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University Registrar

University Registrar
  2. Academic Records
  3. Diplomas

Diplomas

Diploma Delivery

The Office of the University Registrar mails diplomas to August and December graduates and to May graduates who are unable to attend the Commencement ceremony. Students must meet all financial obligations before their diplomas can be released. Graduates who have not received their diplomas by the following dates are advised to call (615) 322-7701.

  • August graduates who have not received their diplomas by the end of September
  • December graduates who have not received their diplomas by the end of January
  • May graduates who have not received their diplomas by the end of June

Diploma Content

  • Student’s legal name
  • Vanderbilt school
  • Vanderbilt degree
  • Date of graduation
  • Academic honors (if earned)
  • College honors (if earned)
  • Departmental honors (if earned)

Note: Majors and minors do not appear on the Vanderbilt diploma

Diploma Size

The size of diplomas for non-doctoral degrees is 11″ by 8.5.”  The size of diplomas for doctoral degrees is 17″ by 14″.

Diploma Authenticity

The diploma is an important symbol of academic achievement. However, Vanderbilt does not recommend that the diploma be accepted in lieu of an official transcript or degree verification. If you are presented with a Vanderbilt diploma as evidence of a degree, please feel free to contact the Office of the University Registrar at (615) 322-7701 for verification of the document.

Replacement Diplomas

Alumni may request a replacement diploma if the original diploma has been lost or destroyed. Alumni are asked to submit a letter requesting a replacement diploma that contains the following information:

  • Full legal name
  • Name while in attendance (if different from above)
  • Date of birth
  • Vanderbilt school
  • Degree earned
  • Date of graduation
  • Dates of attendance
  • An explanation of why a replacement diploma is needed
  • The complete mailing address where the replacement diploma is to be shipped
  • A phone number and/or e-mail address where we can reach you should we have questions concerning your request

Your request must include your notarized signature and a $20 replacement fee.

Replacement diplomas follow the format of the current Vanderbilt diploma and contain the signatures of current Vanderbilt officials. Replacement diplomas list the student’s name as it appeared on the student’s transcript. Replacement requests are processed within two to three weeks. Further questions regarding replacement diplomas may be referred to lynn.cutright@vanderbilt.edu or to (615) 322-7707.

Mail requests for replacement diplomas to:

Ms. Lynn Cutright
Office of the University Registrar
Vanderbilt University
PMB 407701
Nashville, TN 37240-7701

Diploma Certification

Vanderbilt does not maintain copies of diplomas. Alumni needing a certified copy of a diploma should mail a photocopy of the original diploma to the address above, along with any special requirements for certification.