History Graduation
The Department of History honors the "first majors" graduating class with a ceremony and reception in Baldwin Auditorium on East Campus. "Second majors" are welcome to participate, however, notice of your intent must be received no later than February. During the ceremony, students are called to the stage, and the Director of Undergraduate Studies, along with the department Chair and Professor of the Senior Honors Seminar, present them with diplomas and awards. After the ceremony, parents and family are invited to enjoy a delicious luncheon on the front lawn of Baldwin.
The department will provide lunch for each student, and two parents or guests. Additional tickets for the luncheon may be purchased. Lunch is by reservation only. Students are contacted via campus mail and e-mail regarding the date, time, and location to pick up tickets for the luncheon.
Graduation and reception information will be mailed to parents and/or guardians in March. Only the person listed as your next-of-kin will receive graduation information by mail. Students must notify the second parent if their address differs. Be sure to also coordinate the total number that will be attending the reception with both parties, we certainly don't want anyone to miss your special event!
Students who are not planning to participate in commencement exercises should contact Dean Gerald Wilson's office at (919) 684-2865 so that arrangements can be made to have their diplomas mailed.
Tickets are needed to attend the ceremony in Baldwin. For more information on graduation events for history majors, and how to obtain tickets for the ceremony, contact Vanessa Jackson, at vanessa@duke.edu.
Graduation with Distinction
To graduate with distinction, a student must receive "Honors" on the senior thesis that provides an original contribution to historical knowledge. A committee of three faculty members, including the student's thesis advisor, evaluates the thesis, and determines whether the student will graduate with "distinction," "high distinction," or "highest distinction."
Students usually take Senior Honors Seminar (HST 197/8S). However, the thesis may be written outside of this sequence. An outstanding thesis may receive the William T. Laprade prize, as determined by the student's committee.