Diplomas
See all the details about your PNW diploma–including how to order a replacement.
What Is a Diploma?
A diploma is a document that lists:
- The college awarding the degree
- The type of degree being awarded
- The campus awarding the degree
- The date the degree was conferred
Diploma Information
Names are printed on diplomas from the information you supply when you submit the online Application to Graduate, which is required of all students when they are registering for their final classes in their degree program. Make sure you specify exactly how you want your name to appear and include any special characters such as accent marks or tildes over a letter.
If you plan to have your diploma framed, please note that framing processes that require heat can damage the diploma and should not be used.
Diploma sizes are as follows:
- Undergraduate: 9 5/8 inches by 7 5/8 inches
- Graduate and Professional: 11 inches by 8 1/2 inches
Double majors (students completing majors within the same degree type) are reminded that they receive only one degree – and thus only one diploma. Dual degrees (students completing majors in different degree types – i.e., Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science) will receive a separate diploma for each degree earned.
Very few majors are included as part of the official degree name. Your degree name only is printed on the diploma. Majors, areas of concentration, and minors will appear on your transcript.
Diploma Distribution
Diploma distribution dates and information will be sent to your PNW email address at the end of the third week of May (for Spring graduates) and August (for Summer graduates) and the fourth week of January (for Fall graduates). Please be sure to check your PNW email for updates. Diplomas are distributed following the end of each semester – Spring, Summer, and Fall – after your academic department has verified you have met all necessary requirements and the Office of the Registrar has posted your degree to your academic record and ordered your diploma. Therefore, your diploma is not distributed at a Commencement ceremony, but you will receive your diploma cover at that time.
When available, diplomas may be picked up at the Registrar’s Office of your home campus – Hammond in Lawshe Hall, Room 130 or Westville in Schwarz Hall, Room 120. Please make sure you have cleared up any holds on your account that may prevent you from picking up your diploma. Bring a photo ID with you. If you are unable to pick up your diploma in person and wish for a third party to get it for you, please complete the Permission to Pick Up Diploma form which will be emailed to you when the Diplomas Are Ready! announcement is sent. The person you designate to pick up your diploma will need to bring this signed form with them along with their photo ID.
Any diplomas not picked up by the specified deadline will be shipped via USPS to the home address we have on file. If you prefer to have your diploma sent to a different address, please make sure to provide us with an alternate address ahead of time.
Please verify that your address is correct in the myPNW portal by clicking on the “View or Update Personal Information” page in the left pane navigation. If you need to update your address, you may fill out the Address Change form online.
Special Diploma Requests
Replacement and duplicate diplomas are available for a fee and may require additional documentation.
Based on the recommendation of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, duplicate/reissued diplomas are printed using the current Chairman of Trustees and University President’s signatures.
Replacement diplomas are available for a fee under specific circumstances such as a name change due to marriage or divorce or in the event the original diploma was damaged. Copies of name change documentation are required.
Complete the Request for Replacement Diploma form (PDF) and return it to the Office of the Registrar along with a check or money order made payable to Purdue University Northwest and include any supporting documentation. The original diploma must also be returned, if available.
Duplicate diplomas are available for a fee. Duplicate diplomas will be marked “Duplicate” in the lower right-hand corner.
Complete the Request for a Duplicate Diploma form (PDF), and return it to the Office of the Registrar along with a check or money order made payable to Purdue University Northwest.
Certified Electronic Credentials
Purdue University Northwest Certified Electronic Diplomas and Certificates (CeDiploma/CeCertficate) are available to Spring 2022 graduates and beyond!