For the first time, graduating Penn State students will be recognized for military service or academic achievement with honor cords to be worn over graduation gowns.
Use of the honor cords will begin with spring 2016 commencement ceremonies, May 6-8 university-wide.
“An honor cord provides an outward sign to everyone in attendance that these particular students have excelled in the classroom or have served or are serving our nation with pride,” Penn State President Eric Barron said in a statement. “I think the addition of honor cords to our commencement ceremonies is a fitting tribute to the dedication and commitment our students have shown during their academic careers at Penn State. It’s a wonderful symbol of our best, and I am excited that this will be the first class to wear this well-deserved recognition.”
Academic honor cords will recognize the top 12 percent of baccalaureate degree recipients in each academic college and at each Penn State campus. That represents about 1,900 students who graduate with academic honors annually.
Students earning ‘Highest Distinction’ will wear blue and white cords. ‘High Distinction’ will garner a blue cord and ‘Distinction’ receives a white cord. Qualifying students will be notified by their college or campus. Distinction levels are determined by a student’s cumulative GPA at the end of the fall semester, but students who earn a higher level upon completion of final grades can contact their college or campus to receive the appropriate cord.
Undergraduate and graduate students who have served, are serving or are commissioned in the United States military will receive red, white and blue honor cords. Eligible students include active duty, reserve and National Guard service members; veterans; and graduates receiving a commission through Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and official U.S. Armed Forces recruiting programs. Penn State faculty members who meet the eligibility criteria also may receive a military honor cord.
Students who have been granted priority registration because of military status are automatically eligible and can pick up their cords from the Office of Veteran Programs. ROTC students can obtain them from their ROTC office. Those who have not been granted priority registration status can visit Penn State’s Educational Equity website for instructions. Students at Penn State campuses can get their cords from their campuses’ Veterans Affairs department. World Campus students will receive them in the mail.
The Penn State Alumni Association provided funding for the military honor cords.
