The history of academic dress dates to the medieval European universities of the 14th century. The gown style varies with the degree held: Bachelor, Master, or Doctorate. The cap or hood colors and style vary by the degree type and university where the faculty member was granted the award. 

Undergraduate

Gold: Summa Cum Laude, “with highest honors,” 3.80 GPA and above

Silver: Magna Cum Laude, “with high honors,” 3.65-3.79 GPA

White: Cum Laude, “with honors,” 3.50-3.64 GPA 

First Generation: A first-generation graduate is someone who grew up in a home where the parent(s) and/or grandparent(s) has not completed a Bachelor’s Degree.

Graduate

Gold: Distinction

Silver: Merit

A first-generation graduate is someone who grew up in a home where the parent(s) and/or grandparent(s) has not completed a Bachelor’s Degree.

This recognition is reserved for Bachelor Degree students only. 

The Honor Society of the Association for Biblical Higher Education recognizes graduating seniors who have distinguished themselves by: Intellectual Achievement (GPA 3.30 or higher), Christian Character, and Leadership Ability. Three Greek words, (dokimos en Xhristos), found in Romans 16:10, are translated “approved in Christ,” and begin with the three Greek letters delta epsilon chi, and thus the name and meaning of the ABHE Honor. 

The name of this honor society shall be Sigma Chi Pi, meaning “Diligent Christian Leader,” taken from Romans 12:8, “…one who leads, with diligence” (NKJV). The purpose of the Sigma Chi Pi honor society is to encourage and honor outstanding academic scholarship, approved Christian character, and Christian leadership demonstrated by graduates of postsecondary schools endorsed by The Alliance for Higher Education of the Assemblies of God. Qualifications include: (1) a scholastic average of no less than 3.0 GPA, (2) approved Christian character, and (3) diligent servant leadership.