Published: April 16, 2024

Looking to add some color to go with your graduation gown? The tradition of additional regalia accessories have special meaning and represent various aspects of a student’s involvement or achievement. 

The colored sashes, or stoles, can symbolize participation in campus activities or groups. There are also first-generation stoles for first-generation graduates and legacy cords for students whose parents, stepparents or grandparents attended CU Boulder.

Colored cords often represent academic honors, military service and specific academic fields. Learn more about the cord and stole colors that CU graduates are wearing today.

Cords

What are cords and what do they signify?

Typically, cords are rope-like strands that are worn on graduation day to indicate a specific affiliation, legacy or academic achievement tied to your degree.  

How do I pick up my cord?

This process varies from unit to unit, and pickup is different for each one. You will be contacted by your issuing unit if you qualify for an officially recognized cord. If you’d like more clarification on when and how you will receive your cord, please contact the issuing unit. 

Is there a cord for my minor?  

CU Boulder does not recognize every academic program with a cord at graduation. Check the academic dress page for cords officially recognized by CU Boulder’s commencement committee. 

Stoles

What are stoles and what do they signify? 

Stoles are sash-like garments that highlight a student's affiliation with a club, organization or community during their time at CU Boulder. Many graduates also represent their college or school by purchasing a degree stole at the CU Bookstore to wear for graduation. Significant academic achievement and affinity stoles are also available.

How do I order my stole?

Here's what you need to know about affinity stoles, degree stoles and other officially recognized stoles.

Affinity stoles 

Members of affinity groups at CU Boulder can receive celebratory stoles through the CU Boulder Alumni Association in partnership with campus groups, departments and clubs.

Registration is now open. The deadline to register is May 5, and pickup will be at the Koenig Alumni Center during regular business hours. If you have further questions, please email contactalumni@colorado.edu.

The Alumni Association coordinates the following affinity stoles and/or celebrations:

  • Lavender Graduation (Lavender Rainbow Stole)
  • Black Graduation (Kente Cloth)
  • Latinx Graduation (Sarape Stole)
  • Native Graduation (Pendleton Blanket) deadline was April 15
  • Asian American Pacific Islander Graduation (AAPI Stole)
  • First Generation Stole does not include a ceremony

All other affinity stoles are distributed by groups/programs.

Degree stoles

College or school stoles are available for purchase at the CU Book Store.

Club, organization stoles

Other officially recognized stoles representing clubs or organizations are organized by their respective issuing department. Please contact your program for more information. 

Honors medals

How do I get my honors cord/medal?

Honors requirements vary by college and school. If you meet the requirements for your college or school, please reach out to your dean’s office or advisor. They will clarify how medals are handed out and if there's an honors component to your unit recognition ceremony.

Students are notified about honors medals from their college/school/program.

Categories: