Academic recognition

In 1980, past-president Kenneth E. Hunter established the Mastercraft Award to recognize student achievement of excellence in program-related skills. To qualify for final judging, entries must first be selected as winners at the program level. Projects are judged on first impression, innovation, creativity, skill and quality. The winner of the Mastercraft Award receives a cash award and is recognized with Conestoga Coat of Arms at Convocation.   

Presented at Spring and Fall Convocations   

A silver medal goes to the graduating student with the highest academic program weighted average in a bachelor degree program.  

Presented at Fall Convocation  

A bronze medal goes to the graduating student with the highest academic program weighted average in a diploma program.  

Presented at Fall Convocation  

This prestigious award was established in 1977 by the Board of Governors in honour of James W. Church, the founding President of Conestoga College. 

The award recognizes a student who excels in the three areas Dr. Church deemed important for a person to become all they are capable of being: excellence in academic achievement, concern for the dignity of individuals, and a personal contribution of benefit to society. The winner of the James W. Church Award receives a cash award and is recognized with a framed Conestoga Coat of Arms. 

Potential graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.75 in all courses in the final year of their program design of a full-time Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree, or in all courses of an Ontario College Graduate Certificate program may apply to be considered for this prestigious award.

Graduating students from the 2024-2025 academic year are invited to apply for the James W. Church Award. Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on May 5, 2025. 

Presented at Spring Convocation 

The President's Award of Excellence in Student Leadership will be presented to a student who has demonstrated positive leadership through their contributions to the program, the college or the community, and who has demonstrated support to students and the development of future student leaders.   

Presented at Fall Convocation

To be eligible for academic recognition upon graduation, students must have completed the minimum number of courses or credits or hours of their program of study at Conestoga. The actual percentage required to be completed will vary according to the length of the program:   

• Ontario College Certificate – 75 per cent
• Ontario College Graduate Certificate – 75 per cent
• Ontario College Diploma – 50 per cent
• Ontario College Advanced Diploma – 50 per cent
• Degree – 40 per cent

Recognition is awarded upon graduation to the student in each diploma, graduate certificate and degree program who obtains the highest overall weighted average in the program. Students must achieve a weighted average of 90 per cent or greater, with no failed courses.  

• To be eligible for the President's Honour List, students must have completed the required number of courses or credits or hours of their program of study at Conestoga (varies by length of program - see above).
• The student who achieves the President's Honour List will receive a letter of congratulations signed by the president.
• The student will receive a Conestoga Coat of Arms.
• The recognition will be noted on the student's official academic record and in the convocation program.

Recognition is awarded upon graduation for all students registered in diploma, graduate certificate, and degree programs who achieve a program weighted average of 90 per cent or greater, with no failed courses. 

• To be eligible for Graduation with High Distinction, students must have completed the required number of courses or credits or hours of their program of study at Conestoga (varies by length of program - see above).
• Students will receive a letter of congratulations signed by the registrar.
• The recognition will be noted on the student's official academic record and in the convocation program.

Recognition is awarded upon graduation for all students registered in diploma, graduate certificate, and degree programs who achieve a program weighted average of 80-89 per cent, with no failed courses. 

• To be eligible for Graduation with Distinction, students must have completed the required number of courses or credits or hours of their program of study at Conestoga (varies by length of program - see above).
• Students will receive a letter of congratulations signed by the registrar.
• The recognition will be noted on the student's official academic record.

Recognition is awarded upon graduation for all students registered in Ontario College certificate and apprenticeship programs who achieve a program weighted average of 80 per cent or greater, with no failed courses. For apprenticeship programs, all levels of the program must be completed.

• To be eligible for the Conestoga Honour List, students must have completed the required number of courses or credits or hours of their program of study at Conestoga (varies by length of program - see above).
• Students will receive a letter of congratulations signed by the registrar.
• The recognition will be noted on the student's official academic record.

Concurrent with the presentation of the appropriate diploma or certificate, each graduate is invested with the Conestoga liripipe; a band of red velvet, edged and divided into four sections by gold trim and bearing four white tassels. It is draped over the left shoulder to signify acceptance into the community of Conestoga College graduates.  

The liripipe originated in the 15th century - the Renaissance period of great artists, scholars and explorers. A longer version of the present university hood, the liripipe symbolizes recognition of an individual sufficiently prepared to play a particular role in the world’s work, as well as attainment of a standard of excellence that will encourage recipients to seek, learn and improve upon the nature of their chosen roles.  

The Conestoga baccalaureate degree hood is bestowed on graduates of all Conestoga degree programs in approved baccalaureate fields. The hood is in the traditional colour of black. The gold piping around the edge symbolizes successful attainment of a standard of excellence in a particular degree program. The display area of the hood features Conestoga's institutional colours of red, blue and gold.