Academic Regalia

The University Medal is awarded to the undergraduate student (or students) graduating with the GPA of 4.0 or higher, provided that the student (or students) earn all A-level grades and more than 50 percent of the credits required for the degree has been earned at LSU A&M. In semesters where no student qualifies based on the above criteria, no medal will be awarded. Grade-point averages will be computed for (1) all work completed and (2) all work completed at LSU A&M with the lower of the two averages determining eligibility for the medal. Course grades that were excluded previously through the Grade Exclusion Policy will be included in determining the University Medalists. All grades will be used to determine medalists.

Information on eligibility can be found in the LSU Catalog.

Undergraduate degree candidates who will graduate with Latin Honors wear cords.  Purple and gold cords are worn by degree candidates who graduate with Latin Honors. White cords are worn by undergraduate degree candidates who graduate with Upper Division Honors.  Purple, gold, and white cords, or any combination of the three colors, are not authorized to be worn by any other graduates.

Summa Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Cum Laude	Upper Division Honors
Degrees are awarded summa cum laude to students whose grade point averages is at least 3.90. Additional information on eligibility can be found in the LSU Catalog. Summa Cum Laude graduates wear a purple and a gold cord.	Degrees are awarded magna cum laude to students whose grade point averages  is at least 3.80. Additional information on eligibility can be found in the LSU Catalog. Magna Cum Laude graduates wear two gold cords.	Degrees are awarded cum laude to students whose grade point averages  is at least 3.70. Additional information on eligibility can be found in the LSU Catalog. Cum Laude graduates wear two purple cords.	Upper Division Honors Distinction is an achievement within the Ogden Honors College curriculum. Information on eligibility can be found through the Ogden Honors College.  Upper Division Honors graduates wear a white cord.

Undergraduate degree candidates graduating with College Honors wear the undergraduate hood.  Hoods are not authorized to be worn by other undergraduate degree candidates. College Honors is the culmination of the Ogden Honors curriculum. Information on eligibility can be found through the Ogden Honors College.

The graduation stole, "Kente Cloth" presented to LSU graduates by the African American Cultural Center is custom made and woven in Ghana, West Africa. The patterns and colors woven into the Kente cloth represent distinctive qualities exemplified by Louisiana State University graduates. The colors not only represent the tradition of our great University but also the culture, royalty, and precious metals from our rich heritage. Information on the robing ceremony can be provided by the African American Cultural Center.