UO Catalog

Academic Honors

Departmental Honors

Many departments at the University of Oregon offer a bachelor’s degree with honors in the academic major. Students may graduate with honors in the following majors—in the College of Arts and Sciences, unless indicated otherwise: accounting (Lundquist College of Business); anthropology; art history (School of Architecture and Allied Arts); biochemistry; biology; business administration (Lundquist College of Business); chemistry; Chinese; classics; comparative literature; computer and information science; economics; educational studies (College of Education); English; environmental science; environmental studies; French; general science; geography; geological sciences; German; history; humanities; human physiology, international studies; Italian; Japanese; linguistics; mathematics; philosophy; physics; planning, public policy and management (School of Architecture and Allied Arts); political science; psychology; religious studies; Romance languages; Russian and East European studies; sociology; Spanish; theater arts.

Specific requirements of departmental honors programs are listed in the departmental sections in this catalog.

Society of College Scholars

Through the Society of College Scholars, high-achieving students can enrich an undergraduate degree program through interaction with some of the College of Arts and Sciences’ finest faculty members, unique course offerings, specialized research, and related learning opportunities. Students may join this program any time up to the end of the sophomore year. The program is described in the introductory section for the College of Arts and Sciences.

Professional Distinctions Program

Students who have completed 60 credits and achieved a GPA of 3.00 or better are eligible to begin the Professional Distinctions Program. This program is described in the introductory section for the College of Arts and Sciences.

Honors Lists [back to top]

Dean’s List

The Dean’s List is announced after each fall, winter, and spring term. To qualify, a student must be an admitted undergraduate and complete at least 15 credits for the term; 12 of the 15 credits must be graded with a GPA of 3.75 or better.

Junior Scholars

Undergraduates with 90 to 134 credits, the last 45 taken at the UO, and GPAs of 3.75 or higher are named junior scholars by the Mortar Board honorary society during winter term.

Latin Honors [back to top]

Graduating seniors who have earned at least 90 credits in residence at the University of Oregon and have successfully completed all other university degree requirements are eligible for graduation with Latin honors. These distinctions are based on students’ percentile rankings in their respective graduating classes, as follows:

Top 10 percent cum laude

Top 5 percent magna cum laude

Top 2 percent summa cum laude

The Office of the Registrar computes Latin honors upon graduation.

Honorary Societies [back to top]

One means of recognizing outstanding students at the University of Oregon is through election to membership in a chapter of a local, national, or international honorary society. Criteria for membership and the scope of activities vary. Some focus on scholastic achievement; others consider grades and other factors such as community service and leadership. Some honorary societies select members by invitation only; for others, students must submit applications.

Initiation Fees. Many honorary societies charge initiation fees. The Olwen William Harris Endowment Fund has been established to help students who cannot afford to pay initiation fees. To receive money from this fund, students must complete a request form, available from the Office of Student Life. An advisory committee reviews all requests and dispenses the awards.

Honoraries Based on Scholarship

(membership by invitation)

Alpha Lambda Delta

Laura Blake Jones, Adviser

(541) 346-1133

One of two national honorary societies for freshmen, Alpha Lambda Delta is for students whose cumulative GPA is 3.50 or better, for a minimum of 12 graded credits a term, after winter or spring term of their freshman year. Students who accept the invitation to join are initiated in May. Members participate in activities during their sophomore year. Initiation fee: $15 to $30.

Golden Key

Amy Neutzman, Adviser

(541) 346-3226

Golden Key national honorary society recognizes scholastic achievement in undergraduate fields of study. Eligibility is limited to the top 15 percent of juniors and seniors. Students must have a 3.70 GPA and a minimum of 45 credits at the university to be invited. A membership reception is held in the spring, and two scholarships are awarded annually to outstanding junior and senior initiates. Initiation fee: $60.

Phi Beta Kappa Society

Ian McNeely, Adviser

(541) 346-4791

www.uoregon.edu/~pbk

Founded in 1776, the Phi Beta Kappa Society is the oldest and most prestigious honorary society in the nation. The UO has the only Phi Beta Kappa chapter in the Oregon University System.

