To do:

In the Netherlands the cum laude distinction is reserved for theses that belong to the top 5% of the relevant research field. To receive the cum laude predicate:

  • the PhD candidate produced a thesis independently and within a reasonable timeframe
  • the student's research is innovative
  • it has an impact on the field of research
  • and belongs to the top 5% 

The cum laude classification procedure is described in the VU University Doctorate Regulations, articles 31 and 32. Check the articles for full description and conditions

Necessary documents:

  • The manuscript

  • The procedure in Hora Finita (below)

Tips:

The cum laude procedure is strictly confidential. The Phd candidate is not informed about the possibility of a cum laude distinction

The procedure for awarding the distinction cum laude is provided and communicated via Hora Finita and not through emails sent by the Dean's department

Pleas find manuals on the VU website:

First step:

  • After review of the manuscript by all members of the Doctorate Board, the chairman is asked to give an overall opinion, including cum laude
  • The dean / department of Doctorate Affairs receives a message from Hora Finita that the manuscript has been reviewed and both are also notified if one or more reviewers think the manuscript is outstanding and eligible for cum laude

Second step:

  • Based on the chairman’s opinion, the assessments and the cum laude proposals, the dean assesses:
    A) whether the manuscript is approved and
    B) whether referees need to be appointed and asked to assess if the manuscript in their opinion is eligible for cum laude

    Third step:

    • The dean appoints two referees (on proposal of the supervisor), who will automatically receive an invitation from Hora Finita to submit their recommendations to the Dean in confidence, via Hora Finita

    Fourth step:

    The referees assess the manuscript, according to the following criteria:

    In the Netherlands, the cum laude distinction is only awarded to theses that belong to the top 5% of the relevant research field. When determining this, one can pay attention to the following criteria:

    • the importance of the subject
    • the importance of the problem definition and a sharp profiling thereof
    • the originality of the approach
    • the scientific level of organization, analysis and processing of the material
    • the purity of the methodology used in this analysis
    • the derivation of new insights and new ideas
    • a critical confrontation of one’s own conclusions with existing theories or views
    • a creative approach to the scientific field covered in the thesis
    • self-restraint in the drafting of the text
    • balance in the structure of the thesis and clarity of the style

    Fifth step:

    After assessment and advice from both the referees, the dean decides whether or not to suggest to the PhD committee to award the laude designation

    In case of the positive decision by the dean, during the meeting after the defence, it will be decided whether the distinction cum laude will be conferred or not. The distinction cum laude is not awarded if more than one of the persons entitled to vote in the meeting, votes against

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