Graduation Guide Class of 2025

GRADUATION GUIDE CLASS OF 2025 1

Introduction Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone – your graduation from the Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine!

As you prepare for the culmination of four years of dedication and hard work, it’s hard to believe how quickly this journey has passed.

The upcoming semester promises to be full of exciting events—from Match Day to Capstone, Grad Week, and Commencement. To help you navigate this whirlwind, we’ve created this guide to provide you with all the information you need in one place. This guide will help you navigate the key events, deadlines, and requirements leading up to your graduation. Please review the information carefully to ensure a smooth and memorable experience.

And while we’ve aimed to make this guide as comprehensive as possible, we’re here to answer any remaining questions you may have. We look forward to celebrating these significant milestones with you in the months ahead.

The Noorda-COM Capstone and Commencement Task Force

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CAPSTONE & GRAD WEEK CALENDAR Below [and linked here] is the calendar featuring all the major events during the two weeks of capstone and grad week.

More details are noted in “The Specifics” section of this guide:

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The Specifics Match Day Celebration Friday, March 21, 2025 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Match Day is a momentous occasion to celebrate the next chapter in your medical journey alongside classmates, family, friends, and faculty. The event will be held on campus, and a digital invitation is available here. Students are encouraged to invite members of their immediate family to attend this special event.

If you're unable to attend in person, please inform us well in advance. A remote participation link will be provided, along with a Match Day package, so you can fully share in the excitement of the day from afar.

And be sure to upload your photos for a special presentation during the event (see the "What You Need to Do" section in this guide).

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Capstone Week

Monday, April 21 to Friday, April 25, 2025 The Capstone Course serves as your official "check-out" from Noorda-COM and is a requirement for all graduating students. The first three days will consist of virtual coursework on Canvas. On Monday, you’ll need to check in to the Canvas course, and over the next two days, complete all assignments, including surveys, a reflection/exit video, and other tasks.

Starting Thursday, students who still need to complete the Emergency Medicine Clerkship simulation must attend this mandatory session. The week concludes on Friday, April 25, with a celebration featuring a picnic lunch and a Graduation Fair (details provided below).

Graduation Fair

Friday, April 25th, 1:30 to 4 p.m.

The Graduation Fair will be held in the Ballroom of the academic building and serves as your one-stop destination for everything graduation-related. Most importantly, you’ll pick up your rental regalia, giving you plenty of time to try it on and address any adjustments with us before class photos and commencement (see details below).

In addition to regalia, the fair will feature fun booths offering Noorda-COM swag, prizes, food, and more. It’s the perfect send-off, ensuring you leave with everything you need—and then some!

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Student Gala Saturday, April 26, 2025, 7 p.m. to 11:00 pm We wanted to make sure you could all be back in Provo for a proper send-off at the annual Student Gala. The celebration will be at the Provo Marriott and more details will be coming to you as we get closer to the event date.

Grad Week Festivities Monday, April 28 to Friday, May 2, 2025 The second week of Capstone is packed with celebratory and motivational activities, all of which are required for graduating students. Highlights include faculty-led sessions offering advice on transitioning to residency, dynamic lunchtime discussions, a scavenger hunt/skills test with Clinical Education, research check-out, and SGAsponsored activities (without faculty presence).

Additionally, you'll take part in a meaningful community service activity, contributing to impactful projects that support those in need.

The week will conclude on Friday with a Commencement run-through, individual graduation headshots, and a class photo. See page 7 for further details.

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Cords and Awards Banquet and Military Commissioning Ceremony Monday, April 28, 2025 Monday night, we’ll kick things off with a ceremony celebrating your achievements, featuring the presentation of special awards and the distribution of honor cords. As part of this banquet, graduates commissioning into military service will participate in their Commissioning Ceremony, marking the start of their career as military officers and the conclusion of their training and education.

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Graduation Practice and Class Photos Friday, May 2, 2025, 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Graduation practice will be your only opportunity to rehearse the hooding process with our faculty hooders. During this time, we will also explain the procedures for guest hooding.

Following practice, a professional photographer will be on campus for formal headshots in your regalia. Afterward, we’ll gather outside the building for your final class photo.

NOTE: You need to bring your full regalia package (tam, gown, tassle, hood, stole, cords, etc.) with you on Friday for the hooding practice and photos. Be sure it is wrinkle-free by letting it air out for the week prior to the practice session (DO NOT IRON YOUR REGALIA)!

We will send you links to both your headshot and class photos after graduation week. Be on the lookout for an email with the link in the weeks following commencement!

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Family and Friends Open House Friday, May 2, 2025, 1 to 3 p.m.

We all know our new academic building is #notmybuilding!

However, we thought your friends and family members might enjoy the opportunity to come for an open house and self-guided tours. We’ll have a make your own sundae bar, and you can tour guests around the building at your leisure.

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Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 3, 2025, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Commencement is the pinnacle of your academic journey, symbolizing your official transition from medical student to physician. Students should arrive at 9 a.m. at the UCCU Center on the Utah Valley University campus, dressed in full academic regalia. You will process in with your hood placed over your left arm and you will be hooded on stage during the ceremony. Videos are provided on page 12 of this guide for regalia instruction.

An e-Save-the-Date is attached here for you to share with family and friends. Additionally, please complete the Smartsheet linked under What You Need to Do with the names and addresses of up to 10 individuals you would like to receive mailed invitations.

