for proper traffic flow and safety purposes. The School of Medicine will arrange for professional photographers to take photos throughout the ceremony. These photos will be available to download after the ceremony at no cost.
Professional photographers will be taking two photos of each student:
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- As the student is cloaked
- With the Dean of the School of Medicine
Students and Faculty Questions:
Yes, the rehearsal is Friday, June 30th from 1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. in the Cowan Center. It is mandatory for students and platform party members and optional for faculty.
Business casual dress is required. Students will receive their white coat at the ceremony.
Students should arrive no later than 8:00 a.m. CST to the UT Tyler Cowan Center. Students will enter through the main entrance and report to the South Lobby. Faculty should arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. and report to the South Lobby.
Yes! Every student and faculty member is invited to bring guests; there is not a limit to the number of guests you can bring. The link to RSVP can be found <here>. Please inform your guests that the doors open at 8:15 a.m., and the processional will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. Guests arriving during the processional may be asked to wait in the lobby until students and faculty have been seated. No tickets will be required to hand in at the door.
Students and faculty are asked to RSVP by June 20, 2023.
No personal belongings will be allowed. All personal items must be left with family, friends, or in your car.
Additional Questions:
For additional questions regarding the White Coat Ceremony, please contact the following:
Office of Student Affairs
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (903) 877-8294