The Meaning Behind Black and White Graduation Cords

The Significance of Black and White Graduation Cords

Graduation day is one of the most important milestones in a student's academic career. After years of hard work and dedication to their studies, it is a time to celebrate their accomplishments with family, friends, and peers. An integral part of the graduation tradition is the ceremonial regalia worn by the graduates. This includes the cap and gown, as well as honor cords, stoles, and other accessories that hold special meaning.

One of the most coveted and prestigious accessories is the graduation cord. These cords are worn around the neck and signify academic achievements, honors, or membership in a particular student organization. Graduation cords come in a variety of colors, each carrying its own unique meaning. Two of the most commonly seen are the black and white graduation cords.

Significance of the Black Cord

The black graduation cord indicates that the wearer has earned Latin honors - an academic distinction for those who have achieved outstanding grades. Latin honors include Cum Laude ("with praise"), Magna Cum Laude ("with great praise"), and Summa Cum Laude ("with highest praise").

Earning Latin honors is no small feat. It requires diligence, motivation, and excellence in scholarship over the course of a student's college career. The black cord is a testament to the graduate's exceptional intellectual capacity and work ethic.

Universities set specific GPA requirements to attain Latin honors. Cum Laude is typically awarded to those with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Magna Cum Laude recognizes a GPA of 3.7 or above, and Summa Cum Laude is the highest honor, requiring a GPA of 3.9 or above.

Wearing the black cord on graduation day is an outward symbol of distinguished academic success. It immediately conveys the graduate's scholastic abilities and high achievement to spectators. The black cord represents the tireless effort and late nights spent studying that resulted in exemplary grades worthy of the Latin honors distinction.

Significance of the White Cord

In contrast to the black graduation cord representing academic achievement, the white cord has an entirely different meaning. It signifies honor society membership and commitment to extracurricular activities outside of the classroom.

There are numerous honor societies at colleges and universities that students can be invited to join if they meet certain standards. These societies focus on specific disciplines like engineering, business, pre-medicine, economics, and more. They provide opportunities for networking, community service, and leadership development.

To be considered for membership in an honor society, students typically must be in the top academic percentile of their class within their major or department. Maintaining the minimum GPA and upholding the society's values are usually required. Participation in society events and projects is also expected.

Wearing a white cord at graduation shows that the student was committed to excellence beyond just Academics. The white cord represents the graduate's engagement in enriching extracurricular activities and dedication to their field of study.

In addition to honor societies, the white cord can also signify service on the executive board of student government, the debate team, or other impactful leadership roles. It reflects a graduate's commitment to civic duties and bettering their community.

Customs and Traditions

There are a few key customs and traditions associated with wearing graduation cords that graduates should be aware of:

• Cords are worn around the neck and drape down the front of the gown. The ends may be twisted together or left separate.
• If a graduate is entitled to wear more than one cord, the cords should be intertwined and worn together rather than separately.
• The color of the cord should match the color of the gown trim and tassel for consistency. For undergraduates, the gown is typically black.
• Nothing should be pinned, tied, or attached to the cords. They should drape neatly without add-ons.
• Graduates should not decorate or modify the cords in any way beyond the colors they are entitled to wear.
• Cords are worn over the gown and around the neck during the entire commencement ceremony.

By properly wearing the black or white graduation cords according to custom, graduates can display their achievements and honorary society memberships with dignity and respect.

Ordering Your Cords

Now that you understand the significance behind the black and white graduation cords, it's time to order yours! Most colleges and universities have a campus bookstore or approved vendor where students can purchase their commencement regalia.

When ordering, confirm the proper color combinations and lengths based on your institution's specifications. Bring your cap and gown to ensure everything matches. While black and white are standard cord colors, some schools have unique color pairs or sets based on their school colors and commencement traditions.

The school may also provide the cords to graduating members of latin honors and honorary societies. Check with the student affairs or registrar's office to see if yours provides them.

If your university does not supply them, you can order through the bookstore or purchase from graduation cord companies like Graduate Awards, Honors Graduation, and University Sash. Prices range from $8-$15 for a single cord up to $75 or more for an intertwined multi-cord set.

Make sure to order several weeks in advance, as shipping times increase near graduation season. That way yours will arrive with time to spare for any final alterations or replacement if needed.

Cord Alternatives

Along with cords, there are a few other commencement accessories graduates may choose to wear in addition to or instead of a cord:

• Stoles - Long strips of decorative fabric worn around the neck, often representing academic major, home country for international students, or other affiliations.
• Sashes - Silky waist-length ribbons with embroidered writing, worn across the torso like beauty pageant sashes.
• Medallions - Large medals or medallions hung around the neck on thick ribbons to denote academic excellence or leadership.
• Wreaths - Laurel wreaths crowning the head, harkening back to the ornamental headdresses of ancient Greek and Roman scholars.

Many schools have guidelines around these alternative accessories and when or by whom they may be worn, so check for specifics. While cords are the most traditional adornment, these other options allow graduates to further customize their look and showcase their proudest collegiate achievements.

Final Thoughts

Graduation cords hold deep significance, representing the many years of academic success and dedication leading up to commencement. Black cords signify the tremendous achievement of earning Latin honors, while white cords reflect extracurricular engagement and honor society excellence.

No matter which colors of cords a graduate wears, they represent admirable scholarly effort deserving of honor and recognition. When graduates cross the commencement stage resplendent in their caps and gowns accessorized with cords, they do so as the newest members of an esteemed academic tradition that dates back centuries. The cords are an outward emblem of their inner pride, scholarship, and triumph.

FAQs

What do black graduation cords mean?

Black graduation cords indicate the wearer has earned Latin honors (Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Summa Cum Laude) for outstanding academic achievement and GPA.

What do white graduation cords mean?

White graduation cords signify membership and involvement in an academic honor society related to the graduate's major or field of study.

Can you wear both black and white cords?

Yes, if a graduate qualifies for both Latin honors and honor society membership, they may wear intertwined black and white cords together.

When should you order graduation cords?

Graduation cords should be ordered several weeks in advance to ensure timely arrival and proper fit with your cap and gown.

Where can I purchase graduation cords?

Most colleges provide graduation cords through the campus bookstore or approved vendor. You can also buy directly from graduation cord specialty companies.