The University of Pennsylvania confers degrees three times a year in May, August, and December. Students are required to submit a graduation application to initiate degree processing. The graduation application allows students to share with the University important information such as preferred presentation for name on diploma and in the commencement program, diploma shipping address, and formally initiates the final review of academic progress toward degree completion. Your graduation term is the term when you complete your final degree requirement, which may be different than the term you participate in the graduation ceremony.
This is also an opportunity for students to review their academic record, specifically their field of study, to confirm their records accurately reflect the degree information anticipated, such as major(s), minor(s), joint degrees, etc. Although all students are expected to regularly meet with their academic advisor throughout their enrollment, it is common and appropriate for this process to prompt a conversation between the student and their academic advisor around items such as outstanding degree requirements, incomplete grades, or the decision to drop a minor, extra major, or area of study. These conversations and changes should take place prior to applying to graduate. All students are encouraged to review their academic record ahead of the application deadline and meet with their advisor about any outstanding or new questions relating to degree completion.
Graduation applications are only valid for the term indicated in the application at the time it is submitted. If the degree is not granted for that term, for any reason, the student must submit a new graduation application for the term in which they anticipate graduation
Application for graduation 2023-2024
Requirements
Please refer to your program handbook for degree requirements, academic standing policies, and residency policies that apply to graduation. All program handbooks are available online.
Process
- Make an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss your plans prior to the start of your last term in LPS.
- Submit a graduation application (see below).
- Your record will be audited by your advisor(s) to verify that you have completed all degree requirements.
- LPS will inform you by email if you are on track to graduate or if there are any obstacles to your graduation in the term for which you have applied.
- Your graduation will be posted on your academic record once you have completed all degree requirements, including completion of work in your final term.
- If you are not approved to graduate in the term for which you originally apply, you will need to apply again for graduation in a different (future) term. We cannot defer or roll forward graduation applications to future terms. There is no fee associated with graduation applications.
- Diploma name and mailing information is available at the Penn University Secretary site.
Please note: All students are advised to monitor their progress toward fulfilling degree requirements on a regular basis via Path@Penn.
Application to graduate
Graduate degree candidates (MLA, MPhil in Liberal Arts, MCS, MES, MSAG, MAPP, MSOD, MPhil in Organizational Dynamics, MBDS, GMPA, IMPA, MPA, Executive MPA)
LPS master's degree candidates seeking to apply for graduation must submit the University of Pennsylvania’s central graduation application.
- Apply to Graduate (PDF guide)
Deadlines to apply for graduation in 2023-2024:
- December 1: December graduation
- March 15: May graduation/August graduates who wish to participate in the May graduation ceremony
- July 1: August graduates not participating in the May graduation ceremony
Undergraduate degree candidates (BA, BFA, BAAS)
LPS undergraduate degree candidates seeking to apply for graduation must submit the University of Pennsylvania’s central graduation application.
- Apply to Graduate (PDF guide)
Deadlines to apply for graduation in 2023-2024:
- November 1: December graduation
- February 1: May graduation
- March 15: August graduates who wish to participate in the May graduation ceremony
- May 1: August graduates not participating in the May graduation ceremony
Diplomas
Diplomas will be mailed approximately 8-10 weeks following the official degree conferral date (i.e., the date appearing on your diploma). Your diploma will be mailed once your degree has been posted by your school and if you are in good financial standing. You can confirm that your degree has been posted by logging into Path@Penn. If your degree has not been posted, you should contact your school.
Diplomas will only be mailed to the permanent or diploma mailing address. The local or temporary address will not be used. Please note the following deadlines for updating addresses in Path@Penn.
- For May diplomas, addresses must be entered/updated no later than June 7.
- For August diplomas, addresses must be entered/updated no later than September 1.
- For December diplomas, addresses must be entered/updated no later than January 15.
Failure to provide a diploma mailing address prior to the dates listed above will result in the diploma being mailed to the permanent address.
Diploma name information: For the name you select to be printed on your diploma, the first and last names must match the first and last names that have been registered with Penn. If the name being requested for the diploma differs significantly from the name on the official student record, a name change request must be submitted to the University Registrar, 3451 Walnut Street, 150 Franklin Building. If you request a name for your diploma that does not match your registered name with the University, and do not submit the name change prior to the diploma printing, your registered name will be printed on your diploma. No additional titles, such as Esq., Dr., etc., will be permitted on the diploma.
Diploma name and mailing information is available at the Penn University Secretary site.
