Graduation Honors

To be eligible for degrees with distinction, there are two categories of honors.

For students having completed at least 60 graded semester hours a Wheeling Jesuit University, the three honors averages are:

3.85     Summa cum laude
3.70     Magna cum laude
3.50     Cum laude

For students with at least 30 but less than 60 graded semester hours, the honors average is:

3.50     With distinction

Computation of the average is based solely on courses completed at Wheeling Jesuit University, computed by dividing the number of hours into earned quality points.

Honors for Student Achievement

Commencement Awards. Each year at graduation or the Senior Luncheon, awards are given to seniors who have distinguished themselves.

  The Valedictorian is selected on academic merits as that student who has earned the highest average among the  graduates. (At least 90 of the hours must be completed at Wheeling Jesuit University.)

  The Katherine Fouts Award is given for exceptional service to Wheeling Jesuit University and significant contribution to the quality of campus life, without reference to academic performance.

  Through a bequest of Emelda Elfrida Paul, Henry F. Paul Silver Medals are awarded to the two undergraduate students who earn the highest average in the bachelor of arts degree program and Bachelor of Science degree program from a minimum of 60 graded credit hours at Wheeling Jesuit University.

  Medals are also awarded to the two undergraduate students who earn the second highest average from a minimum of 60 graded credit hours in the bachelor of arts degree program and the Bachelor of Science degree program at Wheeling Jesuit.

  The Archbishop John J. Swint and Mary Woomer medals, reflecting both academic distinction and service to the University, represent the crowning achievement for a student at Wheeling Jesuit University. A minimum “B” average (3.0) is required for eligibility, and selection is by full-time faculty and administrators of the University voting through confidential ballot.

  The University Activities Award is given to the student whose participation in a variety of student activities has enriched the University community.

  Edward J. Gannon, S.J. Collegian of the Year Award is given to one member of each class, voted upon by classmates.

  The Frank R. Haig, S.J. Award of $2,500 is given at commencement each year to the graduating senior in a science field (biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, psychology, clinical sciences and computer science) who most embodies the concept of “individual excellence for public usefulness.” Endowed by Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Holloway, Jr., the award honors the third president of WJU, a distinguished nuclear physicist and civic leader.

  The Forrest Kirkpatrick Award is given for high achievement in economics.

  The Charles Currie Scholar Athlete Award is given to the senior who has participated in intercollegiate athletics and has the highest GPA upon graduation.

  The Intercollegiate Athlete of the Year Award is given to the outstanding intercollegiate athlete.

  Departmental Awards may be given by academic departments to the outstanding student from each discipline.

Honors Diploma. Each student who completes the Stephen J. Laut, S.J., Honors Program is recognized at commencement and receives a diploma attesting to the distinction of the degree. This honor is in addition to other recognition conferred upon students with high academic averages.

Gloriam Award for Leadership and Excellence. An honor awarded annually to a limited number of students in each class in recognition of outstanding leadership within the University community and attainment of academic excellence.

Dean’s List. At the end of each semester, the Office of Academic Affairs publishes the names of students who have earned a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.5 for all courses taken that semester. A student must be registered for at least 12 graded semester hours to be eligible for Dean’s List.

Alpha Mu Gamma. A national honorary society open to students who have distinguished themselves in modern languages.

Alpha Sigma Nu. Men and women who distinguish themselves in scholarly pursuits, loyalty and service to the University and community are eligible for membership in the National Jesuit Honor Society.

Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society. A national honor society that recognizes students who have distinguished themselves in biology.

Gamma Sigma Epsilon. A national honor society that recognizes outstanding academic achievement by chemistry majors.

Kappa Delta Pi. International honor society in education.

Phi Sigma Tau. A national honor society open to students who have distinguished themselves in philosophy.

Psi Chi. A national honor society open to students who have distinguished themselves in psychology.

Sigma Iota Rho. A national honor society open to students who have distinguished themselves in the academic areas of international studies, international business or peace studies.

Sigma Beta Delta. A national honor society that recognizes business majors who have distinguished themselves in academics and leadership.

Sigma Pi Sigma. A national honor society awarding distinction to qualifying students of high scholarship and promise of achievement in physics.

Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society. An international honor society for nurses who have distinguished themselves in nursing scholarship and leadership.

Theta Alpha Kappa. A national honor society open to
students who have distinguished themselves in theology.