Scholastic Recognition - Baccalaureate Degree

Scholastic recognition is recorded on the transcript and diploma of a baccalaureate degree for a student with a superior academic record. To qualify for this recognition a student must have earned the following GPA at the end of his or her final semester prior to earning the degree: 

Summa Cum Laude 3.90-4.00
Magna Cum Laude 3.75-3.89
Cum Laude 3.50-3.74

Post-baccalaureate students must also meet the following criterion: a minimum of 32 semester credit hours for which honor points are recorded must be earned at Northern Michigan University as a post-baccalaureate student.

Scholastic recognition at the commencement ceremony is based on a student’s NMU cumulative GPA through the semester prior to graduation, provided the student will have complied with the minimum 32 NMU credit hour requirement at the completion of the degree program.

Scholastic Recognition - Associate Degree

Scholastic recognition is recorded on the transcript and diploma of an associate degree for a student with a superior academic record. To qualify for this recognition a student must have earned the following GPA at the end of his or her final semester prior to earning the degree: 

High Honor 3.80-4.00
Honor 3.50-3.79

Post-baccalaureate associate degree students also must meet the following criterion: a minimum of 16 semester hours of credit for which honor points are recorded must be earned at Northern Michigan University as a post-baccalaureate student.

Scholastic recognition at the commencement ceremony is based upon a student’s NMU cumulative GPA through the semester prior to graduation, provided the student will have complied with the minimum NMU credit-hour requirement at the completion of the degree program. 

Honors graduates are honored at commencement by wearing a gold cord. Honors Program students who graduate with full honors designation are honored by wearing a white cord.