Hoods, Stoles, and Honor Cords

Information on academic regalia for Commencement

Hoods, Stoles, and Honor Cords for Commencement

HOODS

All students participating in Commencement on May 20, 2023, will receive a hood to wear over their robes, at no cost.  For undergraduates, all BA recipients will wear the same hood.  Likewise, there will be a hood for all BS recipients to wear.  Master’s degree candidates wear hoods with the color of their respective disciplines.  Hoods will be distributed in the vesting areas on the morning of Commencement.

STOLES

All undergraduate students will receive a stole (at no cost) representing the school in which their major resides:

  • School of Business (accounting, business management, finance, healthcare management, sports management)
  • School of Nursing (nursing)
  • School of Arts, Sciences & Education (all other majors)

There is also a stole for students graduating from the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP). 

School stoles will be given out in the vesting areas on the morning of Commencement.  HEOP stoles will be distributed by the HEOP Office. 

In addition, students who have been active in student life are eligible to receive stoles signifying their contributions to residence life, athletics, summer orientation, MAP, and SGA and club leadership.

These stoles are distributed at end-of-year events hosted by the respective departments.

Only those stoles issued by MSMC may be worn at commencement.

HONOR CORDS

Honor cords are awarded to students as a sign of academic achievement.  This includes honor society members, Ralph, Aquinas, and Boyle Scholars, and Honors Program students.  Honor cords are distributed at inductions or similar ceremonies.

Students earning Latin Honors (i.e., cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude) also receive honor cords.  These can be picked up at the Office of Academic Affairs in the Villa.  You will be notified by Academic Affairs if you have qualified.

EARLY PICK-UP

Hoods and stoles may be picked up starting Friday, May 5 in Hudson 106B between 8:30 am - 4 pm, Monday through Friday. Graduates who do not need their hoods and stoles early will receive them the morning of Commencement on May 20 after check in. For questions or more information, contact the Office of Student Affairs by email or at 845-569-3110.