The College of Veterinary Medicine invites you to the white coat celebration for the Class of 2026.

This event honors and celebrates our incoming class as they begin their veterinary medical journey.

About the White Coat Ceremony

The white coat ceremony has become an academic ritual in the health professions: a ceremony that signals a transformation of status from an ordinary student to one studying to become a health professional. While donning the white coat is a sign of a changed role, the white coat is also a powerful symbol of transformation. White symbolizes purity, and the white coat symbolizes the purity of purpose being affirmed in becoming a health professional. The white coat symbolizes an affirmation on the part of aspiring veterinarians that their purpose will be pure and that they can be trusted to honor the tradition of the learned professions in placing the interest of patients above themselves. Absent an emphasis on the symbolic nature of the white coat ceremony, it can simply become an opportunity to publicly congratulate individuals for their success in gaining entrance to the study of veterinary medicine. 

Tickets

Tickets are not required for entrance. 

Dress Code

Summer business casual wear is encouraged for guests and students. 

Clear Bag Policy

The Tucson Music Hall has a Clear Bag Policy. Bags larger than 14″ x 16″ will not be permitted through the security zone. Guests entering any facility in the Tucson Convention Center are subject to search at the discretion of management. Tucson Convention Center does not provide storage for any confiscated baggage.

Live-Streaming

Can't attend the event in person? Watch our White Coat event online. 

2026 White Coat Event

Reception

All attendees are welcome to join the College of Veterinary Medicine for a brief reception following the event. 

General Information and Assistance

Staff and student volunteers can answer questions and assist during the event. These volunteers will wear red shirts with the College of Veterinary Medicine logo. Please feel free to stop them for information or to introduce yourselves.

Please note: The White Coat Ceremony is live-streamed, photographed, and recorded. Your attendance at White Coat confirms your willingness to appear in video, photographs, and recordings and releases The University of Arizona from all liability in connection therewith.

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Parking

We encourage attendees of the White Coat Ceremony to park in the Lot C garage located off Granada Ave. If parking is unavailable in Lot C due to other ongoing events, please attempt to park in Lot A and walk to the event venue. 

Accessibility

Tucson Convention Center offers convenient facilities and features for persons with disabilities. Please call 520.791.4101 during business hours or see a Guest Service representative for event assistance.

For our guests with disabilities, we recommend accessible parking in Lot C off Granada between Cushing and Congress if you are attending an event in the Tucson Music Hall.

If you have questions about access or requesting any disability-related accommodations for this event, such as ASL interpreting, closed-captioning, wheelchair access, electronic text, etc., please contact Katie Beringson.