Graduation Requirements

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Graduation Requirements

The Gatton Academy maintains strict requirements for graduation. At the heart of an Academy diploma is success in rigorous, university-level academic coursework that stands above traditional high school requirements.

In order to receive an Academy diploma, the student must

• Complete the required 12 core STEM courses with a grade of C or better during the two year period of study,
• Complete all additional courses with a grade of C or better,
• Maintain a cumulative Academy (WKU) GPA or 2.75 or better, and
• Meet all pre-college curriculum requirements.

Students who fail to meet the above mentioned criteria will be unable to receive a Gatton Academy diploma until these requirements have been met.

Students who have incomplete requirements at the end of the fourth semester will have until the end of the following fall semester to correct any deficiencies. The Academy Leadership Team will review any exceptions to this timeline.

 

Community Scholar & Honor Graduates Policy

Upon graduation from the Gatton Academy, the program recognizes Honors Graduates based upon three levels:  Gatton Community Scholar, Honors, and Honors with Distinction.  Grade Point Average (GPA) eligibility for Honors and Honors with Distinction will be determined at the end of seniors’ final semester.  The criteria for each level are listed below.

• Gatton Community Scholar recognition is designated with cords at graduation and is earned by completing two semesters of research with a research outcome that is presented to a professional audience after being accepted through a vetted process OR four semesters of participation in STEM+, AND documenting 60 hours of service. 

• Honors status is designated by a notation on the transcript and a sticker on the student’s diploma after final grades are in.  This is for graduates who complete the Academy with a 3.40 – 3.69 cumulative WKU GPA.  Students must be named a Gatton Community Scholar to qualify. 

• Honors with Distinction is designated by a notation on the transcript and a sticker on the student’s diploma after the final grades are in.  This is for graduates who complete the Academy with a 3.70 – 4.00 cumulative WKU GPA.  Students must be named a Gatton Community Scholar to qualify.