Dean's List | Honor Society | School Honors | Departmental Honors | Phi Beta Kappa | School Prizes
DEAN'S
LIST
Undergraduates who complete the fall or spring terms with a 3.5 GPA or higher are named to the Dean's List provided they have completed at least three courses (nine or more credits) taken for a letter grade. Disciplinary probation, as well as marks of INC, UW, F, or D, disqualify a student from consideration. There is no Dean's List for the summer session.
HONOR SOCIETY
The Honor Society of the School of General Studies was formed to celebrate exceptional GS undergraduates committed to intellectual discovery and academic excellence. The only group of its kind at the University, the Honor Society provides a unique opportunity for about 50 current students to interact with other members, faculty associates, and alumni at academic, cultural, and social events held throughout the year. Criteria for membership include a GPA of at least 3.8, a minimum of 30 completed Columbia credits, and a minimum of 60 total completed credits. Students may not apply for membership. Induction is held each spring, and members continue to be part of the Society after graduation.
SCHOOL HONORS
The designations cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude are academic honors determined by an undergraduate student's cumulative GPA based on coursework taken at Columbia University once a student has matriculated within the School of General Studies. To be eligible for School honors, a student must have taken at least 64 credits of coursework at General Studies. For cum laude, a student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5; for magna cum laude, a minimum of 3.67; for summa cum laude, a minimum of 3.9 is required. The honor is noted on a student's diploma and transcript.
DEPARTMENTAL HONORS
Many departments award honors to undergraduate majors who complete their major requirements with distinction. Eligibility for departmental honors varies among departments, so students should consult Departments of Instruction or individual departments for further information. Departmental honors are noted on a student's transcript but not on the diploma. Students who declare special majors are not eligible for departmental honors. Departmental honors are not given for concentrations.
PHI BETA KAPPA
By action of the Senate of the United Chapters of Phi Beta Kappa in March 1952, degree candidates in the School of General Studies are eligible for election to Phi Beta Kappa and membership in the Columbia (Delta) Chapter. The selection of this group (up to 10 percent of the graduating class) is based not only on academic achievement, but also on evidence of intellectual promise, character, and achievement outside the classroom. Academic achievement is measured by strength and rigor of program as well as grades. Students may not apply for Phi Beta Kappa.
The General Studies Section of the Delta Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa annually presents the Phi Beta Kappa Award to a GS senior elected to Phi Beta Kappa who, during his or her academic career, has best exemplified the motto of the Society: “Love of wisdom—the helmsman of life.”
SCHOOL PRIZES
Each year the School of General Studies awards prizes for academic excellence as well as outstanding leadership. Current prizes include the following: