Honors

Dean’s List

Students must meet the following requirements:

1. Must have a GPA of 3.5;
2. A full-time student must complete at least 12 hours per semester in letter grades other than P and with no grades incompletes;
3. A part-time student must complete at least 12 hours over their two most recent semesters in attendance, must earn letter grades other than P with no incompletes, and must not have been a full-time student during the period under consideration;
4. Only courses taken in residence at Hofstra may be used to satisfy the requirements for Dean’s List.
5. Students will be reassessed for the Dean’s List if subsequent grade changes qualify them for the Dean’s List.

Provost’s Scholars

Students who achieve a 4.0 average and complete at least 12 semester hours of A grades in a given semester will be designated Provost’s Scholars. Only courses taken in residence at Hofstra may be used to satisfy the requirements for Provost’s Scholar.

Mandatory Pass/D+/D/Fail Criteria for Dean’s List and Provost’s Scholars

Eligibility Requirements

 Students enrolled in mandatory Pass/D+/D/Fail courses in any given semester are eligible for the Dean’s List or designation as Provost’s Scholars if they meet the following criteria:

1. Students must attain the GPA required for the Dean’s List or Provost’s Scholars in the qualifying semester;
2. At least 3 credits in that semester must be completed in-residence at Hofstra for a letter grade;
3. Students may not elect the Pass/D+/D/Fail option for any other course in that semester.

Grade Point Average (GPA) Calculations

The GPA of the immediately preceding full semester(s), excluding Summer and January sessions, will be used in place of the mandatory P/D+/D/F course(s) according to the following criteria:

1. For students taking 6 or fewer mandatory Pass/D+/D/Fail credits, the GPA of at least the last 12 credits taken for a letter grade will be substituted;
2. For students taking more than 6 mandatory Pass/D+/D/Fail credits, the GPA of the last 24 credits taken for a letter grade will be substituted;
3. Optional or mandatory Pass/D+/D/Fail credits may not be applied toward the required total;
4. Any outstanding Incompletes received within the period being evaluated, will disqualify students as candidates for the Dean’s List or Provost’s Scholars until the Incomplete is removed.

Stuart and Nancy Rabinowitz Honors College (RHC) Designations

The graduation designations Honors College Graduate With Distinction, Honors College Graduate, Honors College Associate, and Honors College Recognition are awarded to students who have met the respective requirements for these designations. See the Stuart and Nancy Rabinowitz Honors College  section of this Bulletin.

Departmental Honors

Departmental Honors will be granted to bachelor’s degree candidates who:

1. Are recommended by their major department for the conferring of departmental honors;
2. Undertake a major piece of research, not necessarily original, resulting in an honors thesis, to be completed during their eighth semester under the supervision of a designated member of the department. Weekly conferences between student and adviser are set as a minimum requirement. Students will defend their thesis before their adviser and two other members of the department. This oral examination will constitute the basis for the evaluation of the student and the determination of honors.
3. Complete their courses of study with distinctive scholarship;
4. Choose one of the departmental honors programs offered and successfully fulfill special requirements, supplementing the general degree requirements. The major department will recommend the conferring of departmental honors.

Levels of Departmental Honors

There are two levels of Honors: High Honors and Honors, to be recommended by the major department. The level of honors bestowed upon a graduating student will be based on:

1. Achievement in the honors thesis or honors seminar, and
2. Grades in departmental courses.

Eligibility Requirements

1. A minimum of 60 semester hours must be completed in-residence at Hofstra, including at least 15 hours in the student’s major field;
2. A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.4;
3. A minimum grade point average of 3.5 in the major field of study.

Procedure

The Office of Academic Records will prepare and send to the appropriate department the names of all eligible students before the end of their sixth semester. These students will be informed of their eligibility by the departmental chairperson and of the nature, purposes, and procedures of the program.

Baccalaureate Degrees With Distinction

Degrees of distinction are conferred upon candidates for the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science, and  Bachelor of Science in Education who have completed at least 60 hours in residence at Hofstra. Only coursework completed at Hofstra is considered when conferring Latin Honors.

These earned distinctions are recognized at the Honors Convocation held during the spring commencement exercises.

