Phi Beta Kappa    In American colleges, it is generally considered that the highest honor an undergraduate can receive is election to Phi Beta Kappa. This society, founded in 1776, restricts its chapters to leading colleges and universities and maintains high scholastic standards. The Beta Chapter of Maine was organized at Colby in 1895. Phi Beta Kappa certificates may be awarded to members of the three lower classes for distinction in scholarship.

Latin Honors    The degree of bachelor of arts with honors is awarded in three grades: summa cum laude to those who attain a 3.75 grade point average; magna cum laude to those with a 3.50 grade point average; cum laude to those with a 3.25 grade point average.

Honors in [Major]    Honors programs are offered in American studies, anthropology, biology, chemistry, computer science, East Asian studies, economics, English, environmental studies, French, government, history, international studies, Latin American studies, mathematics, performing arts, philosophy, physics, psychology, religious studies, sociology, Spanish, and women’s studies. Successful completion of an honors program, as determined by the department, will enable a student to graduate "With Honors in [major]."

Distinction in the Major    This category of honors may be awarded to a student on the specific recommendation of the department. To be considered for the award, the student must have at least an average of 3.25 in the major; some departments stipulate a higher average in the major.

Senior Scholars    This honors program permits a limited number of seniors to devote six credit hours per semester to a project approved by the Independent Studies Committee and pursued under the guidance of a faculty member. Students applying to the Senior Scholars Program will normally be expected to have a grade point average of at least 3.3 in their major. Students submit a midyear report on the project; their final report is judged by three faculty readers. Upon successful completion of the program with a minimum grade of B+, the senior scholar’s report is deposited in the College library. Application must be made during the student’s junior year. Inquiries should be directed to the committee chair.

Named Scholarships    Academic excellence is recognized at a convocation each fall for the Julius Seelye Bixler and Charles A. Dana scholars. Bixler Scholars are the top-ranking students as determined by the cumulative academic record at the end of the preceding year. Dana Scholars are selected on the basis of a strong academic performance and potential leadership.

The Dean’s List    Recognition by the Dean’s List requires an average of all marks in the previous semester of at least 3.20 for upperclassmen (3.00 for first-year students) in a minimum of 12 credits, exclusive of satisfactory/unsatisfactory credits. A student with any mark of incomplete (unless as a result of illness or critical emergency) is not eligible for Dean’s List.

Other Honors    Academic departments may recognize students’ achievements, according to departmental guidelines, with certificates or other awards.

The names of students who graduate with Latin honors, honors or distinction in major, Senior Scholars status, election to Phi Beta Kappa, or status as Bixler or Dana scholars are printed in the annual commencement program.