Degrees with Honors, Valedictorian, and Salutatorian
Degrees Conferred with Honors
Undergraduate degrees conferred at the conclusion of the Easter semester will be conferred with honors when the student's cumulative grade point average (GPA) places them in the top 25 percent of the graduating class with the specific honor corresponding to the following ranges:
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Honor | Percentage Range | |
| summa cum laude | within the top five percent of the graduating class | |
| magna cum laude | next ten percent of the graduating class (i.e., within the top 15 percent but not within the top five percent) | |
| cum laude | next ten percent of the graduating class (i.e., within the top 25 percent but not within the top 15 percent) |
Undergraduate degrees conferred at other points in the academic year will be conferred with honors when the student's grade point average (GPA) falls within the ranges of the grade point averages of students whose degrees were conferred with honors at the conclusion of the previous Easter semester.
Dean’s Scholars, Senior Speaker, and
- Dean’s Scholars - Named at Commencement, the Dean’s Scholars are recognized by the Dean as the graduates having the most outstanding academic record based not just on transcript data (e.g. GPA and hours earned) but on demonstrated active participation in scholarly pursuits and intellectual growth. The Dean typically recognizes 4-6 such Scholars.
- Senior Speaker - A graduating senior, the Senior Speaker offers the farewell oration at Commencement. The Speaker is chosen by a committee of students, faculty, and staff.
Valedictorian and Salutatorian
In March 2023, at the request of the College Standards Committee and in consultation with student leaders, the College of Arts and Sciences faculty voted to end the practice of declaring a class valedictorian and salutatorian beginning with Commencement 2024.