ACADEMIC PROMOTIONS AND HONORS
Excellence in Education, Recognition of Achievement
At the Agora International American University of Delaware, we believe that academic excellence and professional achievements should be recognized and celebrated. Our Academic Promotions and Honors system is designed to reward students, faculty, and researchers for their outstanding contributions to academia, research, and leadership.
We uphold international standards of academic merit and ensure that our students and faculty receive the recognition they deserve for their hard work, dedication, and intellectual contributions.

Academic Promotions
The Doctoral School of Theology offers advanced research degrees designed for intellectual rigor, spiritual depth, and academic excellence.
Student Academic Promotions
At Agora International, students are promoted based on a combination of academic performance, research contributions, leadership, and professional growth. Our promotion criteria align with U.S. and international academic standards, ensuring that students advance in their educational journey based on merit and excellence.
Undergraduate Promotions (Bachelor’s Level)
- Cum Laude (With Honors) – Awarded to students with a GPA of 3.5 – 3.7.
- Magna Cum Laude (With High Honors) – Awarded to students with a GPA of 3.8 – 3.9.
- Summa Cum Laude (With Highest Honors) – Awarded to students with a GPA of 4.0 or above.
Graduate Promotions (Master’s & Doctoral Levels)
Graduate students at Agora International can earn distinctions based on academic excellence, research innovation, and professional contributions:
- With Distinction – Awarded to Master’s students with an outstanding thesis, GPA of 3.8+, and contributions to research.
- With Highest Distinction – Reserved for Doctoral (Ph.D./DBA) graduates who have produced groundbreaking research and demonstrated excellence in academic publishing, leadership, and impact.

Faculty Academic Promotions
Agora International supports faculty career development through an academic promotion system that recognizes teaching excellence, research contributions, and leadership in higher education.
- Assistant Professor → Associate Professor – Requires significant research publications, excellence in teaching, and active contribution to university programs.
- Associate Professor → Full Professor – Reserved for scholars with internationally recognized research, leadership in academia, and mentorship of doctoral students.
- Full Professor → Distinguished Professor – Honorary title for faculty with exceptional global impact, published books, patents, and major research contributions.
- Emeritus Professor – Granted to retired professors with a legacy of outstanding contributions to Agora International and academia.
Academic Honors and Recognition
✔️ Pastoral Leadership Development – Strengthening preaching, counseling, and ministry leadership skills.
✔️ Teaching & Seminary Education – Preparing candidates for professorships and theological instruction.
Student Honors & Awards
- Dean’s List – Recognizes students with a GPA of 3.7 or higher for their outstanding academic performance each semester.
- President’s List – Reserved for students who maintain a 4.0 GPA and exhibit exceptional academic commitment.
- Chancellor’s Award for Research Excellence – Honors students who contribute high-impact research, publish in peer-reviewed journals, or win academic competitions.
- Agora Leadership Award – Given to students who demonstrate extraordinary leadership, innovation, and social responsibility.
- Outstanding Thesis & Dissertation Award – Acknowledges the best Master’s thesis and Doctoral dissertation for groundbreaking research and contributions to academia.
Faculty Honors & Recognition
- Excellence in Teaching Award – Awarded to faculty members who exhibit innovative, student-centered teaching methods.
- Distinguished Researcher Award – Recognizes professors whose research has a global impact.
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Given to faculty members with outstanding academic contributions over decades.
Honorary Degrees & Special Distinctions
Agora International grants honorary degrees to recognize extraordinary achievements in academia, leadership, business, and social contributions.
Doctor Honoris Causa (Honorary Doctorate)
Awarded to exceptional individuals who have made a significant impact in their field, including:
✔️ Nobel Prize winners
✔️ Industry leaders & entrepreneurs
✔️ Philanthropists & humanitarian leaders
✔️ Influential policymakers & government officials
✔️ Global thought leaders in science, business, and technology
Agora Alumni Honors
Our university remains committed to recognizing alumni achievements, offering:
- Agora Global Impact Award – For alumni who drive innovation and change globally.
- Alumni Leadership Award – For those who demonstrate strong leadership and positive societal impact.


Annual Honors & Recognition Events
Agora International hosts annual academic recognition ceremonies to celebrate student, faculty, and alumni excellence:
- Graduation Honors Ceremony – Official recognition of Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Summa Cum Laude graduates.
- Agora Academic Excellence Gala – Awarding faculty, researchers, and outstanding students.
- International Research Symposium – Showcasing the best research conducted by our faculty and doctoral candidates.
- Agora Alumni Impact Awards – Honoring alumni who have made a significant contribution to their industries or communities.
How to Qualify for Academic Promotions & Honors?
Agora International follows a transparent and merit-based system for academic recognition. Students and faculty members can qualify for honors and promotions by:
- Maintaining high academic performance (GPA & research contributions)
- Engaging in research, publications, and academic conferences
- Demonstrating leadership in student organizations or community service
- Contributing to university development and global partnerships
- For more details on how to apply for promotions, scholarships, or honorary awards, please visit the Academic Affairs Office or contact us at honors@agorainternational.edu.