Et cetera : Jacob Isbell graduates with Highest Distinction from U of I

Jacob Isbell of Garrison was one of 41 students in the University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) to graduate with distinction in May 2018. Isbell earned a bachelor’s degree “with highest distinction,” meaning Isbell ranked in the highest 2 percent of the graduating class. High academic achievement in CLAS is recognized in three ways: “Graduation with distinction” (three levels), based upon grades only; “Graduation with honors in the major,” based upon both grades and the completion of an honors project approved by the college and the major department; and “Graduation with university honors,” based on grades and completion of a formal curriculum of honors coursework and experiences. The college awards degrees “with highest distinction” to students in the highest 2 percent of their graduating class, “with high distinction” to students in the next highest 3 percent, and “with distinction” to the next highest 5 percent. Ranking is based on students’ grade point averages for both University of Iowa coursework and all college-level study undertaken before the final registration. To be eligible for graduation with distinction, students must complete a minimum of 60 semester hours in residence in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, of which at least 45 semester hours must have been completed before the student’s final registration. More than 5,500 University of Iowa students received their degrees at spring 2018 commencement ceremonies staged during the second weekend of May. The University of Iowa is one of the nation’s premier public research universities, dedicated to academic excellence, groundbreaking discoveries and creations, commitment to Iowa and the world, and a culture that prizes community, diversity, and opportunity.