Baccalaureate Honors

Policy Statement

With Distinction

In recognition of high scholastic attainment, the University, upon recommendation of a major department or program, awards the Bachelor's Degree with Distinction. Distinction is awarded to 15% of the graduating class based on cumulative grade point averages. GPA for Distinction purposes is calculated through Winter Quarter for each graduating class. Distinction is awarded at the end of the Spring Quarter for graduates of the Spring Quarter and prior Summer, Autumn, Winter quarters. Students are notified of Distinction on their diploma. Students who are granted Distinction, and have already received their diploma in a prior quarter, will be mailed an updated diploma. The Distinction notation will show on official transcripts after Spring Commencement.

Students are also urged to consider the departmental honors programs that may give depth to their major study and to consider, as well, how the interdisciplinary honors programs might contribute to the quality of their undergraduate education.

Departmental Honors Programs

In recognition of successful completion of special advanced work, departments may recommend their students for honors in the major. Departmental honors programs demand independent creative work at an advanced level in addition to major requirements. If approved for departmental honors, the student should declare the Honors degree through Axess.

Interdisciplinary Honors Programs

In recognition of successful completion of honors program requirements, the following interdisciplinary programs can recommend students majoring in any field for honors in their program:

• Arts

• Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity

• Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law (CDDRL)

• Education

• Ethics in Society

• Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

• International Security Studies (CISAC)

• Science, Technology, and Society

The interdisciplinary honors programs are designed to complement study in a department major. If approved for interdisciplinary honors, the student should then declare the Interdisciplinary Honors Program in Axess.

Students wishing to pursue honors in their major should declare the Bachelor’s with Honors (BAH or BSH), not the Interdisciplinary Honors (IHN).

Implementation Information

Students interested in pursuing departmental honors should contact their local department or program administrator.

For more information on Undergraduate honors please view this webpage.

For information on how to declare honors through Axess please view this webpage.

Contact Information

Students should contact their local department or program administrator.