Your graduation stole and cords are more than just accessories—they are symbols of your hard work and dedication. As you prepare to cross the stage and receive your diploma, it is important to know how to wear your stole and cords properly. Here are a few tips to help you look your best on your big day. First, check with your school to see if there are any specific guidelines on how to wear your regalia. Some schools have specific rules about the order in which cords should be worn, while others may have no restrictions at all.
The stole is a long, rectangular piece of fabric that is worn around the neck and over the shoulders. It usually has the colors of your school or organization and may also have other embellishments, such as tassels or fringe. To wear the stole, simply drape it around your neck and let it hang evenly on both sides. You can also use a stole pin to secure it in place.Cords are typically worn over the left shoulder and are used to designate academic honors, such as membership in a particular society or the completion of a specific program. To wear a cord, simply drape it over your left shoulder and let it hang down in front of your body. You can use a cord pin to secure it in place, if necessary. If you are wearing multiple cords, they should be arranged in order of importance, with the most important cord being worn closest to your neck.
Now that you know how to wear your stole and cords, you can confidently step onto the stage and receive your diploma. Congratulations on all of your hard work and dedication! As you embark on this new chapter in your life, always remember the significance of your stole and cords. They will remind you of your accomplishments and inspire you to continue to pursue your dreams.
Handling Your Stole and Cords with Care
Inspect Your Stole and Cords
Before wearing your stole and cords, carefully inspect them for any damage. Smooth out any wrinkles or creases, and ensure all tassels and fringe are intact.
Fold Your Stole Neatly
When not in use, fold your stole neatly to prevent creasing. Fold the stole in half lengthwise, then fold it in half again widthwise. Secure the folded stole with a ribbon or piece of twine.
Store Your Stole and Cords Properly
Store your stole and cords in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing them in plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause damage.
Use a Hanger or Box
When hanging your stole and cords, use a wide-shouldered hanger to prevent stretching. Alternatively, store them in a padded box to protect them from dust and wrinkles.
Wash Your Stole Gently
If your stole becomes dirty, hand-wash it gently in cold water using a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals. Dry the stole flat or hang it to air-dry.
Iron Your Stole (if Necessary)
If your stole requires ironing, use a low heat setting and a pressing cloth to prevent scorching. Iron the stole gently, avoiding areas with tassels or fringe.
Etiquette for Wearing Your Stole and Cords
Graduation Attire for Candidates
Dress professionally in business attire. For men, this typically includes a suit and tie. For women, a dress, skirt, or pantsuit with a blouse is appropriate.
Wearing Your Stole
Drape the stole over your shoulders, with the tassel hanging over your left shoulder (for bachelor’s or associate’s degrees) or right shoulder (for master’s or doctoral degrees).
Positioning Your Cords
Arrange your cords in descending order of importance, starting with the most prestigious award. Attach the cords to the stole using provided clips or pins.
Etiquette for Wearing Your Stole and Cords
Placement of Honor Cords
Position honor cords on top of all other cords, closest to your neck.
Choosing Cord Colors
Select cord colors that complement your stole and the colors of your school or organization.
Distribute Cords Evenly
Spread out your cords evenly across the stole to avoid bunching or creating an unbalanced appearance.
Cords from Multiple Institutions
If you have cords from multiple institutions, consider alternating them throughout the stole.
Respect the Tradition
Graduation ceremonies are formal events. Wear your stole and cords with pride and respect for the tradition of academic achievement.
Wearing Your Stole and Cords with Pride
1. Choose the Correct Order
Place the cords earned through academic achievements or special programs over the stole. For example, the Phi Theta Kappa cord would go over the graduation stole.
2. Drape the Stole Properly
The stole should be worn around your neck, with one end hanging slightly longer than the other. The ends of the stole should be even with the hem of your graduation gown.
3. Position the Cords
Drape the cords over the stole so that the tassels hang evenly on the left or right shoulder. Alternatively, you can drape the cords in a “V” shape with the tassels hanging over the shoulders.
