General Information 

Allen College recognizes students who receive a scholarship, honor, or award in several ways. News articles are sent to the Waterloo Courier and several other area newspapers. Students who do not wish to have this information published must notify the Registrar's Office in writing no later than one week after the beginning of the semester. Some scholarship recipients are required to attend a recognition event in the fall. Other honors and awards are recognized at the Graduation Ceremony. 

Dean’s List 

Recognition of outstanding academic achievement is an important part of the Allen College philosophy. At the completion of each semester, undergraduate students who have achieved a 3.5 grade point while enrolled in at least 12 hours will be named to the Dean’s List. Students who obtain Dean's List recognition deserve special congratulations and will receive a certificate via mail at their local address listed on file.  

Academic Honors  

Academic honors will be given to outstanding Associate and Baccalaureate Degree graduating students each year. During the graduation ceremony, academic honors are given based on the student’s GPA at the conclusion of the previous required semester. Final honors will be calculated after graduation and noted on the student’s transcript and diploma. The honors and criteria for each are as follows: 

• The distinction summa cum laude (highest honor) is given to students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.9 or above. 
• The distinction magna cum laude (high honor) is given to students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.71 to 3.89. 
• The distinction cum laude (honor) is given to students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 to 3.7.