Honors

Academic Honors

Academic honors are determined by a School of Medicine faculty committee. The designation of students graduating cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude are made on the basis of a combination of grade point average and other academic accomplishments, inclusive of work done as part of dual degree work or external fellowships.

Alpha Omega Alpha

Founded in 1902, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society is a professional organization that recognizes and advocates for excellence in scholarship and the highest ideals in the profession of medicine. Students are elected based on their embodiment of the vision and goals of the society:

1. Professionalism: To hold the conviction that professionalism in medicine is a worthy goal.
2. Scholarship: To promote scholarship among medical professionals.
3. Leadership: To set an example worth emulating.
4. Service: To serve the medical profession and the community.

The National AΩA Constitution stipulates that one-sixth of a medical school graduation class may be considered for membership, and up to one-half of the total may be nominated during the junior year. New members are elected by the student members of Alpha Omega Alpha. Elections occur during the spring of junior year and the fall of senior year.

Students who are in the upper quartile (25%) of their class in grade point average are eligible for nomination. As outlined above, additional criteria include leadership capabilities, ethical standards, fairness in dealing with colleagues, demonstrated professionalism, and service to the school and community at large.