Thesis of distinction

Effective May 2010, the notation on transcripts following the title of a transcript will read Thesis of Distinction versus the current practice of the notation Distinguished for those accorded such a designation.

To be accorded such designation, a written recommendation from the student's thesis committee, inclusive of the student's ID number and title of thesis, outlining the rationale for this honor must be forwarded to the Associate Provost for Graduate Studies with the endorsement of the Graduate Program Director, the Department Chairperson, and the College Dean. Upon the favorable endorsement by all levels, the Associate Provost for Graduate Studies will instruct the Registrar to add the Thesis of Distinction notation to the student's permanent transcript and the Associate Provost for Graduate Studies will issue an award letter to the student.

Criteria for Thesis of Distinction Designation:

1. The recommendation for such designation is limited to master's level bodies of work;
2. Students must have a gpa of 3.5 or better for his/her thesis to be considered for such designation; and
3. There should be at least one article published or accepted for publication in a refereed journal associated with the field of study as a result of the research for the thesis or in the fields for the Master of Fine Arts, acceptance of the student's work in a juried exhibition on the national or international level.

The acceptance for publication of the article or participation in a juried exhibition must occur prior to completion of degree requirements