Academic Achievement Distinctions
Graduation with Distinctions
Although many traditions of academe are treasured and, therefore, maintained, others evolve to complement the distinct personality of the institution and its focus on students. Such was the case in the fall of 1995 at The University of Toledo, when UToledo replaced its single campus-wide commencement with more personal ceremonies—convocations—hosted by dean and faculty of each of the University’s colleges.
This change in format led to changes in how faculty select and recognize outstanding students within their respective colleges. One significant change has been the awarding of medallions to graduates of the University Honors College.
The University recognizes outstanding academic achievement based on grade point average in the law and baccalaureate colleges by awarding degrees cum laude (with honors), magna cum laude (with high honors) and summa cum laude (with highest honors). At the associate level, this designation is high scholarship.
In addition, the University now bestows colored cords to honor all baccalaureate and associate candidates who qualify for graduation with distinction.
Honors College Medallions
The Jesup Scott Honors College presents its graduating candidates with cast medallions that hang from gold ribbons and diplomas indicating the completion of all the Honors requirements of their baccalaureate colleges. These candidates, the Jesup Scott Honors College dean and the directors of each college's honor program will also wear their medallions in the UToledo commencement ceremony.
To qualify for graduation with the Honors College diploma and medallion, each student must maintain at least a 3.3 cumulative grade point average, earn a substantial number of credits through designated Honors courses, completed a thesis or research project and satisfy all of the other requirements of his or her respective college's honors program.
Honor Cords
The University awards honors cords to all undergraduate candidates who will graduate with distinction.
Blue-and-gold twisted cords are awarded to each baccalaureate student who maintains a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.9 for all coursework completed at The University of Toledo and who will be granted a diploma bearing the words summa cum laude, the University's highest of three special honors.
Blue cords are awarded to each baccalaureate student maintaining a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.6 and who will graduate magna cum laude, the University's second highest honor.
Gold cords are awarded to each baccalaureate student maintaining a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.3 and who will graduate cum laude, the University's third highest honor.
White cords are awarded to each associate student maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 or higher throughout his or her studies and who will graduate with high scholarship.
Military Cords
Red, white and blue military honor cords recognize graduates who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces.