Special Recognition of Academic Achievement

Slippery Rock University faculty and administration place a high value on the academic accomplishments of their 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. The Celebration of Achievement honors the Outstanding Student in Research, Scholarship or Creative Activity and the Outstanding Student Academic Leader from each of the five colleges. SRU faculty members are honored with Presidential Awards for Excellence in Teaching, Advising Excellence ­– Experienced, Advising Excellence – Emerging, and Scholarly and Creative Achievement. SRU’s finalist for the Dr. Ali-Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence is also announced.  Additionally, winners of the President’s Awards for Community Engagement (Civic Engagement Ambassador, Community Partner and Student Civic Leadership) are recognized.

A private reception is held for Presidential Scholars with the president, provost and deans. Presidential Scholars are the top 20 students in the sophomore, junior and senior classes. These students are selected based on cumulative grade-point average and credits earned at SRU in their respective class. In order to be considered as a Presidential Scholar, students must meet minimum credit hour requirements and have successfully completed 12 credits that year.

Under the auspices of the Office of Grants, Research and Sponsored Program, the annual Symposium for Student Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity is held during the spring semester. This day-long event enables students to present their research and scholarship, creative performances and art works to the campus community.