Undergraduate Degrees with Distinction and Degrees with Honors

How are Latin honors determined (Twin Cities)?

The level of graduation with Latin Honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude) is based on the grade-point average (GPA) in a student’s final 60 graded credits at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities (transfer credits are not included). The GPA in these last 60 graded credits, combined with meeting the University Honors Program requirements, qualifies the student to be considered for the following Latin honors graduation levels:

• cum laude: 3.500 GPA or higher
• magna cum laude: 3.666 GPA or higher
• summa cum laude: 3.750 GPA or higher

All students pursuing Latin honors must complete an honors thesis consistent with the level of Latin honors they are attempting. All students graduating with Latin honors at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities must meet the residency requirement of 60 graded credits on the Twin Cities campus. Students whose GPA is 0.100 or less below one of these three bands may be awarded Latin honors based on exceptional thesis work as determined by the student’s campus honors program.

Can a student graduate with more than one type of honors designation?

At the University of Minnesota Crookston and the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, a student may earn graduation with distinction or high distinction at the same time as graduation with Latin honors.

At the University of Minnesota Morris and the University of Minnesota Rochester, a student may be able to graduate with more than one type of honors designation. Students are encouraged to speak with their advisor(s)/success coach regarding their eligibility for an honors designation.

How are grades from multiple University of Minnesota campuses considered when calculating the overall grade-point average?

A student's cumulative grade-point average is calculated with all of the student's University of Minnesota coursework. Therefore, if a student has coursework at more than one campus of the University (e.g. Crookston, Duluth, Morris, Twin Cities, Rochester), all grades from coursework at all campuses are included in calculating the grade-point average.

Does a student need to apply for a degree "with distinction" or "with high distinction"?

Students do not need to apply. If the student's GPA, as is calculated at the point of graduation clearance, has met the requirement, "with distinction," or "with high distinction," will be automatically noted on the student's record. The student's transcript and the diploma will include this information.

Does a student need to apply for a degree with Latin honors?

Students must participate in a fully developed campus honors program, meet the honors program requirements, and meet cumulative GPA requirements associated with the Latin honor level. Campus specific honors program information is below.

• Crookston honors program
• Duluth honors program
• Morris honors program
• Rochester (does not have an honors program)
• Twin Cities honors program

If a student does not meet the GPA threshold for a degree with distinction/high distinction, can they request an exception from their college?

No. Degrees with distinction/high distinction are based on minimum cumulative GPA requirements and students who do not meet those minimum requirements cannot be granted an exception.

Can a student complete a certificate "with distinction" or "with high distinction"?

No. Distinction and high distinction are limited to the degree. Certificates or other awards are not eligible for distinction or honors.

Can a student request to have distinction or honors retroactively applied to the degree following degree conferral?

No. GPA and campus honors program requirements must be completed at the time the degree is awarded.