Department of Geography Distinction

Department of Geography Distinction

All students concentrating in geography who have maintained a University grade-point average of 3.25 and who satisfactorily complete an independent project (Geog. 291) in their senior year will be eligible to graduate with distinction in geography. Students should consult their advisor about distinction requirements as soon as they enter the field of concentration, and no later than the end of their junior year. Distinction is awarded at three levels: Distinction, High Distinction, and Highest Distinction. The level of award is based on the quality of the independent project.

The grade-point averages in geography normally required for graduation with distinction are:
Distinction, 3.25; High Distinction, 3.5; Highest Distinction, 3.75.

The independent study course (Geog. 291) satisfying distinction requirements will normally be a project equivalent to 4 hours of credit which may be completed over one or two terms, including the summer session. The project will be reviewed by a committee of three faculty the project advisor and two others selected by the student. Projects will be assessed as superior, good, or satisfactory.

The honors advisor will review the student’s grade-point average in geography and the project committee’s judgements, and recommend to the department head the level of distinction to be awarded.

Note: The department has two undergraduate prizes that it awards, the Jerome Fellmann and John Thompson, annually at the LAS Awards Banquet. In order to be considered for these awards in any given academic year the relevant Geog. 291 course must be completed in the Fall Semester. Geog. 291 projects completed in the Spring Semester will be considered in the following year.