Duke Asian & Middle Eastern Studies

Graduation with Distinction

The Graduation with Distinction Program recognizes students who achieve excellence in their major area of study. For general information on the University-wide Graduation with Distinction Program, please click here. Graduation with Distinction is based on a special project, usually developed through participation in Independent Studies. The project may be a report of original empirical research, or it may be a critical analysis of a problem in the field (i.e., a Psychology Bulletin or Psychology Review style paper), both requiring a relevant literature review. The project is to be summarized in a carefully written thesis (check with the Undergraduate Psychology Office for the proper form of this paper) to be the subject of an oral examination. The opportunity to write a thesis and qualify for Graduation with Distinction is open to those majoring or minoring in Psychology. It is also open to students enrolled in Program II. Although there is no minimum GPA that students must have when applying to the program, students must have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 and a GPA of at least 3.5 in Psychology by the start of their final semester; this level of performance must be maintained through graduation. Thus, students may register for the Graduation with Distinction program without meeting these GPA requirements but will not receive Distinction if these GPA requirements are not eventually met. (Should this occur, the student would still receive credit for completing Independent Study courses.)

Psi Chi

What is Psi Chi?

Psi Chi is the National Honor Society in Psychology. Membership in Psi Chi recognizes your academic achievement and interest in psychology and is an honor recognized by prospective graduate programs and employers. Founded in 1929, Psi Chi is one of the largest honor societies in the United States with over 990 chapters. Duke has been a chartered member for over 40 years. The purposes of Psi Chi are to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship of members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and to advance the science of psychology. To achieve these goals, Psi Chi offers a wide range of local, regional, and national programs (http://www.psichi.org) including awards to fund research, conventions where undergraduates can present research, and the opportunity to publish research in its journal, Psi Chi Journal of Undergraduate Research.

Who is eligible for Psi Chi membership?

You must:

1. be at least a second-semester sophomore
2. be a major or minor in Psychology
3. have completed at least three psychology courses
4. have at least a 3.5 overall GPA and 3.5 GPA in Psychology

Note: the grade levels of 3.5 must be without upward rounding. Also: the grade levels established by the Psi Chi national office are minimum levels. Duke (and other institutions) may set these levels somewhat higher.

To apply for membership

Please:

1. Complete the membership form (available online at http://www.psichi.org). Copies are also provided on the bulletin board across from the Undergraduate Studies Office (242 Soc/Psy).
2. Attach an official copy of your academic history so that your overall GPA and Psychology GPA can be verified.
3. Attach a $35 check made out to the Department of Psychology for the one-time membership fee (this fee can be waived if it represents an economic hardship. Indicate that with your application).
4. Seal all materials in an envelope marked "Psi Chi Application."
5. Deliver the envelope to the Psi Chi Faculty Advisor, Professor Ruth Day (223 Soc/Psy). It is OK to put it in the envelope marked Psi Chi on the door or slip it under the door
6. Email to indicate delivery date/location of your application.
7. Due dates are provided toward the end of every semester. You can submit your application at any time; however if it arrives after the due date for a given semester, you cannot be inducted into the Society until following semester (see exception for graduating seniors below).

Notification

You will be notified about the status of your application shortly after submission (normally within a few days). If you have any questions, please contact the Psi Chi Faculty Advisor (ruthday@duke.edu), rather than the Undergraduate Studies Office.

Induction Ceremory

We hold an Induction Ceremony for new members at the end of each semester. Current members -- you are encouraged to attend the Induction Ceremony to help welcome new members. Please watch for future announcements concerning the date for this semester.

Questions?

For more information about Psi Chi, please visit http://www.psichi.org.

For applications and/or information about the Duke Chapter, please contact the Duke Psi Chi Faculty Advisor,Professor Ruth Day (, 660.5694).

Note: Inquiries sent to the Undergraduate Studies offices will be redirected to the Psi Chi Faculty Advisor.

The Zenner Award

Students submitting outstanding theses for Graduation with Distinction may be nominated by their committees for the Karl E. Zener Award. A separate committee of three faculty members along with the DUS will determine the winner of the award. The award will be based on the student's total academic record plus the paper submitted to the Award Committee. The award will consist of a monetary prize and inclusion by name on a memorial plaque in the departmental building.