20.7.0 Honor Definitions

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20.7.1 Grade Point Average

The Grade Point Average is determined by dividing the total grade points earned by the total academic credit hours attempted (not including Ws, Is, Ps, or Equivalent Credits).

Letter Grade Grade Points/Credit Hour
A 4.00-Excellent
B+ 3.50-Very Good
B 3.00-Good
C+ 2.50-Above Average
C 2.00-Average
D+ 1.50-Below Average
D 1.00-Minimally Passing
F 0.00-Failing
P Passing

To calculate GPA, take the grade point equivalent for the acquired grade and multiply by the credit hours for that course. Then add up course totals and divide by total credit hours.

20.7.3 Honor Societies

Alpha Phi Sigma - The only national Criminal Justice honor society for Criminal Justice majors.  The society recognizes academic excellence of baccalaureate and graduate students of Criminal Justice, as well as juris doctorate.  Students are required to complete three full-time semesters, have a minimum GPA of 3.00 with a minimum GPA of 3.20 in Criminal Justice courses, and be in the top 35 percent of their class.

Chi Alpha Epsilon (Alpha Sigma Chapter) - A national honor society comprised of Educational Opportunity Program students and other full-time students initially enrolled in post-secondary development programs, who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above for two consecutive semesters.

Golden Key - An international and cross-discipline honor society for those students enrolled in a baccalaureate program.  Membership is extended to those junior and senior students who possess a GPA that, when calculated, is within the top 15 percent of their class.

Phi Theta Kappa (Lambda Eta Chapter) - An international honor society for students at two-year colleges.  To be inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Lambda Eta, members must have a 3.50 GPA for one full semester and maintain a 3.25 GPA overall thereafter.

Tau Alpha Pi (New York Mu Chapter) - A national honor society consisting of students and alumni of Engineering Technology curricula.  Students are required to maintain a 3.75 GPA for three semesters prior to induction.  SUNY Canton was chartered in 1981.

Tau Phi Zeta (Alpha Chapter) - A national honor society consisting of students of Veterinary Science Technology curricula.  Students must complete the VSCT 112 and 212 courses and have a 3.5 cumulative GPA to be eligible. The Alpha Chapter was chartered in 2015.

20.7.4 Graduating With Honors

Honors for the Commencement Program are based on cumulative GPA to December 31 of the year prior to Commencement.

Honor GPA

Cum Laude

3.25 - 3.49

Magna Cum Laude

3.50 - 3.74

Summa Cum Laude

3.75 - 4.00

Upon degree completion students who have earned cumulative GPAs as listed above will be designated for Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Summa Cum Laude on their diplomas.

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