May a school be compelled to confer a student graduation honors considering that said student had incurred a failing grade in an earlier course she took?

It is an accepted principle that schools of learning are given ample discretion to formulate rules and guidelines in the granting of honors for purposes of graduation. This is part of academic freedom. Within the parameters of these rules, it is within the competence of universities and colleges to determine who are entitled to the grant of honors among the graduating students. Its discretion on this academic matter may not be disturbed much less controlled by the courts unless there is grave abuse of discretion in its exercise. (University of San Carlos vs. CA, G.R. No. 79237, October 18, 1988)