Honors, Awards, and Prizes

General Education Honors Program

Presidential Scholars, Frederick Douglass Scholars, and students who complete a semester or more at the University at Albany with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher are invited to enter this program. Other students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or higher may apply for admission on a space-available basis. To remain in the program, students must maintain an honors cumulative average of at least 3.25.

First Semester Self-Selection:

Some entering freshmen who feel they will benefit from individualized honors work and believe they will achieve the 3.25 requisite average may enroll in the program at orientation for their first semester. Since this option is limited by the number of spaces remaining in the fall semester honors course work, admission will be on a first come, first served basis until all slots in the program are filled.

General Education Honors Program Requirements:

Students admitted will take 18 credits of their General Education requirements by completing specifically designated honors courses and their accompanying tutorials as follows:

The �tutorials� (or honors seminars) are the distinctive feature of the program. Honors students will meet with honors instructors regularly to develop and discuss individual honors projects related to the course.

Tutorials are likely to involve such elements as independent study and readings; seminars or colloquia with other honors students and faculty; critiques or position papers; fieldwork; individual and directed research; creative works; and opportunities for students to relate the course material to their own interests and intellectual commitments, whether for a major, career, extracurricular pursuit, or hobbies.

Students who successfully complete the three pairs of honors courses and graduate with a 3.25 or higher cumulative grade point average will have the words HONORS IN THE GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM entered on their transcripts.

(For further information, contact Mr. Richard L. Collier, Director of the General Education Honors Program, Advisement Services Center/ Undergraduate Studies, (ASC/US) ULB-36.)


Departmental/Major Honors Programs:

In an effort to provide challenging and alternative curricular options to its best undergraduates, the University has taken a revitalized interest in encouraging its academic departments and programs to offer high-quality honors programs. The main focus of the honors degree is the honors project, which is conceived as an original piece of written research or a creative project submitted in the senior year. Currently, honors programs exist in the following majors: anthropology, atmospheric science, biology, computer science, economics, English, geography, history, Italian, Judaic studies, linguistics, mathematics, philosophy, physics, political science, psychology, rhetoric and communication, Russian, Spanish, and sociology. Descriptions of these programs may be found under the academic unit offering the program.

Students who complete an honors program may receive a special honors certificate upon the recommendation of their major department.


University Honors Scholars:

If a student successfully completes the requirements for the General Education Honors Program as well as the requirements for one of the departmental/ major honors programs listed previously, the student will be designated a UNIVERSITY HONORS SCHOLAR and this distinction will be entered on the student�s transcript.


Degree with Honors:

University-wide honors are conferred at graduation. A student will be graduated: Cum Laude with an average equal to or greater than 3.25 but less than 3.50; Magna Cum Laude with an average equal to or greater than 3.50 but less than 3.75; Summa Cum Laude with an average equal to or greater than 3.75. For graduation with honors, a student must have completed a minimum of 56 credits at this University graded on the A�E basis.


Dean�s List:

For students matriculating Fall 1997 and thereafter: A full-time student shall be placed on the Dean�s List for a particular semester if the following conditions are met: Within the award semester matriculated students must have completed at Albany a minimum of 12 graduation credits in courses graded A�E, and must have registered for those credits before the last day for adding semester courses.

The student�s semester average must be 3.5 or higher for a sophomore, junior, or senior, and at least 3.25 for a freshman*, with no grade lower than a C, and with no incomplete (I) grades.

* For the purposes of this policy �freshman� is defined as a student whose admissions status is freshman and who has completed no more than two full time semesters of study in the fall or spring semester at the University at Albany.

For students matriculating before Fall 1997: A student shall be placed on the Dean�s List for a particular semester if that student has met all of the following criteria:

Within that semester the student must have completed at Albany a minimum of 12 graduation credits in courses graded A�E, and must have registered for those credits before the last day for adding semester courses. The student�s semester average must be 3.25 or higher, with no grade lower than C-.


