Honors

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To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must meet the following requirements:

1. as a freshman (at least 12 credits per semester), complete a semester with a 3.3 GPA;
2. after the freshman year, have a 3.4 GPA for the semester (at least 12 credits per semester);
3. a full-time student must complete at least 12 hours per semester in letter grades other than P and with no grades of INC;
4. a part-time student must complete at least 12 hours over his or her two most recent semesters in attendance, must earn letter grades other than P with no grade of INC, must
5. have a GPA of 3.3 up to 24 credits total and 3.4 thereafter, and must not have been a full-time student during the period under consideration;
6. only courses taken in residence at Hofstra may be used to satisfy the requirements for 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 and will be invited to attend special lectures and discussions. 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.

Hofstra University Honors College

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 Hofstra University 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 82 hours in residence at Hofstra. Candidates with fewer than 82 hours but at least 60 hours in residence at Hofstra who are qualified in terms of their record at the University and in terms of their cumulative record, which shall include work completed at other institutions and at Hofstra, may be graduated with distinction.

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 adviser.

Alpha Epsilon Delta, the international 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, Adviser.

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 Abraham, Adviser.

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

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 operation of a concession during events held in the Playhouse and is the only student honor organization to maintain an endowment fund. Rychard Curtiss, Adviser.

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.

Beta Alpha Psi, a national honor society is open to accounting, finance, and information technology 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. Linda Schain, Department Administrator, Accounting, Taxation and Legal Studies in Business, Adviser.

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. Assistant Professor Vallier, Adviser.

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

English Honor Society, a University society open to junior and senior English majors who have completed at least 12 semester hours of upper-level courses with at least a 3.5 average. Associate Professor Janssen, Adviser.

Eta Sigma Gamma, Gamma Pi Chapter, a national honor society in health education, is open to undergraduate and graduate health education 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 3.3 and a cumulative of 3.2. Graduate: at least 12 credits in health and a minimum GPA of 3.3. The society’s objectives are the promotion of teaching, research, and service in and for the health education discipline. Eta Sigma Gamma publishes two semiannual journals: The Health Educator, and The Eta Sigma Gamma Monograph Series. Adjunct Assistant Professor Labiento, Adviser.

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

Golden Key International Honor Society, a nonprofit academic honors organization founded for the purpose of recognizing and encouraging scholastic achievement among students from all academic fields. Life-time membership is by invitation only and is limited to no more than the top 15 percent of the juniors and seniors enrolled at the University. Part-time as well as full-time students qualify; transfer students are eligible when they have established 30 credits at Hofstra. Neil H. Donahue, Associate Dean, HUHC, Adviser.

Kappa Delta Pi, Theta Beta Chapter, an international education honor society open to undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduate students need an average of 3.6 or above in the field of education and a cumulative average of 3.4 or above, and must have completed 50 or more semester hours overall, with 8 or more semester hours in education courses. Members receive the Kappa Delta Pi Record, The Educational Forum and other publications. Assistant Professor Stemn, Adviser. .

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.

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, Adviser.

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, contact Assistant Professor Rachel Kreier, or consult the ODE Web site.

Phi Alpha Theta, an international history honor society open to undergraduate students in any academic major. The requirements are a grade point average of a minimum 3.4 in at least 15 hours of history courses, a cumulative average of 3.35, and upon recommendation of the History Department faculty. The society publishes Historian. ProfessorPugliese, Adviser.

Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and most prestigious academic honor society in the United States, is dedicated to the recognition of scholarly excellence in the liberal arts and sciences and attainment of high moral character. The Omega of New York chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at Hofstra University is one of only 262 chapters in the nation. Students inducted as seniors must have completed at least 90 liberal arts credits, demonstrated sufficient breadth in their education, fulfilled the B.A. language requirements, and achieved an outstanding academic record in liberal arts. A small number of juniors with exceptional academic records are also considered for membership. Awards are given annually to sophomore students who have attained extraordinary academic performance in their freshman year. Dr. Hastings, 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 application 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. Associate Dean Spencer, Adviser.

Phi Eta Sigma, a national honor society is open to all full-time freshmen achieving a minimum 3.5 average during either the first or second semester of study here at Hofstra. Invitations for life-time 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 Sammy Gergis, Adviser.

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.

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 adviser and president of the society. Rosalba Barth, Chapter President; Professor Powell, Adviser.

Pi Gamma Mu, an international social science honor society to reward interest and achievement in the college study of the social sciences. Pi Gamma Mu endeavors to inspire social service to humanity and life interest in the study of human association. It seeks also a synthesis of all branches of social science into a philosophy of human society and human welfare. A junior, senior, or graduate student with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better with at least 20 semester hours combined in the social sciences is eligible. For additional information, for example about qualifying social science disciplines, please consult the HCLAS Dean’s Office.

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, Adviser.

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 Michaels, Adviser.

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. Assistant Professor Nanes, Adviser.

Psi Chi, a national psychology honor society open to students who have completed nine hours of psychology credit, and at least 45 hours overall, and have achieved the following grade point averages: a 3.0 cumulative average, and a 3.3 grade point average in psychology courses. Prospective candidates must also attend 3 meetings before they are eligible for induction. Associate Professor Brown, Adviser.

Sigma Delta Pi, a national Spanish honor society recognizing students who have attained excellence in the study of the language and who have made contributions to the Hispanic world. Students are invited to join by the Spanish faculty and officers of the society. Professor DaSilva, McNair, and Associate Professor Cao, Advisers.

Sigma Pi, is an honor society open to matriculated majors in speech-language-hearing science 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 semester hours in speech-language-hearing sciences course work; must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5, with a minimum grade point average of 3.7 in speech courses; and must have documentation of service to the department, community and/or University. Professor Ronald L. Bloom, Adviser.

Sigma Pi Sigma, a national physics honor society open to Hofstra students who have completed 18 hours of physics courses with a 3.5 grade point average. Students must also be in the upper third of their graduating class. Professor Garuthara, Adviser.

Sigma Tau Delta, an international English honor society open to junior and senior English majors who have completed 12 or more semester hours of 100-level English courses and who have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 in those courses. Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. Professor Sills and Professor Smith, Advisers.

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 application and recommendation of current members.

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. Associate Professor Pillaipakkamnatt, Adviser.