How to Get Cords for College Graduation: Everything You Need To Know
Are you a soon-to-be college graduate wondering how to get cords for college graduation? I remember asking the same question when I was a senior about to graduate!
Aside from my cap and gown, I knew nothing about the different types of graduation cords, let alone how to get them. If you’re asking the same questions, this post is for you.
This article tells you all you need to know about how to get cords for college graduation from a college expert!
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Short on time? Here’s 3 ways how to get cords for college graduation!
- Have a High GPA
- Become a Student Leader
- Join a Student Organization
Keep reading below for more information on each of the 3 ways.
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What are Graduation Cords
Graduation cords are decorative intertwined ropes with tassels at both ends. They are worn around graduating students’ necks as a part of the academic regalia (i.e. cap and gown) during commencement ceremonies.
These cords may just seem like an extra accessory to wear with your cap and gown, but they actually have significant meaning!
They are also known as “honors cords” to highlight a student’s academic achievements and or extracurricular achievements during their college career and come in a variety of different colors to recognize these various achievements.
Sidenote: Graduation cords are very college specific! Each school has its own rules and graduation requirements for who receives cords and why. After reading this post, you should ask your college advisor or the office of the registrar for additional information about cords for the commencement ceremony.
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Types of Graduation Cords
There are many different types of graduation cords that you can receive to wear on graduation day! Here are some of the most common:
Academic Honor Cords
Academic honor cords are used to recognize graduates with high academic achievements!
This could be a high overall GPA or being a member of honor societies which can come with a premium honors designation.
Department Cords
Department cords are used to recognize graduates that have excelled in a particular department whether academic or extracurricular.
For example, many colleges award a cord to student-athletes for their achievements in sports during their time at the university.
I have also seen resident advisors (aka RA’s) get departmental honors cords from the housing department for their work.
(Which they 100% deserve! Being an RA is not for the weak!)
Leadership Cords
Leadership cords are used to recognize graduates with stellar leadership accomplishments at the school.
These could be students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, like being an executive officer of student organizations (like club president) or serving in student leadership roles on campus.
These cords are usually given out by the department student’s participated in leadership activities like Student Activities or Leadership Development offices.
A Gem: Many student clubs also give out custom graduation stoles for just being a member of the club also. In addition to other free stuff!
Related: How to Get Free College Shirts (5 Easy Ways)
Community Service Cords
Service cords are used to recognize graduates who have an impact in the community or have completed a significant amount of community service or volunteer work.
If your school places high importance on service work, they probably will award cords in this category to graduates with stellar achievements.
Language Cords
Language cords are used to recognize graduates who finished advanced language courses or who have demonstrated competency in a foreign language.
Like this one for American Sign Language!
Cultural Cords
Cultural cords are used to recognize graduates who are part of certain marginalized racial identities or cultures with outstanding achievements.
Many multicultural offices will award cords or stoles to students who have participated in multicultural organizations, hosted programming, or had significant achievements in building cultural community, or increasing cultural awareness on campus.
Military Service Cords
Military service cords are used to recognize graduates who are veterans, active duty service members, and or students a part of organizations like ROTC for their academic achievements and service to the United States.
How to Get Cords for College Graduation
Getting graduation accessories, like graduation cords and graduation stoles, depends largely on the specific college or university you are attending.
Since graduation ceremonies are largely traditional events for colleges, there may be specific rules around how to get cords for college graduation.
As a former college student and higher education professional, here’s the best ways to get graduation cords!
Earn a High Grade Point Average
There will always be cords given out to honor graduates!
If your school doesn’t award cords for extracurriculars, you can bet that students who have high academic honors, will at least have one cord.
To make sure you receive graduation honor cords, aim to finish school with Latin honors. These look like this, each with different cumulative GPA requirements depending on your school:
Summa Cum Laude
This is the highest distinction for undergraduate students meaning, “with the highest distinction.” Students who receive this honor may have a GPA of 3.9 or higher.
Magna Cum Laude
This is a major distinction for undergraduate students meaning ” with great distinction.” Students who receive this honor may have a GPA of 3.7- 3.8.
