All candidates for bachelor’s degrees are eligible for honors based on the cumulative grade point average for any credits earned after initial registration at Shenandoah University. Gold cords are worn by students graduating with honors. Honors for the commencement ceremony are calculated at the end of the fall semester and are listed in the program. Final honors are calculated with the spring semester grades and appear on the transcript and diploma.
The grade point averages required for undergraduate academic honors are:
In addition to the traditional cap and gown regalia worn at commencement, graduates are entitled to wear honor cords and stoles to signify achievement through college organizations or association with international groups or programs.
Cords and Stoles – An honor cord is a token consisting of twisted cords with tassels on either end. Students may wear more than one cord at the same time. A stole is a decorative vestment worn and takes the form of a cloth scarf-like garment worn over the shoulders. Students may wear only one stole. Students wear cords and stoles to signify academic honors or affiliation with a campus group or organization.