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

Deadlines for August 2026 Graduates

Wednesday, August 19, 2026:

  • Last day to order early electronic diplomas (CeDiploma). Please note there is a cost for this service. Please refer to the “I am graduating this August and would like to order expedited processing of my CeDiploma. What do I do?” section within the Diploma Notarization and Special Cases area of the Diploma/Translation Order Request Form FAQs webpage for detailed instructions.

Monday, August 31, 2026:

  • Last day to purchase secure express shipping of your paper diploma.
  • 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 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.

Monday, March 1, 2027

  • Last day for August 2026, December 2026, and May 2027 graduates to update their diploma name for the University's Commencement program. 
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

August Graduates - Payment Links will be made available after August 7, 2026. Reminder:  The deadline to purchase express secure shipping is August 31, 2026.

  • 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 express secure domestic shipping option, pay via a secure online payment form linked below.This option will be available after August 7, 2026.
  • If you choose the secure international shipping option, pay via a secure online payment form linked below. This option will be available after August 7, 2026.
 Default ShippingExpress Secure Shipping
Domestic Shipping Address - USA
  • Non-trackable, United States Postal Service (USPS)
  • 3-6 weeks for delivery
  • Low-medium risk of damage

  • No cost

     

 

  • Trackable, UPS
  • 3-6 weeks for delivery
  • Low risk of damage
  • This service does not expedite the processing of your paper diploma. 
  • Shipping costs: $30. 
International Shipping Address - Canada, Mexico, and European countries
  • Non-trackable, United States Postal Service (USPS)
  • 6-18 months for delivery
  • High risk of damage
  • No cost
  • Note: The USPS has listed service disruptions in international locations. Please visit this site for a full list of affected countries
  • Trackable, UPS
  • 4-12 weeks for delivery
  • Low-medium risk of damage
  • This service does not expedite the processing of your paper diploma
  • Shipping costs: $50. 
International Shipping Address - Other Countries
  • Non-trackable, United States Postal Service (USPS)
  • 6-18 months for delivery
  • High risk of damage
  • No cost
  • Note: The USPS has listed service disruptions in international locations. Please visit this site for a full list of affected countries
  • Trackable, UPS
  • 4-12 weeks for delivery
  • Low-medium risk of damage
  • This service does not expedite the processing of your paper diploma
  • Shipping costs: $110. 

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.

  • Paper and certified electronic diplomas (CeDiplomas) are issued three times each year (May, August, and December).
  • The diplomas of May graduates are expected to be mailed (paper) and released (CeDiploma) in late July.
  • The diplomas of August graduates are expected  to be mailed (paper) and released (CeDiploma) in mid-October.
  • The diplomas of December graduates are expected to be mailed (paper) and released (CeDiploma) 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: 

Name Matching Requirements

  • Your first and last name must match the legal first and last name recorded in Penn’s student information system. You can check the legal name listed in the student information system on your unofficial transcripts via Path@Penn.
  • If the name you wish to display on your diploma differs significantly from your official student record, you must submit:

Important Timing Note

  • All required name updates must be submitted and processed before diploma printing.
  • If you do not complete the necessary updates in advance:
    • The name in the student information system will be printed on your diploma, or
    • Your diploma may be delayed until the discrepancy is resolved

Additional Guidelines

  • Commencement Program Deadline (May Graduates):
    • You must submit your graduation application by March 1 to have your name included in the University Commencement program.
  • FERPA Directory Restrictions:
    • Students who have opted out of FERPA Directory Information will not have their names published in the Commencement program.
  • Titles Not Permitted:
    • Titles such as Esq., Dr., etc., cannot be included on diplomas.
  • Diploma Name Format:
    • Diplomas are printed as:
      First Name Middle Name (optional) Last Name
      (Example: Benjamin Franklin)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.”

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.