HONORS PROGRAM

Clubs and Distinctions

Honors can be earned at Saddleback outside the "Honors Program" itself. The Program is an interdisciplinary academic program with a particular focus and curriculum. It devotes its resources to developing exceptional talent and ability in highly motivated students. It is not a club, service organization, or even a recognition of past academic achievement. It is, rather, a path to further and higher achievements.

To be recognized or rewarded for excellent scholarship. Students of high achievement may join honor societies and earn other academic distinctions.

Honor Societies

Although they are not connected to the Honors Program, they are presented here as a service to all students whose achievements have made them eligible for such honors and opportunities.

Honor Societies are clubs rather than academic programs. They reward achievement either across the curriculum or in particular disciplines.

Alpha Gamma Sigma, whose letters signify excellence, knowledge, and wisdom, is the honor society of California community colleges. The Saddleback chapter is Sigma Epsilon.
Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society of the two-year college. Visit the Saddleback chapter Phi Theta Kappa webpage.
Psi Beta is the national honor society for psychology students in two-year colleges.

These societies may require payment of one-time or per-semester dues. Membership is noted on transcripts, and members in each one are eligible for special recognition at graduation.

Dean's List

The Dean's List recognizes academic achievement in a single semester. It considers only one semester's grade point average, though of course students may make the list for more than one semester.

For a full-time student to qualify for the Dean's List, he or she must earn a semester GPA of at least 3.50 (other requirements apply to part-time students). Dean's List honors appear on transcripts.

Graduation with Honors

Graduation with honors is yet another way of honoring academic achievement. When a student graduates from Saddleback College with an A.A. or A.S. degree, his or her entire college record relevant to the degree, including work completed at other institutions, is evaluated to determine graduation honors. The GPA cutoffs are as follows:
cum laude: 3.50
magna cum laude: 3.75
summa cum laude: 4.0

These distinctions are noted both on transcripts and on the diploma itself. Individuals who earn these honors are recognized and wear special regalia at Commencement.