The University of Maine at Augusta welcomes the use of approved cords and stoles at its annual Commencement ceremony to recognize students’ academic achievements, leadership, service, and participation in university programs, organizations, and athletics.
Current Approved Cords and Stoles
Cords:
- Gold: UMA Honor students, maintaining a 3.25 or higher grade point average
- Royal Blue and Red: Student Government Association
- Red, White, and Blue: Military and Veterans
- Navy, White, and Green: Rising Scholar
- Black and Red: Participated in TRIO Scholars Program
- Lavender and White: Omicron Xi-at-Large Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau (International nursing honor society)
Stoles:
- Athletics: Navy Blue
- Dental Programs: Lavender
Requesting a New Cord or Stole
Programs, clubs, and university organizations wishing to introduce a cord or stole must submit a written proposal to the Commencement Committee and receive approval before purchasing or distributing the item for use at Commencement.
Proposals should be emailed to Carolyn Anderson at carolyn.anderson@maine.edu and include:
- Requestor information: Name, title or role, program or organization, and contact information.
- Proposed recognition: Whether the request is for a cord or stole and what it will recognize.
- Student eligibility: The criteria students must meet to receive and wear the item.
- Design: A description of the item, including colors, wording, symbols, or logos, along with a photo, sketch, or vendor example.
Review and Approval
The Commencement Committee will review proposals the first Thursday of every month for their purpose, eligibility criteria, design, and consistency with existing Commencement recognitions. Designs incorporating UMA’s name or logo must also follow university branding guidelines.
Requests must be submitted by April 1st for consideration for that May’s ceremony. The committee will communicate its decision in writing.
Once approved for ongoing use, a cord or stole does not require annual reapproval unless its design, purpose, or eligibility criteria change. The sponsoring program or organization is responsible for ensuring that recipients meet the approved criteria and for coordinating funding, ordering, and distribution.