WCC Logo To celebrate the achievements of the second-year class, Berkeley Optometry hosts the "White Coat Ceremony" at the end of the Spring Semester.

This year's ceremony will take place on Friday, May 18, 2012 at 1:30 PM on Minor Hall Plaza.

As a result of the enhanced second-year curriculum, which provides our students with significant patient-care experience, they pass a significant milestone to become third-year students and move into summer clinic.

Dean Levi, Associate Dean for Student Affairs Van Sluyters, and fellow associate deans are unanimous in their belief that this passage deserves to be acknowledged officially. They therefore established a "White Coat Ceremony" as the proper way to do it.

The celebration — which is attended by family and friends, faculty, staff, and fellow students in the other classes — is highlighted by the presentation of a special white clinic jacket to each student and by a group recitation of the Berkeley Optometric Oath.

FAQ (2012 Ceremony)

For the Class of 2014:

When should students arrive for the ceremony?
Students should arrive sharply at 1:00 PM in the Student Lounge. The official ceremony does not start until 1:30 PM; however, students are required to come at 1:00 PM, half an hour early for preparations.

What is the recommended attire?
Clinical attire/ business casual dress is required.

Can I bring guests?
Yes, we encourage you to bring guests. Please make sure that you give them official White Coat Ceremony invitations that will be provided by the Admissions and Student Affairs Office (ASAO). We will place invitations in your student mailbox on March 15. After March 15, if you need more invitations, stop by the ASAO. Please note that RSVPs are NOT required.

Where can I find student parking?
Note that your spring semester student "S" permits will expire on Thursday, May 17, 2012. You will get cited if you use them past this date. Your parking options are:

Buy a "S" permit for summer (recommended). These will become available starting Wednesday, May 16 at the Parking and Transportation Office. Their address is 2150 Kittredge Street, between Shattuck and Fulton Streets, one block from Bancroft, next to the Touchless Car Wash. The customer service lobby is on the first floor; hours of operation are Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:00pm; their phone number is 510-643-7701. You can fill out the Parking Permit Application Form in advance. Remember to take your Student ID or driver's license with you.
Buy a parking pass at the dispensing machine at the lot. You can park at any campus lots that allow for student or "S" parking. Look at the Parking Map. Note that during weekday daytime hours (7am-5pm), the most convenient lots to Minor are the Stadium Lot and the Prospect Court Lot.
Buy a one-time day-use permit at the Parking and Transportation Office (address above).

For the Class of 2013 White Coat Ceremony Guests

Where can I find information on hotel accommodations, directions and parking?
Hotel Accommodations:
For out-of-town guests, the Admissions and Student Affairs office has reserved a block of rooms at a discounted rate at the Hotel Durant, one of the options closest to Minor Hall. To book, please have your guests contact the Hotel Durant directly at 1-800-238-7268; Web: www.hoteldurant.com/

Rates between $179-$249 a night, depending upon size and occupancy
Rooms are subject to an occupancy tax
Secure parking at $16/night
- Portage/ storage fee of $2.00
A major credit card or cash deposit is required for hotel registration, regardless of billing status. Mention "Berkeley Optometry" to reserve one of these rooms at the special rate and note that the cut-off date for booking at the discount rate(s) is April 20.

Other lodging options are listed here:
www.berkeley.edu/visitors/staying.html.

Directions to Minor Hall:
Information on how to get to Minor Hall and the Berkeley campus are located on our website at Minor Hall Location & Maps.

Parking:
The closest parking garage is the Lower Hearst Garage at Hearst Avenue and Scenic Avenue. Hourly pay-parking is available at all times on Level 2. From the Lower Hearst Garage, it is about a 10-minute walk to Minor Hall. For further parking information, consult Parking and Transportation at http://pt.berkeley.edu/park/public.

What is the recommended attire?
The recommended attire is semi-formal. Women can wear dresses or blouses/skirts, and men can wear dressy shirts and trousers. Suits and ties are optional. Please do not wear jeans, tennis shoes, or other casual attire.

Can White Coat Ceremony guests take a tour of the University?
Yes, you can take a free 90-minute walking tour of the campus. Tours are led by trained student guides who are knowledgeable about the campus and student life at Berkeley. Tours begin at 10:00 AM and leave from the Visitor Center at 101 University Hall, 2200 University Ave, located at the corner of University Avenue and Oxford Street. Reservations are not necessary. For detailed information, go to Visitor Services at www.berkeley.edu/visitors/free_tours.html

Can White Coat Ceremony guests take a tour of the School of Optometry?
Yes, we will have a team of Berkeley Optometry Ambassadors on-hand to give a tour of Minor Hall promptly at 12 noon, before the White Coat Ceremony begins at 1:30 PM. Please check in at the Admissions and Student Affairs Office, Minor Hall, Room 397, at noon if you want to tour the School of Optometry.

Thanks to our Sponsor

Berkeley Optometry would like to thank Alcon for their generous support of the White Coat Ceremony.

Scenes from the White Coat Ceremony

White Coat Slide Archive

Slide Show 2006 (Second Annual White Coat Ceremony (2006)
Slide Show 2007 (Third Annual White Coat Ceremony, 2007)
Slide Show 2008 (Fourth Annual White Coat Ceremony, 2008)