Dean�s Commendation for Part-Time Students:

For students matriculating Fall 1997 and thereafter: A student shall receive the Dean�s Commendation for Part-Time Students for a particular semester if the student has met all of the following criteria:

A matriculated student must have completed at least 6 graduation credits at the University at Albany within the given semester in courses graded A�E and have been registered for fewer than 12 credits on the last day for adding semester courses.

The student�s semester average must be 3.5 or higher for a sophomore, junior, or senior, and at least 3.25 for a freshman*, with no grade lower than C, and with no incomplete (I) grades.

* For the purposes of this policy �freshman� is defined as a student whose admissions status is freshman and who has completed no more than two full time semesters of study in the fall or spring semester at the University at Albany.

For students matriculating before Fall 1997: A student shall receive the Dean�s Commendation for Part-Time Students for a particular semester if the student has met all of the following criteria:

A matriculated student must have completed at least 6 graduation credits at the University at Albany within the given semester in courses graded A�E and have been registered for fewer than 12 credits on the last day for adding semester courses. The student�s semester average must be 3.25 or higher, with no grade lower than C-.

Phi Beta Kappa: Students compiling a distinguished academic record at University at Albany, State University of New York may be elected members of the venerable (founded 1776) honorary society, Phi Beta Kappa, in their senior year; or, if they do especially well, in their junior year. To be considered for election, students must have the following:

A major in the liberal arts and sciences, with not fewer than 90 credits of liberal work among the 120 credits needed for graduation. Liberal refers to courses offered by the College of Arts and Sciences for the purposes of degree requirements for the B.A. and B.S. degrees.

Completed at least 3 full semesters of work, or 45 credits, in residence at this University and be pursuing a program toward graduation.

Completed at least 75 graduation credits with a minimum grade point average of at least 3.75 to be elected as a junior. Seniors must have a minimum grade point average of 3.60.

Students pursuing a double major with courses combined from such fields as business, social welfare, or other professional schools may be considered for election in the semester before their expected graduation, if their course work includes at least 90 credits in the liberal arts and sciences. Consideration will be given to courses of a liberal nature, even though they may be offered outside the three colleges of arts and sciences.

The breadth of a student�s program is important, as shown by the number and variety of courses taken outside the major. Students are expected to have completed some work in each of the three colleges. In addition, eligibility for membership is enhanced by some study in a foreign language and mathematics, both at the college level. For students who lack language and/or mathematics study, a higher grade point average is required.

Every student is considered automatically. Individual nomination is not necessary. The final choices are decided on by the full membership of the University at Albany, State University of New York Chapter, Alpha Alpha of New York.

The Office of Undergraduate Studies is committed to assisting students at the University at Albany to identify and apply for scholarships and fellowships. At least once each year the Undergraduate Studies Office hosts a reception for students who are high academic achievers. At the reception a booklet entitled, �Scholarships and Fellowships� is circulated. Information on Scholarships and Fellowships is available to any undergraduate student, free of charge, via the University IBM mainframe on the University at Albany Information System (UAINFO).

Presidential Awards for Undergraduate Research: To encourage undergraduate scholarship and creative work, and to reward excellence and individual initiative, the University has established the Presidential Awards. The nominees for the awards will be selected on the basis of a major paper or project produced by the student in conjunction with a course or independent study, under the direction of an Albany faculty member. The project�s significance will be judged in terms of its academic quality and originality.

Academic Excellence in Mathematics: Awarded annually to one or more graduating seniors on the basis of scholastic achievement in mathematics.

Accounting Club Award for Academic Achievement: Awarded to a School of Business junior accounting major who has demonstrated high academic achievement.

Alpha Pi Alpha Scholarships: Awarded annually to offspring of University at Albany, State University of New York Alpha Pi Alpha members and other students who are full-time matriculated students in attendance and who are in good academic standing at the University.

Alumni Talented Student Scholarships: Awarded annually to those students who demonstrate a superior intellectual, artistic, or performing talent in a single field of study. Awards are limited and are restricted to students entering the University for the first time.

American Institute of Chemists Award: A medal awarded to an outstanding graduating chemistry major, based on demonstrated record of leadership, ability, character, and scholastic achievement.