The society honors students whose undergraduate academic records fulfill the objectives of a liberal arts education. Selection for Phi Beta Kappa is not automatic, but students do not have to apply or be nominated for consideration.

After screening academic records, a committee of Phi Beta Kappa members makes recommendations to the membership at large. Following an election meeting in late May, elected students are invited to join. Also elected are the Oregon Six—six students voted the most outstanding of those elected to membership that year. Students who accept the invitation to join are initiated before spring commencement. Initiation fee: $45.

Criteria for membership are listed on the Phi Beta Kappa website. Students are typically invited to join the society shortly before they graduate.

Phi Eta Sigma

Laura Blake Jones, Adviser

(541) 346-1133

UO freshmen who have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 and at least 12 graded credits a term after winter or spring term are invited to join Phi Eta Sigma. New members are initiated in the spring and are active the following year. Initiation fee: $15–$30.

Honoraries Based on Scholarship, Leadership, and Service

(membership by invitation and application)

Ancient Order of the Druids

Deborah Chereck, Adviser

(541) 346-6005

Druids is an honorary society for juniors who exhibit outstanding scholarship, leadership, service, character, and participation in student activities. It is open to anyone with a 3.20 GPA or better who completes 90 credits by the following fall term. Availability of applications is announced each spring in the Oregon Daily Emerald. Membership is limited to approximately twenty-five. New members are elected by unanimous vote of the active members.

Friars

Laura Blake Jones, Adviser

(541) 346-1133

Established in 1910, Friars is the oldest honorary on campus. Membership is composed of faculty members and of students who have completed at least three years of study. Criteria are contributions to the university, potential for community leadership, and commitment to the university as alumni. No application is required. Prospective members are nominated by the active membership. New members are selected each spring.

Mortar Board

Marisa Tabizon Thompson, Adviser

(541) 346-1247

A national honorary society for seniors, Mortar Board emphasizes leadership, scholarship, and service. To be eligible for membership, students must have at least a 3.20 GPA and be entering their senior year the term following initiation. Selection and initiation of qualified candidates takes place spring term. Initiation fee: $55.

Professional Organizations

Alpha Kappa Delta

Leslie D. Hall, Adviser

(541) 346-5073

An international sociological honorary society, Alpha Kappa Delta is open to juniors and seniors who meet the following criteria: a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00, a cumulative GPA in UO sociology courses of at least 3.00, and completion of at least five sociology courses at the University of Oregon, at least four of which must be graded. Members investigate sociological issues and problems through social and intellectual activities that lead to improvement of the human condition. Initiation fee: $55.

Alpha Kappa Psi

Charles Kalnbach, Adviser

(541) 346-6164

Alpha Kappa Psi is a national, professional fraternity for majors and minors in business, computer and information science, and economics. Founded to enhance the business education of men and women, the organization’s mission is to develop well-trained, ethical, skilled, resourceful, and experienced business leaders. To achieve this, each chapter supplements the traditional classroom experience with business field trips, seminars, career activities, research surveys, and other professional events. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 is required for membership. Alpha Kappa Psi stands for the highest ideals of conduct and achievement in university and professional life. Initiation fee: $60.

Asklepiads

Karen Cooper, Adviser

(541) 346-1077

Asklepiads is for students interested in careers in the health sciences. Activities include dispensing prehealth sciences literature, maintaining information files on medical schools, supervising preceptorships in health fields, and arranging tours of the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland. Information and applications are available in 364 Oregon Hall.

Beta Alpha Psi

Joel Sneed, Adviser

(541) 346-3417

Beta Alpha Psi is a national scholastic and professional accounting and finance fraternity. Its primary objectives are to encourage and recognize scholastic and professional excellence in the field, to provide members with opportunities for self-development and association with practicing accountants and finance professionals, and to encourage in members a sense of ethical, social, and public responsibility. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.00, with a 3.00 in the upper-division accounting and finance courses, is required for membership. Initiation fee: $45.

