Does everyone wear a stole at graduation?

Asked by: Mr. Dimitri Bahringer  |  Last update: September 10, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (31 votes)

Graduation stoles Most graduates wear this, although it is not a required part of graduation regalia.

Does everyone get a stole at graduation?

9) Stoles are optional – but 100% recommended!

Many choose not to wear them, but a vast amount of students prefer to have them, as not only does it help them display their achievements and groups they were involved with, but it's also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity they can't turn down.

Who wears a stole at graduation?

Students will wear stoles during their graduation. Some stoles are generic, others represent a special achievement or involvement with an organization. For example, there are specific stoles for valedictorians and salutatorians; some for belonging to a science club or for volunteering in the past.

Are stoles only for honors?

Actually, you can buy stoles that have nothing to do with honors. A lot of African American graduates buy kente cloth stoles to wear at graduation, for example. You can also just buy stoles with the school's colors on them, and even get your name and graduation date embroidered on them.

Who should wear a stole?

Stoles are commonly worn by ordained ministers in Anglican, Lutheran, and Methodist denominations.

Top 10 Things YOU Need to Know About Graduation Stoles!

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Are you supposed to wear a stole?

Graduation stoles

Most graduates wear this, although it is not a required part of graduation regalia.

How many stoles should I wear for graduation?

Firstly, it's important to never wear more than one stole at once. While it may be tempting to wear multiple stoles to showcase all of your achievements, this can be confusing and may distract you from the importance of each stole that you're wearing.

What is the stole tradition for graduation?

Stoles commonly represent a form of prestigious recognition. Typically you wear stoles to display your academic organization, honors or individual achievements. Students who are members of fraternities or sororities may wear graduation stoles with the colors representing that group.

Can high schoolers wear stoles?

Every high school operates differently, and may have different rules and regulations in place for your graduation ceremony. If so, before you start your order, ask your high school advisors and staff if your graduation ceremony will allow custom regalia such as a graduation stole or sash.

Why don't graduate students get honors?

At most institutions, graduate students receive honorable distinctions based on the program and who earned the highest GPA in that program. At many universities, graduate students who exceeded expectations and requirements are often given "with distinction" recognition on their transcripts to honor their hard work.

Who do you give your graduation stole to?

The Stole of Gratitude is worn during the commencement ceremony. After the ceremony, the new graduate presents the stole to someone who provided extraordinary help or support, like parents, relatives, or mentors who have helped with wisdom, words of support, or with financial assistance.

What is the difference between a stole and a hood for graduation?

While both garments are used for identity and distinction, graduation hoods are more intended to represent a particular degree while stoles, on the other hand, are used as awards similar to ribbons and medals.

What is the difference between honor cord and stole?

Honor cords will be provided by the college for students graduating with Latin honors (Cum laude, Magna cum laude, and Summa cum laude). Graduation Stole - A graduation stole is a decorative vestment worn by students who are members of college organizations for the purpose of recognizing membership or achievement.

What is the point of a graduation stole?

Graduation stoles, also commonly referred to as a graduation sash, are sashes worn draped over the shoulders at a commencement ceremony to denote achievement or involvement in academics, sports, student clubs, professional organizations, extracurriculars, their major, as a member of Greek Society in a fraternity or ...

What do the colors of stoles mean?

Although, these days, you can essentially do whatever you'd like, there are some standard colors and symbols that are common according to The Classroom, if you need a basis to start from: White: Humanities, Arts, English, etc. Beige: Business. Green: Medicine, Pharmacy and Physical Education. Orange: Engineering.

Can I wear my own cords to graduation?

Is it ok to wear own cords for the graduation ceremony? Usually, schools don't require you to wear various stoles at the graduation ceremony. However, practically many students wear them to display their achievements during graduation. Not only that, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Who wears a stole?

stole, ecclesiastical vestment worn by Roman Catholic deacons, priests, and bishops and by some Anglican, Lutheran, and other Protestant clergy.

How do you get a stole in high school?

Here are a few of the routes you can take to earn your stole for graduation:
  1. Join a Club or Sports Team.
  2. Win an Election or Class Honor.
  3. Take a traditional approach and honor your heritage.

Can you wear whatever in high school?

School Dress Code Laws

In most public school districts, administrators have the power to set a school uniform policy or other dress code. This power comes from a 1969 U.S. Supreme Court case. This case, Tinker v. Des Moines School District, involved several high school students who wore black armbands to school.

How many stoles to wear at graduation?

However, it's not practical to wear more than one sash/stole, though some graduates may do it.

What does a black graduation stole mean?

Thus today, we use the cloth to honor those seniors who have distinguished themselves by completing the rite of passage. The Kente Graduation Stoles represent the pride of perseverance, the honor of the accomplishment, and the importance of remembering your roots.

What is the purpose of a stole?

The Bishop's Stole

Its use has evolved over time, but it remains an essential piece of vestment worn by priests, deacons, and bishops to signify their ordination, authority, and office in the Church.

How long is a stole for graduation?

Pack of 10 stoles.

Each stole is white with embroidered blue ASCE logo and they are 60 inches in length. Presentation of these stoles by Student Chapters, Younger Member Groups, or Sections/Branches to graduating seniors can become a tradition that students look forward to every year.

What do you wear to high school graduation?

Men generally wear dark trousers and a dress shirt and tie under their gowns. Women usually wear a lightweight dress or a blouse and a skirt that is shorter than the gown so it does not hang below the robe.

What do high school graduates wear around their neck?

Honor stoles are used to signify academic achievements. They serve as a distinctive and personalized element of the graduation regalia, allowing graduates to showcase their individual accomplishments and affiliations.