Office of the Registrar

To be eligible for graduation with honors, an undergraduate student must complete, in residence at Appalachian, a minimum of 48 semester hours:

• Minimum grade-point average of 3.45 is required for graduating cum laude; 
• Minimum grade-point average of 3.65 is required for graduating magna cum laude; 
• Minimum grade-point average of 3.85 is required for graduating summa cum laude.

The GPA used to recognize candidates for Latin honors (during the ceremony) is the cumulative GPA earned through the immediately preceding (not the current) semester. Candidates for Latin, University, College or Departmental honors will be recognized during the ceremony. Diploma and transcripts will indicate Latin honors earned after a student’s final GPA is determined.

Note: Credit for which a grade is not awarded will not be used in the determination of honors.

Note: Students that have been granted forgiveness are not eligible to graduate with Latin honors.

Distribution of Cords and Stoles

For information about eligibility for honor cords, please review “How do I graduate with Honors?” on the Office of the Registrar website.

• Latin honor cords are distributed by the Office of the Registrar and will be available for pickup approximately two weeks prior to commencement or on the day of the ceremony. An email will be sent to eligible graduates with information and instructions.
• Military cords can be picked up in the Student Veteran Resource Center (SVRC) in Plemmons Student Union prior to commencement, or at the check-in table on the day of the ceremony. Contact the SVRC with questions.
• University, college and departmental honor medals are provided to graduates in person upon completion of their honors thesis and/or courses.
• Other cords and stoles are handled via the individual clubs and organizations to which a graduate belongs, and inquiries about how to obtain them should be directed to the club or organization.

Cord and Stole Guidelines 

• Gold cords are reserved for students graduating with Latin honors — defined as those graduates who have earned a designation of cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude.
• University, college and departmental honor cords are awarded to those graduates who successfully complete a series of honors courses and a senior honors thesis.
• Red, white and blue cords are reserved for graduates who are serving or have served in the United States Armed Forces.
• Other cord colors are permissible with approval of the Registrar for other recognized honor programs and societies.
• Sashes and stoles may be worn by members of recognized international student organizations, athletic teams, service and service/academic organizations, and Greek-letter organizations so long as they follow these guidelines:
• Sashes/stoles may not be wider than 5 inches. The length is optional.
• Sashes/stoles imprinted with the organization's name, initials and achievements may not display any derogatory or offensive language, nor should they draw undue attention to an individual person or group that would detract from the occasion.