Frequently Asked Questions

Invitations and University-Wide Ceremony

1.  What should I do if I think I qualify, but did not receive an invitation?

First, review the criteria carefully to be sure you qualify to participate in Honors Day. Contact your academic adviser. He or she will review your record. If your eligibility is confirmed, your adviser will contact the appropriate individuals to be sure you receive an invitation. (Note that this scenario rarely occurs)

2. Do I need to RSVP for the University-Wide Ceremony on April 20?

Yes, please follow the link found in your invitation and reminder emails. Please respond by April 12. 

3. Are guests allowed? Do guests to need register or get tickets for the ceremony?

Guests are welcome to attend the ceremony and will be seated in the arena seats while the honorees are seated on the arena floor. No registration or tickets are required.  

4. How long is the ceremony?

The ceremony is usually 90 minutes to two hours in length.

5. Is Honors Day only for graduating seniors?

The Honors Day ceremony recognizes all College and Distinguished College Scholars who received an invitation. A student may receive this honor as many as three times as soon as they are classified as a junior based on credit hours. Students will receive a different cord each year they are honored and are encouraged to wear their cords with their academic regalia at Commencement. 

 

 

Honor Cords, Medallions, and Certificates

1.  Who receives Honors Day medallions?

Each year, a unique medallion is given to those who qualify as Distinguished College Scholars. The medallions will be presented to these students on stage at the ceremony on April 20. 

2.  Who receives Honors Day honors cords?

All Distinguished College Scholars and College Scholars receive honors cords at the ceremony on April 20. Additional cords will be available after the ceremony should students not be able to attend, but are not guaranteed. Students should reach out to the appropriate contact for their college or school for opportunities to pick up items after the event. 

3.  When will I receive my Honors Day certificate?

Honors Day certificates will be mailed to a student's permanent address on record with the university beginning the week of April 22. Students should receive their certificate by May 15. Please do not reach out to our office regarding a missing certificate until after May 15. 

4.  Whom should I contact if I have not received my Honors Day Certificate by May 15 or if I receive my certificate and it is damaged or has an error?

Contact honorsday@austin.utexas.edu 

5. I received an honor in a previous year and lost my cords/medallion. Can I receive replacement cords/medallions?

Please contact your college or school for replacement items. Note that supply from previous years is limited and replacement items may not be available. 

Criteria and Eligibility

1.  What are the criteria for being named a Distinguished College Scholar or College Scholar?

Criteria for participation in the Honors Day program are available in the General Information Catalog.

2.  Who determines the criteria for Honors Day?

The Educational Policy Committee of the Faculty Council recommends the criteria for participation in Honors Day. Criteria are voted on and approved by the full Faculty Council.

3.  If I have more than one major, do I have to meet the criteria in both in order to be designated a Distinguished College Scholar or College Scholar?

Yes. Students must meet the criteria in all of the colleges and schools in which there is a declared major to be eligible as a Distinguished College Scholar or College Scholar.

4.  Who should I contact if I have questions about Honors Day criteria?

Student honorees with specific questions about their eligibility for Honors Day should contact their academic adviser within their college or school.

Numerous Honors Distinctions

1.  What is the difference between being designated a "Distinguished College Scholar" or "College Scholar" for Honors Day and receiving "University Honors"?

Designation as a "Distinguished College Scholar" or "College Scholar" for Honors Day is a reflection of cumulative academic achievement. Students receive these honors in the junior and senior years of their university career. These designations reflect students whose grade-point averages are, at a minimum, in the top 4% and 20% of their college or school, respectively, and are bestowed each spring at the annual Honors Day ceremony. Recipients are eligible students who meet criteria established by the Faculty Council and published in the General Information Catalog.

In contrast to the cumulative nature of being named a "Distinguished College Scholar" or "College Scholar," the distinction of receiving "University Honors" is awarded each semester. This designation is given to any undergraduate who is enrolled full-time, has earned at least 45 grade points for the semester and has achieved a grade-point average of at least 3.50 on courses completed in residence during the semester. An incomplete grade cannot be received.

2.  If I am named a "Distinguished College Scholar" or "College Scholar" for Honors Day, does that mean I will graduate "with honors"?

Designation as a "Distinguished College Scholar" or "College Scholar" for Honors Day can be awarded up to three times in the academic career of a student, beginning in the junior year and continuing through the fifth year of study for those in specified undergraduate programs. Designation as a "Distinguished College Scholar" or "College Scholar" for Honors Day is distinct from and not associated with graduating "with honors."

Graduating "with honors" is the singular designation given to undergraduates at the culmination of their academic studies at the university. This designation is printed on university diplomas.

To be eligible to graduate "with honors," students must have completed at least 60 semester hours at the university and have a cumulative grade-point average which falls into the top percentage range for all the degree recipients within a particular college or school. Please note the specific cumulative grade-point average required for this designation is determined by the overall accomplishments of a graduating class within each college or school. It is not a fixed grade-point average.

For more information about designation as a "Distinguished College Scholar" or "College Scholar" for Honors Day or to learn more about "University Honors" and graduating "with honors," please consult the General Information Catalog.