Cord & Stole Policy

Cord & Stole Policy

The official Cord & Stole Policy specifies that academic honor cords and stoles can be worn during official academic events requiring regalia, including t commencement ceremonies.

Policy for use of cords and stoles at commencement

• Cords represent undergraduates who distinguished themselves with GPAs ranging from 3.25-4.0.
• Cords may be worn by Graduate Students earned in their undergraduate careers.
• Undergraduate Cord colors will be white, with distinction; red/crimson, with high distinction; gold, with highest distinction.
• Cords represent academic University recognized honor societies and service in the military only.
• Stoles may be worn representing Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), University recognized honor societies and other programs represented at the University of Memphis.
• Medallions may be worn for Academic Purposes only.
• Active-duty military and military veterans can wear stoles, cords, and pins, etc. representing those groups. 
• Senior Class Gift Stoles are permitted. 

Boas, decorative lights, inappropriately labeled items, and similar non-standard accessories are strictly prohibited with commencement attire. Individuals wearing these items will be asked to remove them immediately. Refusal to comply will result in removal from the ceremony and exclusion by security and law enforcement personnel.