Averages for the levels of distinction are:

• summa cum laude: 3.85
• magna cum laude: 3.75
• cum laude: 3.60

Honor Organizations

Honor organizations sponsor events, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, social events, open meetings, department activities, group discussions, field trips, exhibitions, and demonstrations. For transfer student requirements and additional information, contact the society, Advisor.

Alpha Alpha Nu: Formed on Nov 12, 2020, Alpha Alpha Nu at-Large Chapter is the 587th chapter established at Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.  Sigma’s vision is connected, empowered nurse leaders transforming global healthcare.  Sigma’s mission is developing nurse leaders anywhere to improve healthcare everywhere. The current president of Alpha Alpha Nu at-Large Chapter is: Primary Chapter Contact, Maureen Houck.

Alpha Epsilon Delta, the national premedical honor society open to students seeking a career in the health professions. Requirements for membership include a cumulative average of 3.0 and a science grade point average of 3.0 after completion of at least three semesters at Hofstra. Transfer students, with at least one year completed prior to attendance at Hofstra, must complete at least one semester in residence. Associate Professor Clendening, Advisor.

Alpha Kappa Delta, a national sociology honor society recognizing outstanding students. To be eligible for consideration, students must have at least a 3.0-grade point average in sociology courses (with at least 15 s.h. in sociology taken at Hofstra) and a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. Professor Margaret Abraham, Advisor.

Alpha Mu Alpha is the national honor society in marketing. Students are selected on the basis of academic performance. Associate Professor Forman, Advisor.

Alpha Psi Omega, a national drama honor organization whose membership is based on scholarship and the accumulation of a satisfactory number of points by service in dramatic activities. The Hofstra chapter has maintained a number of scholarships through the operation of a concession during events held in the Playhouse and is the only student honor organization to maintain an endowment fund. Professor Ilona Pierce, Advisor.

Alpha Sigma Lambda, a national honor society open to part-time students who have completed 30 hours in-residence, 15 hours of liberal arts outside of their major field, and have achieved a 3.2 cumulative average. Associate Dean Binder, Advisor.

Alpha Upsilon Alpha, Alpha Delta Alpha Chapter, the honor society of the International Literacy Association, was created in 1985 to recognize and encourage scholarship, the development of personal and professional leadership, and service to the field of reading at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In order to be invited to join an AUA chapter, candidates must be ILA members and must meet the following requirements: Undergraduate students must have completed 5 semesters of undergraduate study (76 semester hours of coursework), be elected from the top 25% of their class in scholarship, have completed at least one course in reading or language arts, and be recommended by a reading/language arts faculty member in the institution. Graduate students must be majoring in the field of reading or language arts, have completed a minimum of 9 semester hours in reading or related areas of study, have completed at least half of the course work required for the advanced degree, have a 3.5 or higher grade point average in all graduate work, and particularly in the field of concentration, and be recommended by a reading/language arts faculty member in the institution. Faculty and alumni may also be members of the Honor Society. Associate Professors Esther Fusco and Theresa McGinnis, Advisors

Beta Alpha Psi, a national honor society is open to accounting, finance, and information systems majors who have achieved a 3.2-grade point average in their major and an overall 3.2 cumulative average. The Delta Pi chapter at Hofstra publishes a journal, Horizons. Only schools accredited by AACSB International are granted chapters. A number of cash scholarships are awarded to its members, made possible by the major accounting firms in recognition of superior status as an operating chapter by the national office.

Beta Beta Beta, a national biology honor society open to students with a 3.4-grade point average in biology and a 3.1 cumulative average. Active (full), associate, and graduate member status available. Professors Izquierdo and Rigel, Advisors

Beta Gamma Sigma is the only commerce honor society recognized nationally by AACSB International. Chapters are permitted only in schools that have been accredited by them. To be considered for membership by the Frank G. Zarb School of Business  Dean’s Office, students, as seniors, must have compiled a minimum cumulative average in the highest 10 percent of their class; junior students must be in the top seven percent of their class.

Chi Sigma Iota International Honor Society, an international academic and professional counseling honor society dedicated to scholarship, academic excellence, and community service. The mission is to promote scholarship, research, professionalism, leadership, advocacy, and excellence in counseling. To be eligible for membership, graduate students in counseling and rehabilitation counseling must complete 12 semester hours and have a minimum GPA of 3.5. Associate Professor Nerlich, Advisor.

