Awards & Recognition

Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi Awards

The Phi Beta Kappa and the Phi Kappa Phi Outstanding Honors Project Awards, presented annually by the Shenandoah Association of Phi Beta Kappa and the JMU Chapter of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, respectively, are highly prized by honors students. Each winner, announced at commencement, receives a monetary gift and a plaque recognizing the achievement. The recipients’ names are also added to plaques that hang in the Hillcrest Reception Room.

Honors Program Service Award

The Honors Program Award for Outstanding Service is presented annually to an honors student who during the preceding year has given the greatest service to the Honors Program and its varied activities. At the honors banquet the winner of this award receives a plaque in recognition of service given.

Honors Medallions and Pins

Medallions bearing the Honors Program logo are awarded to honors scholars (gold) and subject-area honors students (silver) who have successfully completed their honors program of study and will graduate with distinction. These medallions are worn with the academic costume at commencement. 

Pins bearing the Honors Program logo are awarded to all juniors who are members of the program in good standing.

Honors Societies

Many honorary and professional societies that encourage high standards of scholarship, leadership and professional competence maintain active chapters at JMU. Each year many honors students are offered membership in the following national organizations that recognize achievement in all fields of study: 

Phi Kappa Phi recognizes superior academic achievement in all disciplines.  The JMU chapter accepts about 40 new members annually.

Golden Key Society recognizes and encourages scholastic achievement and excellence in all undergraduate fields of study; membership is limited to no more than the top 15 percent of juniors and seniors.

Percy H. Warren Chapter of Mortar Board recognizes scholastic achievement and leadership in university and community activities. Members maintain a 3.25 GPA.

Omicron Delta Kappa, a national leadership society, requires a GPA of 3.0 and significant leadership in more than one area of campus life.

Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges recognizes campus leaders on the basis of GPA, honors and awards, and participation in a wide range of student activities.