Can You Wear More Than One Stole at Graduation
Most universities allow graduates to wear more than one stole at graduation if the stoles represent distinct, officially recognized honors, organizations, or achievements. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reported that in 2023, over 70% of participating institutions permitted multiple stoles, provided they did not overlap in meaning or violate specific academic regalia codes. Graduates typically stack stoles neatly on top of each other or wear them side by side, with the most prominent or highest-ranking honor placed on top. The key rule is that each stole must correspond to a verifiable credential, such as a Latin honors distinction, a departmental award, or a registered student organization membership. Wearing stoles that represent unverified or informal achievements can lead to requests to remove them during the ceremony.
Institutional policies on multiple stoles are often published in the official commencement bulletin or the registrar's academic regalia guide. For example, the University of California system provides a detailed regalia checklist that outlines approved stole categories and stacking order. Similarly, the American Council on Education (ACE) publishes guidelines that many colleges reference when setting their own rules. ACE's latest published guidance emphasizes that stoles should not be used for purely decorative or commercial purposes, and each stole should be clearly associated with a specific program or recognition. Graduates should always check their institution's specific policy before the ceremony to avoid any last-minute issues with the regalia check at the entrance.
Rules and Etiquette for Wearing Multiple Stoles
Stacking Order and Presentation
When wearing more than one stole, the standard etiquette is to place the stole representing the highest honor or the most significant recognition on the top layer. If a graduate has a dean's list stole and a national honor society stole, the national society stole is typically placed on top because it represents a broader, more selective achievement. Stoles should be draped evenly over the shoulders, with the center seam aligned with the graduation gown's neckline. The ends of the stoles should hang symmetrically, and they should not be twisted or bunched. This presentation ensures that the stoles are visible to the audience and photographers while maintaining a clean, professional appearance during the procession and recessional.
Institutional and Organizational Policies
Each institution sets its own boundaries for stole usage, and some have strict limits on the number of stoles a graduate can wear. For instance, many public universities cap the number of stoles at three to five, depending on the available colors and the significance of the honors. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and individual conference offices also have guidelines for student-athletes who wish to wear conference or team stoles alongside academic stoles. These policies often require that athletic stoles be worn in a specific order relative to academic stoles. Graduates should consult their student affairs office or the commencement coordinator to confirm the exact number and type of stoles permitted for their specific ceremony.
Latest Data and Trends on Graduation Stole Usage
Statistics on Multiple Stole Wearing
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the total number of postsecondary degrees conferred in the United States reached approximately 3.9 million in the 2021-2022 academic year. With the rise of specialized honors programs, professional fraternities, and identity-based organizations, the average number of stoles per graduate has increased. A 2023 survey by the Education Advisory Board found that 58% of graduates at large public universities wore at least two stoles, compared to 41% a decade earlier. This trend reflects the growing number of recognized achievements and affiliations available to students, from STEM honors societies to community service certifications. The increase has also led to more detailed regalia policies at institutions to manage the visual complexity of