Grad Gear

4. Find Any Special Adornments

• Academic Honor Cords

  The FIU Bookstore maintains a list of undergraduate students who, at the time that they applied for graduation, achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and who, when counting current term enrollment, will have earned at least 40 credits hours from FIU in which grade points are received. Students who meet these criteria will be allowed to purchase an honor cord to be worn over their regalia during Commencement. If you believe that we inadvertently omitted your name from the list, please contact the Office of the Registrar. Please note that students with “exceptions to walk” will not be eligible for honor cords.

  There are three available cords:

  • GPA 3.5 - 3.699 – Cum Laude white cord
  • GPA 3.7 - 3.899 – Magna Cum Laude silver cord
  • GPA 3.9 - 4.0 – Summa Cum Laude gold cord
• Academic Honors Society Stoles and Medallions
  Students who are members of certain honors societies may be able to wear adornments specific to that society. Contact your honor society for find out if they offer academic stoles or medallions. These items are not for sale at the FIU Barnes & Noble bookstore.
• 1st Generation Stole
  The "1st Generation" stole is significant for those who are the first in their family to graduate from a college or university. It is worn over the academic gown during graduation ceremonies, serving as a visual representation of the student's historic accomplishment and connection to their family and community.
• Stole of Gratitude

  Every graduate has had a special person who, through moral or financial support, made a big difference in his or her life. The Florida International University Stole of Gratitude offers an opportunity to say, “Thanks for helping me make it through, thanks for making it possible for me to succeed!”

  The stole is worn during the commencement ceremony over the graduate’s regalia. After the ceremony, the new graduate presents the Stole of Gratitude to someone who provided extraordinary support or who has helped with wisdom, words of encouragement, or financial assistance. Immediately after graduation, the graduate may take the stole from around his or her neck and place it around the neck of the recipient.

  Presenters often write a few words of love and appreciation on the back of the stole using a permanent fine-tipped marker. Friends and family of the graduate may autograph the front or back.

  The Stole of Gratitude is a lasting symbol of love, appreciation, and academic accomplishment.

  Disclaimer: Words must be respectful and appropriate for a formal academic event. Avoid offensive language or symbols. Graduates not adhering to these guidelines may be asked to remove the stole. 

  Any other non-academic stoles, cords, medallions or other adornments are not permitted. Altering of academic gowns is also not permitted, and will not be allowed to enter the Convocation Center.

• Decorating Caps

  As per ceremony tradition, the decorating of caps IS allowed, and highly encouraged. 

  Elevate your caps with family - friendly flair and make your celebration unforgettable. 

  Enhancing caps with age - appropriate embellishments.

  Unlease your creativity and adorn your caps to celebrate your achievements!

  Do not alter the structure of the cap or include items that could obstruct the view of others, such as tall or bulky elements.

  NO tossing is allowed.

  Graduates not adhering to these guidelines may be asked to remove decorations or wear a replacement cap provided by the university.

• Plan Your Outfit
  Read the dress code in Policy & Security when planning what to wear underneath your regalia for commencement. We ask that graduates bring their cap and gown in hand and put it on only after they enter the arena and clear security. No one will be allowed to enter the arena wearing regalia.