Graduation Honors

The Latin designation for honors refer to the medieval origins of academic ceremony: cum laude indicates distinction; magna cum laude, great distinction; and summa cum laude, highest distinction. At Ottawa University, students must achieve the following on a 4.00 scale:

3.50 to 3.79 grade point average - Cum Laude

3.80 to 3.89 grade point average - Magna Cum Laude

3.90 or higher grade point average - Summa Cum Laude.

Distinction in the comprehensive examination or project may be earned by students as judged by the faculty.

To qualify for honors, students must complete a minimum of 40 semester credits hours at Ottawa University (excluding credit by assessment), and all transfer work is considered in the grade point calculation.  Honors are only applicable to undergraduate programs. 

A student earning a second bachelor’s degree with Ottawa University is eligible for Latin Honors if they have earned at least 40 credits exclusive to the second degree. Designation of honors will be based on the cumulative GPA for all undergraduate work. 

Students with a documented incident of academic misconduct which has resulted in probation or suspension, will not be eligible for honors.