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L&S Graduation with Distinction
Graduation with Distinction – College of Letters & Science
Graduation with Distinction is an academic honor awarded to undergraduate students whose cumulative GPA places them in the top 20% of their graduating class for that term, provided they have earned at least 60 residence credits at UW–Madison.
This distinction is noted on the student’s official transcript (not on the diploma) once all final grades and degrees are posted. For May graduates, this process typically occurs in late June or early July. For December graduates, this process typically occurs in late January or early February.
Eligibility Requirements
Before Graduation with Distinction can be calculated, the following must be completed:
- All final term grades must be posted for undergraduate students.
- Degree audit processes must be finalized for all students expecting to graduate.
- All undergraduate degrees must be officially posted.
Commencement Recognition
Eligible L&S undergraduate students may be invited to wear a solid cardinal red stole at the Commencement ceremony. This stole signifies that the student ranks in the top 20% of their graduating class and has completed or is completing at least 60 residence credits.
Please note:
- Students pursuing an L&S Honors degree (Honors in the Liberal Arts, Honors in the Major, or Comprehensive Honors) do not receive the unofficial DSA (Distinctive Scholastic Achievement) designation.
- Students eligible for both Honors and Distinction should wear the honors stole only at Commencement.
- Students who qualify will receive an email notification from the Dean's Office.
More information about graduation attire is available under Caps and Gowns.
Important Notes
- The “Graduation with Distinction” designation is not guaranteed based on the Commencement program listing. Final eligibility is determined after all grades are posted.
- Students not listed in the program may still earn the distinction once final grades are reviewed.
- The GPA cutoff for August graduates is the same as the cutoff used for May graduates.
- Students participating in Commencement but graduating in a future term are not included in the current DSA calculation due to the number of intervening terms.
Distinction in the Major (Historical)
Previously, L&S awarded Distinction in the Major to students who demonstrated exceptional academic performance in their major and passed a comprehensive exam. This was noted on transcripts. However, as of Fall 2024, this designation is no longer awarded. Students may still earn Graduation with Distinction.
About Distinctive Scholastic Achievement (DSA)
DSA is an unofficial designation used for Commencement recognition. It identifies the top 20% of graduates within each school or college at UW–Madison and determines eligibility for honors stoles.
Additional Information
- UW–Madison (except the Law School) does not use Latin honors (e.g., cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude).
- For more details on how L&S recognizes academic excellence, please refer to the L&S Guide.
- For general graduation information, visit:
Contact Us
If you have questions, please reach out to:
L&S Student Academic Affairs
📞 (608) 262-0617
📧 lsdeans@saa.ls.wisc.edu