How do I know if I earned a degree with Distinction?
Undergraduates are the only students who are eligible to graduate with distinction. Graduate students do not receive university honors. Students who earn a minimum of a 3.50 GPA on all coursework attempted, including transfer courses, will receive a degree with distinction. For commencement purposes, distinction is determined by the earned GPA at the end of the previous semester.
Example: For spring commencement, graduate eligibility is based on the earned GPA at of the end of the fall semester; for the fall commencement ceremony, eligibility is based on the last fully completed semester — either spring or summer.
Three levels of distinction are based on your overall average.
- Cum Laude — overall average of 3.50
- Magna Cum Laude — overall average of 3.70
- Summa Cum Laude — overall average of 3.90
Final distinction will be determined once all grades are submitted for the term and will be printed on the official diploma.
Where do I get my distinction cords?
Distinction cords are distributed by the Office of the Registrar. Details regarding distinction cord pick up will be communicated to graduates approximately 4-6 weeks before the ceremony. Distinction cords are available only for undergraduate students. Graduate students are not eligible for distinction. For information concerning distinction qualifications, please contact the Office of the Registrar at gradaution@uncw.edu.
For additional information on earning a degree with distinction, please visit the Office of the Registrar’s website.
Distance Education and Extension graduates who qualify for an academic distinction have the option to purchase their cords. Distance Education and Extension graduates who qualify for distinction will receive an email in 6 weeks before their assigned ceremony with details on how to place their distinction cord order.
Graduates who have completed the Early Commencement Participation Application are not eligible to receive cords until their official graduating semester.
Will I graduate "With Honors In?"
Students who successfully complete the Honors Program in their major will graduate "With Honors In," the discipline in which their special work was undertaken. For information concerning distinction qualifications, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 910.962.3125.