Cultural Ceremonies

The Office of IDEAL’s Student Engagement Unit celebrates students as they reach this milestone in their academic journey. As part of our tradition, we host the Rites of Passage and Lavender Ceremonies, where students are recognized and presented with stoles and cords.

Students graduating in Spring, Summer, or Fall 2026 are eligible to participate in ceremonies scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at Temple University. All participants must register by April 15, 2026, or earlier if capacity is reached (Rites of Passage: 150; Lavender Ceremony: 100).

Students must be present at the ceremony to receive their stole or cords; these items cannot be picked up before or after the event. Please review the reporting times for the ceremony or ceremonies you register for. We look forward to celebrating with you on this special day!

Ceremony Dates and Reporting Times

Rites of Passage | Tues, May 5, 2026 at 10 AM-12 PM - Students report to Tuttleman by 9 AM
Lavender Ceremony | Tues, May 5, 2026 at 2 PM-3:30 PM - Students report by 1:15 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

Q | What are the important dates for the ceremonies?

Date	Description
March 17, 2026	Applications open for Lavender Ceremony
March 17, 2026	Applications open for Rites of Passage Ceremony
April 23, 2026, updated	Submission for Rites of Passage Student Speaker deadline
April 23, 2026, updated	Submission for Lavender Ceremony Student Speaker Deadline
April 15, 2026	Application deadline for Lavender Ceremony
April 15, 2026	Application deadline for Rites of Passage Ceremony
May 5, 2026	Students arrive for Rites of Passage check-in at Tuttleman Learning Center Lobby by 9:00 AM
May 5, 2026	Doors open for family and guests at the Temple Performing Arts Center at 10:00 AM for Rites of Passage Ceremony
May 5, 2026	Students arrive to Mitten Hall Great Court at 1:15 PM for Lavender Ceremony check-in
May 5, 2026	Doors open for family and guests in Mitten Hall at 1:45 PM for Lavender Ceremony

Q | What is the significance of the Rites of Passage Ceremony?

The Rites of Passage Ceremony traditionally honors undergraduate, professional, doctoral, and graduate students by presenting a kente stole in recognition of their academic achievements at graduation. The kente stole, originating from the African Diaspora, represents cultural traditions and symbolizes a significant life transition.

Student registrations must be submitted by Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Eligible participants include undergraduate and graduate students graduating in May 2026, Summer 2026, and December 2026.

For questions or to make changes to your registration, please contact ideal@temple.edu prior to the deadline.

Q | What is the significance of the Lavender Ceremony?

The Lavender Ceremony is a signature event at Temple University that recognizes and celebrates the achievements of LGBTQIA+ students and community advocates. This annual ceremony honors the academic accomplishments of undergraduate, professional, doctoral, and graduate students within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Eligible participants include undergraduate and graduate students graduating in May 2026, Summer 2026, and December 2026.

For questions or to request modifications to your nomination, please contact ideal@temple.edu prior to the deadline.