Honors Letters, Academic Distinctions, and Graduation Honors Policy

I. Purpose

This policy establishes the standards and procedures by which SGU recognizes exceptional academic achievement through term-based honors, program-based distinctions, and graduation honors designations. The policy ensures consistency and transparency in the awarding of honors across Schools and programs while celebrating excellence in academic performance and professionalism.

II. Scope

This policy applies to all students enrolled in degree-granting programs at SGU. Where applicable, specific programs such as the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, may have Weighted Mean Percent Grade (WMPG) rather than GPA data. All thresholds and criteria are applied without rounding.

III. Term-Based Academic Honors

1. Dean's Letters

   Dean’s Letter of Recognition are awarded each academic term to students who demonstrate high academic achievement.

   Eligibility:

   1. Completion of a full academic term load as defined by the program.
   2. Attainment of:
      • GPA of 3.50–3.99, or
      • Term Weighted Mean Percent Grade (WMPG) of 90.00–94.99.
   3. No grades of F (Fail), I (Incomplete) for the term.

   4. Students must be in good academic and professional standing.

      No rounding is permitted in calculating GPA or WMPG.

   Award Process:
   The Office of the Dean identifies eligible students at the close of each term. Official Deans Letters are issued by the Provost with the Office of the Registrar.

2. Chancellor's Letters

   Chancellor’s Letter of Recognition are awarded each term to students who achieve the highest possible academic distinction.

   Eligibility:

   1. Completion of a full academic course load. 
   2. Attainment of:
      • GPA of 4.00, or
      • Term Weighted Mean Percent Grade (WMPG) of 95.00–100.00.
   3. No grades of F, I in the term

   4. Students must be in good academic and professional standing.

      No rounding is permitted in calculating GPA or WMPG.

   Award Process:
   Recipients are verified by the Dean’s Office. Official Chancellor’s Letters are issued by the Provost with the Office of the registrar.

IV. Graduation Honors Distinctions (SAS and SGS only)

Eligibility Notes:

1. Must complete all credits for the program.
2. Must have no academic integrity or professional conduct violations on record.
3. All GPA/WMPG values are calculated without rounding.

Note: The School of Medicine and School of Veterinary Medicine do not participate in this graduation honors framework. Students in those programs should consult their respective School Student Manual for any program-specific graduation distinctions.

V. University-Level Academic Distinctions

• Schools may use the following distinctions:
  Valedictorian: The student graduating with the highest cumulative GPA/WMPG in the graduating class confirmed by Office of the University Registrar. The Valedictorian serves as the representative of the graduating class.
• Salutatorian: The student graduating with the second-highest cumulative GPA/WMPG, confirmed by the Office of the University Registrar. The Salutatorian assumes Valedictorian responsibilities under extraordinary circumstances.

VI. Limitations and Conditions

All GPA and WMPG thresholds are applied without rounding (2 decimals).

Honors and distinctions will not be awarded retroactively except in cases of verified administrative error.

Students found responsible for violations of Academic Integrity or Professional Standards policies are ineligible for honors recognition for the affected term(s) and at graduation.

VII. Authority

Office of the Provost; reviewed every 3 years.

VIII. Version History

(1025020)