Degree-Seeking Students
Following are questions often asked regarding graduation.
When is the deadline to add myself to the pending degree list?
Term specific deadlines can be found on the Office of the Registrar Master Calendar. Below are the general deadlines for adding yourself to the pending degree list:
- Fall or Spring:
- Undergraduate and Veterinary Medicine- 10th day of the semester
- Graduate, Law, and Carle IL Medicine- the day before priority registration begins for the next term.
- Summer:
- Undergraduate and Veterinary Medicine- the Friday of the 6th week
- Graduate, Law, and Carle IL Medicine- the Friday before POT S2A ends
If you miss the deadline to add yourself to the pending degree list, please contact your college office.
How do I add myself to the pending degree list?
For directions on how to add yourself to the pending degree list, visit the Office of the Registrar graduation FAQ page.
When will my degree appear on my transcript?
Your college will review your record and certify your degree following the end of your final term. Your degree will usually be recorded on your academic record approximately 4 weeks after your
conferral date.
How can I verify that my degree has been awarded?
For directions on how to verify that your degree has been awarded, visit the Office of the Registrar Graduation FAQ page.
Where can I find information about graduation requirements?
Information about graduation requirements may be found in the Academic Catalog and the Student Code. Consult your undergraduate or professional college, graduate department, or relevant university office for more information regarding graduation requirements. It is recommended that undergraduate and graduate students generate a Degree Audit prior to consultation.
The Office of the Registrar has general information about graduation including transcript and diploma information as well as requirements for bachelor’s, graduate, and professional degrees.
Graduate Students may also contact the Graduate College for information.
What is the difference between a degree and a diploma?
A degree is the academic rank or grade earned by completing a specified program of study. A diploma is a paper displaying the name of the degree.
What official documents can the University provide to confirm my degree once it has been awarded?
The University can provide the following as proof of your degree: official transcript, verification of degree, diploma, and certified copy of diploma.
When will I get my diploma?
Your diploma will be sent to your diploma address approximately 9 weeks after your conferral date.
May I change the way my name is shown on my diploma?
If you wish to change your name on your diploma, please send an email, with official documentation of your name attached to graduation@illinois.edu.
As of August 2020, graduating students may choose to create a diploma name with a preferred first name and legal last name. Please be advised that in some situations, the name appearing on your diploma may need to match other legal documents you possess.
For information on Preferred First Name vs. Diploma Name, visit the Office of the Registrar Graduation FAQ page.
May I request that my name appear on my diploma with special characters (e.g. accent marks)?
You may email graduation@illinois.edu with your name and the special characters. Most requests will be granted.
May I change the address to which my diploma will be mailed?
You may change your address on Self-Service prior to the last day we award degrees for the term.
If you do not have a Diploma Address already created, then click Add New. Under Type of Address choose Diploma Address. In the Valid Until field, be sure to enter a date that is at least 9 weeks after the last day of finals. If the diploma has already been mailed, you will need to order a replacement.
May I make special arrangements for receiving my diploma?
You may call 217-333-6383 or email graduation@illinois.edu to hold your diploma for pick-up by you or a designee, or mail your diploma to an alternative address.
I know that I am on the pending degree list, but how can I be certain that I have met all of the degree requirements?
Undergraduate students should consult with the records officer in their
college. Graduate students should check with their departmental office. Professional students should check with their
college.
What if I have finished all of my degree requirements but my degree will not be recorded for several weeks, and I need written proof that my degree has been earned?
If you are an undergraduate student and you need a formal letter verifying that you have met all degree requirements, contact your college records officer.
If you are a graduate student and you need a formal letter verifying that you have met all degree requirements, contact your departmental office.
If you are a professional student and you need a formal letter verifying that you have met all degree requirements, contact your college office.
Contact
For questions relating to graduation, contact the Office of the Registrar by phone at 217-333-6383 or email graduation@illinois.edu.