COMMENCEMENT

Meredith College’s commencement exercises are a dignified celebration of our graduates’ academic achievement. To ensure the ceremony is conducted with the appropriate respect for the event, the College reserves the right to restrict items during graduation if such items may disrupt or interfere with the graduation ceremony. 

In support of diversity and cultural expression, graduates can wear enhancements representing their cultural heritage provided they are respectful of others and refrain from making political statements.

A cultural stole is a piece of regalia graduates may wear to express and honor their cultural heritage. It allows students to proudly display their heritage, ethnicity, and cultural affiliations. Cultural stoles typically feature colors, symbols, or patterns that are significant to the graduate’s cultural background.

Kente:  A Kente stole is a woven cloth, originating from Ghanaian tradition, that was historically reserved for royalty but has now become a symbol of pride and accomplishment. It is worn draped over the shoulders like a scarf, similar to traditional graduation stoles. Typically, Kente stoles are worn to signify various achievements, graduations, or significant life events. *Kente Stole History

Sarape Sashes: These sashes are inspired by traditional Mexican sarapes, featuring vivid bands of colors and often adorned with embroidered letters or symbols. Sarape sashes are a symbol of celebration and cultural pride, representing the rich heritage of Mexico and Latinx communities.  

LGBTQ+: Serve as a visual representation of the wearer’s identity within the LGBTQ+ community. These stoles commonly showcase the rainbow flag, which has become universally acknowledged as a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride.

*These are examples rather than an exhaustive list.

An example of a political statement that would be discouraged during a commencement ceremony is a graduate wearing an enhancement expressing strong opinions on a controversial political topic or endorsing a specific political ideology, candidate, or political movement. For instance, advocating for a political policy, making partisan remarks, or engaging in explicit political activism during commencement would be considered inappropriate.

During commencement ceremonies, many students, faculty, and staff wear international flag patches to signify that they have lived, studied, or done research abroad. These patches are the only embellishments permitted on the commencement gowns. 

Graduates may not embroider or otherwise decorate their gowns. Decorating mortarboards (commonly called caps) is allowed and is a longtime tradition at Meredith.

Members of official academic honor societies can wear approved cords or other visual recognitions of that society. For example, members of Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society, can wear a cord and members of the newly formed Meredith chapter of the national Phi Kappa Phi campus-wide academic honor society can wear medallions. Cords for participation in activities or organizations are not approved.