Distinctions, Awards, and Prizes

At each Convocation ceremony, Bishop’s University recognizes the remarkable achievements of its graduands through a variety of distinctions, special awards, and academic prizes.

Graduating With Distinction or With High Distinction

To honour exceptional academic achievement among undergraduate students, Bishop’s University confers “With Distinction” and “With High Distinction” at each annual Convocation ceremony. These honours are awarded to the top-performing students within each graduating class, as defined by those graduating with the same degree from the same Division. For example, a graduating class may include all Bachelor of Arts candidates within the Faculty of Social Sciences participating in the same ceremony.

Honours are determined prior to Convocation, and students’ official transcripts are updated accordingly. The notations “With Distinction” and “With High Distinction” do not appear on diplomas or on Letters of Attestation. The designation is also announced aloud as each graduand crosses the stage.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible, students must:

• be completing their first undergraduate degree. Certificate or micro-certificate programs are ineligible.
• have achieved a minimum cumulative average of 80%
• be in the top of their graduating class:
  • With Distinction: top 20% of their graduating class
  • With High Distinction: top 5% of their graduating class

Students may receive only one of these two honours.