Cords, stoles, honors medals: What are they and how do you get yours?
Looking to add some color to go with your graduation gown? The tradition of additional regalia accessories have special meaning and represent various aspects of a student’s involvement or achievement.Ìý
The colored stoles, also sometimes referred to as sashes, can symbolize participation in campus activities or groups. There are also first-generation stoles for first-generation graduates and legacy cords for students whose parents, stepparents or grandparents attended ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø.
Colored cords often represent academic honors, military service and specific academic fields. Learn more about theÌýcord and stole colors that CU graduates are wearing today.
Cords
Think you qualify for a cord or stole?Ìý
Visit the academic dress page and contact the issuing unit via weblink in description for details on any cords or stoles. Contact your academic college or school for further information on academic honors medals.
What are cords and what do they signify?
Typically, cords are rope-like strands that are worn on graduation day to indicate a specific affiliation, legacy or academic achievement tied to your degree.Ìý
How do I pick up my cord?
This process varies from unit to unit, and pickup is different for each one. You will be contacted by your issuing unit if you qualify for anÌýofficially recognized cord. If you’d like more clarification on when and how you will receive your cord, please contact the issuing unit.
Is there a cord for my minor?Ìý
ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø does not recognize every academic minor with a cord at graduation. Check theÌýacademic dress page for cords officially recognized by ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø’s commencement committee.Ìý
Stoles
What are stoles and what do they signify?
Stoles are sash-like garments that highlight a student's affiliation with a club, organization or community during their time at ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø. Many graduates also represent their college or school by purchasing a at the CU Bookstore to wear for graduation. Significant academic achievement and affinity stoles are also available.
Here's what you need to know about affinity stoles, degree stoles andÌýother officially recognized stoles.
Cultural and affinity commencement stoles
Graduating students can register to receive celebratory stoles through the ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø Alumni Association in partnership with campus groups, departments and clubs.
The deadline to register is May 7, and pickup will be at the Koenig Alumni Center during regular business hours between April 7 and May 7. If you have further questions, please email contactalumni@colorado.edu.
Below is a list of available cultural and affinity commencement stoles and/or celebrations:
- Asian American Pacific Islander Graduation (AAPI Stole)
- First Generation Stole
- Black Graduation (Kente Cloth)
- Lavender Graduation (Lavender Rainbow Stole)
- Latinx Graduation (Sarape Stole)
- Native Graduation (Pendleton Blanket)
All other cultural and affinity commencement stoles are distributed by campus groups/programs.
Degree stoles
College or school stoles are available for purchase at the.
Club, organization stoles
OtherÌýofficially recognized stoles representing clubs or organizations are organized by their respective issuing department. Please contact your program for more information.Ìý
Honors medals
How do I get my honors cord/medal?
Honors requirements vary by college and school. If you meet the requirements for your college or school, please reach out to your dean’s office or advisor. They will clarify how medals are handed out and if there's an honors component to your unit recognition ceremony.
Students are notified about honors medals from their college/school/program.
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