/Institutions/University-of-Texas-Rio-Grande-Valley/json/2025-2026/Student-Policies-local.json

/Institutions/University-of-Texas-Rio-Grande-Valley/json/2025-2026/Student-Policies.json

Undergraduate Graduation Recognitions

LATIN HONORS GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Upon graduation, a student receiving a bachelor’s degree may meet criteria to graduate with Latin Honors based on the final institutional GPA earned. Only courses completed at UTRGV will be used to determine eligibility for graduation with Latin honors based on the following final institutional GPA ranges:

Summa Cum Laude	GPA of 3.9 to 4.0
Magna Cum Laude	GPA of 3.7 to 3.89
Cum Laude	GPA of 3.5 to 3.69

Bachelor's degree candidates who have attempted and completed at least 45 semester hours in academic residence at The UTRGV qualify to earn Latin honors based on the above GPA ranges. 

Students earning a second bachelor’s degree are eligible for Latin honors if they complete a minimum of 45 semester credit hours in residence in addition to the hours required and previously earned for the first degree. No duplication of hours from a previous degree can be used toward the 45-hour requirement. 

Honors are listed in the commencement program and announced at commencement ceremonies based on a student’s GPA following the last semester completed, and prior to completion of his/her last semester of coursework. A Latin honors listing in the commencement program does not guarantee graduation with Latin honors. Latin honors are officially calculated after the completion of the final semester and the final grading deadline.  Latin honors officially achieved based on final grades are noted on undergraduate diplomas based on the final institutional GPA, as well as on students' official transcripts. 

HONOR'S COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS

To fulfill Honors College requirements and graduate with Honors College recognition, students may choose to follow one of several different coursework tracks during their time in the program (for details about these tracks, please visit the Honors College website. The Honors College strives to allow students to move through the program by taking as few courses outside their major degree plans as possible. Some honors courses allow Honors students to fulfill university core requirements within the Honors College. Finally, Honors College graduates must have a total GPA of 3.5 or higher and must successfully complete all requirements under their chosen track.

Students who graduate as Honors Scholars will have this designation recorded on their transcripts. They will also have the distinction of wearing an Honors Medallion and Stole at graduation.

B3 SCHOLAR SEAL REQUIREMENTS

The B3 Scholar Seal develops undergraduate students’ bilingualism through relevant coursework and formally acknowledges these skills through a certificate program. To fulfill the B3 Scholar Seal requirements and graduate with the B3 Scholar Seal, students complete courses that are taught in Spanish or bilingually, as well as courses that incorporate contextualized sociolinguistics practices. Students also have the option of completing two Spanish classes as part of the Seal requirements. Students may receive credit for graduating with the Seal of Biliteracy from their respective high school and/or earn the Texas Performance Acknowledgement in Bilingualism and Biliteracy (TAC 74.14Bb*).
Students who graduate as B3 Scholars will have this designation recorded on their transcripts. They will also have the distinction recognized upon graduation and receive a certificate which will be provided after the degree is awarded.