Commencement honors recognize Drake graduates whose academic achievements reflect dedication, perseverance, and excellence. These distinctions celebrate the hard work students have put into their studies and mark an important moment of pride as they cross the stage and join the Drake alumni community.
Honors Institutional Honors
Undergraduate students who have completed 60 or more undergraduate hours at Drake are recognized in the commencement program by the following honors:
Find the honors cord color you'll need to represent your academic achievements.
Honor
GPA
Cord Color
Cum Laude
3.50-3.69 GPA
white cord
Magna Cum Laude
3.70-3.89 GPA
silver cord
Summa Cum Laude
3.90-4.00 GPA
gold cord
The list of awards in the commencement program is based on the student’s grades through the Fall semester and is no guarantee that the listed students will actually receive the honors once final grades are recorded. Students who have completed fewer than 60 hours may be eligible for Cum Laude honors. See the Drake catalog for complete details. These honors are designated on the transcript and the diploma.
Honors Program
Undergraduates completing the Honors program are recognized in the commencement program. The award is designated on the transcript and diploma. Honor medallions are worn by these students.
Departmental Honors
Students who have completed 60 hours at Drake and who have a GPA of 3.5 or above may be awarded Departmental Honors if they have completed at least 18 hours in their major and have a 3.8 or above in those courses.
Honorary Societies
Students who are members of university-designated honorary societies are recognized in the Commencement Program.