University of Michigan
Arts Honors Cords
These magenta cords recognize students who meaningfully integrated the arts into their University of Michigan experience to learn & grow as creatives, leaders, and people.
Arts Honors Cords are awarded and distributed by the U-M Arts Initiative.
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Any graduating University of Michigan student is eligible, including:
Undergraduates
Graduates
All 3 campuses
(Ann Arbor, Flint, Dearborn)
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Applications to be accepted into the program can be submitted at any time prior to graduation, but should be submitted at least one week before your commencement.
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Contact artshonorscords@umich.edu.
If you represent a school, department or program and would like an activity considered for inclusion, contact artshonorscords@umich.edu.
Emily Dean, Class of 2025
How to Qualify
To be accepted into the Excellence in Arts Honors Cord program, U-M students must participate in a variety of arts and creative activities, courses, programs, internships, jobs, or academic minors or majors during their period of study at the University of Michigan. A minimum of fifteen points must be earned to qualify.
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Complete a class in the arts.
= 1 pt (Repeatable: max 3)Participate in an art-making workshop or program on campus.
= 1 pt (Repeatable: max 2)
Participate as an Arts Initiative Creative Fellow.
= 5 ptsComplete a major, minor, or certificate in an arts discipline.
= 7 pts -
Attend two UMS events or UMMA exhibitions.
= 1 pt (Repeatable: max 2)Attend two or more performances by student arts organizations.
= 1 pt (Repeatable: max 2)Participate in an Art Outta Town or Art On The Move trip sponsored by the Arts Initiative.
= 1 pt (Repeatable: max 2)Attend an event using the Arts Initiative’s Passport to the Arts.
= 1 pt (Repeatable: max 2)
Participate in a University-led arts art social activity like Art Meetup or Arts Access.
= 1 pt
Create art at a campus event like Artscapade or M-gagement Fair. = 1 pt
Attend a performance put on by a U-M school or department. =1 pt -
Active membership in a student arts organization for one term.
= 1 pt (Repeatable: max 2)Attend the Arts Initiative’s Student Arts Org Summit.
= 1 ptHold an executive leadership position in an arts-engaged student organization for at least one year.
= 5 pts -
Work in an arts role such as writer, graphic designer, photographer or videographer for a campus department or organization (including Michigan Daily, [art]seen, etc.)
= 3 ptsComplete a summer or semester-long internship in the arts through Culture Corps, UROP, or other U-M-affiliated program.
= 5 pts -
Submit your work to an arts competition or exhibition on campus, such as the Arts Initiative’s photo and drawing competitions.
= 1 pt (Repeatable: max 2)Have writing or artwork exhibited in a U-M sponsored exhibition or competition.
= 3 ptsHave written or visual artwork included in a campus publication or literary journal.
= 3 pts -
Perform in a stage production while on campus.
= 3 pts (Repeatable: max 2)Perform on stage at a campus Culture Show.
= 3 ptsParticipate as a model in a campus fashion show or photo shoot for a publication.
= 3 ptsPerform a stand-up routine or with an improv troupe on stage.
= 3 ptsAct as a deejay for or an on-air personality for a campus radio or television station.
= 3 pts -
Serve as Director for a student-produced film or theatre production.
= 3 ptsServe as Choreographer for a student-produced dance production.
= 3 ptsServed as the principal organizer of an arts event on campus.
= 3 ptsGet involved with an arts-focused U-M program like Festifools, PCAP, UMMA SEC or UMS Student Committee, etc.
= 3 pts -
Participate in a performing ensemble on campus for one term (including Michigan Marching Band, Campus Orchestra, campus choirs and glee clubs, etc.)
= 1 pt (Repeatable: max 3)Be involved in an artistry-focused sport or team (synchronized swimming, gymnastics, figure skating).
= 3 ptsBe a member of a music, dance, or other arts performance group not affiliated with U-M.
= 3 pts -
Be the lead applicant for a project funded by the Student Mini-Grants or GSARG programs.
= 1 pt (Repeatable: max 2)Participated in a FEAST research project.
= 5 pts