In addition to the traditional cap and gown regalia, students may wear graduation stoles and honor cords to signify achievement through or membership in College organizations. Graduation stoles and honor cords must be in keeping with the decorum of the event and the following guidelines:

Graduation Stole - The Graduation Stole is a decorative vestment worn by students who are members of college organizations for the purpose of recognizing membership or achievement.  

Honor Cords - An Honor Cord is a token consisting of twisted cords with tassels on either end. Their wearing signifies specific academic achievement or membership in a Saint Mary’s recognized academic honor group or society. Honor cords are provided by the honor society or program, not by the College.  The exception is for those students who are elected to Kappa Gamma Pi, which will be provided at the induction ceremony on the Friday before Commencement.  

All of the following may be worn at Commencement: honor cords (for honor societies), the medals given to Presidential Scholars, and one approved graduation stole recognizing membership and achievement in College organizations. If you have more than one, you will need to choose which one to wear. 

You may also wear on your gown the Saint Mary’s pin you received for attending Convocation at the beginning of the academic year.

Approved Stoles

  • BAVO
  • Education Department
  • Engineering
  • Future Women in Healthcare
  • Lady Accountants of Tomorrow - Accounting
  • Mu Kappa Tau
  • Multi Ethnic
  • Notre Dame - Observer
  • Notre Dame Cheer
  • Notre Dame Chorale
  • Notre Dame Folk Choir
  • Notre Dame Marching Band
  • Notre Dame Monogram Club
  • NSSLHA
  • Political Science
  • Residence Life
  • Resident Hall Association
  • SACNAS (Society for the Advancement of Chicanos-Hispanics and Native Americans in Science
  • Saint Mary's College Cheerleading
  • Saint Mary's College Dance Marathon
  • Saint Mary's College Varsity Athletes
  • Sigma Pi Sigma (Physics Honor Society)
  • Student Nurses Association
  • Study Abroad
  • Toqueville Fellowship Program/Constitutional Studies Notre Dame