Frequently Asked Questions

Question: When is graduation for the Class of 2010?
Answer:    Graduation is on Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 10:00am

Question: What time do I have to be there?
Answer:    Graduates will line-up at 9:30am. Therefore, you should report to the Roland P. Sharp Alumni Center by 9:15am.

Question: Where is the graduation ceremony held?
Answer:    WVSOM holds its graduation ceremony on the WVSOM Parade Field.

Question: What time is the graduation ceremony over?
Answer:    It is expected that the graduation ceremony will be over by 12 pm; a reception follows immediately after the ceremony.

Question: Do I have to stay for the reception?
Answer:   No; the reception held at the WVSOM Parade Field is optional for you and your family. Light refreshments will be available.

Question: Is there a limit to the number of guests that I can invite?
Answer:   No, WVSOM does not limit your number of guests.

Question: What if it rains?
Answer:   Graduation is held rain or shine. Graduating students and guests  will be seated under the tent which provides shelter from the rain as well as shade from the sun. 

Question: Do I have to attend the graduation ceremony?
Answer:  Yes. Attendance and participation in the graduation ceremony is considered an academic requirement for completion of the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Institutional  Policy E-27 Graduation Requirements

Question: Do I have to purchase an academic robe and tam?
Answer:   Each candidate for the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine must wear the academic regalia approved by WVSOM. The regalia must be purchased through the WVSOM bookstore. Orders are due by January 15, 2010. Orders received after that date will be assessed a late fee. Institutional Policy E-28 Academic Attire

Question: Does the person who gives me my hood have to wear a robe and tam?
Answer:   No, hooders are not required to wear academic regalia. However, they are invited to do so if they have their own set. The school does not provide academic regalia to hooders.

Question: Who can I select to hood me?
Answer: Hooding at the graduation ceremony is performed by the appropriate associate deans. They may be assisted by members of the graduate’s immediate family who have earned a doctoral degree or by WVSOM faculty and administrators who have earned a doctoral degree. E-29 Hooding at Graduation

Question: Do I have to select a hooder?
Answer:   No. Students who do not identify a specific person to hood them will be hooded by the appropriate associate dean of WVSOM.

Question: Will WVSOM send my hooder special instructions?
Answer:   No. Hooders should be at the WVSOM Parade Field by 9:30 a.m. to receive instructions and be shown to their designated area for the start of the ceremony. The hooder should identify him/herself to an usher who will escort or direct them to the proper area. Special seating is provided for hooders.

Question: May my family move about to take pictures?
Answer:   Yes. However, professional photographers will be taking pictures of the hooding and the graduation ceremony. You will receive information on how to receive your photographs. Family and friends will be asked to keep the aisles clear so that hooders and graduates may proceed on and off the stage easily.

Question: Will there be handicapped parking and seating for guests?
Answer:    Yes. Guests should notify traffic monitors of their need for handicapped parking and they will be directed to the designated area. A special area is designated for handicapped seating. If there is an extreme need or special circumstances, please notify Jennifer Seams, Registrar jseams@osteo.wvsom.edu as soon as possible so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

Question: What if my diploma is incorrect?
Answer:    If there is a problem with your diploma please contact Jennifer Seams, Registrar as soon as possible. In order to avoid problems with your diploma, please be sure to complete your graduation information form clearly, legibly, and be sure that the information is correct.