A student who fulfills the degree requirements with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.75 graduates summa cum laude. A student with a GPA of at least 3.50 and less than 3.75 graduates magna cum laude. A student with a GPA of at least 3.25 and less than 3.50 graduates cum laude.

In addition, a student deemed worthy of special recognition in the department or program of the academic major graduates “with honors” in that field. (This is generally separate from a “with distinction” evaluation on a comprehensive examination, although departments and programs establish their own criteria for graduation “with honors.”)

The College Standards Committee declares class valedictorian and salutatorian. These students must be members of the Order of Gownsmen and must have pursued a full college course of study (128 credit hours) at Sewanee. Exceptions may be made for students spending no more than two semesters at an officially sanctioned off-campus program.