Academic Recognition
Undergraduate students who complete a bachelor’s degree program and achieve high academic grade point averages are officially recognized by Walsh College upon graduation. The cumulative grade point average used for academic honors is computed at the time of graduation, is based upon all coursework included in hours attempted in residence at Walsh College and will be noted on the student’s academic transcript and diploma.
The following honors designations will be noted on the academic transcript and diploma:
In addition, honors recognition is given at Walsh College Commencement ceremonies. The cumulative grade point average used to determine academic honors eligibility, for the ceremony only, will be the cumulative GPA on record as of the last graded semester of attendance prior to the ceremony.
Undergraduate honor graduates who participate in Commencement ceremonies will be recognized by the following honor cord color designations:
Gold Honor Cord - Summa Cum Laude (3.900–4.000)
Silver Honor Cord - Magna Cum Laude (3.750–3.899)
White Honor Cord - Cum Laude (3.500–3.749)
Honors are not awarded at the graduate or doctoral level.
Honors Lists
Walsh College recognizes undergraduate students for outstanding academic achievement. Undergraduate students who have completed a minimum of 12 semester credit hours in residence at Walsh College are eligible. At the end of each semester, enrolled students who achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.500-3.749 are named to the Honors List. Those with a 3.750-4.000 GPA are noted on the President’s Honors List. The names of students who attain these academic achievements may be published in the Walsh Journal. The Honors Lists may also be submitted to local publications.
Awards
Walsh College students are eligible to earn the following prestigious academic awards. Award winners are presented with a certificate and a plaque is inscribed with their names and displayed at Walsh College.
Everett Hawley, Jr. Taxation Award
This award promotes excellence in the study of taxation in the Walsh College Master of Science in Taxation program. Named for the former chair of the Walsh College Board of Trustees, the award annually honors a graduate Taxation student for outstanding academic achievement.
The Financial Executives Institute Award
Each year, the Financial Executives Institute honors one outstanding undergraduate and one outstanding graduate accounting or finance student for academic achievement. The student is presented with a medal at a Financial Executives Institute Detroit chapter meeting.
The Walter B. Fisher Award for Excellence in Accounting
This award is given annually to one Walsh College undergraduate student who demonstrates outstanding achievement in the Bachelor of Accountancy program. Those chosen for the award must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or better and must have contributed time or talent to either Walsh College or the accounting profession through tutoring, club leadership, community service, or other activities. The student is also presented with a cash award.
The Institute of Management Accountants Annual Award
Each academic year, the Institute of Management Accountants honors two undergraduate accounting students specializing in Certified Management Accounting for outstanding achievement. The students are also presented with a cash award.
The Mark J. Solomon Capstone Award
This award promotes excellence and dedication to the study of taxation. Named for the former Tax chair at Walsh College, and the driving force behind the Walsh College Master of Science Taxation degree program, the award annually honors a graduate Taxation student whose work in the MST Capstone class represents the effort, creativity, and technical excellence that Professor Solomon strived to instill in his students. The Lee A. Sartori Tax Research and Writing Award
This award recognizes and promotes the importance of being able to effectively research and communicate difficult and ever-changing tax law in order to advocate, support, and achieve favorable outcomes. Named for a graduate and longtime adjunct professor in the Walsh College MST program, this award annually honors the student whose performance in the Walsh College tax research class reflects Professor Sartori’s high standards of competence and creativity in research and writing.