When graduating, an assortment of regalia is awarded to the person for the accomplishments they have amassed throughout their academic year.
According to The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) graduation webpage, the university honors students’ achievements with decorative yet meaningful items. A cord is awarded based on academic merit, beginning with a GPA of 3.5, with colors varying according to distinction level. First-generation graduates are also allowed to showcase their milestones proudly. Additionally, all graduates receive a tassel representing the college they graduated from.
Amy Mena graduated with her bachelor’s in English and American literature, with a minor in secondary education in December 2023. Accolades of her efforts include a cord for completing the early college program and a cord for graduating cum laude.
Since beginning her academic career, Mena strove to excel in her studies, aiming to graduate with as many recognitions as possible. She set high academic standards to challenge and motivate herself to perform at her best, as graduating with honors was an especially attractive goal.
“I think they are a valid representation of my effort. While some may view them as performative, for me, they serve as tangible reminders of the hard work and sacrifices I have made”, Mena said, “Yes, graduating with honors can influence how others perceive me, often leading to respect and recognition; personally, it boosts my confidence.”
Being well-decorated with achievements at graduation was more than a performative or statistical endeavor for Mena—it was driven by the desire for something tangible, a record that acknowledged her efforts.
“Emotionally, both distinctions symbolize my dedication, perseverance, and growth throughout my educational journey. Metaphorically, they represent the culmination of my efforts and transformative experiences I encountered along the way,” Mena said.
For others, the academic itch to be adorned by their accomplishments comes a little later, amid their educational journeys.
Jennifer Soliz graduated as a double major in psychology and English and American literature in December 2024. It wasn’t until her junior year that she felt the familiar bite of ambition—the drive to earn recognition that could bolster her graduate school applications.
Soliz earned a cord for serving as vice president of an on-campus organization, a cord and stole for her membership in Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society and another cord for her work at UTEP’s Writing Center—an achievement she credits with representing her time, effort and academic excellence.
Though she was motivated by the goal of a strong graduate application, she felt overwhelmed by the importance placed on academic distinctions.
“I strongly believe it’s a valid incentive to perform better in higher education. I think there’s a stigma from those who might not graduate with distinctions because they might feel like others are showing off,” Soliz said. “However, if you’re graduating with distinctions, it feels incredibly meaningful because one has worked for it.”
Representative of the students’ enduring efforts throughout the years, the predicament of a stale tradition has brought concerns about the emphasis on academic achievements. The tokens of achievement, outwardly worn, can incite mixed feelings of pride for some and pressure for others.
“If one doesn’t have the time because of work or family obligations to participate or be involved, then that diminishes their experience with the ‘what if’ situation of not being able to add stuff to their resume and overall college experience when it’s not their fault,” Soliz said.
A growing sentiment has emerged for a reimagined and more inclusive set of criteria—encouraging awards that move beyond mere academic pursuits to recognize achievements in other avenues.
“Distinctions could be expanded more to include achievements in community service, leadership roles, and extracurricular involvement. Recognizing diverse forms of contributions would create a more inclusive environment that values various talents and efforts,” Mena said.
As students continue to define success on their terms, perhaps the future of academic recognition will evolve to reflect what’s achieved in the classroom and the efforts that extend beyond academics.
Jazmine Gracia is a writing contributor for The Prospector and can be reached [email protected].