4. Pin the Stoles and Cords
Secure the stole and cords with safety pins to prevent them from shifting during the ceremony. Consider placing one pin at the neckline and another at the waist.
5. Adjust the Tassels
Fluff the tassels and adjust their position to create a symmetrical and polished look.
6. Practice Wearing the Stole and Cords
Attend the graduation rehearsal or try on the stole and cords beforehand to ensure a comfortable and confident fit.
7. Be Respectful of the Ceremony
The stole and cords represent your hard work and achievements. Wear them with pride and respect during the graduation ceremony.
8. Remove the Stole and Cords After the Ceremony
Once the ceremony is over, remove the stole and cords carefully and with respect.
9. Keep the Stole and Cords as a Memento
Preserve the stole and cords as a reminder of your graduation day and the accomplishments you have made.
10. Display the Stole and Cords Proudly
Consider displaying the stole and cords in your home or office as a symbol of your educational journey and achievements.
| Stole Type | Significance |
|---|---|
| Graduation Stole | Honors the achievement of completing a degree program |
| Cord of Distinction | Recognizes students with exceptional academic performance in a specific field of study |
| Honor Cords | Acknowledge membership in honor societies or academic excellence programs |
| Military Cords | Indicate military service or affiliation with a military organization |
How To Wear Graduation Stole And Cords
Graduation is a time to celebrate your accomplishments and look forward to the future. One of the most important parts of graduation is the ceremony, where you will be awarded your diploma and have the opportunity to wear your graduation stole and cords.
The graduation stole is a long, flowing piece of fabric that is worn over your shoulders. It is usually made of a light-colored fabric, such as silk or satin, and is often decorated with the colors of your school or university. The stole is a symbol of your academic achievement and is a reminder of the hard work and dedication that you have put in to earn your degree.
Graduation cords are worn around your neck and are a way to recognize your academic achievements and involvement in extracurricular activities. Cords are usually made of a braided fabric and are often color-coded to represent different honors or organizations. For example, gold cords may be awarded to students who have graduated with honors, while blue cords may be awarded to students who have been involved in student government.
When wearing your graduation stole and cords, it is important to make sure that they are arranged correctly. The stole should be worn over your shoulders, with the ends hanging down in front. The cords should be worn around your neck, with the knots tied in front. You should also make sure that the colors of your cords are arranged in the correct order, with the highest honor cords being worn closest to your neck.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you wear your graduation stole and cords correctly and proudly on your graduation day.
People Also Ask
What is the difference between a graduation stole and a graduation cord?
A graduation stole is a long, flowing piece of fabric that is worn over your shoulders. It is usually made of a light-colored fabric, such as silk or satin, and is often decorated with the colors of your school or university. The stole is a symbol of your academic achievement and is a reminder of the hard work and dedication that you have put in to earn your degree.
Graduation cords are worn around your neck and are a way to recognize your academic achievements and involvement in extracurricular activities. Cords are usually made of a braided fabric and are often color-coded to represent different honors or organizations. For example, gold cords may be awarded to students who have graduated with honors, while blue cords may be awarded to students who have been involved in student government.
How do I wear my graduation stole and cords?
When wearing your graduation stole and cords, it is important to make sure that they are arranged correctly. The stole should be worn over your shoulders, with the ends hanging down in front. The cords should be worn around your neck, with the knots tied in front. You should also make sure that the colors of your cords are arranged in the correct order, with the highest honor cords being worn closest to your neck.
What are the different colors of graduation cords?
Graduation cords are often color-coded to represent different honors or organizations. The most common colors of graduation cords are:
- Gold: Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Cum Laude
- Silver: High Honors or Honors
- Blue: Student Government or Honor Society
- Red: Athletics or Leadership
- Green: Military Service or ROTC
- Purple: Academic Excellence or Service
- Orange: Engineering or Technology
- Yellow: Liberal Arts or Humanities
The specific colors of graduation cords may vary depending on your school or university.
