College graduation cords – an emblem of academic achievement and an intricate part of collegiate tradition that adorns the gowns of graduates.
They are more than just a piece of colorful accessory.
As a soon-to-be graduate you’re bound to have burning questions like where to source these cords how to interpret the variety of color codes and the meaning behind them.
This article demystifies the mystery behind these symbolic ropes and presents a comprehensive guide on understanding the significance of college graduation cords.
But what does wearing more than one cord signify?
College Graduation Cords
Graduation cords often referred to as ‘honors cords’ are decorative intertwined ropes with tassels used in college graduation ceremonies. They are draped around the necks of the graduates as a symbol of their academic and extracurricular achievements.
Schools have their own set of rules and requirements when it comes to awarding these cords. For instance to receive a cord students might need to earn a high grade point average (GPA) excel in certain leadership roles or show active participation in specific student organizations.
In addition to celebrating accomplishments graduation cords available in various color-specific traditions also serve as an excellent way to identify graduates in specific academic disciplines or societal affiliations. The Association of College Honor Societies has standardized some cord colors while institutions may have their own unique cord traditions.
Types Of Graduation Cords
There are numerous types of graduation cords that recognize different areas of students’ college careers.
Academic Honor Cords: These cords are given to honor students with high academic achievements. The number of cords awarded can be reflective of the level of academic achievement: cum laude magna cum laude or summa cum laude.
Department Cords: Distinct from academic honor cords department cords honor students who have shown remarkable prowess and excellence in a specific department.
Leadership Cords: Leadership cords are for those students who have showcased exceptional leadership skills during their college careers. Mostly active student leaders and club presidents are awarded these cords.
Community Service Cords: These cords are bestowed upon students who have made significant contributions through community service or volunteer work.
Other types of graduation cords include Language Cords Cultural Cords and Military Service Cords. Tassel Depot for example provides a wide variety of honor cords including single cords braided cords and double-tied cords.
Policies surrounding how many graduation cords a student can wear during the commencement ceremony vary school by school and students should verify their school’s rules by contacting their university’s commencement office.
How To Get Cords For College Graduation
Graduation cords also known as ‘honors cords’ can carry great significance for students during commencement ceremonies. These decorative intertwined ropes with tassels are worn around the graduates’ necks and symbolize academic and extracurricular achievements.
Here’s how to get them for your college graduation.
One of the most straightforward ways to receive graduation cords is by maintaining a high grade point average (GPA). Academic honor cords are often awarded to those students who have excelled acadically.
Joining a student organization or becoming a student leader is another way to earn graduation cords. Leadership cords are given to those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills.
Similarly membership in student clubs or societies may make you eligible for cords.
Community service is another avenue worth exploring. Many institutions honor their students’ community involvement by awarding community service cords.
Significant community service or volunteer work often receive recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about graduation cords:
- How many graduation cords can a student wear?
The number of graduation cords a student can wear during the commencement ceremony varies depending on the school’s specific policies. - Can graduation cords be obtained through honor societies or programs?
Yes students can attain graduation cords through their membership in honor societies or enrollment in honors programs. - Are there department-specific cords?
Yes some cords like the department cords are given for excellence in a specific academic discipline. - How do cultural cords work?
Cultural cords recognize student achievements related to marginalized racial identities or cultural engagement.
It’s always best to check with your institution’s commencement office or your college advisor for specific information about graduation cords and other academic regalia.
Wrapping Up
Graduation cords or ‘honors cords’ are decorative intertwined ropes adorned with tassels. They are worn around the necks of graduating students during commencement ceremonies to symbolize academic and extracurricular achievements.
Depending on the school’s rules and requirements students may drape multiple cords around their necks.
There are several different types of graduation cords. Some celebrate academic prowess others highlight leadership skills while some reward community service contributions.
If you’ve proven your proficiency in a foreign language a cord to honor your biliteracy might be in order. Also cultural cords acknowledge achievements in marginalized racial identities or cultures.
And for those who have served their country military service cords serve as a salute to veterans or active duty service members.
Post Navigation
Cords can be obtained through various avenues including high academic achievements or outstanding contributions in leadership roles or student organizations. Academic honor cords are traditionally reserved for those who have consistently excelled academically.
In contrast department cords recognize students who have shown exceptional prowess in a specific department or subject.
| Cord Category | Requirements for Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Academic Honor Cords | High academic achievements |
| Departmental Cords | Excellence in a specific subject |
| Leadership Cords | Exceptional leadership skills |
| Community Service Cords | Significant community service or volunteer work |
| Language Cords | Proficiency in a foreign language |
| Cultural Cords | Achievements in marginalized racial identities or cultures |
| Military Service Cords | For veterans or active duty service members |
Frequently student leaders and members of student organizations can lay claim to cords depending on the specific requirements of that club or society. For instance being a member of the Association of College Honor Societies or a fraternity or sorority such as Alpha Omicron Pi or Zeta Tau Alpha can make a student eligible for a cord on graduation day.
Note that the number of graduation cords a student wears can vary depending on the school’s policies. Always check with the commencement office for the institution’s specific restrictions and regulations regarding graduation regalia and cords.
