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Honors Program

Graduating with University Honors

"University Honors" is the highest academic distinction awarded by BYU to students at the undergraduate level. This prestigious designation is recorded on the university diploma and on the official transcript of grades. It is widely recognized as an indication of exceptional academic achievement. We celebrate these outstanding University Honors graduates each April during University graduation exercises, including University Commencement, Honors Graduation Exercises, and a celebratory luncheon. Friends, family, and the university community can learn about each Honors graduate and their published research through the Honors newsletter, on our website, and on Scholars Archive. Learn more about these events and recognitions below.

Thesis Poster Session

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The poster session provides an opportunity for students to share their research with the broader Honors community in an informal, reception-style setting – complete with refreshments and more. Other family, students, staff, faculty and university administrators browse through the displays, and get to interact with the presenters to learn more about the projects represented. The thesis posters are retained by the Honors Program for a rotating display in the Honors Commons (first floor of the Maeser Building) for the following year.

University Commencement

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April 22, 2023, 10:00 am, BYU Marriott Center
Brigham Young University holds one graduation ceremony annually in April. Students who have or will be graduating within a single academic year (eg. 2022-23 academic year) are invited to attend the April commencement. This university gathering includes all graduating students regardless of what school/college they graduated from. Each year, the Outstanding Honors Graduate represents the University’s graduates as the student speaker at commencement. This honoree is selected from among University Honors graduates at the invitation of the University President. For more information about the event, see University Commencement.

Honors Graduation Exercises

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April 27, 2023, 12:00 pm
Honors graduates, faculty advisors, friends, and family are invited to attend this formal program to celebrate this milestone. Speakers and musical performers are selected by the Honors Program from among the graduates. The Associate Academic Vice President, Dean of Undergraduate Education, and the Honors Program Director preside. Each graduate's name is read as they walk up to be recognized and receive their Honors Program certificate. Each graduating student may reserve up to 6 tickets (graduate + up to 5 guests). The Honors Program invites college deans and faculty thesis advisors to attend.

Reception Lunch

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April 27, 2023 1:00 pm
Immediately following the Honors Graduation exercises, Honors graduates and their guests are invited to an informal, reception-style luncheon. Mix and mingle, enjoy a light lunch, and celebrate with the Honors community before individual college convocations begin.

Honors Regalia

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Each University Honors graduate receives an engraved Honors medallion to wear proudly with a golden Honors v-stole during graduation exercises (commencement, Honors Graduation, and college convocations). Each graduate's name, thesis title, and advisor is listed in the official Honors program and Honors graduates are noted in individual college programs. When degrees are posted by the University, University Honors is noted on the university diploma and official transcripts, and students receive an official University Honors certificate.