We are proud to announce The College of Idaho’s inaugural commencement ceremony for our Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program. This milestone event marks the culmination of our graduates’ dedication, perseverance, and commitment to advancing healthcare leadership and clinical excellence.

The ceremony will be held on Friday, June 5, from 3:00–4:30 p.m. in the Rosenthal Art Gallery, Blatchley Hall, on The College of Idaho’s beautiful campus in Caldwell, Idaho (Blatchley Hall is building #8 on campus map below). We look forward to celebrating this historic occasion with our graduates, their families, friends, faculty, and supporters.

Tickets are not required to attend. However, we kindly ask all graduates to complete the DMSc Countdown to Commencement form by April 1, 2026 to assist us in planning for seating and refreshments and to ensure an enjoyable experience for all guests.

All graduates and their guests are encouraged to remain following the ceremony for a reception featuring hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and professional photo opportunities with our College photographer.

Please note: rehearsal for DMSc commencement will be held from 1:30 - 2:30 pm on June 5th in Rosenthal Art Gallery, Blatchley Hall.

Commencement is a formal academic ceremony and a meaningful moment of recognition. We ask that all attendees honor the significance of the occasion by maintaining respectful decorum throughout the program. To preserve a professional and celebratory atmosphere, the following items are not permitted:

Alcohol
Air horns
Beach balls
Bubbles
Latex balloons
Other distracting items

We look forward to celebrating our graduates and this important milestone in the life of our DMSc program.

Regalia

The College of Idaho partners with a local company, Direct Grad, for regalia. It is highly preferred that you order your regalia from this company for uniformity.

***Ordering is now open for College of Idaho Regalia! Please order at the following link: https://directgrad.com/product/c-of-i-regalia/.

DMSc: Graduates in the DMSc program need to order a doctoral all-black gown, or for an added cost, a custom gown with traditional DMSc colors (Kelly Green). Additionally, you will need to order a hood, tam and tassel.

If you need help with your order, have questions or need to troubleshoot, please reach out to Direct Grad at office@IDgrad.com . They are an outside vendor and the College does not have access to their ordering website.

Hooding Ceremony

A highlight of the ceremony is the hooding, a longstanding academic tradition that signifies the successful transition from physician assistant clinician to doctoral-level scholar and leader. This symbolic moment recognizes each graduate’s advanced expertise, professional growth, and achievement within the Doctor of Medical Science program.

Graduates will approach the stage wearing their doctoral gown and tam, with the tassel positioned on the left. The hood should be neatly folded and draped over the left arm, with the velvet Kelly green panel facing outward and the narrow, tapered end (button) positioned closest to the bend of the arm. Upon reaching the stage, the graduate will hand their hood to the designated staff member, then proceed to the podium to deliver brief remarks (30–60 seconds). During the remarks, the hood will be passed to the advisor or designated faculty member. After the remarks conclude, the graduate will be hooded by the advisor or designated faculty member.

To ensure a smooth and dignified hooding, please confirm that your hood is properly folded and unbuttoned prior to the ceremony.

Diplomas

During the commencement ceremony, graduates will receive a diploma cover containing a congratulatory letter and details regarding diploma distribution. Diplomas are typically available 12–15 days following commencement and will be mailed directly to you from Parchment. Please ensure that we have your most current mailing address on file to avoid any delays. The printed diploma measures 11 x 14 inches and is designed to fit the diploma cover presented at the ceremony.

In addition to the printed diploma, graduates will receive a complimentary digital diploma through Parchment. This secure, official electronic credential provides convenient access for professional use and verification.

Campus Map & Parking

Parking for commencement will be in Parking Lot E (see campus map) with entrances off of Wisconsin and Indiana. Click here to view campus map.

Official Transcripts

You may order your official transcript at the National Student Clearinghouse, here: National Student Clearinghouse There is a small fee for transcript orders. If you have difficulty submitting your transcript order, please refer to these instructions, or email registrar@collegeofidaho.edu for additional help.

Local Amenities

There are a variety of hotels, restaurants and activities nearby for families to enjoy while visiting for commencement. Please visit this link for information about some of Caldwell's favorite destinations: Destination Caldwell.

Boise, Idaho's capital city is also nearby! You can find information about Boise tourism, recreation and other info here: Visit Boise

After Commencement

Welcome to the Alumni family! As an official member of The College of Idaho Alumni, you can stay connected in a number of ways:

Visit the YoteBook (our online Alumni community) at https://alumni.collegeofidaho.edu/.
Connect on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cofialumni
Follow the Alumni account on Instagram @coialumni.
Sign up for the College of Idaho Newsletter mailing list here.
Keep your contact information up-to-date at this link:https://alumni.collegeofidaho.edu/page/send-an-update-to-the-college.
Browse the list of alumni benefits Links to an external site., which includes things like library privileges, course participation, JAAC facilities use, outdoor program rentals, and more!

Please contact Alumni Relations at 208-459-5004, or email them at alumni@collegeofidaho.edu.