Graduate with Distinction

Members enrolled in AUP may wish to prepare for competitive civilian hire or military selection boards (Officer Candidate School, MARGRAD, etc.). Members wishing to be recognized as a Graduate with Distinction must verify completion of additional tasks on their AUP Graduate PQS submission. Award of the Graduate with Distinction honor must coincide with graduation from college and from AUP, i.e. it is not possible to retroactively meet these requirements following initial award of the AUP Graduate qualification. Members intending to graduate with distinction are required to fulfill the following requirements in addition to all items required to qualify as an AUP Graduate.

Personal Leadership philosophy

This paper is intended to demonstrate the leadership thinking of the graduate. Student will write a personal leadership philosophy no less than one and not more than two pages in length in double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, 1” margins. The leadership philosophy will be evaluated by the student’s Unit Officer for an appropriate level of thought and effort.

Coast Guard Health and Physical Readiness (HPR)

Meeting these standards demonstrate a base level of physical fitness required of a Coast Guard Officer Candidate (OC). As such, the requirements mirror those for Officer Candidate School (OCS). Members are required to complete the physical fitness and swim tests within the OCS regulations.

NOTE: The member may substitute an additional 300-level course in lieu of this requirement; however, any student pursuing an active duty career is strongly encouraged to complete the PT requirements.

Coast Guard Issue Paper

This course is intended to demonstrate the student’s knowledge of the Coast Guard and ability to identify and research a topic that is significant to the Coast Guard. The topic may be an internal issue (e.g. Coast Guard budget process) or external (e.g. Coast Guard’s response to climate change).

Student must complete 5 page, double spaced essay in 12-point Times New Roman font, 1” margins. Essay shall be reviewed and approved by the Unit Officer. This should be submitted along with Personal Leadership Philosophy via the AUP website.

Internship Requirement

Students complete their work under the guidance of experienced professionals and an academic advisor from their school. Students may be eligible to earn college credit for their experience, depending on the policies of the individual school. Further information is in the AUP Internship Guide .

Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement

The graduate must complete their degree as issued by their academic institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.