UYA statement on cum laude

The Utrecht Young Academy (UYA) is following the discussions around cum laude with interest. Does scrapping cum laude really alleviate the pressure on students to perform? In addition to this question, UYA wants to engage in a more fundamental debate on the recognition of exceptional academic achievements, especially for PhD programmes.

We are against categorically removing cum laude, because there must remain a way to credit extraordinary achievements. UYA does, however, argue that the procedures, requirements, and awarding of cum laude for students and especially PhD candidates should be made more transparent and objective, and more in line with new principles of Recognition and Rewards.

Please read our full statement here.