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What You Need to Do Order Regalia: We have partnered with Herff Jones, one of the nation’s premier commencement regalia providers, to offer high-quality rental regalia. Beginning January 13, 2025 you can visit https://collegegrad.herffjones.com/site/welcome to order your regalia. Simply type in our school's name (NOTE: you will not be able to access our school site until January 13). Then, just enter your name, height, and weight to ensure proper sizing for your rental gown. The portal will be open from January 13 to March 15, 2025. Each student will receive a rental gown at the Graduation Fair (to be returned after the Commencement Ceremony) along with a keepsake tam, hood, tassel, and stole.

Attached is a photo of the student rental regalia.

Upload Photos for Match Day Presentation: As part of the Match Day Celebration, we will be highlighting your NoordaCOM journey through photos. Please use this Google Photos link to upload 8–10 of your favorite moments from your time at Noorda-COM. These can include pictures of you on campus, at events and activities, or with family and friends. Submit your photos by March 15, 2025. Google Photo Drive Send Commencement Save-the-Dates: A digital copy is provided here for distribution to family and friends.

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What You Need to Do (Continued) Submit Names for Invitation Mailing: We will send up to 10 printed invitations to your family and friends. Please use this form to submit their names and addresses. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2025.

Submit Names of Guest Hooders: If you would like an immediate family member (parent/stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, or aunt/uncle) to serve as your guest hooder, they must meet the criteria outlined on page 13. Please complete the attached form for prior approval.

Review Hooding Video: We understand that it can be easy to forget the details when it’s time for your faculty hooding on stage. To help, we’ve provided these video links demonstrating the proper process. Take a few minutes to review it before our practice session! Processional video Hooding video Update Name for Diploma: Verify that your name is accurate for your diploma. Pay close attention to the spelling and inclusion of your middle name or initial. To check, visit the Sonis portal at Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine: Student Login (jenzabarcloud.com) and select the "Login with Microsoft" option, which uses your SSO credentials. If your name has changed during your time at Noorda-COM, be sure to update it with the Registrar’s Office. The name on your diploma will also appear in the Commencement Ceremony program.

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QUESTIONS/FAQS Who can hood?

Faculty hooders will rotate during the ceremony. Guest hooders must be immediate family members (parent/stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, or aunt/uncle) with an earned DO, MD, or PhD degree. Prior approval is required for all guest hooders. Please complete this form for prior approval.

Can I wear a second hood from a prior degree?

No, only the DO hood may be carried and worn during the ceremony, as it represents your most recent and highest academic achievement.

What do I get to keep from Commencement?

Graduates will keep their hood, cap, tassel, stole, and diploma cover.

You will receive your diploma cover as you cross the stage during Commencement. Diplomas will be distributed after the ceremony when rental gowns are returned.

Can family members sit with their graduate during the ceremony?

No, family members are not permitted in the reserved student seating areas during the Commencement Ceremony or in backstage areas of the UCCU Center. Family members serving as guest hooders will have seating in a separate reserved section, but this area is strictly for those actively participating as hooders. Other family members must sit in general seating.

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QUESTIONS/FAQS (CONTINUED) What if I want to be excused from participating in these events?

Attendance at Capstone activities and Commencement is required.

If extenuating circumstances prevent you from attending, you must submit a formal request for excusal by March 28, 2025. request for excusal form What name will appear on my diploma?

The Registrar’s Office will ask you to provide the name you want printed on your diploma. Go to (Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine : Student Login (jenzabarcloud.com) and select the login with Microsoft option, this uses your SSO. If your name has changed during your time at Noorda-COM, ensure it is updated with the Registrar’s Office. The same name will also be used for the Commencement Ceremony program.

Can I bring a bag into the arena?

Bags of any kind are not permitted in the reserved student section.

Graduates may carry small items such as phones, wallets, or keys.

While Noorda-COM staff will be available backstage during the ceremony, it is strongly recommended that purses or larger bags be left with family or guests for safekeeping.

When and how will I receive my diploma?

Keepsake diploma covers will be handed out as you cross the stage during the ceremony. Official diplomas will be distributed at the conclusion of the ceremony after rental gowns are returned.

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QUESTIONS/FAQS (CONTINUED) What is the difference between Commencement and Graduation?

Graduation: The process of being awarded a degree after completing all credit hours and degree requirements.

Commencement: The formal ceremony in which students are publicly and officially recognized for their achievements.

What side do I wear my tassel on?

As graduate students having already earned a bachelor's degree, you wear your tassel on the left side from the start of the ceremony.

What is the attire for the Commencement Ceremony?

In addition to your regalia, students should be in professional attire collared, button-down dress shirts and ties, dresses, or blouses and slacks. We do not recommend wearing a suit jacket or sport coat as the venue may get warm and you will be wearing your regalia during the ceremony. We also do not recommend wearing high heels as there will be stairs to navigate.

Additional Questions?

For additional FAQs and information for family and friends attending Commencement, visit the Commencement page on the NoordaCOM website. This page will be updated with more details after the new year.

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Contacts & Questions We’ve made it easy for you to get answers to your questions or more information on anything contained in this guide. Simply email us at: commencement@noordacom.org. This email will go to everyone on our Capstone and Commencement Task Force and the appropriate person will respond to you right away.

Important Reminder Attendance at Capstone activities and Commencement is required. If extenuating circumstances prevent you from attending, you must submit a formal request for excusal. request for excusal form What a journey the past four years has been! We are so excited to spend the next several months celebrating with you and can’t wait to see all the places you will go and all the great things you will do.

Thank you for your attention to these details, and congratulations on your upcoming graduation!

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