Graduation cords are rope-like strands worn around the neck during graduation ceremonies to signify specific affiliations, legacies, or academic achievements tied to the graduate's degree. They add color and meaning to the traditional graduation gown, representing various honors, memberships, or accomplishments
. What Graduation Cords Represent:
- Academic honors such as high GPA, cum laude, magna cum laude distinctions
- Membership in honor societies or academic clubs
- Participation in campus activities or groups
- Military service or ROTC involvement
- Legacy status (family members who attended the institution)
- Specific academic fields or disciplines
- Community service or volunteer achievements
Common Graduation Cord Colors and Their Meanings:
Color| Typical Meaning
---|---
Gold| High academic achievement, honors, prosperity
Silver| Community service, medical or science fields
Red| Arts, student government, multiple organizations
Blue| Honor societies, social sciences, leadership
Green| Environmental sciences or related activities
Purple| Arts, humanities, law, technical education
Pink| Music, performing arts
Black| Business, leadership
White| English, history
Multi-colored| Multi-disciplinary honors or achievements
These meanings can vary by institution, so graduates should confirm with their school which colors correspond to which honors or affiliations
. How to Obtain Cords:
Cords are typically issued by the academic unit, honor society, or
organization that sponsors them. The process and timing for receiving cords
vary by institution and group, and students are usually contacted if they
qualify for a particular cord
. In summary, graduation cords are symbolic accessories worn to celebrate and visually represent a graduate’s achievements and affiliations during commencement ceremonies. They enrich the tradition of graduation by highlighting individual or group accomplishments beyond the basic diploma
