And for those with 3.5 or above, graduation is Cum Laude. Graduation honors are reserved for students who earn at least 60 semester hours at TCU exclusive of any credit by examination. In almost all academic fields, national honor ties societies recognize students who show exceptional ability. Most departments at TCU have chapters of such societies to which high-achieving students are invited. In addition, some prestigious honor societies are open to students from throughout the University.
Most initiates are seniors, though juniors and graduate students are sometimes invited as well.
Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society of North America, invites to membership persons whose research has made an original contribution to the sciences. Undergraduate students with exceptional research papers meet the society's requirements. Mortar Board invites students on the basis of their service and leadership as well as scholarship.