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More than 600 new graduates participated in the 2019 Commencement on May 26. The wearing of stoles, scarves, and cords during the Commencement ceremony is restricted to approved all-College and academic honoraries, including departmental or disciplinary honor societies, and institutionally recognized organizations.

Students will be allowed to wear one stole for the Commencement ceremony. Honor cords may be worn in addition to a stole.

All honor cords will be distributed during your assigned procession time either on Saturday, April 24, or Sunday, April 25. If you are unable to attend the Commencement Procession, your cords will be mailed with your diploma.

Organizations

Student organizations are in charge of producing and distributing their own stoles. Organizations wishing to gain approval to distribute graduation stoles must apply no later than Friday, March 19. Applicants will be notified of acceptance on a rolling basis to allow organizations time to order custom stoles in advance of Commencement.

The institution must have recognized organizations for at least one full academic year before submitting their application. Additionally, the organization must be in good standing with Student Government, Student Involvement, and Student Conduct to apply for stole distribution. A sample of the intended stole must accompany the application for consideration. Once approved, organizations will not need to apply each year as long as the design and distribution requirements remain the same.

Unsure if your organization already has an approved design? View the approved list.  

International students and students who studied abroad

Undergraduate international students and students who have studied abroad for a full academic semester who wish to wear a stole in recognition of their experience should contact Professor Erik Kulke (ekulke@carthage.edu) for information regarding this process and requirements.

Latin honor cords

Graduates receiving Latin honors will be provided with cords representing one of three categories of distinction:

  • Students graduating with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5-3.69 will receive black and gold cords signifying the Latin honor cum laude.  
  • Students graduating with a cumulative grade point average of 3.7-3.89 will receive red and gold cords signifying the Latin honor magna cum laude.
  • Students graduating with a cumulative grade point average of 3.9 or higher will receive white and gold cords representing the Latin honor summa cum laude.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

commencement@carthage.edu