Order of Augusta recognizes student achievement

West Virginia University is recognizing the best of the best of the 2012 senior class.

Each year, the Outstanding Senior Award recognizes approximately 40 to 50 soon-to-be graduates.

The eight students chosen will be awarded the Order of Augusta – the University's highest student honor.

To qualify for the awards, students must be preparing to graduate this May or August and must hold a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.8.

Students must submit their resume, transcript and a completed application.

"The students are being selected on behalf of the University – that in itself is a huge ordeal," said Associate Vice President for International Student Affairs and Global Services David Stewart. "It's like the University is saying to them ‘You are among the top'."

The selection committee, which is comprised of five WVU faculty members, reviews each application and judges internship or work experience, engagement in community service and leadership roles held on campus.

Stewart said though a student's GPA and academic achievements are influential in the decision process, involvement in extracurricular activities can set students apart from other applicants.

"We try not to just look at a student's academic performance, but try to develop a holistic picture of a student," Stewart said.

Those students who qualify for the award should have received their application through mail.

Each applicant must answer a series of questions about their time and experiences at the University.

Completed applications must be submitted by Friday at 4:30 p.m.

If a student thinks they qualify for the award but did not receive an application in the mail, they could visit the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs located on the second floor of Elizabeth Moore Hall or call 304-293-5811 for more information.