Graduate Student Honors and Awards

The traditional undergraduate "honors" awards (cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude) are not available for graduate students.  However, to recognize exceptional performance on specific examinations, “Passed with Distinction” may be awarded and the notation included on graduate student transcripts.  The examinations for which this designation is allowed are: 

1. Master’s examination
2. Final exam for the master’s thesis
3. Doctoral comprehensive examination
4. MFA comprehensive examination
5. Final examination for the doctoral dissertation

This recognition is determined at the time of the examination through agreement of the examining committee members, with final approval given by the chair of the graduate unit.  The examining committee will consider any oral, written and/or exhibition work related to the examination when deciding whether or not the examination should be noted as having been “Passed with Distinction.”  Individual graduate units may choose to establish additional criteria for this award.

NOTE:  Only examinations completed Fall 2001 or later are eligible to be considered for this designation.

Honor Cords

The University for has designated a two-color cherry and silver honor cord for Master and doctoral candidates graduating with “Passed with Distinction.”  The cords may be purchased at the UNM Bookstore.