Valedictorian Selection Criteria

The valedictorian is an individual who has achieved the highest academic achievement of the class. Each USU college with undergraduate programs annually selects one individual as the valedictorian for that college. The following guidance will assist colleges with some commonality in the selection of the valedictorian. The major consideration for selection of a college valedictorian is academic performance. Other evidence may be considered in determining academic excellence.

The selection criteria for college’s valedictorian include:

1. GPA earned at Utah State University (primary basis for selection)
2. Overall GPA may also be considered
3. Minimum of 60 semester credits for which letter grades were earned at Utah State University
4. Other evidence of academic excellence or achievement as determined by the dean

The following secondary factors may be considered by the dean in the selection of a college valedictorian:

1. Availability to participate in commencement activities
2. Amount and quality of transfer credit
3. Number of courses repeated
4. Number of courses taken under the “Pass (P), D+ D, F” grading option
5. Number of credits earned by examination, as well as level of achievement on such credits (e.g., CLEP scores)
6. Breadth of educational experience
7. Completion of University Honors
8. Other college-relevant indicators of academic excellence or achievement