Commencement

Academic Distinction

Candidates for the baccalaureate degree who have earned a minimum 60 semester hours of graded courses at Western are eligible for graduation with academic distinction. Coursework completed at WIU and all transferable hours are calculated to determine honors.

  • The academic distinction of Cum Laude is awarded to students with a grade point average of 3.60 to 3.74 on a 4.00 scale. These candidates wear a silver medallion on a gold ribbon.
  • The academic distinction of Magna Cum Laude is awarded to students with a grade point average of 3.75 to 3.89. These candidates wear a silver medallion on a purple ribbon.
  • The academic distinction of Summa Cum Laude is awarded to students with a grade point average of 3.90 or higher. These candidates wear a silver medallion on a red ribbon.

For more information, please visit www.wiu.edu/catalog/requirements/graduation.php#honors.

Honors Scholars

An Honors Scholar is a student in Western’s Centennial Honors College who has completed a set of honors requirements in the general education curriculum, a major, or both, and has achieved a grade point average of at least 3.40. These candidates wear a gold medallion on a light blue ribbon.

College Scholars

Each of Western Illinois University's four academic colleges, the School of Distance Learning, International Studies, and Outreach, and the Centennial Honors College select a graduating senior as the college's outstanding student. College Scholars wear a gold medallion on a purple and gold ribbon in recognition of their high achievement.

Departmental Scholars

Departmental Scholars are the outstanding undergraduate degree candidates in an academic major as determined by the faculty in the major department. These candidates wear a gold medallion on a sapphire blue ribbon.