Geography & GIS Distinction Requirements

*The independent study course (GGIS 391) satisfying distinction requirements will normally be a project equivalent to 2-4 hours of credit, which may be completed over one or two terms, including the summer session. The project will be reviewed by a committee of three faculty members and the project advisor. Projects will be assessed as superior, good, or satisfactory. GGIS 391 Course registration details

The Geography & GIScience advisor will review the student’s grade-point average in geography and the project committee’s judgements and recommend to the department head the level of distinction to be awarded. In order to be considered for these awards in any given academic year, the senior thesis from the relevant GGIS 391 course must be turned in by April 15 for Spring graduation.
 

Departmental Awards

• The Jerome D. Fellmann Award is given to one Geography & GIS graduating senior who has written a senior honors paper rated superior.
   
• The John Thompson Award is presented to graduating Geography & GIS seniors whose academic achievements are rated excellent. Selection criteria include GPA, senior honors paper (not required but strongly recommended), faculty endorsement, and departmental activities. More than one Thompson Prize may be awarded each year.

Departmental award recipients will be recognized at the annual School of Earth, Society, and Environment Convocation. Students are not eligible to receive both a Fellmann and Thompson Prize.