Delta Alpha Pi (DAP) International Society recognizes the academic accomplishments of college and university students with disabilities while developing leadership and advocacy skills, to provide opportunities for members to serve as mentors and role models. DAP also provides educational programming related to disability issues for the campus and community. To be eligible for membership, undergraduate students must complete 24 semester hours and have a minimum GPA of 3.1. Criteria for graduate students include the completion of 18 semester hours with a minimum GPA of 3.3. Director of Student Access Services and Adjunct Instructor Yindra, Advisor.

Delta Delta Epsilon International Forensic Science Honor Society, Beta Zeta Chapter, is a national honor society dedicated to recognizing and encouraging excellence in scholarship in the Forensic Sciences. The organization promotes scholarship and intellectual development, confers distinction for high achievement, leadership development, high standards of service and ethical behavior, and attitudes of professional responsibility for the public good. Special Instructor Katherine O’Connor, Advisor.

Delta Omega, Delta Kappa Chapter, the national public health honor society for all Council on Education for Public Health-accredited schools and programs of public health. The Hofstra chapter will elect new members each year from four groups: (1) students who are candidates for a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, (2) faculty members from Hofstra’s MPH program, (3) MPH alumni actively engaged in public health work, and (4) honorary members who possess exceptional qualifications and have attained meritorious distinction in the field of public health. Assistant Professor Chanapong Rojanaworiat, Advisor.

Eta Sigma Gamma, Gamma Pi Chapter, a national honor society in health, is open to undergraduate and graduate health professions majors who meet the following requirements: undergraduate: juniors or seniors with at least 15 credits in health (taken at Hofstra) and a minimum major GPA of 3.5 and a cumulative of 3.5. Graduate: at least 30 credits in health and a minimum GPA of 3.75. The society’s objectives are the promotion of education, research, and service in and for the related disciplines. Eta Sigma Gamma publishes two semiannual journals: The Health Educator, and The Eta Sigma Gamma Monograph Series. Adjunct Assistant Professor Labiento, Advisor.

Gamma Kappa Alpha, a national Italian honor society recognizing students who have attained excellence in the study of the Italian language and culture. Students are invited to join by the Italian faculty. Associate Professor Ultsch, Advisor.

Gamma Theta Upsilon, Mu Kappa chapter, an international honor society in geography founded in 1928. Members have met the academic requirements and share a background and interest in geography. Chapter activities support geographic knowledge and awareness. To join Mu Kappa, students must have completed a minimum of three geography courses, have a GPA of at least 3.3 overall and in geography, and shall have completed at least three semesters or five quarters of college course work. Consult the Department of Global Studies and Geography’s Mu Kappa webpage and the GTU website. Associate Professor Jensen, Advisor.

IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu, Lambda Xi Chapter, an international honor society dedicated to encouraging and recognizing excellence in the IEEE-designated fields of interest. These include Engineering, Biological and Medical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Computer Sciences, and Information Technology, Mathematics, Technical Communications, Education, Management, Law, and Policy. Members consist of students, alumni, and other professionals who have demonstrated exceptional academic and professional accomplishments. Student members are selected on the basis of scholastic standing, character, and leadership. Through a variety of service programs and leadership training, student members develop lifelong skills that earmark them for prominent positions in industry and academia. Members are much better prepared for the post-college world and are especially valuable and attractive to employers. They are recognized as extremely capable, both technically and professionally. Professor Ghorayeb, Advisor.

Japanese National Honor Society – College Chapter, administered by the American Association of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ). Hofstra University students who study Japanese are eligible for nomination for admission. This award recognizes and encourages achievement and excellence in the study of the Japanese language and is recognized as a national achievement. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 in 5-semester courses of Japanese and have an overall GPA of 3.0 at the time of nomination. Outstanding students of the Japanese language should be commended for their motivation and perseverance, not to mention their determination in studying this challenging language. Professor Patricia Welch, Advisor.

