Academic Excellence Recognition Ceremony

Recognition will be given to those undergraduate seniors who have met the criteria of Latin honors as described below. A medallion and/or cord representing the level of honor earned will also be presented.

The undergraduate student's degree honors designation is printed on transcripts and on the diploma, and is determined by first measuring the SIU GPA against the criteria below, then the cumulative All-Work GPA calculated according to SIU policy from all undergraduate career work including work transferred in from other institutions.

Summa cum Laude - The Highest Honors designation awarded to graduating students with an SIU GPA of 3.900 or higher and an All-Work GPA of 3.900 or higher.

Magna cum Laude - The High Honors designation awarded to graduating students with an SIU GPA of 3.750 or higher and an All-Work GPA of 3.750 or higher, but one or both of which is less than 3.900.

Cum Laude - The Honors designation awarded to graduating students with an SIU GPA of 3.500 or higher and an All-Work GPA of 3.500 or higher, but one or both of which is less than 3.750.

The University Honors Program is a university-wide undergraduate program that models the intellectual excitement and individualized attention of a small college of liberal arts and sciences within a comprehensive research university. It is designed to reward SIU's best students for their high academic achievements and ambition to contribute to society. We mentor each student individually, empowering them to take charge of their education; form enduring relationships; and develop life-long habits of thinking independently and working collaboratively. Through our motto of Learn. Lead. Serve we work with the whole student, introducing them to academic, leadership, and service opportunities on our campus and beyond. 

The Honors Experience

1. The University Honors curriculum deepens and widens the college experience. We build foundations in multi-faceted thinking through an array of seminar-style classes that fulfil the University Core Curriculum and introduce students to the ways in which various disciplines tackle fundamental questions and problems. These seminars are especially designed for Honors students by distinguished SIUC faculty and known for their innovative, experimental, and dialogue-based teaching practices. At the intermediate and advanced level, Honors students deepen their academic experience by taking independent studies, contracting courses, and thesis with faculty
2. Academic enhancement through advising on major scholarships, fellowships, and graduate school applications; Study Abroad opportunities; and support for undergraduate research opportunity on campus and beyond. Honors students graduate with combinations of majors and minors that are unique to each individual student, empowered to enter avenues of future learning and careers that are most true to who they are.
3.  The Honors mentor is a co-pilot and sounding board; a unique asset for every Honors student. Students are mentored individually to secure their academic path through the university; integrate it with co-curricular, leadership and service opportunities; and plan for their future beyond graduation.
4. Students live in a dedicated Living Learning Community, by our beautiful campus lake, with peers from all disciplines, who will support and challenge you.
5. Honors students are distinguished by their commitment to service and leadership, enhancing their learning experience and broadening their horizons. 

Students in the University Honors Program must maintain a 3.3 GPA and complete an Honors certificate. The Honors certificate requires completion of 18 Honors-recognized credits, which may include an Honors Thesis under the direction of a faculty member. Students who complete the optional thesis requirement will have the title of their thesis appear on their SIU transcripts and be awarded an additional medal. Transfer students with an Associate’s degree and students entering the Honors Program with a junior standing must complete 12 Honors credit hours.

For additional information please see honors.siu.edu or contact the University Honors Program at (618) 453-2824.

The maroon and white cord represents those students who have maintained an overall 3.5 GPA while competing in our athletics program.

Red, white and blue cords will be provided to our veterans and active military graduating seniors to be worn at commencement. The distribution of these cords will take place through the Office of Veterans Services.