August 2025 (Date to be determined)
Tentative Schedule:
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Tinkham-Veale University Center
Second Floor Ballroom A/B
11038 Bellflower Road, Cleveland, OH 44106
- 2:45 p.m.: Participating students asked to arrive in Ballroom C for white coat distribution and line up by program.
- 3:00 p.m.: Doors open for visiting guests
- 3:30 p.m - 4:30 p.m.: Procession and ceremony
- 4:30 p.m.- 5:30 p.m.: Light hors d'oeuvres reception for students, friends, and families outside ballroom
Congratulations!
We are so excited to welcome you to the School of Medicine as one of our newest PhD students. You are about to embark on an exciting, rewarding, and life-changing journey as a member of the CWRU community.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, each August the Graduate Education Office hosts the PhD White Coat ceremony commemorating the beginning of our doctoral students' journey.
Students and their loved ones are invited to join us for this exciting event. We hope that this page will serve as a helpful resource in planning for your attendance to the ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Doors will open for guests at 3 p.m.
Parking for the PhD White Coat Ceremony has been reserved in the Severance Parking Garage (Lot 29). Please see address below. Parking validation cards can be picked up at the ceremony. There is a Tinkham Veale University Center entrance in the garage.
Lot 29 Address:
The Lot 29 garage is located directly adjacent to Severance Hall off East Blvd.
The address for Severance Hall is as follows: 11001 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44106, but the entrance of the garage is off of East Blvd.
Please email som-geo@case.edu with any questions!
Please utilize the table below to determine the best size for you, based on measurements. Or, access a downloadable version.
| Size | Chest (inches) | Waist (inches) | Hip (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XXS | 29-31 | 21-23 | 31-33 |
| XS | 32-34 | 24-26 | 32-34 |
| S | 35-36 | 27-29 | 35-37 |
| M | 38-40 | 30-32 | 38-40 |
| L | 42-44 | 34-36 | 42-44 |
| XL | 46-48 | 38-40 | 46-48 |
| 2XL | 50-52 | 42-44 | 50-52 |
| 3XL | 54-56 | 46-48 | 54-56 |
| 4XL | 58-60 | 50-52 | 58-60 |
| 5XL | 62-64 | 54-56 | 62-64 |
| 6XL | 66-69 | 58-61 | 66-69 |
| 7XL | 71-74 | 64-67 | 71-74 |
| 8XL | 76-79 | 69-72 | 76-79 |
| 9XL | 81-84 | 74-77 | 81-84 |
| 10XL | 86-89 | 79-82 | 86-89 |
| 11XL | 91-94 | 83-86 | 91-94 |
| 12XL | 96-99 | 88-91 | 96-99 |
*The above size chart is unisex
Yes. You are eligible for a white coat even if you're unable to attend the ceremony. Please email som-geo@case.edu to request one. Please be sure to include your preferred size from the size chart.
The dress code for the ceremony is dress or business casual attire. Please, no jeans, shorts, athletic pants, t-shirts, or athletic shoes. Also, we highly encourage you not to wear a suit/sports jacket because it can be difficult to put the lab coat on you and will give a bulky appearance under the lab coat. Please minimize the number of items that you bring with you the day of the ceremony such as book bags, because you will not be able to carry items into the ceremony with you.
To make sure that we pronounce your name correctly at the ceremony, please click here or find the phonetic pronunciation form attached to provide guidance on the pronunciation. Please submit the Google form or email the Graduate Education Office. If we do not receive any information from you, then we will use our best guess during the ceremony.
Yes. Please see the main PhD White Coat Ceremony webpage for the link details.
Yes. The event will be recorded and the YouTube link will be available in the weeks following the event. Email som-geo@case.edu with any questions.
Yes. Photographs of the event will be available in the weeks following the event. Email som-geo@case.edu with any questions.
You will stop by the table outside of Ballroom C to pick up your lab coat. If you need to exchange the lab coat size, you can return to the lab coat check in table. After you receive your lab coat, enter Ballroom C and find the sign with your program name. When you enter the ceremony, drape the lab coat across your left arm. Do not put on the lab coat.
Travel
Many of our PhD students are coming to CWRU from near and far. As we hope their family members or loved ones join them for this celebratory event, we have provided the following resources to aid those traveling to Cleveland.
Restaurants
Many of our students and their loved ones like to go out and celebrate after the ceremony concludes. Below are just some of the great nearby options!
Historic Little Italy
Located just a five-minute drive from CWRU's campus, Cleveland's Little Italy neighborhood boasts close to thirty different restaurants and eateries, all in walking distance of each other!
University Circle
CWRU is part of the University Circle neighborhood. Within walking distance of campus, visitors and students alike enjoy a plethora of dining options!
Downtown Cleveland
If you feel like venturing into city proper, Downtown Cleveland has a variety of restaurant, eatery, and bar options, sure to satisfy any craving!
Tremont
Located on Cleveland's west side, about a twenty minute drive from campus, sits the Tremont Neighborhood. Tremont is home to many of Cleveland's most hip and trendy restaurants!