Beta Gamma Sigma

Jeanne Coe, Adviser

(541) 346-3275

Beta Gamma Sigma, a national scholastic honorary society in business administration, promotes the advancement of education in the art and science of business and fosters integrity in the conduct of business operations. To be eligible for membership, a student must rank in the top 5 percent of the junior class, the top 10 percent of the senior class, or the top 20 percent of a master’s degree program, or be a graduating doctoral candidate. Membership is by invitation only. Selection is by a faculty committee. Beta Gamma Sigma is strictly an honorary organization with no formal meetings other than the social functions accompanying initiation. Initiation fee: $50.

Delta Phi Alpha

Jeffrey Librett, Adviser

(541) 346-0649

Chartered in 1936, Delta Phi Alpha is a national honorary society dedicated to promoting the study of German language, literature, and civilization; to furthering an interest in and a better understanding of German-speaking people; and to fostering a sympathetic appreciation of German culture.

Membership is open to graduate and undergraduate students who have completed two years of college German. Students must have an overall GPA of 2.75 and a GPA of 3.30 in their upper-division German courses. Initiation fee: $10.

Kappa Tau Alpha

Alan G. Stavitsky, Adviser

(541) 346-5848

Kappa Tau Alpha is a national honor society that recognizes and encourages high scholastic and professional standards among journalism majors. Membership is by invitation to undergraduate and graduate students in the top 10 percent of their classes. Faculty members in the School of Journalism and Communication select new members. Initiation fee: $25.

Mathematics Association of America

Adviser

(541) 346-5630

The student chapter of the Mathematics Association of America sponsors films and talks on subjects that are not usually encountered in the classroom. The talks, by students and faculty members, are geared to undergraduates. Students are welcome to attend events regardless of whether they choose to join the chapter.

Mu Phi Epsilon

Claire L. Wachter, Adviser

(541) 346-3758

An international music fraternity, Mu Phi Epsilon members to gain experience in public performances. Music majors who have reached second-term freshman standing in the music-major curriculum are eligible for election on the basis of scholarship, musicianship, character, and personality. Activities include presenting musical programs on and off campus, organizing receptions at musical events, and hosting guest artists. Initiation fee: $43.

Order of the Coif

Laird C. Kirkpatrick, President

(541) 346-3836

Chartered at the UO in 1934, Order of the Coif is a national law school honorary society that recognizes superior scholarship and promotes the ethical standards of the legal profession. The School of Law faculty selects members from the top 10 percent of each graduating class. Initiation fee: $25.

Phi Beta

Ceil Forrest, Adviser

(541) 485-3435

Phi Beta is a professional fraternity for students of music, speech, drama, dance, or art. It aims to encourage high professional standards and support for the creative and performing arts. Membership criteria are based on scholarship and intellectual achievement, career development, and the use of students’ talents to serve other students, schools, and communities. Initiation fee: $25.

Pi Alpha Alpha

Adviser

Pi Alpha Alpha, a national honorary society, promotes scholarship and recognition among students and professionals in public affairs and administration and fosters integrity and creative performance in government and related public service. To become members, past or present students or teachers must display high academic achievement or outstanding public service in public-affairs or public-administration programs of universities that belong to the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. Initiation fee: $30.

Psi Chi

Department of Psychology Adviser

(541) 346-4921

The purpose of the national Psi Chi society is to encourage, stimulate, and maintain scholarship among psychology undergraduate and graduate students. Potential members must be in the top 35 percent of their class and have at least 12 credits in psychology. A 3.00 GPA is required of graduate students. Selection by application takes place throughout the year. Initiation fee: $30.

Upsilon Pi Epsilon

Michal Young, Adviser

(541) 346-4140

Upsilon Pi Epsilon is the only existing honors society in the computing and information disciplines. Its mission is to recognize academic excellence at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Criteria for membership are available from the adviser. Initiation fee: $15.

