TEXT OF JULY 28, 2003 E-MAIL FROM ENRICA CHRETIEN, ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE UNIVERSITY, REGARDING POLICIES ON HONOR CORDS (COMMENCEMENT/ACADEMIC REGALIA):
 

Ken,
 
I seek some direction from the University Senate in the matter outlined in the message below from Kevin Renshaw, Director of the Rutgers University Bookstore.  In addition to the need for Kevin and the bookstore staff to be able to verify information regarding which graduates should be able to wear honor cords at Commencement, there is also the matter of who decides which student organizations can have honor cords: only student activities/organizations with an academic focus, or could other student organizations, such as WRSU, be permitted to have graduates who participated in their activities wear a cord designating them as a member of that group at Commencement?  Which entity within the university should have the decision making authority on the matter?
 
This matter has come up in the past and so we seek some guidance so that we can be prepared to answer students' questions and so that the bookstore can prepare to have all items that should be ordered for the upcoming Commencement season.
 
Enrica
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Renshaw, Kevin [mailto:krenshaw@fheg.follett.com]
Sent: Monday, July 28, 2003 4:27 PM
To: Enrica Chretien
Subject: Honor Cords

Enrica,

I am seeking clarification on the distribution of honor cords to students.  Currently, students can purchase honor cords at the bookstore when they purchase their cap and gown.  The student may receive an email or letter from an organization on campus indicating they are eligible to wear the cords at commencement.  However, I have no way of verifying the information.  I do not receive lists or directions from the organizations.  My concern is that anyone can wear an honor cord, minimizing the accomplishments of those who earned honors.

I was hoping you could assist in clarifying who is eligible and how we can communicate this information to the Rutgers community.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Regards,

Kevin Renshaw
Director, Rutgers Bookstores
One Penn Plaza - Ferren Mall
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732.246.8448

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