Frequently Asked Questions | Office of the Provost

What is the Honors Convocation?

Honors Convocation is a longstanding San José State University tradition that formally recognizes undergraduate students who have achieved a 4.0 GPA and are designated as President’s Scholars. The ceremony celebrates the academic excellence and dedication of these students in the presence of university leadership and faculty.

Invitations to qualified students are typically sent in early March. The President, Provost, and the deans of each college present awards to the honorees.

Who is recognized at the ceremony?

Undergraduate students who earned a 4.0 SJSU GPA in 12 letter-graded units during the prior Spring or Fall semester and were matriculated undergraduate students at the time of achievement are designated as President’s Scholars and invited to participate.

Learn more about honor qualifications.

Note: The appropriate honor roll status is shown on the student's transcript beneath the semester in which it is earned.

When and where will the Honors Convocation take place?

The ceremony will take place on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 4:00 pm at the Morris Dailey Auditorium, located inside the Tower Hall. Doors will open approximately 1 hour before the ceremony begins.

Is there a cost to attend the ceremony?

The event is FREE to all honorees and there are NO admission tickets.

Do students need to RSVP to attend the ceremony?

Yes. Student honorees must RSVP by April 3, 2026 to participate in the ceremony. Additional information was provided in the official invitation sent to President’s Scholars.

Can family members or guests attend?

Due to space limitations, the ceremony is reserved for student honorees. Family members and friends are invited to celebrate this achievement through the event livestream.

How can family and friends watch the ceremony?

The livestream link will be available on this webpage prior to the ceremony.

Will there be opportunities for photos after the ceremony?

Yes. Following the ceremony, student honorees will have the opportunity to take photos with university leadership, faculty, and supporters outside the Morris Dailey Auditorium. Families and guests are welcome to join students after the ceremony for photos and celebration.

Will the ceremony be recorded?

Yes. A recording of the Honors Convocation will be published on the event website following the ceremony so that students and families may share and revisit the celebration.

What do I receive as a President's Scholar?

The President's Scholar will receive an honor cord at the ceremony, followed by an electronic certificate from the Provost's Office.

Is the venue accessible?

Yes. The Morris Dailey Auditorium is an ADA accessible building on campus. There are three accessible entrances to the venue. See the ADA campus map [pdf] (pdf).

ADA accessible seating will be available for the person with accessibility needs and one assistant only. All seating inside of the venue is on a first come, first served basis. No reservations are required.

An ASL interpreter will also be provided.

For other disability-related accommodations, please contact the Provost Office in advance so arrangements can be made.

How long is the ceremony?

The ceremony is expected to last approximately 90 mins.

What happends during the ceremony?

During the Honors Convocation:

President's Scholars are formally recognized on stage.
Students will be acknowledged individually as their names are read.
Honor cords are conferred as part of the ceremony.
University leadership, including the President, Provost, Deans, and faculty, will participate.

The ceremony is designed to celebrate academic excellence and the faculty–student relationships that support scholarly achievement.

Do President's Scholars walk across the stage?

Yes. Participating President's Scholars will be recognized on stage as part of the ceremony.

What time should the President’s Scholars arrive?

Doors open at 3:00 p.m. Please arrive early to allow time for check-in and seating instructions.

Honorees
Check in at the registration table in front of Morris Dailey Auditorium (Tower Hall).

Seating
Honorees will be seated with their respective college groups. All seating is general admission, there are no assigned seats.

What is the attire?

Business casual attire is recommended.

What items are allowed to be brought into the venue?

Flowers are acceptable. Helium balloons are NOT allowed in the venue.

Please review the venue's Clear Bag Policy [pdf] and the list of restricted items not permitted inside the venue.

Where do I park for the ceremony?

Parking is available at any of the three main campus garages: North Garage, South Garage, and West Garage. More information can be found here: https://www.sjsu.edu/provost/events/honors-convocation/faq/event-venue-parking.php

Will my name be published?

President’s Scholars may opt in to have their names published as part of the official Honors Convocation program and website listing, in accordance with FERPA guidelines.

Honor roll status is shown on the student transcript beneath the semester in which it is earned.

Can I attend if I have already graduated?

Yes. Students who earned the President’s Scholar designation are welcome to participate even if they have already graduated.

For those who cannot attend the ceremony, you will receive your electronic certificate by email. The honor cord can be picked up after the ceremony, starting April 27, 2026, from the Provost Office, Mon - Fri, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, at Clark Hall Rm. 550.

I changed my major since receiving the award, can my certificate be reissued to reflect my new major?

Honor certificates are issued based on the major at the time the honor was earned. Any honors earned after your major was changed will be issued in your new major. This aligns with your official transcript.

Who can I contact with questions?

For additional questions, please contact the Provost's Office.

📧 provost@sjsu.edu
📞 408-924-2400