Academic Distinctions

Academic Distinctions

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 incomplete (I) grades; and 3) received no NC grade in a course that is normally included in grade-point average calculation.

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.

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 along with other degree information. 

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 at http://www.pomona.edu/administration/academic-dean.