Newsroom :: UMT Administration Adopts Graduation with Distinction Guidelines

ARLINGTON, Virginia, October 1, 2005 - Commencing in September 2005, UMT is pleased to recognize sustained superlative scholarship among its bachelor’s degree graduates. Students who complete a minimum of thirty (30) semester credit hours with UMT are automatically considered. Student whose UMT grade point average (GPA) is 3.85 or higher are accorded the distinction of graduating summa cum laude. For GPAs from 3.70 to 3.84, magna cum laude is granted; for GPAs from 3.55 to 3.69, cum laude is granted.

I'm a UMT alum. Can I get a replacement diploma? If my GPA qualifies, with my replacement diploma show that I graduated with distinction?

Yes to both questions. A replacement diploma can be obtained at your discretion. If your GPA at the time of your graduation qualifies for distinction, then a replacement diploma will be inscribed with the appropriate Latin phrase, either summa cum laude, magna cum laude, or cum laude. The cost of a replacement diploma is $75 and must be arranged with the UMT Registrar (registrar@umtweb.edu).

My GPA is 3.54. Will UMT make an exception to allow me to graduate with distinction?

Sorry, but graduating with distinction is an honor bestowed by the University and not a topic for negotiation. The hard lower limit for cum laude is 3.55. Of course, the decision to apply for a degree is always the student's. UMT allows students in good standing to continue taking courses at their own discretion. So a student with 3.54 reasonably could consider taking another course to improve his/her GPA to 3.55 or higher.