Dean's List
A term-by-term recognition: earn at least a set GPA (commonly 3.5) in a term while carrying a minimum number of graded credits (often 12), with no incomplete or failing grades that term. Each college publishes its list after grades are final. It is noted on your transcript for that term and usually generates a letter you can mention on a résumé or scholarship application.
Why the credit minimum matters
The graded-credit minimum is why a light term of mostly pass/fail or a heavy load of independent study may not qualify even with a high GPA — the recognition is meant to reflect a full graded course load. Part-time students sometimes have a separate, prorated Dean's List; check your college's rule.
Latin honors at graduation
Cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude are awarded at graduation based on your final cumulative GPA against thresholds set by your college (for example, roughly 3.5 / 3.7 / 3.9, though the exact cutoffs and whether they are fixed or based on class percentiles vary). There is usually a minimum number of Porter graded credits required to be eligible, so transfer students need enough coursework completed here.
Departmental and college honors
Separate from Latin honors: an honors program or honors-in-the-major typically requires a set GPA plus a thesis or capstone project and appears as its own notation ("Honors in Biology"). This is about a body of work, not just grades, and is worth pursuing if you want a research credential for graduate school.
What shows where
Dean's List appears term by term on the transcript. Latin honors appear on the final transcript and the diploma and are read at commencement. Honors-program completion appears as a notation on the transcript and often the diploma. Your degree audit and the Registrar can tell you your current standing against each.
If you are close
If you are near a Latin-honors threshold going into your final terms, a coach can calculate exactly what GPA you need in your remaining credits — and whether a grade replacement on an old low grade would move you across the line. The cutoffs are usually based on the GPA at the time degrees are certified, so late-term grades count.
Fictional information
UW–Porter Falls is a work of parody. Every office, person, building, phone number and statistic on this page is invented; nothing here describes a real institution or a service you can actually contact.