UNK graduating students will receive a commencement stole as part of their graduation regalia beginning in spring 2026, introducing a new tradition intended to create a more unified and ceremonial commencement experience.
A stole is a stash worn around the neck over the graduation gown and is typically worn to signify academic achievements, special honors or organization involvement. At UNK, however, all graduating students will receive a stole regardless of honors or affiliations. The term “regalia” broadly refers to the cap and gown worn for commencement ceremonies.
The addition comes after a student voiced concerns to the UNK administration.
“Student Government is a voice for the student body, and this has been a question for many years: whether UNK would add standard stoles,” said Paige Oltmans, student body vice president. “We have the power to influence the administration to make this change more directly.”
George Holman, associate vice chancellor for student affairs, said providing a stole to every graduate helps emphasize shared accomplishment rather than individual distinction. This approach reflects a broader effort by the University to highlight community, inclusion and collective achievement during commencement ceremonies.
“Providing a stole to every graduate creates a visible symbol of unity and accomplishment,” Oltmans said. “When every student receives one, it becomes a collective marker of the journey they have completed together.”
For many students, the addition of the stole adds a ceremonial touch to an already significant milestone. Lillian Wiese, a senior psychology and criminal justice major, said the stole adds intentionality to the graduation experience.
“Graduation is already a major milestone, but having a stole makes the moment feel more ceremonial and intentional,” Wiese said. “It visually represents the effort, perseverance and time that went into earning a degree, which makes the experience feel more complete and special.”
The introduction of the stole also comes with a price increase for graduation regalia. In previous years, standard regalia cost students $50. Beginning this spring, with the addition of the stole, the cost will increase to $80 for the cap, gown and stole package.
While some students support the symbolic addition, the higher cost has raised some concerns about affordability.
“The price increase doesn’t change my opinion that all students should get to wear a stole, but it does help me understand why it may not have been implemented earlier,” Wiese said. “I don’t think the stole itself is the issue. It’s the cost. Caps and gowns are already expensive, and students also have to pay just to apply for graduation. An $80 regalia price feels unreasonable when graduation is something students have already worked and paid years toward.”
University administrators said the decision reflects continued collaboration between students and campus leadership. Holman said the update demonstrates the University’s willingness to consider student-driven ideas.
“This is a great example of where the administration is always open to new ideas,” Holman said.
As the spring 2026 graduation approaches, university leaders and students alike hope the new stole tradition will strengthen the sense of unity and celebration that defines commencement day while recognizing the shared accomplishments of graduating Lopers.
