Occasionally, academic departments may wish to implement additional academic certificates for their majors (such as a Certificate of Distinction (or Academic Distinction) in ... ). Due to the wide breadth of standards among the disciplines, these certificates may vary in title and expectations, but they all must adhere to the following general guidelines:

1. Include a minimum GPA standard.
2. Provide clearly defined additional or increased-level coursework. For example, students must complete a minimum number of 400-level courses, or courses in a specific concentration, etc.
3. Students must be a major of the department offering the certificate.
4. All criteria, once approved through faculty governance, must be included in the catalog.

Note: Certificates given solely for highest GPA do not need to be approved.