Centennial Honors College

Honors Convocation Medalions

Spring 2024 Academic Honors Convocation

Friday, May 10, 2024, 2pm, Western Hall

Western Illinois University recognizes the outstanding academic accomplishments of baccalaureate degree candidates at its Academic Honors Convocation ceremonies. Students are recognized and awarded medallions for achieving the follwoing honors:

College Scholar

Each of Western Illinois University's academic colleges/areas (Arts and Sciences, Business and Technology, Centennial Honors College, Education and Human Services, Fine Arts and Communication, University Libraries/General Studies) selects a graduating senior as the college’s outstanding student according to the following criteria as outlined by Western Illinois University. 

Criteria:

  • Approved graduation application on file in the Registrar's Office for the current term (spring/summer or fall)
  • 30 semester hours of completed coursework (HE) at WIU (not counting in-progress courses)
  • 3.60 cumulative GPA for all coursework completed at WIU (HE)
  • Members of the Honors College must also have completed Honors in the Major or the Pre-Law Honors Minor.
  • Eligible students are invited to submit an application highlighting their academic accomplishments and civic engagement.
  • Students who previously received the award, are not eligible to be recognized again.
  • A student may not be named College Scholar in more than one college.

Departmental Scholar

A Departmental Scholar is an outstanding degree candidate in an academic major selected by faculty within the major according to the criteria below, as outlined by Western Illinois University.

Criteria:

  • Approved graduation application on file in the Registrar's Office for the current term (spring/summer or fall)
  • 30 hours of completed coursework (HE) at WIU (not counting in-progress courses)
  • 3.30 cumulative GPA for all WIU work completed (HE)
  • Academic departments may have additional requirements
  • Students who previously received the award are not eligible to be recognized again.

Academic Distinction

Baccalaureate degree candidates who meet Western Illinois University's academic distinction requirements may graduate as Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Summa Cum Laude. Eligibility is determined by the Office of the Registrar. For more information, please visit https://www.wiu.edu/catalog/requirements/graduation.php#honors.

Centennial Honors Scholar

A Centennial Honors Scholar is a student graduating from the Centennial Honors College by successfully completing the requirements of one or more of the following Honors Programs:

Students earn the distinction General Honors Scholar, [Major] Honors Scholar, University Honors Scholar in [Major], or Pre-Law Honors Scholar, which is posted on the student's official WIU transcript.

ANSWERS TO FAQs

The Academic Honors Convocation is similar to graduation, but on a smaller scale. All students graduating with the honors above are recognized by WIU administrators, faculty, and distinguished guests. The Convocation ceremony typically lasts approximately one hour.

Students are to report to the East Arena of Western Hall no later than 1:30 pm to receive your name card(s) and line up for the processional.

Want a better picture of what Convocation is? View the Spring 2019 Academic Honors Convocation.

Guests

Friends and family are invited and encouraged to attend to celebrate your accomplishments. No tickets are required, and guests are welcome to sit in any unrestricted seating.

Cap and Gown

Your cap and gown are required attire at the Academic Honors Convocation. You will be instructed to remove your cap during the ceremony to allow the medallion to be draped around your neck. Do not attach your cap to your hair.

Medallions

Your medallions signify your honors standing. Therefore, they can and should be worn at your graduation ceremony. Students who do not attend the Academic Honors Convocation can pick up their medallions when they check in for graduation. For students not attending either ceremony, medallions will be mailed to the address provided on the graduation application following commencement weekend.

Quad Cities Students

There is not a separate Quad Cities Convocation ceremony. Quad Cities students are invited to attend the Convocation on the Macomb campus. Students who do not attend can pick up your medallions when you check in for your graduation ceremony in the Quad Cities.

For questions regarding graduation, please see the Commencement FAQ page.