Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Class of 2026

Graduation is an important day in your life. The graduation ceremony is a representation of this momentous achievement. This formal ceremony represents your hard work and dedication to the field of medicine. Thus, we want everyone to dress in formal regalia for this ceremony. We have created the following rules to honor the importance of this occasion.

1. Male students are required to wear a dress shirt, tie, dark colored pants, and dress shoes. Female students may wear either a dress or shirt and dark colored dress slacks. Female students may wear any type of dress shoes.

2. Students may wear multiple earrings. Size of earrings does not matter. However, be mindful of the size of the earrings due to possibility of earrings being snagged during the hooding process.

3. No lip or eyebrow piercings will be allowed during the ceremony.

4. Hair can be styled in whatever manner you find appropriate, but no wild hair coloring for men or women. Be mindful of the fact that you will be wearing a cap during the ceremony.

5. Any visible tattoos must be covered during the ceremony.

6. Students will be allowed to have their cell phone during the ceremony. However, the cell phone must be placed in silent mode. Also, the cell phone must be placed on the chair when your row is called to approach the stage during the ceremony. In order to be respectful during this formal ceremony, students are not allowed to take pictures or make video recordings with their cell phone on stage.

7. There should be no wardrobe modifications to the regalia or personal material (no message on bottom of shoes, gowns, caps, etc.). Any regalia or personal modifications will result in not being able to participate in the ceremony.

8. Students may wear only ACOM-issued regalia items (gowns, tams, hoods, tassels, cords, medallions) during the Commencement Ceremony to create a consistent, professional appearance. Stoles, cords and items from outside organizations may be worn for personal photographs, but may not be worn during the official ceremony.

9. Hair styles, make-up, and nails must be professional in nature.

10. Please remind families that this is a formal event. Thus, there will be no noise-making devices used during the ceremony (no vuvuzelas, horns, etc.). Also, only small, tasteful signs will be allowed in the Civic Center.

Thank you for your understanding in this matter. We want this to be a successful and memorable day for everyone!