I. Departmental Distinction at St. Olaf College
Each department’s faculty may award distinction to selected graduating seniors for outstanding performance in the major. The department’s faculty determines the criteria for such distinction. This honor is by its nature selective. Not all majors meet the criteria nor are awarded distinction. The primary criterion for distinction is a demonstrated ability to produce work of the highest scholarly or artistic standard in their discipline.
II. Political Science Department Distinction Policy
The Department of Political Science seeks to foster habits of reflection and analysis, and cultivate knowledgeable, thoughtful, and effective citizens.In the awarding of departmental distinction, the department recognizes those students who have maintained a strong academic record in the discipline and demonstrated excellence in political science scholarship.
Departmental distinction will be awarded on the basis of:
1) the candidate’s overall record in the discipline,
2) either the submission of a paper to a peer-reviewed journal or participation in an intercollegiate conference.
III. Procedures
A. Determination of Eligibility
To be eligible to be a candidate for departmental distinction, a student must have achieved a combined GPA of all graded courses in the major of 3.8 or above. Students will be notified of their eligibility during January of their senior year.
B. Submission of Paper to Journal or Conference
Students who wish to be considered for distinction, must submit a paper to either a peer-reviewed journal or participate in an intercollegiate conference in political science or a related discipline. Typically these papers or presentations will be revised work produced for a course in the major. Before students submit their paper or apply to participate in a conference, they will need to confer with a professor in the Political Science Department and receive approval for a submission. Students should expect to revise or polish work prior to submission or participation.
C. Criteria for Submitted Work or Conference Presentation
In order to qualify for distinction, papers must be submitted to peer-reviewed publications broadly defined. Peer-reviewed publications include undergraduate research journals, online journals, disciplinary and interdisciplinary periodicals, and book chapters. Qualifying conferences include dedicated undergraduate research conferences, interdisciplinary and disciplinary conferences. Generally, conferences at St. Olaf do not qualify for distinction, unless St. Olaf is hosting a selective intercollegiate conference. Papers, presentations, or posters may be co-authored with other students or faculty.
It will be the responsibility of students to notify the Department Chair of submitted work by the second week of April of the spring of their senior year. The Chair will make the final determination about whether a particular submitted work qualifies for distinction.
D. Recognizing Recipients of Departmental Distinction
The Chair will notify faculty of the qualifying candidates by the last week of April. The faculty will vote to confer distinction. Students who qualify for distinction and are approved by faculty will be invited to summarize their submitted work and reflect on their experience as majors during a ceremony in the spring of each year.
IV. Timetable
A. The department will notify all seniors who meet the GPA requirement by the third Monday in January.
B. Students who qualify will notify the Departmental Chair of submitted work by the second week of April.
C. The Chair will notify faculty of the qualifying candidates, and the faculty will vote to approve distinction by the final week of April.