A student who has fulfilled all the academic requirements may be granted the DO degree provided the student has:
- Satisfactorily completed the curriculum and clerkships at a COCA-accredited college of osteopathic medicine, the last two years of which have been at RVUCOM;
- Completed all academic requirements in no more than six years from the date of initial matriculation at a COCA-accredited college of osteopathic medicine;
- Complied with all the curricular, legal, and financial requirements of the University;
- Passed all RVUCOM-required National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners Licensing Examinations;
- Reached at least 21 years of age;
- Demonstrated suitability for the practice of medicine as evidenced by conducting professional behavior, displaying responsibility for patient care, and exhibiting integrity in the conduct of clinical and academic activities;
- Demonstrated compliance with the conduct standards;
- Completed loan exit counseling, if applicable;
- Attended the compulsory portions of senior week, including graduation rehearsal and the graduation ceremony, at which time the degree is conferred and they take the osteopathic oath. Exceptions to the graduation attendance policy must be made in writing to the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs. If an exception is granted the student must arrange another time to meet with the Dean of RVUCOM, to have their degree conferred and to take the osteopathic oath; and
- Completed the AACOM Survey of Graduating Seniors.
Students must pass all course work, and pass COMLEX Level 2 CE, by May 1st of the senior year in order to be eligible for on-time conferral of their degree. Failure to meet the deadline may result in delayed graduation. Students must complete all the requirements for graduation, including the passing of required examinations within six (6) years of their initial matriculation into the COM, or they may be dismissed from the COM.
Degrees are not awarded solely upon the completion of any prescribed number of courses, or upon passing a prescribed number of examinations, but, in addition, when the faculty believes the student has attained sufficient maturity of thought and proficiency. Matriculation and enrollment do not guarantee the issuance of a degree without satisfactorily meeting the aforementioned curriculum and degree requirements. The process is as follows: 1) The list of graduates is sent to the faculty senate for conferral approval at their meeting; 2) the faculty senate sends the approved list of graduates to the Dean; 3) the Dean delivers a resolution to the Board of Trustees; 4) the Board of Trustees will vote and officially confer degrees.
An osteopathic degree is a professional degree that leads to a license that requires physical conferral. RVUCOM Graduation includes the administration of the Osteopathic Oath, and as such is a required attendance event. Students seeking release from any Graduation related activities, including required graduation week events and the ceremony, must obtain an excused absence from the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs.
All students participating in the RVUCOM commencement ceremony must conform to the regalia requirements for their degree as set forth in this policy. Candidates for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine must wear the official RVUCOM regalia. Additionally, the tam should not be decorated or altered in any way.
Students will be allowed to wear university-issued and approved honor cords and stoles that have been awarded to students for specific honors they have earned through their time at Rocky Vista University.
The Office of Student Affairs has the authority to prevent a student from participating in the graduation ceremony if the student’s attire violates the spirit of this policy. A student found in direct violation of this policy may have their degree withheld.
Any exceptions to this policy (such as the use of traditional ceremonial clothing or heritage regalia) must be approved, in writing, by the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs no later than 30 days prior to the graduation ceremony.