Distinction Requirements
Distinction at graduation shall be awarded to those baccalaureate and associate degree candidates of the graduating class according to the distinction requirements specific to their college. These requirements are subject to change each year.
Diplomas
All Penn State graduates with no academic or financial holds on their student record will receive one diploma per degree earned. Diplomas are issued to graduates after the Office of the University Registrar completes the degree conferral process (awarding of a degree once it is determined a student has met all degree requirements for graduation). Beginning with the spring 2020 class and forward, graduates also have the opportunity to purchase a Certified Electronic Diploma (CeDiploma).
It is critical for the University to have the correct information for the diploma and an accurate mailing address for each student. Students may update this information on LionPATH.
Diplomas will be mailed, at no cost, to the graduates’ permanent residence or LionPATH diploma mailing address approximately four weeks after the commencement ceremony.
Please Note: Special inks are used in the printing of your diploma; do not store it in a cedar chest.
Transcripts
An official transcript is the University's certified statement of your academic record. The official paper transcript is printed on security sensitive paper and contains the University seal and signature of the University Registrar. The official electronic transcript is a PDF secured by a digital certificate which is displayed at the top of the transcript along with a blue ribbon. When requesting your transcript you will have to choose your All Credit (undergraduate, graduate, non-degree, law, medical career) or Non-Credit (CEU units). For your protection, we will not release an official transcript without your signature.
Requests for official transcripts can be made by the student from the Academic Records tab in LionPATH or online through the University Registrar.
