Graduating with Honors in English
Students who excel while attaining their English degree may be eligible for cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude honors at the recommendation of the Department. In order to be considered for these distinctions, students must meet certain requirements.
Cum Laude
Honorable mention (cum laude) may be conferred on any student who meets the following criteria:
- Five A's or A-'s in his/her English concentration.
- A GPA of 3.50 or higher.
Magna Cum Laude
High distinction (magna cum laude) may be conferred on any student who meets the following criteria:
- Six A's or A-'s in his/her English concentration.
- A GPA of 3.65 or higher.
- Recommended by the department on the basis of a departmental vote.
All students should be aware that Magna honors require more than the fulfillment of the requirements above. In order to graduate Magna Cum Laude, an honor bestowed in recognition of outstanding work in one's major, students must have demonstrated overall excellence in their studies of English through the depth and breadth of their coursework. Students will be expected, therefore, to have done well in both upper- and lower-level courses and to be active, engaged, and intellectually curious.
Summa Cum Laude
Highest distinction (summa cum laude) may be conferred on any student who meets the following criteria:
- Six A's or A-'s in his/her English concentration.
- A GPA of 3.80 or higher.
- Approved by a vote of the entire faculty.
All students should be aware that Summa honors require more than the fulfillment of the requirements above. For graduation Summa Cum Laude, students must have demonstrated overall excellence both within the major and across the disciplines. Summa Cum Laude is a university-wide honor, not a departmental one, and so is voted by the entire faculty of liberal arts.
Consideration for Honors
All eligible students are automatically considered for honors. Students need not take any action to be considered for cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude.
Notification of Honors
Student Services notifies honors recipients just prior to commencement; marching cards are stamped with the appropriate honors information.