Student Honors
Latin Honors and Distinction
The Latin Honors and distinction are based upon a student's final Niagara University GPA. The Latin Honors appear on the student's transcript and diploma. Distinction only appears on the student's transcript. Note that the honors in the commencement program are estimated from a graduating student's cumulative GPA after the previous fall semester. Honors are not listed for students who are participating in commencement but graduating at a later date.
For students entering Niagara in the 2012 or later academic year the following applies.
If over half of your credits were taken at NU:
- Summa Cum Laude = 3.85+ GPA
- Magna Cum Laude = 3.7 - 3.84 GPA
- Cum Laude = 3.5 - 3.69
If over half of your credits were transferred into NU:
- Recognition of Distinctive Scholarship = 3.5+ GPA
Honor Societies
College of Arts & Sciences students who meet certain academic criteria are able to join the departmental honor society within their major. For further information about honor societies, talk to the faculty in your department or learn more about honor societies here.
- Honor Societies By Department: Biology, Biochemistry/Chemistry, Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, History, International English, International Scholars, International Law, Mathematics, Modern Language, Political Science, Psychology, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Social Work, Sociology
- Additional Honor Societies: Continuing Education, National Honor Society (Catholic Colleges), President's Honor Society, Transfer Students
Honors Programs
Niagara University's honors programs are based upon GPA eligibility and certain course requirements. Both options include a two-semester honors thesis. University Honors, which invites select incoming first-year students and sophomores, also includes honors specific and enhanced courses.
University Honors
In order to graduate with University Honors, a student must complete the following requirements in their years at Niagara:
| Entering in First Year | Entering As Sophomore |
|---|---|
| 1 Honors course in REL 101 OR Honors REL 103 | |
| 3 Honors courses out of the following designated general education categories:* | 2 Honors courses out of the following designated general education categories:* |
| Philosophy, Religious Studies, History 199, Natural Sciences, Humanities, Cultural Diversity, Analytical Skills, Social Sciences | Philosophy, Religious Studies, History 199, Natural Sciences, Humanities, Cultural Diversity, Analytical Skills, Social Sciences |
| 1 Honors Enhanced course in student's major | 1 Honors Enhanced Course in student's major |
| 2 Semester Honors Thesis conducted with assistance from faculty advisor | 2 Semester Thesis Research and Defense - Conducted with assistance from faculty advisor. |
University Honors Students must maintain a 3.25 overall GPA to remain in program. After two consecutive semesters of being below 3.25, a student will be dismissed from the program.
* Students who have fulfilled certain general education requirements already may move the previous courses into free or advised electives in order to fit in honors designated courses
Departmental Honors
This honors option is available for students who are not in University Honors, but have achieved a 3.5+ major GPA in their junior year.
Two Semester Thesis Research and Defense - Conducted with assistance from faculty advisor.
Honors Cords at Graduation
Honors cords are braided cords worn at graduation to signify a certain honor. They are generally available for students in honors societies or the honors program. Coordinators of the honors societies and the honors programs distribute the cords.