Honor medal
An honor medal is a medal worn around the neck during commencement ceremonies to signify academic distinction or membership in an honor society.[1][2] Unlike the cap and gown worn by all graduates, honor medals are worn only by students who have achieved specific academic benchmarks, completed an honors program, or hold membership in a recognised honor society.[3][4] The medal typically hangs from a ribbon or cord in colors representing the institution or honor society, resting visibly over the graduation gown.[5][6] Honor medals are part of the broader tradition of academic regalia, which in the United States was standardized through the Intercollegiate Code of Academic Costume adopted in 1895.[7][8]
Types
At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, students graduating with "Distinction," "High Distinction," and "Highest Distinction" wear medallions, as do members of approved national academic honorary societies; special regalia is limited to cords, ribbons, or medallions rather than sashes or stoles.[9] At Liberty University, honor medallions are awarded specifically to eligible graduate and doctoral level students, while undergraduates receive honor cords.[10] At Rogers State University, honor medals are reserved for undergraduates who are part of an honors program or a recognized honor society.[11]
The University of Richmond lists specific medallions worn at commencement by members of named honor societies, including the Phi Beta Kappa Key on a blue and pink ribbon, a bronze Phi Beta Delta medallion on a red and yellow ribbon, a Mortar Board gold and black medallion on a white ribbon, and the Sigma Tau Delta (English honor society) medallion hung on a red ribbon and inscribed with the society's motto and founding date of 1924.[12]
Relationship to honor cords
Honor medals serve a similar function to honor cords, and are sometimes awarded in place of cords.[13][14] Kansas State University notes that if a medallion is available through a national honor society's chapter, it may be selected as an adornment option in place of, or alongside, a cord.[15]
See also
References
- ↑ "Policy on Academic Regalia". University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Retrieved 2026-05-12.
- ↑ YU (2025-10-14). "Understanding Graduation Honor Medallions: A Complete Guide to Celebrating Academic Achievement". Hesank-Medal, Lapel Pin,Badge, Metal Keychain, Challenge Coin Wholesale Manufacturer. Retrieved 2026-05-12.
- ↑ "Commencement Regalia & Attire". Lewis & Clark College. Retrieved 2026-05-12.
- ↑ "Graduation Medallions". GraduationSource. Retrieved 2026-05-12.
- ↑ "History of Regalia". University of South Carolina Aiken. Retrieved 2026-05-12.
- ↑ "Honor Award Medal". Tassel Depot. Retrieved 2026-05-12.
- ↑ "Regalia Tradition & Symbolism". Rogers State University. Retrieved 2026-05-12.
- ↑ Beek, Brynn Van (2022-06-23). "What Is a Graduation Honor Medallion?". Church Hill Classics Blog. Retrieved 2026-05-12.
- ↑ "Policy on Academic Regalia". University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Retrieved 2026-05-12.
- ↑ "Commencement Regalia". Liberty University. Retrieved 2026-05-12.
- ↑ "Regalia Tradition & Symbolism". Rogers State University. Retrieved 2026-05-12.
- ↑ "Distinctive Honors". University of Richmond. Retrieved 2026-05-12.
- ↑ "Regalia Tradition & Symbolism". Rogers State University. Retrieved 2026-05-12.
- ↑ "Academic Dress Commencement University of Colorado Boulder". www.colorado.edu. Retrieved 2026-05-12.
- ↑ "Academic Regalia Adornments Guidelines". Kansas State University. Retrieved 2026-05-12.
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