Honor Cords
Honor cords are double ropes knotted at the back of the neck and worn over the robe during commencement. The cords are awarded for academic honor, as well as for service and leadership. At Penn State Altoona, only honor cords for academic achievement or from recognized campus honor societies may be worn.
Penn State Altoona baccalaureate degree candidates graduating summa cum laude have attained a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.97 or higher; candidates graduating magna cum laude have attained a cumulative GPA between 3.93 and 3.96; and candidates graduating cum laude have attained a cumulative GPA between 3.83 and 3.92.
The College of Education confers the degree in Childhood and Early Adolescent Education offered at Penn State Altoona. Its baccalaureate degree candidates graduating summa cum laude have attained a GPA of 3.99; candidates graduating magna cum laude have attained a cumulative GPA between 3.92 and 3.97; and candidates graduating cum laude have attained a cumulative GPA between 3.90 and 3.94.
The College of Nursing confers the degree in Nursing offered at Penn State Altoona. Its baccalaureate degree candidates graduating summa cum laude have attained a GPA of 3.98; candidates graduating magna cum laude have attained a cumulative GPA between 3.92 and 3.97; and candidates graduating cum laude have attained a cumulative GPA between 3.85 and 3.91.
Throughout The Pennsylvania State University, associate degree candidates graduating summa cum laude have attained a cumulative GPA of 3.98 or higher; candidates graduating magna cum laude have attained a cumulative GPA between 3.90 and 3.97; and candidates graduating cum laude have attained a cumulative GPA between 3.81 and 3.89.
Penn State Altoona currently has fourteen honor societies that award honor cords for service or leadership.
- Alpha Phi Sigma
(National Criminal Justice Honor Society)
Blue and gold braided cords - Beta Beta Beta
(National Biological Honor Society)
Forest Green and red cords - Chi Alpha Sigma
(National College Athlete Honor Society)
Medallion with black ribbon - Kappa Delta Pi
(International Honor Society in Education)
Green and purple cords - Kappa Omicron Nu
(The Human Services Honor Society)
Double cream and burgundy cords - Lambda Pi Eta
(National Communication Association Honor Society)
Gold cords - Penn State Altoona Honors Program
Royal purple cords - Phi Alpha Theta
(National History Honor Society)
Red and blue/gray cords - Schreyer Honors College Scholars
The Scholars Medal - Sheetz Fellows
Medallion with blue ribbon - Sigma Beta Delta
(International Honor Society for Business, Management, and Administration)
Green and gold cords - Sigma Tau Delta
(International English Honor Society)
Red and black cords - Tau Alpha Pi
(National Honor Society for Engineering Technology)
Green and gold cords - Veterans and Active Duty Military
Red, white, and blue cords
Sheetz Fellows
The Sheetz Fellows program is the vision of Steve and Nancy Sheetz. It was established as part of the couple’s historic gift to Penn State Altoona in 2009.
Sheetz Fellows participate in advanced instruction and activities that promote an enhanced awareness and understanding of leadership, service, and ethics. Established academic standards must be met to maintain status within the program. Other requirements include completion of a study abroad experience, credit-bearing internship, and a minor or option in entrepreneurship.
Sheetz Fellows processing in the commencement ceremony are identified by the specially crafted medallion that is worn proudly around their necks as a symbol of their commitment to academic excellence.