Graduation with Honors
Guidelines for Graduating with Honors
In order to be eligible to receive a degree with the distinction of Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude or Summa Cum Laude, a student must complete 45 hours of the last 66 hours of work, with letter grade, toward the degree at the University of Louisville. The cumulative grade point average on credit earned at the University of Louisville only will be the grade point average used in all decisions regarding honors.
Cum Laude
A University of Louisville , cumulative grade point average of 3.50 (based on degree applicable credit) and a program/major grade point average of 3.50, must be attained by the end of the first semester of the senior year.
Magna Cum Laude
A University of Louisville , cumulative grade point average of 3.75 (based on degree applicable credit) and a program/major grade point average of 3.75, must be attained by the end of the first semester of the senior year.
Summa Cum Laude
A University of Louisville , cumulative grade point average of 3.75 (based on degree applicable credit) and a program/major grade point average of 3.75, must be attained by the end of the first semester of the senior year. In addition, a special project or paper must be completed and approved. See elow for more information.
Proposal Guidelines for Summa Cum Laude Distinction:
A student intending to graduate with the distinction of summa cum laude must submit a proposal and present a final paper or project based upon the guidelines developed by the College of Education and Human Development Honors and Scholarship Committee.
The proposal must be submitted to the chairperson of the Honors Committee according to the following schedule:
- May Degree Applicant: Prior to September 30
- August Degree Applicant: Prior to October 31
- December Degree Applicant: Prior to April 30
Step-By-Step Procedure:
- Read the “Guidelines for Proposal” (next section).
- Select a faculty advisor for assistance and guidance in preparing the proposal and paper/project.
- Meet with the faculty advisor and obtain preliminary approval of the proposal.
- Submit the proposal to the Assistant Dean of Student Services for the College of Education and Human Development to obtain final approval of the Honors and Scholarship Committee.
- Complete the paper/project in consultation with the faculty advisor.
- Present the final paper/project and a 2-page summary to the faculty advisor for preliminary approval and signature.
- Present the final paper/project (and copies of the summary for each member of the Honors and Scholarship Committee) to the Assistant Dean of Student Services according to the following schedule:
- May Degree Applicant: Prior to March 31
- August Degree Applicant: Prior to April 30
- December Degree Applicant: Prior to November 30
Please submit your proposal using the following headings and guidelines :
Rationale/Literature Review (one page or less)
What other studies have addressed the same or similar problem/issues? Why does your study need to be done? How did the idea originate?
Purpose (one paragraph)
What do you intend to do?
Significance of the Study (one paragraph)
What difference will the results of your project make? To whom?
Subjects
If you are using human subjects (such as interviews, surveys or test), then provide your clearance forms.
Methods (one page or less)
How do you intend to do your project?
Materials/Equipment Required
What do you need to complete your project? Is it available?
Product of the Study (one page or less)
How will you show the results of your project to the Honors and Scholarship Committee?
Please Note: The Honors and Scholarship Committee requests the presence of the student's mentor at the project presentation. If the mentor is unable to attend, a written evaluation of the student's project will suffice.
