Diplomas - Frequently Asked Questions
For other diploma-related questions please contact your area Dean of Students or the Office of the University Registrar for more information.
What does the new design look like?
An example of the new design can be found below.
Why were diplomas changed and who is responsible for the design?
The decision to display additional programs of study on the diploma comes in response to regular requests for a more informative and accurate University of Chicago diploma.
The President of the University, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the Provost, and the University Registrar are responsible for decisions made regarding the diploma’s appearance, language, and entries.
What has changed with diplomas?
Beginning with degrees conferred at the end of Spring Quarter 2023, Bachelor’s diplomas will display up to four declared major programs of study for each graduating College student, instead of a single major.
Master of Arts and Master of Science diplomas will now uniformly display the program of study.
How will multiple majors and degrees appear if I am completing requirements for both BA and BS majors?
Beginning with degrees conferred at the end of Spring Quarter 2023, Bachelor’s diplomas will display up to four declared major programs of study for each graduating College student, instead of a single major.
If only the degree and major information appear on the diploma, where can I find confirmation of my minors, tracks, specializations, degree-related certificates, etc.?
Minors, Specializations, and certificates associated with degrees will continue to appear on transcripts.
Unofficial transcripts may be viewed on my.UChicago if you have access; instructions for how to order an official transcript can be found at https://registrar.uchicago.edu/records/transcripts/.
I am doing special honors work for a College major, where will that appear?
Honors conferred to a College student by a department for a major (if any) will appear on the diploma. Latin Honors (if any) will also appear on the diploma.
All such honors also appear on official transcripts and in the printed Convocation Program which will be distributed to all students and guests attending Convocation on June 3rd.
Note: To accommodate determination of departmental and Latin honors, all College major declarations must be finalized and prior quarter grades posted by the end of the fifth week of the quarter of graduation, which will be April 21st in Spring Quarter 2023.
I graduated before Spring 2023 with multiple majors and/or honors. Can I get a new diploma which displays that information?
Changes to diplomas were approved to take effect beginning with those degrees conferred on June 3, 2023. These changes will not be retroactively applied to degrees awarded prior to that date.
Transcripts display all majors, minors, specializations, and honors, regardless of the date degrees were conferred.
I am graduating in Spring 2023 but like the old diploma format. Can I get a new diploma with only my primary major printed?
Unfortunately, no. Changes to diplomas were approved to take effect beginning with those degrees conferred on June 3, 2023, without possibility of exception.
If I order a replacement diploma, what format will it follow?
The format of your replacement diploma and entries will duplicate your original diploma, per the authorized design in effect at the time it was originally conferred.
I want to order a custom frame. What is the size of the diploma?
Diplomas are 9 inches by 12 inches in size and are presented in a “landscape” format.
Prior to 2011, University of Chicago diplomas were sized at 8.5 inches by 11 inches.
Who do I talk to about these changes if I have questions or concerns?
Please contact your area Dean of Students or the Office of the University Registrar for more information.