2024-25 Pomona College Catalog 
    
    Dec 03, 2024  
2024-25 Pomona College Catalog

Academic Distinctions


Degree Requirements & Academic Regulations

 


Pomona College Scholars

Each semester, the distinction of Pomona College Scholar is awarded to the top 25 percent of students in each class as determined by semester grade point average, who in the past semester: 1) completed at least three full graded courses; 2) have no remaining incomplete (I) grades; and 3) received no NC grade in a course that is normally included in grade-point average calculation. A notation is made on the unofficial transcript when the Pomona College Scholar distinction is earned, but it does not appear on the official transcript.

Phi Beta Kappa

The Pomona College Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, established in 1914, is the Gamma chapter of California. Seniors and juniors “who are of good moral character, and who are distinguished for breadth of culture and excellence of scholarship” may be elected to membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Society.

Sigma Xi

The Claremont Colleges Chapter of Sigma Xi elects juniors and seniors to associate membership on the basis of outstanding aptitude in science as demonstrated by participation in research.

Graduation Honors

Graduation honors are awarded to the top 25 percent of graduates by cumulative grade point average. Students who complete graduation requirements in the summer or fall of the year prior to their commencement year are awarded honors based on the grade point average cut-offs corresponding to the calendar year of the semester they completed. To qualify for Commencement honors and certain other prizes and awards, a student must have taken at least three quarters of their courses for letter grades.

Distinction in the Senior Exercise

Exceptional work on the senior exercise is recognized by the departments and programs offering majors. The criteria for Distinction in the senior Exercise varies by major but is typically awarded based on review by the entire faculty of the department or program major. Likewise, the type of senior exercise that may earn distinction varies. For some majors, the honor is awarded only to students who write a thesis; in others it is awarded for students who take comprehensive examinations or complete other exercises in lieu of thesis. When awarded, “Distinction in the Senior Exercise” appears on the student’s transcript. 

Other Awards and Prizes

A number of endowed awards and prizes are given each year for general accomplishments and for proficiency in specific fields of study. A list of these awards is available on the Pomona College website.