Special Recognition of Academic Achievement

Slippery Rock University faculty and administration place a high value on the academic accomplishments of its students. SRU’s academic reputation and its stature in the community of universities are tied inextricably to the scholastic achievements of its students. The University’s rich and extensive resources provide a foundation of support for the realization of this goal. Scholarly and dedicated University faculty strive to challenge students’ intellectual development and their achievement of excellence. The University community believes that student efforts in the attainment of high levels of scholarship deserve appropriate recognition and officially acknowledges student achievement throughout the academic year.

Each spring, the SRU celebrates  academic achievements at a variety of events including the Celebration of Achievement.  Among those honored at the “Celebration of Achievement”  are the top twenty students in the sophomore, junior, and senior classes.  These students have attained the highest cumulative averages for coursework completed at Slippery Rock University in their respective class. These individuals are recognized as Presidential Scholars.

Also acknowledged at this event are the “Outstanding Student in Research, Scholarship or Creative Activity” and the “Outstanding Student Academic Leader” from each of the colleges.  SRU faculty members are honored with Presidential Awards for “Excellence in Teaching”, “Advising Excellence” and “Scholarly and Creative Achievement”. SRU’s winner of the “Dr. Ali-Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence” is announced.

A separate event recognizes every student who has earned Dean’s list status.

The annual Symposium for Student Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity, a day-long event in which students present their research and scholarship, creative performances, and art works to the campus community is held during the spring semester.