Policy Rationale
Vermont State University (VTSU) celebrates the effort and success of students who have reached high levels of academic achievement. These students are awarded distinctions and/or honors recognized at commencement. These distinctions and/or honors are recorded on the official academic transcript.
Policy
Baccalaureate and associate degree graduates who have attained high academic standing receive degrees with one of three distinctions. The distinction is based on the student’s Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) within the Vermont State College System and is determined as follows:
- Cumulative GPA of 3.9 or higher: summa cum laude
- Cumulative GPA of 3.7 to 3.89: magna cum laude
- Cumulative GPA of 3.5 to 3.69: cum laude
Of the total credits required for graduation, at least 30 graded credits for a two-year degree and 60 graded credits for a four-year degree must be earned at the Vermont State Colleges to graduate with distinction.
Graduation Honors for certificate programs require a final, cumulative GPA as follows:
- Cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher: high honors
- Cumulative GPA of 3.00 to 3.49: honors
For commencement ceremonies in May, distinction and honors are recognized based on the number of credits completed and the cumulative GPA earned as of the end of the previous fall semester, and therefore tentatively awarded. On the academic transcript, distinction and honors are determined and officially awarded based on the total number of undergraduate credits taken within the Vermont State College System and the final earned cumulative GPA.
Other curricular awards are also presented at the close of the spring semester to graduating seniors in specific areas of study.
Procedures
- Students should submit a Graduation Application Form through the Student Portal one calendar year prior to their expected commencement ceremony participation.
- The Registrar’s Office calculates GPA through the penultimate semester, which is the semester prior to the student’s final semester, for distinction and honors.
Responsibilities
Students:
Registrar:
- Determine honors to be announced at Commencement based upon the cumulative GPA through the fall semester prior to the annual graduation.
- Calculate final distinction and honors for official transcripts based upon the total number of graded credits earned within the Vermont State College System.
Related Documents and Forms
Graduation Application Form (Student Portal)
Related Policies
Application for Award of Degree
Degree Requirements & Participation in Commencement
Vermont State Colleges Policy 111 Academic Data Management
Date of Last Approved Revision: April 2025
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