Medicine
Academic Regulations
Honors
Degrees Awarded with Distinction (IU Policy) The university recognizes a student's superior performance in course work by awarding the associate or bachelor's degree with one of three levels of distinction: distinction, high distinction, or highest distinction. A student must meet the following criteria to receive a degree awarded with distinction.
- Baccalaureate and associate degree candidates must rank in the highest 10 percent of their graduating class or cohort. The determination of eligibility for graduation with academic distinction will be made by the School so that candidates will be ranked with classmates who received the same type of degrees (e.g., B.S. in Cytotechnology, B.S. in Nuclear Medicine Technology). Programs with students who enter with a different cohort class or track can award honors to each separate group.
- If the 10 percent determination of any class results in a fractional value, the number will be rounded up (e.g., a graduating class of 11 would have two individuals eligible for distinction).
- Calculation of the grade point average for graduation with distinction will be based on the total number of credit hours completed at Indiana University. A candidate for a baccalaureate degree must have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours at Indiana University; associate degree candidates must have completed at least half of the credit hours required for their degree at Indiana University.
- No more than 10 percent of the Indiana University credit hours may be eliminated from the grade point average determination by utilization of the mechanisms of Pass/Fail or special credit.
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.50 must have been achieved.
- Three levels of distinction will be recognized and determined as follows: 3.50 through 3.74-Distinction; 3.75 through 3.89-High Distinction; 3.90 through 4.00-Highest Distinction.
- The determination of candidates who will wear honor cords at the May graduation ceremonies should include all academic credit earned at Indiana University, including the spring semester before commencement.
- Unique cases and appeals should be forwarded to the School's dean or the dean's designee for consideration.
Dean's List Each semester, students who excel academically have the privilege of being listed on the IU School of Medicine Health (IUSM) Professions Programs Dean's List. To be eligible, students must carry 9 or more credit hours and must earn a semester grade point average of 3.50. An exception can be granted for students in their final semester if the program’s curriculum is set at less than 9 credit hours.
Program Awards Individual professional programs in the IUSM Health Professions Programs offer awards recognizing academic excellence, leadership, career potential, and service. Students should refer to specific programs for descriptions of these awards.
Updated: March 2024
