Cap and Gown Guidelines

Medallions and cords are provided by the university and may be worn only by students graduating with honors, with distinction, or with Latin honors (e.g., summa cum laude). These are all-university awards for sustained academic achievement, not specific to any discipline or affinity group.

Students may wear cords or stoles in recognition of significant, earned achievements in an established group in the following areas during their Calvin journey:

• Athletics and ensembles – e.g., multi-year leadership or participation in a team sport or music ensemble
• Co-curricular – e.g., leadership in a student organization
• Cultural affinity – e.g., CISD involvements, off campus semester participant

Students may wear cords or stoles in recognition of significant, earned achievements in an established group in the following areas during their Calvin journey:

Students are welcome to wear lapel pins in recognition of meaningful individual achievements while at Calvin. 

All adornments should be modest in size, so as not to detract from graduates or from the event.  Stoles should be three or four inches wide (maximum of five inches unless an exception request is made to the Provost’s Office). Lapel pins should not exceed one inch in diameter.

To the extent possible, colors should coordinate with Calvin brand colors: not only maroon and gold but also bright red, renew blue, and true green – see the colors shown at this link for details: Brand Identity Standards | Calvin University.  When other colors are used, try not to clash with the Calvin colors.  Please note that maroon and gold cords are reserved for students graduating with Latin honors (e.g., summa cum laude).

Decorations and adornments should not distract from the ceremony, cause offense, or block anyone’s view. If you choose to decorate your hat, please keep it classy and be considerate of those around you, including other graduates and guests.