SMU uses the cumulative Grade Point Average criteria to identify degree candidates with academic excellence upon graduation. The following awards are given:

Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude and Cum Laude are latin awards adopted from the US system, and can be translated as with Highest Distinction, with High Distinction and with Distinction, respectively.

All cum laude awards are highly selective. They do not equate to the various classes of degree honours conferred by universities that follow the British system of academic honours.

Cum laude and merit awards are reflected in both the degree scroll and the official transcript.