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
Eligibility
Any graduating University of Michigan student is eligible, including both undergraduate & graduate students from all three campuses (Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Flint).
Deadlines
To receive your arts honors cord prior to May 2026 commencement, apply no later than April 22.
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
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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.