Kappa Delta Pi, Theta Beta Chapter, an international education honor society is open to undergraduate and graduate students. To become a member, undergraduate students must have completed 62 or more semester hour credits with a cumulative average of 3.5 or above, and 12 or more credits in Education with an average of 3.75 or above. Graduate students must complete 6 semester-hour credits or more in Education with a cumulative average of 3.75 or better. Students must apply before their final semester. Members receive the Kappa Delta Pi Record, The Educational Forum, and have access to unlimited education resources and a network of educators. Professor Kaufman, Advisor.

Lambda Alpha, a national collegiate honor society open to anthropology majors with a minimum 3.0-grade point average in anthropology courses (with at least 15 s.h. in anthropology taken at Hofstra), and a 3.0 cumulative average. Associate Professor Daniels, Advisor.

Lambda Pi Eta is the official honor society of the National Communication Association (NCA). The goals of Lambda Pi Eta are to recognize, foster, and reward outstanding scholastic achievement; stimulate interest in the field of communication; promote and encourage professional development among communication majors; provide an opportunity for discussion and the exchange of ideas; establish and maintain close relationships and understanding between faculty and students, and explore options for further graduate studies. To be eligible for membership students must have completed 60 semester hours, have completed 12 semester hours of communication study, have a cumulative GPA of 3.0, have a GPA of 3.25 in the major, be in the upper 35% of their graduating class, be currently enrolled as a full-time student in good standing, and display commitment to the field of communication. To retain membership these grade point averages must be maintained. Professor Drucker, Advisor.

Omicron Delta Epsilon, an international economics honor society open to students with a genuine interest in economics. To join the Hofstra chapter, students must have completed at least 12 semester hours in economics. They also must have earned at least a 3.0 GPA in economics course work, and a 3.0 overall. For more information, consult the ODE website. Associate Professor Alexandrakis, Advisor.

Phi Alpha Theta is an honor society for undergraduate and graduate students and professors of history. The society, established in 1921, has over 400,000 members, with some 9,000 new members joining each year through 970 chapters nationwide. At Hofstra, exceptional history majors will be inducted each spring upon the recommendation of faculty. Professor Stanislao Pugliese, Advisor.

Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and most prestigious academic honor society in the United States, celebrates and advocates excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. The Omega of New York chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at Hofstra University is one of only 290 chapters in the nation. To be considered for Phi Beta Kappa, a student must attain outstanding grades in liberal arts courses, demonstrate intellectual curiosity through the breadth, depth, and rigor of coursework taken outside the major department, study a foreign language through the intermediate level, and be of good moral character. A high GPA alone does not guarantee election to Phi Beta Kappa. Ordinarily, students are considered for induction during their senior year, but a small number of juniors with exceptional academic records are also considered for membership. Courtney Selby, Director of the Law Library and Professor of Law, Chapter President.

Phi Delta Kappa International, the premier professional association for educators, serves educators in communities across the United States and abroad. PDK strives to prepare the next generation of educators as well as to serve practicing teachers, administrators, college educators, and those concerned about public education through a wide range of innovative initiatives based on visionary leadership, relevant research, and dedicated service. Membership is open to both undergraduate and graduate students, who pledge to uphold the principles of PDK. Professional membership is available to individuals who support the mission and purpose of Phi Delta Kappa International, demonstrate professional conduct, hold a baccalaureate degree or equivalent standard as determined by the International Board, are licensed or credentialed as educators or employed in an education-related field, or are undergraduate education majors who are participating in or have completed student teaching. Undergraduate student membership is for those students who support the mission and purpose of Phi Delta Kappa International, are enrolled in an accredited education program, and who make applications prior to student teaching. An individual who is engaged in or has completed student teaching is eligible for professional membership. The association publishes the Phi Delta Kappan, the most-cited education journal in the United States, and sponsors the annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public Schools. Assistant Professor DiMartino, Chapter President.

Phi Eta Sigma, a national honor society is open to all full-time first-year students achieving a minimum 3.5 average during either the first or second semester of study here at Hofstra. Invitations for lifetime membership are sent to students after the second semester of study. Members meet fellow students from all academic disciplines and join them in promoting academic excellence. Members may be eligible for both local and national scholarships. Assistant Dean Porcelli and Assistant Dean Sloan-Montalvo, Advisors.

