Graduating with Honors
Undergraduate students graduating with honors are noted in the commencement program and are given academic cords to wear with their regalia. Because final grades are not available at the time of commencement, honors status will reflect the cumulative GPA at the end of the term prior to graduation. Honors status is not calculated for graduate students.
Honor cords are distributed by the Cougar Store. There is no additional charge or paperwork required for students receiving honors cords. Cords are ordered automatically based on information provided by the Office of the Registrar.
- Red Cord = Cum laude (with honors - 3.50 to 3.74)
- Gold Cord = Magna Cum Laude (with high honors - 3.75 to 3.89)
- White Cord = Summa Cum Laude (with highest honors - 3.90 or higher)
Actual degree honors are calculated following final term grades. The notation of honors recorded on your diploma and transcript reflect final honors calculation rather than commencement honors.
