Honors in Psychology

Honors in Psychology—are given to students who demonstrate overall excellence in their work in Psychology. The evidence considered includes: grades in Psychology courses, performance on the Psychology Comprehensive Examination and Psychology SIP and excellence in such extracurricular activities as the VanLiere Symposium, work as teaching or research assistants, and volunteer work. Also considered is evidence of students’ interest and involvement in Psychology as a career and intellectual endeavor.

While excellent performance on both the Psychology Comprehensive Exam and SIP make one a strong contender for Honors, students’ total performance is considered. It is not necessary to do a Psychology SIP in order to receive Honors nor is a student disqualified just by not earning the “Pass with Distinction” grade on the SIP or on Comprehensives. Because the Psychology faculty members know senior majors fairly well, they take account of individual circumstances.

Honors in Psychology are noted on the transcript and on the commencement program. In addition, the Psychology Department faculty members award a number of prizes to recognize achievement by Psychology students. Students are eligible to receive prizes whether or not they earn Honors. Not all prizes are awarded every year; this is at the discretion of the Psychology faculty members. Except as noted, below, prizes are awarded to seniors in the spring, just before commencement.

VanLiere Prize—is given for excellence in research. It is usually awarded to the best research SIP.

Xariffa Greenquist Memorial Prize—is names for a former secretary in the Psychology Department who did much to create a friendly and supportive atmosphere for students. The Psychology faculty makes this award to a student who, through work as a paid assistant or in volunteer work in the Department, contributes to that kind of positive atmosphere.

Senior Prize in Psychology—one or more prizes in this category are given to senior majors for distinction in one or another academic activity; for example, a truly outstanding performance on both written and oral portions of the Comprehensive Examination.

Psychology Faculty Prize—is given to one or more seniors for outstanding performance as a research assistant. This is a new prize, funded by the Psychology Faculty, to be awarded beginning Spring 2000.

Marshall Hallock Brenner Prize—is given to a senior at Honors Day in the fall for academic excellence or significant improvement in the junior year. Also considered is motivation toward a career in psychology.

Freshman Prize in Psychology—given to a sophomore at Honors Day in the fall for best performance in Psychology courses in the freshman year.