Phi Sigma Tau, a national philosophy honor society is open to students who have completed nine hours of philosophy credits, and have achieved a 3.0 cumulative average and a 3.3 average in philosophy classes. Professor McEvoy, Advisor.

Pi Delta Phi, a national French honor society, recognizes excellence in the study of language, literature, and civilization. It honors as regular members graduate and undergraduate students nominated in recognition of their academic achievement in at least one semester of upper-division French, and who have completed at least three semesters of the college course with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in French, and rank in the top 35 percent of their class. Students are invited to join by the French faculty acting through the Advisor and president of the society. Adjunct Assistant Professor Barth, Chapter President; Professor Loucif, Advisor.

Pi Kappa Lambda, a national music honor society recognizing academic excellence and demonstrated musicianship. The faculty committee confers the following awards on selected music majors in the top ten percent of their respective classes: certificates of honor (sophomores) and membership in the society (graduating seniors). Professor Hettrick, Advisor.

Pi Mu Epsilon, a national mathematics honor organization open to students who, by their senior year, have attained a 3.4-grade point average in major level mathematics courses as well as 3.3 cumulative. Open to sophomores and juniors who meet more stringent requirements. The organization sponsors events of interest to students of the mathematical sciences. Associate Professor Elston, Advisor.

Pi Sigma Alpha, a national political science honor society open to junior and senior students of high academic achievement who show promise in the field of political science. Associate Professor Nanes, Advisor.

Psi Chi, a national psychology honor society open to students who have completed nine hours of psychology credits, and at least 45 hours overall, and have achieved the following grade point averages: a 3.0 cumulative average, and a 3.0-grade point average in psychology courses. Prospective candidates must also attend three meetings before they are eligible for induction. Assistant Professor Barkley-Levenson, Advisor.

Sigma Delta Pi, a national Spanish honor society recognizing students who have attained excellence in the study of the language, literature, and cultures of the Hispanic world. Students are invited to join by the Spanish faculty and officers of the society. Professor Anastasio, Advisor.

Sigma Gamma Epsilon is a national honor society established to recognize scholarship and professionalism in the Earth Sciences. It has for its objectives the scholastic, scientific, and professional advancement of its members and the extension of relations of friendship and assistance among colleges and universities which are devoted to the advancement of the Earth Sciences. Professor Bennington, Advisor.

Sigma Pi is an honor society open to matriculated majors in the Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences Department who have achieved excellence in their undergraduate studies at Hofstra University.  Students must complete an application by the October 15 deadline in order to be considered for eligibility.  Students who are eligible for consideration must have completed a minimum of 30 semester hours in-residence at Hofstra, with at least 24 hours in speech-language-hearing sciences course work; must have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.7; and must provide documentation of service to the department, community, and/or University. Professor Roberts, Advisor.

Sigma Pi Sigma, a national physics honor society open to Hofstra students who have completed 18 hours of physics courses with a 3.7-grade point average. Students must also be in the upper third of their graduating class. Professor Lacey, Advisor.

Sigma Tau Delta, an international English honor society open to junior and senior English majors who have completed 12 or more semester hours of English courses at Hofstra and who have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 in English courses and an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. Professor Digaetani, Advisor.

Society for Collegiate Journalists, Pi Delta Epsilon chapter, a national honor society recognizing meritorious work on-campus media. Students interested in applying must have worked in a recognized media for one year and have a cumulative 2.5-grade point average. Selection to this honor society is based on the application and recommendation of current members.

Upsilon Phi Delta, the honor society of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration, is dedicated to the recognition of scholarly excellence in the study of health administration. The Hofstra chapter of Upsilon Phi Delta seeks to reward and encourage the standards, ideals, competence, and ethics that will promote excellence in the field of health administration. Students with exceptional academic performance demonstrated integrity, noted contributions to the health care field and the endorsement of M.H.A. program faculty members will be invited to join this prestigious honor society. Adjunct Associate Professor Gatto, Advisor.

Upsilon Pi Epsilon, the international honor society for the computing and information disciplines, open to all undergraduate computer science and computer engineering majors who have achieved cumulative and major grade point averages of at least 3.3, and have earned a minimum of 64 credits, 24 of which are in-residence and a minimum of 18 computer science credits. Professor Liang, Advisor.

^{Updated January 2023}