School of Nursing: Honors, Awards, and Scholarships

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Nursing students are eligible for special nursing honors, awards, and scholarships as well as general University honors, awards, and scholarships as outlined in the University Regulations section.

Outstanding Fourth Year Student Awards Annual awards have been established in recognition of excellence in academic and clinical achievement and outstanding service to the University and the School of Nursing. The names of the students so honored are engraved on a plaque displayed in the school. Students are chosen by faculty and student vote. The awards are presented at the pinning ceremony on the weekend of Final Exercises.

Dean’s List Full-time students who demonstrate academic excellence while taking a minimum of 12 credits of graded course work are eligible for the Dean’s List of Distinguished Students at the end of each semester. Courses taken on a CR/NC basis may not be counted toward the 12-credit minimum. A minimum current grade point average of 3.400 is necessary to be eligible for the dean’s list. Any student receiving an F, NC, or NG during the semester is not eligible to be on the dean’s list.

Intermediate Honors A certificate of Intermediate Honors is awarded to the top twenty percent of those students in the School of Nursing who enter the University directly from high school or preparatory school and earn at least 60 credits of course work in their first four regular semesters. No more than twelve of the 60 required credits may be earned on a CR/NC or S/U basis. Advanced placement and transfer credits do not count toward the required credits.

Diploma with Distinction Diplomas inscribed “with distinction” are awarded to graduates who have earned a cumulative UVa grade point average of 3.400 and successfully completed the distinguished majors program, or to students with a cumulative UVa GPA of 3.750 who have not completed the distinguished majors program.

Diploma with Highest Distinction Diplomas inscribed “with highest distinction” are awarded to graduates who have earned a cumulative UVa GPA of 3.750 and have successfully completed the distinguished majors program 

Distinguished Majors Program in Nursing 

Students entering their fourth year of study and RN to BSN students in their second year who demonstrate superior academic performance (GPA of 3.4 or above) are encouraged to apply for the School’s Distinguished Majors Program (DMP) to pursue a substantive project of their own that they would not have the opportunity to develop as part of their regular program of study. The application process requires students to define a detailed research project and to obtain agreement of a faculty member to guide the research. The final product is a manuscript ready to submit for publication as well as an oral presentation.

Application to the DMP is made during the spring semester of the third year of the program. Students accepted into the program register for 3 credits of NURS 4950 in the first semester of the fourth year and 2 credits of NURS 4951 during the second semester. Students who successfully complete the program and maintain a GPA of at least 3.400 will be awarded a diploma with distinction. Students who successfully complete the program and have a GPA of 3.750 will be awarded a diploma with highest distinction. For more information contact the Baccalaureate Program Director.

Shannon Scholar Award The Shannon Scholar Award is presented annually to a graduate in recognition of outstanding academic achievement.

Hemmings Award The Anne Pollok Hemmings Award is presented annually to a graduate in recognition of clinical excellence.

Pinning Ceremony Pinning, the final ceremony conducted by the School of Nursing prior to Final Exercises in May, commemorates the baccalaureate nursing students’ completion of their undergraduate nursing education . Students receive their School of Nursing Pin and student awards are presented. The ceremony traditionally takes place at dusk on the Saturday before Final Exercises and includes a ceremony followed by a short reception.

The School of Nursing Pin Pins are purchased prior to Final Exercises. Prices vary and details are provided the final semester of the program.