Diploma Checklist for Graduating Students

Deadlines for December 2024 Graduates

Wednesday, January 15, 2025:

  • Last day to purchase express shipping.
  • Last day to order early electronic diplomas (CeDiploma) for an extra cost.
  • Last day to change diploma mailing address via Path@Penn.
  • Last day to update diploma name using the Diploma Name Change form located on the Update Your Student Data page. 
  • 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 Holds

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

  1. Log into Path@Penn.
  2. Click the “View my student profile” link.
  3. Click on “Holds” section in the upper right-hand corner of your profile.
  4. Click the triangle icon to view the hold information.

Only a Diploma Hold, a Financial Hold, and/or a Judicial Hold can prevent your diploma from being mailed. Please visit the Holds on Student Records & Accounts page for information on how to remove holds. 

2
Choose Shipping Method

Choose your diploma shipping method from the options below.

  • If you choose default domestic shipping option – no action needed.
  • If you choose default international shipping – no action needed.
  • If you choose the secure domestic shipping option – pay via Online Diploma Request Form.
  • If you choose the secure international shipping option – pay via Online Diploma Request Form.
 Default ShippingSecure Shipping
Domestic Shipping Address• No cost
• Non-trackable
• 3-6 weeks for delivery
• Low-medium risk of damage		• Shipping cost
• Trackable
• 3-6 weeks for delivery
• Low risk of damage
International Shipping Address• No cost
• Non-trackable
• 6-18 months for delivery
• High risk of damage		• Shipping cost
• Trackable
• 4-12 weeks for delivery
• Low-medium risk of damage

Diplomas are issued three times each year (May, August, and December).

  • 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 late February.

Graduates can have their diplomas mailed to a trusted friend or relative. If you choose to proceed with this option, please enter "c/o First Name Last Name" in the first address line on the Online Diploma Request Form to include the name of your trusted friend or relative based on the shipping method selected.

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.

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.

4
Confirm Awarded Degree(s)

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.