Members of TCC organizations may have the opportunity to wear graduation stoles, the Chancellor has ruled.

Organizational graduation stoles will recognize student development outside the classroom.

Under the plan, student organizations have full right to accept or deny the option of making stoles available for their members.

An organization that applies for graduation stoles must be a recognized organization from TCCD.

Recognized student organizations must operate under the guidelines of the college district policy as an equal opportunity institution, providing equal opportunities without discrimination of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status or disability.

Each campus may have different procedures in applying for stoles with different approval procedures.

Each student organization is responsible for verifying stole approval processes.

Approved organizations must keep accurate records of member's attendance and participation.

Advisors of organizations are responsible for verifying student records.

All costs of organizational stoles must be covered by the organization itself.

Organizations that do not adhere to district policies, are not in good standing or are on probation will be suspended from issuing stoles for one year from the date of violation.

Students within organizations must go through approval procedures as well.

Students must be in academic and financial good standing with the college, maintaining a 2.0 cumulative GPA or better.

Each student must be an active member of his or her organization the semester prior to graduation.

A student's involvement may be verified by attendance of meetings and activities.

Students involved in more than one student organization are eligible to receive more than one stole, but must choose only one stole to wear during graduation ceremonies.

Academically earned stoles, such as for Phi Theta Kappa and Cornerstone, may be worn in addition to one student organizational stole.

Each stole must measure 30 inches by 5 inches, with colors or logo of the organization.

The director of student activities and dean of student development and educational services must approve the stole design for each student organization, and designs must be approved for stoles to be worn during graduation ceremonies.

Applying for organizational stoles requires specific procedures.

A graduating member must submit an application to the organization's sponsor on or before the date to petition for graduation.

The applicant will provide information regarding participation in the organization, which will then need to be verified through the organization's sponsor.

The application will then be submitted to the director of student activities for final approval.

Students interested in obtaining stoles should follow and meet all criteria. (See related graduation story, frontpage)