Academic Honors

Academic Honors are awarded to traditional baccalaureate degree students who have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.6 or above (A = 4.0) and with no grade lower than a "C" at EMU. To qualify for graduation honors, a student must have completed at least 48 graded semester hours at EMU. Academic Honors indicated in the commencement program are reflective of 2005 fall semester grades and are subject to change with the addition of spring and summer 2006 grades.

Academic Honors are also awarded to Adult Degree Completion Program graduates who have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.6 or above with no grade lower than a “C” while pursuing a degree from the adult degree completion program. To qualify for graduation honors, a student must have completed at least 31 graded semester hours at EMU. Academic Honors indicated in the commencement program are reflective of semester one grades and are subject to change with the addition of semester two grades.
   ***Summa Cum Laude     3.90 - 4.00 GPA
   **Magna Cum Laude     3.80 - 3.89 GPA
      *Cum Laude     3.60 - 3.79 GPA

Honors Program

The Honors Program offers enriched educational opportunities to students with outstanding academic gifts and leadership talents. The Honors Program includes:

• mentoring relationships with individual faculty members
• research and faculty collaboration opportunities
• honors seminars
• significant scholarships

Program Highlights

Each honors student relates to a faculty mentor who provides academic and career advising. The mentor also assists in identifying opportunities for involvement in research activities, conferences, and special academic projects.

Students also participate in honors seminars. In these smaller classes, honors students come together with a professor for in-depth exploration of a variety of academic and social issues. The purpose of the Honors Program is to develop the student’s academic and leadership abilities to their fullest, with the intent of increasing the student’s personal and career fulfillment.

This program was made possible by an anonymous $1 million endowment fund and other significant contributions from persons dedicated to academic excellence at EMU.

Cords of Distinction

Ten students nominated by faculty, staff, students or administrators for this honor wear the blue and gold “Cords of Distinction.” During their academic careers they have consistently demonstrated a positive effect on the internal community (EMU and students), the external community (Harrisonburg and beyond), and the institution’s image. In addition, they are in good standing academically and socially.

Blue represents the strength of conviction that one person can help to create a better institution or community. It also symbolizes the willingness and openness to share thoughts and ideas. Gold represents the love of spirit and yearning towards creating a better university environment or community in which all may take part.