This content is for Continuing and Graduating Students
Diploma Checklist for Graduating Students

Deadlines for May 2026 Graduates

Sunday, March 1, 2026

  • Last day for August 2025, December 2025, and May 2026 graduates to update their diploma name for the University's Commencement program. Note: Students who opt-out of FERPA Directory Information will not have their names printed in the Commencement program.

Friday, April 10, 2026:

  • Last day for Vet, Dental, and PSOM (MD) students to update their diploma name using the Legal Name Change or Correction and Diploma Name Change forms located on the Update Your Student Data page is April 10th. Please note that the first and last name on your diploma must exactly match your legal name.

Friday, June 12, 2026:

  • Last day to order early electronic diplomas (CeDiploma). Please note there is a cost for this service. Note: this service will not be available until after Commencement. 
  • Last day to purchase secure express shipping of your paper diploma. Note: We will provide an update when this service becomes available.
  • Last day to change diploma mailing address via Path@Penn. When adding a Diploma Mailing Address in Path@Penn, ensure the "From Date" matches the date you submit the update. Using a past or future date may prevent the address from being saved correctly.
  • Last day for students not in Vet, Dental, or PSOM (MD) programs to update diploma name using the Diploma Name Change form located on the Update Your Student Data page. Note: The first name(s) and last name(s) on your diploma(s) must match the legal first name(s) and legal last name(s) of your student records. Your diploma(s) will not be printed until the first name(s) and last name(s) match. Names will appear exactly as entered. If you would like a period (.) after your Middle Initial(s), please make sure to include it in your submission.
  • Last day to provide an alternative email address via the Penn Directory. An alternative email is required to contact graduates once access to their Penn email addresses has been deactivated.
1
Check for Diploma, Financial, or Judicial Holds

Confirm that you do not have a diploma, financial, or judicial hold on your student accounts and/or records that would prevent your diploma from being mailed to you. 

For information on how to view holds on your student profile, please see the "How can I see if I have a hold on my student records or accounts?" section of the Diploma FAQs for Graduating Students webpage.

Please note: Only the following hold types can prevent your diploma from being mailed: Diploma Hold, Financial Hold, and/or Judicial Hold. No action is required for holds that do not display.

Visit the Holds on Student Records & Accounts page for information on how to remove holds. 

Path@Penn
Holds on Student Records & Accounts
University Commencement
FERPA Notice
2
Choose Shipping Method

May graduates: Note that this option is available to students whose diplomas are not distributed during their school ceremonies.

  • Please note that selecting an express secure shipping option does not expedite the processing of your paper diploma. Processing times remain the same regardless of the shipping method chosen.
  • If you choose the default domestic shipping option, no action is needed.
  • If you choose the default international shipping, no action is needed.
  • If you choose the secure domestic shipping option, pay via a secure online payment form linked below.
  • If you choose the secure international shipping option, pay via a secure online payment form linked below.
 Default ShippingExpress Secure Shipping
Domestic Shipping Address - USA
  • Non-trackable
  • 3-6 weeks for delivery
  • Low-medium risk of damage
  • No cost

 

  • Trackable
  • 3-6 weeks for delivery
  • Low risk of damage
  • Shipping costs: $30. Links will be available after Commencement.
International Shipping Address - Canada, Mexico, and European countries
  • Non-trackable
  • 6-18 months for delivery
  • High risk of damage
  • No cost
  • Trackable
  • 4-12 weeks for delivery
  • Low-medium risk of damage
  • Shipping costs: $50. Links will be available after Commencement.
International Shipping Address - Other Countries
  • Non-trackable
  • 6-18 months for delivery
  • High risk of damage
  • No cost
  • Trackable
  • 4-12 weeks for delivery
  • Low-medium risk of damage
  • Shipping costs: $110. Links will be available after Commencement.

Graduates can have their diplomas mailed to a trusted friend or relative. Please make sure to enter "c/o First Name Last Name" in the first address line of the Diploma Mailing address that you add to your Path@Penn account, including the name of your trusted friend or relative. Example: c/o Benjamin Franklin.

Reminder: Diplomas are issued three times each year.

  • The diplomas of May graduates are expected to be mailed in late July.
  • The diplomas of August graduates are expected to be mailed in mid-October.
  • The diplomas of December graduates are expected to be mailed in mid-March.
3
Confirm Personal Information

Confirm your personal information on your Graduation Application(s).

  • Log into Path@Penn.
  • Click the “View my student profile” link.
  • Click on the “Active (1)” or "Active (2)" link under the Graduation Information section.

Please review the diploma name and mailing address on your Graduation Application to ensure accuracy. If you believe you have submitted a Graduation Application but do not see an active application on your student profile, contact your academic advisor(s) or program manager(s) for assistance.

Important: 

  • Diploma names must be provided in English. Do not include parentheses, salutations (e.g., Dr., Mr., Ms.), academic degree abbreviations (e.g., MD, MS), or the term “N/A.”
  • Your preferred first name may only be used if it matches the legal first name listed in your official student record.
  • If the name you want on your diploma differs from your official student record, you must submit both a Legal Name Change or Correction Request and a Diploma Name Change using the Student Data Update Form.
  • May graduates must submit a graduation application by March 1st to ensure their names are printed in the university's Commencement program.
  • Students who opt-out of FERPA Directory Information will not have their names printed in the Commencement program.

For additional information, including graduation application deadlines, please visit the Graduation Application webpage.

If you need to update your diploma name or mailing address, refer to the Diploma FAQs for Graduating Students page.

Path@Penn
4
Confirm Awarded Degree(s)

After the term ends, confirm you have completed all degree requirements for graduation. 

  • Log into Path@Penn.
  • Click the “Review my unofficial transcripts” link to review your grades and degree(s) awarded status.
  • Contact your academic advisor(s) or program manager(s) with questions and concerns about your degree award (conferral) status.

Note: Academic advisors or program managers perform the degree checkout process. The degree checkout process can take up to 30 days to complete.

Review my unofficial transcript
Diploma FAQs for Graduating Students

For general inquiries or questions regarding the checkout items listed above, please visit the following link: Diploma FAQs for Graduating Students.