Service Organizations

Alpha Phi Omega

Chris Loschiavo, Adviser

(541) 346-1141

A service honorary organization for undergraduate and graduate students, Alpha Phi Omega develops leadership skills and promotes friendship by serving the local community. Applications are accepted year-round in Suite 4 of the EMU. Initiation fee: $15.

Awards and Prizes [back to top]

Individual and Organization Awards

Listed are major university awards presented during Family Weekend in May. Selection criteria are available from the honors and awards coordinator in the Office of Student Life.

American Association of University Women Senior Recognition Award (senior woman)

Bess Templeton Cristman Award (junior woman)

Burt Brown Barker Vice Presidential Cups (men’s and women’s living organizations)

Centurion Awards (undergraduate students)

Dean’s Award for Service (senior)

Doyle Higdon Memorial Trophy (sophomore student-athlete)

Emerald Athletic Award (senior student-athlete)

Friendship Foundation Awards (international student)

Frohnmayer Award (fifth-year senior)

George Bean Memorial Scholarship (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transexual concerns)

Gerlinger Cup (junior woman)

Gherty-Moore Nontraditional Student Scholarship

Global Citizen Award (any student)Golda Parker Wickham Scholarship (any student)

Graduate Service Awards (master’s or doctoral students)

Jackson Athletic Trophy (senior woman athlete)

Jewel Hairston Bell Award (person of color)

Jim Buch Award (junior)

Koyl Cup (junior man)

Mary Hudzikiewicz Award (freshman)

Maurice Harold Hunter Leadership Scholarship (junior man from Oregon)

Mother’s Club Scholarships (any student)

Nontraditional Student Award

Ola Love Fellowship, American Association of University Women (graduate student)

Outstanding International Student Awards (any student)

Paul Olum Award (senior)

Ray Hawk Award (senior)

School of Music (any student)

Student Parent Award

Theresa Kelly Janes Award (any student)

Vernon Barkhurst Award (sophomore)

Wilson Cup (senior)

Fellowships and Scholarships

For information about other fellowships and scholarships, see Student Financial Aid and Scholarships and departmental sections of this catalog.

Neil D. Blackman Memorial Scholarship (political science award to undergraduate and graduate students studying humanities or political philosophy relevant to human rights and the responsibilities of individuals to democratic institutions)

Thomas Condon Fellowship in Paleontology (graduate student of paleontology)

Eric Englund Scholarship (senior or first-year graduate student in English or history)

Alice Henson Ernst Scholarship (first-year graduate student in English)

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship (sophomore or junior math and science majors)

Fulbright Grants for Overseas Study (graduate students)

Fulbright-Hays Dissertation Research Abroad Program (doctoral candidates)

German Academic Exchange Service Study Grant

Walter and Nancy Kidd Scholarships (undergraduate students)

Marshall Scholarship

Outstanding Graduate Teaching Fellow Award (graduate teaching fellow in geological sciences)

Rhodes Scholarship

Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship (junior or senior-year undergraduate or graduate)

Stanley Maveety Scholarship (first-year graduate student in English)

Lloyd Staples Fellowship (undergraduate and graduate students in -geological sciences)

Truman Scholarship (junior-year undergraduate student)

James C. Stovall Fellowship Fund (awards to undergraduate students of geological sciences)

Prizes

Several cash prizes are awarded for student essays and other competitions. The Women’s and Gender Studies Program administers the Bruce M. Abrams Award in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Studies. The winning undergraduate project, which may be from any discipline, is honored with a $500 prize.

The Department of Mathematics administers the William Lowell Putnam examination, a national competition offering prizes to top finishers.

The George W. Cherry Speech Award is a scholarship given to the best public speaker in the forensics program.

The Department of Philosophy oversees the George Rebec Essay Contest. Two prizes—$100 gift certificates to the UO Bookstore—are awarded for the best undergraduate and graduate essays on any area of philosophy. Walter and Nancy Kidd Writing Prizes for undergraduate students are administered by the Creative Writing Program.

Students should inquire at their home departments about additional contests or competitions for expository or creative writing or other student projects.