B'nai Zion Award Medal: Awarded annually to the graduating student having the greatest proficiency in Hebrew.

Glenn Bumpus Memorial Award: Awarded to senior students in the field of biological sciences in recognition of outstanding achievement in undergraduate research and its communication.

Harold L. Cannon Memorial Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement and Service: Awarded to a School of Business student as selected by the faculty on the basis of academic achievement and service to the School of Business, the University, and/or the community.

Certificate of Achievement: Awarded to the junior who has maintained the highest cumulative grade point average. The student shall be a major in the Department of African and Afro-American Studies.

Chemistry Faculty Award: Awarded to an outstanding graduating chemistry major who has demonstrated high scholastic standing, good character, and potential for advancement in the chemical profession.

Class of 1952 Reunion Scholarship: Awarded to a junior or senior University at Albany student who is outstanding in academic and extra-curricular activities. The award is issued each year in the name of one or more distinguished teaching faculty who were associated with the College for Teachers during some or all of the period from 1948 to 1952, during the undergraduate years of the Class of 1952.

Class of 1972 Scholarship Award: Awarded to an Albany senior who, on the basis of both need and merit, is judged most deserving to pursue graduate study at this University.

Edna Craig Memorial Award: Awarded to members of the senior class and/or other members of the student body to provide assistance based on financial need and eligibility.

Crippen Prize: Awarded to the outstanding graduating senior in American History. Candidates must have had at least 18 credits of college level work in American Colonial and United States history, at least 12 credits taken on the University at Albany campus.

Dean�s Award for Distinguished Academic Achievement by a Returning Undergraduate Student: Awarded to a School of Business graduating senior selected by the faculty on the basis of overall grade point, grade point average in the major, and nonscholastic activities.

Anna Boochever DeBeer Scholarship: Awarded annually to graduate students at the University in the fields of Criminal Justice, Public Affairs, Social Welfare, or other areas of human relations, or to assist dedicated and committed students who pursue academic careers in fields which enable them to work for the betterment of society.

Celebration of Undergraduate Achievement Awards: Awarded annually to honor the work of undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences who are enrolled in a humanities or fine arts class.

CRC Press Freshman Chemistry Achievement Award: Awarded annually at the end of the spring semester to a freshman on the basis of outstanding achievement in chemistry.

Christopher DeCormier Memorial Scholarship: Awarded annually to students studying the Maya Language and/or culture under the direction of the Institute for Mesoamerican Studies, Department of Anthropology.

Deloitte, Haskins and Sells/Accounting Club Award for Academic Achievement: Awarded to a School of Business junior accounting major who has demonstrated high academic achievement.

Deloitte, Haskins and Sells/Harold L. Cannon Memorial Accounting Award: Awarded to a School of Business junior accounting major who has demonstrated high academic achievement and service to the School of Business, the University, and the community.

Delta Sigma Pi Scholarship Key: Awarded by the Zeta Psi chapter of the International Business Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi to the School of Business graduating senior with the highest overall grade point average.

Departmental Award for the Outstanding Graduating Senior in Accounting: Awarded by the Department of Accounting to a graduating senior accounting major in recognition of outstanding academic achievement, professional activities, and significant service to the School of Business and the University.

Departmental Award for the Outstanding Graduating Senior in Finance: Awarded by the Department of Finance to a graduating senior finance major in recognition of outstanding academic achievement, professional activities, and significant service to the School of Business and the University.

Departmental Award for the Outstanding Graduating Senior in Management Science and Information Systems: Awarded by the Department of Management Science to a graduating senior management science major in recognition of outstanding academic achievement, professional activities, and significant service to the School of Business and the University.

Departmental Award for the Outstanding Graduating Senior in Marketing: Awarded by the Department of Marketing to a graduating senior marketing major in recognition of outstanding academic achievement, professional activities, and significant service to the School of Business and the University.

Excellence in Scholarship Award Awarded: to a major in African/Afro-American studies on the basis of scholarship, outstanding service to the department, and faculty support.

