Lana Oconnell
Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges is a prestigious program that has recognised outstanding scholastic achievement in American colleges and universities since 1934. The program is not affiliated with any organisation honouring high school, middle or elementary school students and instead focuses on honouring students from both two-year and four-year universities, graduate and PhD programs. The program has grown to become one of the most highly regarded honours programs in the nation, with over 1,400 schools across all 50 states participating.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1934 |
| Founder | Henry Pettus Randall, Jr. |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Participating institutions | 1,400 schools in all 50 United States and the District of Columbia; 1,900 institutions according to another source |
| Qualification criteria | Cumulative GPA, campus involvement, community service, and other factors |
| Publication | Biographies of outstanding students |
| Volumes | 30 (1963-64), 33 (1966-67), 35 (1968-69), 36 (1969-70), 41 (1974-75), 62 (1996), 69 (2003), 83 (2017) |
| Years | 1947-48, 1959-60, 1963-64, 1966-67, 1968-69, 1969-70, 1972-73, 1974-75, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2003, 2013, 2017 |
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What You'll Learn
Recognising academic excellence
The selection process for "Who's Who Among Students" involves campus nominating committees composed of faculty, administration, and student body representatives. These committees highlight students who have demonstrated excellence in their community and school contributions, enhancing the positive image of American students. The recognition by this program marks a pinnacle of scholastic achievement for outstanding campus leaders.
Another notable initiative promoting academic excellence is the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA). ACTA works closely with colleges and universities to uphold high academic standards and promote rigorous liberal arts programs. Their "What Will They Learn?" project evaluates the general education programs of over 1,100 colleges and universities, bringing attention to the erosion of academic standards. ACTA's research highlights the lack of required courses in critical subjects such as U.S. history, economics, and foreign languages, which they argue are essential for preparing students for the global economy and fostering civil discourse.
Additionally, some universities like American University in Washington, DC, have established offices dedicated to supporting student achievement. Their Office of Academic Excellence (OAE) offers workshops, presentations, and individual advising on various skills, including time management, test-taking, and legal analysis, ensuring students excel in their classes and beyond.
These initiatives play a crucial role in recognising and fostering academic excellence, ensuring that students are well-equipped to face the challenges and uncertainties of the future workforce.
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Rewarding outstanding students
The program recognises students from both two-year and four-year universities, as well as graduate and Ph.D. programs, celebrating their excellence and contributions to their communities and schools. Individual schools make selections in the fall, with campus nominating committees composed of faculty, administration, and student body representatives. These committees highlight students who excel academically, in extracurricular activities, and in community service, enhancing the positive image of American students.
Another example of rewarding outstanding students is through university student awards, such as those presented by American University in Washington, DC. They offer a range of awards, including the Student Achievement Awards, which recognise unique contributions and service to the university community. These awards have specific criteria and often come with varying monetary amounts. For instance, one award recognises an international student who has contributed significantly to increasing intercultural understanding within the university community.
Additionally, American University also presents awards that honour students who support specific communities, such as the LGBTQIA+ community, and first-generation students, through advocacy, education, policy improvements, and fostering inclusive environments. These awards showcase the university's commitment to recognising students who make exceptional contributions to various aspects of campus life and create a sense of belonging for their peers.
Through programs like "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges®" and university-specific awards, outstanding students receive well-deserved recognition for their achievements, leadership, and positive impact on their educational institutions and communities. These rewards not only celebrate their excellence but also inspire and motivate other students to strive for similar accomplishments.
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Campus leadership
The program has a long and esteemed history, founded in 1934 by Henry Pettus Randall, Jr., with the guiding principle of celebrating student leadership and academic excellence. Over the last nine decades, it has become one of the most highly regarded honours programs in the nation, earning the respect of college faculties and administrations.
The "Who's Who Among Students" program selects outstanding students based on a rigorous set of criteria. These include grade point average, participation and leadership within school organisations and extracurricular activities, community involvement, and demonstrated leadership ability or potential. Campus nominating committees, composed of faculty, administration, and student body representatives, are responsible for selecting the most deserving candidates.
The recognition bestowed by the "Who's Who" program is a significant milestone for students. It not only celebrates their achievements but also opens doors to future opportunities. Selected students are entitled to a lifetime benefit of utilising a free reference and placement service when pursuing post-graduate employment or fellowships. This support extends beyond their time on campus, showcasing the program's commitment to fostering long-term success for its honourees.
The program is committed to ensuring that excellence is celebrated without a price tag. There are no financial obligations for nominated students, and they also have the chance to win academic scholarships offered by the organisation. By removing financial barriers, the program ensures that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to be recognised and rewarded for their outstanding achievements and leadership potential.
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Scholastic achievement
"Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges" is a nationally recognised award in the United States that has been honouring outstanding scholastic achievement since 1934. The award recognises students from both two-year and four-year universities and colleges, as well as graduate and Ph.D. programs. The program is not affiliated with any organisation honouring high school, middle school, or elementary school students.
The criteria for membership include grade point average (GPA), participation and leadership within school organisations and extracurricular activities, community involvement, and future leadership ability and/or potential. Each institution has its own campus nominating committee, composed of representatives from the faculty, administration, and student body, which nominates upper-classmen and graduate students for the award. The committees consider the individual and diverse service of the nominees to their community and school.
Students with a GPA of 3.2 or higher are eligible for the award, and nominations are typically made during the fall semester. The names of nominated students are often published in the newspapers of their hometowns. There are no financial obligations or fees associated with the award. Selected students also have the chance to win an academic scholarship offered by the organisation.
The "Who's Who Among Students" award is highly regarded by college faculties and administrations, and it marks a pinnacle of scholastic achievement for the outstanding campus leaders who receive it. The award recognises academic excellence and leadership ability, regardless of financial circumstances, and helps to honour and celebrate excellence in the face of adversity.
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Community service
Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges is a prestigious honour bestowed upon students from over 1,400 schools across the United States. The program has a long history, dating back to 1934, and is dedicated to celebrating excellence in academics and leadership without any financial barriers.
The specific criteria for community service involvement vary among institutions. For example, Buffalo State University emphasises a strong record of leadership demonstrated through citizenship and community service. Similarly, Northeast Alabama Community College selects students based on their service to the community and leadership in extracurricular activities.
Students who are selected for the Who's Who honour are recognised for their outstanding community service and academic achievements. This recognition not only brings personal satisfaction but also provides practical benefits. Who's Who assists students in seeking post-graduate employment or fellowships through a free reference and placement service. Additionally, selected students have the opportunity to win academic scholarships offered by the organisation.
Overall, the Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges program plays a vital role in acknowledging and rewarding students who excel academically and demonstrate exceptional community involvement. By honouring these students, the program reinforces the belief that college students are a reservoir of leadership strength for the nation.
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Frequently asked questions
It is a program that has been recognising outstanding scholastic achievement in American colleges and universities since 1934, regardless of financial circumstances.
Selections are made in the fall by individual schools. Campus nominating committees, made up of faculty, administration, and student body representatives, nominate the upper-classmen and graduate students eligible for the program.
Students selected for inclusion in 'Who's Who' are entitled to use a free reference and placement service when seeking postgraduate employment or fellowships. They also receive a certificate citing their distinction at a ceremony in the spring.