Cum Laude
This is a great distinction for undergraduate students meaning “with distinction.” Students who receive this honor may have a GPA of 3.5-3.6.
Having a high GPA also allows you to join honor societies or an honors program that will usually award their member’s graduation honors cords! Here some popular options:
- Omicron Delta Kappa
- Phi Beta Kappa
- Alpha Chi
You’ll want to check any specific degree requirements for membership! Also before joining any college honor society, make sure it’s a reputable organization (since many have membership fees) by looking them up on the Association of College Honor Societies.
Become a Student Leader
I will never stop talking about the importance of being a student leader and joining clubs on campus!
Not only is it a great way to make friends and go to social events, but it’s also a super easy way to get graduation cords and stoles.
Related: Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Parties in College
As mentioned above, student leaders often receive graduation cords for their leadership skills or from the department they participated in.
Usually, around April, departments will notify student leaders that cords or stoles are available for this year’s graduates.
Depending on the department or college, they may also host an honor ceremony or awards night to celebrate the graduates and gift everyone a graduation cord to wear during commencement.
If you’re a student leader wanting these cords, here’s how to be in the know about graduation cords:
- Follow your department on their social media to get the latest updates
- Keep a close eye on your email around early April for graduation announcements
- Ask your advisor or supervisor about the usual gifts the department gives graduates
If you follow these 3 simple tasks, you definitely won’t miss out on a special graduation cord for being a student leader!
Join a Student Organization
Joining a student club is by far the easiest way how to get cords in college if your school allows clubs to give out cords.
(Some schools are very picky about cords to preserve their meaning and significance, so clubs may not be able to provide cords or stoles depending on the type of club)
I do want to mention that the type of club is super important in this context! Since Greek life (sororities and fraternities) are usually national organizations, you’ll probably receive some type of graduation honor to wear like a stole with your greek letters.
Whereas with a club like the chess club, which is probably only housed at your school and not affiliated with a national organization, your school may not allow having honor cords or stoles.
It really all depends on your school’s rules and regulations around graduation regalia.
If your school is okay with clubs providing cords to their graduates, then you’re in luck! All you need to do is ask about the requirements to get a cord from your club.
Some clubs may have stricter requirements to get a cord like being a part of the executive board. While for others it may be as simple as just being a member and attending a few events.
Definitely ask to learn more about the process to obtain a cord from that club if that’s something important to you before you join.
As always don’t go into a club expecting to get something just for being there, always ask first so you’re on the same page!
Sidenote: If you’re getting a graduation cord from a club, you might have to pay. Unlike other types of cords, which are most likely free and awarded by the school.
How to Get Cords for College Graduation: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Graduation cords are a symbol of recognition and accomplishment for graduates. These cords can represent academic honors, leadership roles, participation in extracurricular activities, or membership in a specific organization.
The number of graduation cords a student can wear during their commencement ceremony can vary depending on the school’s policies and traditions. Some institutions may limit the number of cords a student can wear, while others may not have any restrictions. Students should check with their commencement office for any specific policies around graduation regalia.
The GPA required to earn cords in college can vary depending on the school’s policies and the type of cords being awarded. Generally, cords are awarded to students who have achieved Latin honors, or academic excellence, or have excelled in a particular area of study or activity.
In most cases, students are required to earn their graduation cords through academic or extracurricular achievements, and these cords are then awarded to them by the school. However, it’s possible that some schools may allow students to purchase their own cords to wear during their commencement ceremony.
Wrapping Up
Graduation cords are an amazing way to highlight your college achievements. You can show off anything from your awesome leadership skills, to your stellar GPA on your graduation day!
If you want to be the talk of commencement with all your honor cords, make sure you achieve academic excellence, join some student clubs, and be a leader on campus!
Before you know it, you’ll have a ton of cords and honor stoles to really make your graduation day the best yet!
Did you get a cord for an achievement on this list? Or want to know more about the different meanings behind the cord colors?
Leave a comment below and let me know!