Robert P. Fairbanks Memorial Fund: Short-term loans designed to provide assistance to students in the field of economics.

Hazel Ferris English Scholarship: Awarded in alternate years to upper division students majoring in Business in memory of Professor George Morell York and in Theatre in memory of Professor Agnes Futterer, based on academic achievement.

French Embassy Book Prizes: Each year, the Cultural Attach� of the French Embassy awards prizes of books to the best students in the Department of French.

Agnes E. Futterer Award: Awarded annually to the graduating senior who has made the most significant contribution to theatre at the University.

Agnes E. Futterer Memorial Fellowship: Awarded annually to an Albany graduate or graduating senior who was in residence at the University for at least two undergraduate years. The fellowship may be used for graduate study in theatre or theatre-related fields at the University at Albany, at any other accredited university, or in a recognized theatre program.

General Studies Academic Excellence Award: Awarded annually by the Office of General Studies for high academic achievement by a returning adult student.

Narayan Gokhale Award: Awarded annually to the graduating atmospheric science major with the highest academic average.

Andrea Hanan Music Scholarship: Awarded annually to an undergraduate entering the music program and/or a continuing first year music major on the basis of outstanding achievement.

Merlin W. Hathaway Memorial Scholarship: Awarded annually to an upper division student based on high academic achievement, athletic accomplishment, leadership, and outstanding personal characteristics.

Vivian C. Hopkins Scholarship Award: Awarded annually to an English major who has demonstrated outstanding scholastic ability and character.

Husted Fellowship Award: Awarded to a graduate student who holds a bachelor�s degree from the University and has been in residence at the University for at least two years as an undergraduate. The fellowship may be used for full-time graduate study at the University at Albany or any other accredited university. Priority is given to candidates with a demonstrated aptitude and interest in teaching.

Gordon Karp Prize for Excellence in Economics: Awarded annually to up to three seniors who have done outstanding work in economics.

Kappa Beta Scholarship: Based on merit, the scholarship is awarded every other year to a graduating senior selected by the Department of Judaic Studies who will continue graduate or professional studies in some aspect of Judaic Studies.

Arthur Long Teaching Assistant Award: Awarded annually to a teaching assistant in the Department of Chemistry on the basis or a genuine concern for the intellectual growth of his/her students, high moral and ethical character, and excellence in scholarship.

Leah Lovenheim Award: Awarded annually by the Department of English for the best student short story.

Shields McIlwaine Award: Awarded annually by the Department of English for the best student poem.

Margaret Yager Middleton Scholarship: Awarded annually to upper division students admitted to the School of Business based on high academic achievement.

Ernest and Florence Bensinger Milano Scholarship: Awarded to upper division students in the School of Business based on high academic achievement.

Dr. Theodore H. Fossieck - Milne School Scholarship: Awarded to newly admitted undergraduate students who are descendants of Milne School graduates or Milne School faculty.

National Association of Accountants Award: Awarded to the outstanding senior accounting major, as recommended by the department, with the highest overall grade point average.

New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants Award: Awarded to the senior accounting major, as recommended by the department, with the highest overall accounting grade point average who is planning to pursue a career in public accounting.

Anna R. Oliver Memorial Scholarship: Awarded annually by the Department of Physics to outstanding juniors or seniors.

Phi Gamma Nu: Scholarship Key Awarded by the National Professional Sorority in Business to a School of Business graduating senior woman selected by the faculty on the basis of overall grade point average, grade point average in the major, and nonscholastic activities.

Pi Sigma Epsilon Scholarship Key: Awarded to a graduating School of Business senior who exemplifies academic and professional excellence in the area of marketing.

William Reedy Prize: Awarded annually by the History Department to an undergraduate student for the best paper submitted in any history course taken at the University during the preceding calendar year.

William E. Rowley Award: Awarded annually by the Journalism Program in the Department of English for the best journalistic writing by a student.

Irving H. Sabgher Memorial Award: for the Outstanding Graduating Senior in Management Awarded by the Department of Management to a graduating senior management major in recognition of outstanding academic achievement, professional activities, and significant service to the School of Business and the University.

