Sep 19, 2024  
2023-2024 Faculty Handbook 
    
2023-2024 Faculty Handbook

7. HONORS


7.1 PRESIDENT’S AND DEAN’S LIST:

(revised 05/21/2012 faculty meeting) The Dean’s List is announced after each fall and spring semester of the regular academic year. The Dean’s List includes the names of all undergraduate students who, regularly enrolled in the College, complete at least 12 credits in the semester with a grade point average of 3.70 or better. In the event one of the courses is taken on the Honors/Pass/Non-Pass basis, an Honors grade must be achieved.

Matriculated part-time undergraduate students who complete at least 12 credits in a calendar year and achieve a grade point average of 3.70 or better in that calendar year are named to the annual Dean’s list for part-time students.

Special recognition is accorded those with similar qualifications who have achieved a grade point average of 4.00 by their being named to the President’s List.

7.2 HONORS AT GRADUATION:

(revised 05/23/211 faculty meeting) Currently the distinction summa cum laude is given to those graduates who earn a cumulative grade point average of 3.90-4.00; magna cum laude, 3.75-3.89; and cum laude, 3.60-3.74. To be eligible for honors at graduation, a student must have attended Simpson for six semesters of full-time enrollment and/or have earned at least 64 credits. The cumulative grade point average is computed only on the total credits earned in residence.

7.3 HONORS PROGRAMS:

(revised 05/23/2011 faculty meeting) Departments may offer “Honors in the Major” upon graduation to students who complete specific requirements. Students who have completed 64 credits and have at least a 3.0 or better overall cumulative GPA and a cumulative GPA of 3.5 in the major may apply to the department chair for admission to its honors track. The department faculty must approve the selection of honors students. Although the requirements may vary by department, all students must complete at least eight (8) credits of research and writing over two (2) semesters, produce a thesis and defend that thesis before a committee of faculty. The thesis work may be completed under the course numbers 391-392 or in a set of other courses as determined by each department. To receive “Honors in the Major,” a student must earn an A or A- for the research courses.

7.3.1 Procedure:

(revised 05/23/2011 faculty meeting)

  • All “Honors in the Major” programs and requirements must appear in the department’s section of the catalog as a major option.
  • “Honors in the Major” degree requirements must be approved by the Educational Policy and Curriculum Committee and the faculty.
  • “Honors in…” designation will be noted on the student’s transcript and the graduation program.