Policy Statement: The University of Central Oklahoma grants baccalaureate degrees with honors to graduating students each year (fall, spring, summer) using the following retention GPAs (no mathematical rounding):
a. Summa Cum Laude - 3.90 or higher.
b. Magna Cum Laude - 3.80 or higher, but less than 3.90.
c. Cum Laude - 3.70 or higher, but less than 3.80. 

To graduate with honors, baccalaureate candidates must have successfully completed at least 45 UCO semester hours.  Students completing their first baccalaureate degree are considered for graduation honors.  Students completing subsequent baccalaureate degrees are not eligible for graduation honors. 

Background:    The previous policy determined each of the graduation honors from the top 2%, 5% and 10% of the graduating class.  Each semester the GPA shifted slightly based on the GPA of students applying for graduation that semester.  The final person earning a specific honor was often determined by carrying the GPA out four decimals.  By simplifying the standard and using a specific GPA, entering students will know the GPA required for each honors category. 

Purpose: Establish a simplified GPA scale for awarding honors at UCO while maintaining some competitive integrity for the achievement. 

Implementation: Fall Semester 2000 

Impacts: N.A.                                                                                          

Related Procedures: N.A.  

Coordinating Offices: Enrollment Management Graduation Services Office  

Academic Affairs Point-of-Contact:    Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management/Registrar  

Policy approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs on January 25, 2000.
 

Key Words: Honors, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude, Cum Laude 

Policy revised: 1-6-03                                                                                                                        The University of Central Oklahoma
Supercedes policy 3-28-00                                                                                                                     11-29-99
                                                                                                                                                            Date adjusted: 3-28-00