Graduation FAQ

Have a question about graduation? Start with the graduation FAQ below.

What are the measurements of the diploma for my degree?

Diplomas from West Virginia University measure “11×14”.

What is the retention policy on diplomas?

Diplomas retained by or returned to the Office of the University Registrar will be held for two years. This includes diplomas that are retained in the office for financial holds, have been returned to sender or shipped to the office for pick up. After two years of the conferral date, any request for a diploma by the student will incur fees and fall under all policies associated with ordering a replacement diploma.

Where will my diploma be sent?

Diplomas will be mailed to the address that the student supplies on the graduation application in STAR. If the address needs to be updated after applying to graduate, the student must email the Office of the University Registrar from their MIX email account by the end of the semester. Changing an address in STAR will not automatically change the diploma address.

Graduates with a financial hold on their account must take care of these before their diploma can be picked up or mailed. These students will not receive their diplomas until the hold has been removed by the office that had placed the hold on the account.

When will I receive my diploma?

Diplomas will be mailed in the weeks following the degree conferral. Students will receive an email to their MIX account when the diploma is shipped, if the student does not have any financial holds. Tracking numbers will not be available.

If a diploma is being mailed to an address outside of the United States it may take an additional 4-6 weeks for delivery.

When will my degree/certificate be posted?

Once the student’s college has certified and documented the degree award to the Office of the University Registrar and once the degree is posted, students will be able to order official transcripts. College degree certifications usually are received and fully-processed within four weeks following the posting of final grades at the conclusion of the semester. Following the processing of degree certifications, the last two weeks are dedicated to diploma preparation and printing. Accordingly, official transcripts will be available earlier than the diploma. Students may monitor their unofficial transcript in STAR for the posting of “Degree Awarded” with the conferral date listed beside it before ordering an official transcript.

Will my minor appear on my diploma?

Only degree titles and majors appear on the diploma. Areas of emphasis and minors will be listed on your academic records and official WVU transcripts.

What do I do if I need a notarization and/or apostille?

Notarizations and Apostilles are a means through which a diploma or transcript is vouched for as authentic. Notarizations can be performed by the Office of the University Registrar. The Office of the University Registrar can notarize a diploma or an image of a diploma that has been scanned or faxed. The student should inquire with the agency seeking the verification to determine what would acceptable. The Registrar’s Office can also notarize official transcripts. We cannot notarize an image of a transcript or an unofficial transcript.

Fees
There is a $12.00 service fee per document notarized. The student must pay by a cashier’s check, money order or request that their student account be charged. If the student account is charged, the student must pay Student Accounts and notify the Office of the University Registrar once the payment has been made.

Apostille
Once a document is notarized, it may then be sent to the Secretary of State for an Apostille seal if this level of authentication is needed. For more information on Apostilles, visit the Secretary of State’s website or call the Secretary of State at 1-866-767-8683.

How can I order a replacement diploma?

Once your degree has been posted and you have received your original diploma, you may order a replacement diploma. To order a replacement diploma, you need to send to us two items:

• A cashier’s check or money order in the amount of $75.00 written out to “West Virginia University”

• A completed Replacement Diploma Form for each diploma ordered.

Please send these items to the following address: Office of the University Registrar Graduation Unit PO Box 6878 Morgantown, WV 26506

Orders typically take 4-6 weeks after the paperwork has been received and processed.

Note: Replacement diplomas will include the word “REPLACEMENT” in approximately size 8-9 font centered at the bottom of the diploma. Also, signatures on the diploma will be updated to reflect those individuals currently in office as well as the current title of the college.

Are the Latin Honors on my diploma correct?

Please review the latin honors policy. The grade point average for honors consideration for a baccalaureate is based on baccalaureate-level college work attempted through the final semester. This calculation includes all baccalaureate-level college work attempted at institutions accredited by regional accreditors in the United States.

Where can I find more information?

For more information about WVU graduation, go to graduation.wvu.edu. There is also graduation information on the Office of the University Registrar website.