As I was taking my diploma off the wall of my office to pack it up, I stopped to read it.  It says:

“Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas

Be it known that
Paul Jeffery James

having successfully completed the Course of Study as prescribed by the
Faculty and Board of Regents and having complied with all other
requirements of the University, has been declared a

Bachelor of Science

and is entitled to all rights and privileges pertaining to that degree.
In testimony whereof, the Board of Regents, upon recommendation of the
Faculty, has granted this Diploma, bearing the seal of the University.
Done this the fourteenth day of May, Two Thousand and Five.”

First of all, I had no idea what my diploma really said, especially the part of being “declared a Bachelor of Science”.  It makes sense I suppose;  I earned a bachelor of science degree, therefore I would be a Bachelor of Science.

Can anyone now tell me what “rights and priviliges” I am entitled to?  Can I show this thing at Starbucks and get a free latte?  Did I miss something at my graduation (that I didn’t attend)?  I’m really looking forward to becoming a Master of something someday.  What does yours say?