Commencement at Aquinas College
Hood Colors and Honor Cords
When ordering your cap, gown and hood, you will need to submit the information on your expected degree and official major based on your application for graduation. Your degree and official major will determine the color of your hood which will be part of your cap and gown order.
Watch our how-to-wear videos.
Aquinas College Hood Colors
Your degree and primary major determine the color of your hood, which is part of your cap and gown package. When ordering your cap, gown, and hood from the Aquinas College Bookstore, Bookstore staff will verify your order against your degree on record with the Registrar’s Office. All graduates will earn one degree from Aquinas, no matter the number of majors.If you are double majoring and are unsure as to which major and corresponding degree is your primary major, please check with the Graduation Auditor. Honor cords can be picked up at GradFest.
Graduation Hood colors
| Degree | Major | Color |
| Bachelor of Arts | All except those listed below | White |
| Bachelor of Arts | History & Theology | Red |
| Bachelor of Arts | Philosophy | Dark Blue |
| Bachelor of Music & Music Education | Pink | |
| Bachelor of Arts in General Education | White | |
| Bachelor of Fine Arts | All Majors | Brown |
| Bachelor of Science | All Majors | Gold |
| Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training | Gold | |
| Bachelor of Science in Business Administration | Drab/Tan | |
| Bachelor of Science in International Business | Drab/Tan | |
| Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Business | Drab/Tan | |
| Bachelor of Science in Translation and Interpretation | Gold | |
| Bachelor of Professional Accountancy | Drab/Tan | |
| Master of Management | Royal Blue | |
| Master in the Art of Counseling | White | |
| Master in the Art of Teaching | Light Blue | |
| Master in Education | Light Blue |
Honor Cords
Aquinas College awards honor cords to undergraduate students based on their most recent completed full semester cumulative GPA. Quad grades in the spring will not be considered. Honors will be printed in the Commencement Program. Final honors are calculated based on a student’s overall GPA. Final honors are printed on the diploma and official transcript. Graduate students do not qualify for honors.
More information on how to receive your honor cords is coming soon.
- Cum Laude cords (silver) are for students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better.
- Magna Cum Laude cords (maroon) are for students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or better.
- Summa Cum Laude cords (silver and maroon) are for students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.9 or better.
If you believe you qualify for this honor and it does not appear on your approved Application for Degree Candidacy, please check with the Graduation Auditor.
Honor Societies
If you belong to an Aquinas College Honor Society, your membership will be noted in the Commencement Program. Participation in Honor Societies will be verified with the Faculty Advisor. For Honor Society cords, they must be ORDERED THROUGH THE FACULTY ADVISOR for your particular society; there is usually a fee.
Any other questions relating to Aquinas College Hoods and Honors, please see the Graduation Auditor, Shannon Pelton, slm005@aquinas.edu.
Advantage Center Cords
If you participated in an approved experiential learning activity (internships, practicums, student teaching, study away sessions, and various research experiences) during your time here at Aquinas, you qualify for an Advantage Center Honor Cord to wear at the Commencement Ceremony.
If you qualify for an Advantage Center cord, please complete this form by April 14 and plan to pick up your cord during GradFest on April 17, 2023.
CDIE Honor Stoles
CDIE is proud to help our AQ Graduates celebrate their amazing accomplishments with a Kente or Sarape cloth graduation stole. If you self-identify as Black/African American, Latinx, or both you can receive a Kente and/or Sarape stole.
If you qualify for a CDIE Honor Stole, please complete this form by March 31 and plan to pick up your cord during GradFest on April 17, 2023.