Latin Honors

Eligibility Requirements

• Academic honors are designated only for undergraduate students completing their baccalaureate degrees.
• To qualify to graduate with the recognition of cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude as an undergraduate student, the following criteria must be met:
  • Achieve a minimum Sam Houston State University grade point average of 3.50 computed on all resident classroom instruction.
  • Achieve not less than a 3.50 cumulative grade point average computed on all accepted transfer resident classroom instruction and Sam Houston State resident classroom instruction.
  • Completed not fewer than thirty term credit hours in residence at Sam Houston State; not fewer than twenty-four of hours must be advanced. 
  • Completed all other requirements for graduation at Sam Houston State.

Latin Honors are awarded only to undergraduate students earning a baccalaureate degree who meet the GPA requirements outlined in the Academic Policy.

Honors announced at Commencement are based on the GPA as of the 12th class day of the term (4th day for summer). Final grades are not included in this calculation but are used to determine the honors posted on the official transcript and diploma.

Cords for Honors

The university provides cords for those students recognized with Latin Honors. Those degree candidates determined to be recognized with graduation honors will be corded during the line-up by the University Faculty Marshals. The Registrar's Office will provide a listing of those available to be recognized with these honors and will designate the honor by printing it on the seating card. The graduation honor is read by the university name caller when the student crosses to receive their diploma tube.