Ronald R. Schafer Scholarship fund: Awarded annually to a student demonstrating notable achievement or future promise in journalism.

Mildred Schmidt Award: Awarded to the graduating senior with the best academic record in Latin.

Society for the Advancement of Marketing Award: Awarded to the School of Business graduating senior who has demonstrated an ongoing and lasting commitment to the professional growth and well-being of the School of Business and the University.

Arlene F. Steinberg Award: Awarded to the junior or senior English major who best shows evidence of scholarly or creative contribution to the understanding of 20th-century fiction, poetry, or drama.

Derk V. Tieszen Award: Awarded to a senior chemistry major on the basis of demonstrated achievement in chemistry, physics, and mathematics plus potential as a research worker and teacher of chemistry at an advanced level.

James Unger Memorial Award: Awarded annually by the Department of Political Science on the basis of the best written work in political science submitted by an undergraduate.

Wall Street Journal Award: Awarded to a School of Business graduating senior selected by the faculty on the basis of overall grade point, grade point average in the major, and nonscholastic activities.

Ada Craig Walker Award: Awarded to the senior woman who best typifies the ideals of the University.

Harry Warshawsky Memorial Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement and Service: Awarded to a School of Business student selected by the Office of the Dean on the basis of scholastic achievement and service to the School of Business and the University and who exemplifies the outstanding personal qualities of Harry Warshawsky.

Women�s Studies Award: Awarded to a senior women�s studies major who has combined outstanding academic achievement with contributions to the women�s community on- or off-campus.

Women�s Studies Stoneman-Van Vranken Scholarship: is awarded to the Women�s Studies majors, minors, and/or those who have completed at least four Women�s Studies courses. The winner is selected on the basis of outstanding performance in Women�s Studies courses, significant contributions to the University and larger communities, dedication to feminist principles, and overall academic performance. The award is named for two Albany alumnae whose lives epitomize feminist concerns.


National Honoraries and Honor Societies

Membership in the following national honoraries and honor societies is available to qualified students. Interested students should contact the appropriate dean or department chair for further information.

Alpha Kappa Delta: Alpha Kappa Delta is a national honorary society in sociology.

Alpha Phi Sigma: Alpha Phi Sigma is the national criminal justice honor society.

Beta Gamma Sigma: Beta Gamma Sigma is the national honor society for students of business administration and accounting.

Dobro Slovo: Dobro Slovo is the national Slavic honor society.

Gamma Theta Upsilon: Gamma Theta Upsilon is the International Honor Society in Geography.

Kappa Delta Pi: is an international honor society in education.

Phi Alpha: The Alpha Gamma Chapter of Phi Alpha is an academic honorary society for undergraduate social work/welfare majors.

Phi Alpha Theta: The Chi Delta Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta is an international honor society in history.

Pi Delta Phi: Pi Delta Phi is a national honor society in French. A series of scholarships are offered to members of Pi Delta Phi in a national competition.

Pi Sigma Alpha: Pi Sigma Alpha is a national honorary society in political science.

Psi Chi: Psi Chi is the national honor society for students in psychology.

Sigma Delta Pi: The Eta Psi Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi is a national Spanish honorary dedicated to promoting Spanish language and culture in non-Spanish speaking countries.

Sigma Pi Sigma: Sigma Pi Sigma is a national honor society associated with the American Institute of Physics.

Sigma Tau Delta: Sigma Tau Delta is a national academic honor society for students of English.

Sigma Xi: Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, is a national and international honorary for those with research achievement. Undergraduates who have completed a research project or publication of note are eligible.


Student Retention

Approximately 85 percent of matriculated freshmen enroll for a second year of study. Approximately 54 percent of matriculated full-time freshmen receive a baccalaureate degree within four years of study; approximately 67 percent within five years of study and 69 percent within six years of study. For full-time transfers, approximately 74 percent receive a baccalaureate degree within four years of study at this University.

Undergraduate Bulletin — Table of Contents
University at Albany
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