Academic regalia adornments guidelines

The traditional cap and gown regalia are worn at commencement ceremonies along with earned honor cords to signify graduation honors for specific academic achievement set by the university. Lei's, traditional tribal regalia and objects of cultural significance are also allowed to be worn.

In addition, adornments such as, cords and stoles, may be worn by organizations officially recognized by the Center for Student Involvement at Kansas State University upon approval by the university. Requests for approval for regalia adornment (cords and/or organizational stoles) are made by completing and submitting the Academic Regalia Adornment Approval Form to commencement@k-state.edu. Requests must be submitted by October 1 for use at Fall Commencement or by March 1 for Spring Commencement. Groups will be notified of a decision within two weeks. A list of all approved regalia adornments will be posted on the Commencement website.

The student, organization, or group is responsible for the cost of honor cords and stoles. Graduation stoles and cords must be in keeping with the decorum of the event and within the following guidelines:

Honor Cords

An academic honor cord signifies specific academic achievement set by the university. The cords consist of purple and white cords in 3 different styles and sizes to represent the 3 different levels of honor (summa cum laude, magna cum laude and cum laude) based on the student's GPA per the university policy below. Honor cords are managed by the Office of the Registrar who coordinates with the colleges that distributes them each term to the designated students prior to commencement.

Cords & Stoles

With approval, Honor Societies recognized by the university are allowed to wear an honor cord(s) in the color of the organization as established by the national chapter. If a stole or medallion is available through the national chapter, those may also be worn.

A stole takes the form of a cloth scarf-like garment worn over the shoulders and adorned with the organization's colors and/or insignia. Specialized stoles recognize outstanding service to the university or achievement in a co-curricular organization. Students may elect to purchase a K-State stole which is available to all Commencement participants. Students should not alter approved stoles.