Diplomas

Diplomas will be issued to students upon completion of their degree requirements if all requirements are completed and officially documented before October 1, December 31, or or the faculty-approved date in May, and after approval of the faculty and Board of Trustees. Students receiving their degrees in October or December are eligible to participate in the symbolic awarding of degrees at the appropriate May commencement. The diploma will show the student’s official or legal name as it appears on the degree application unless changed in writing by the student prior to 60 days before the graduation date for that student. A late change requires an additional diplomas replacement fee (currently $75) and may mean that the diploma would not be available for commencement exercises. W&L has only one format for all diplomas. No optional changes are available.

Washington and Lee’s longstanding policy is to have only one printed diploma extant. A replacement diploma in the name of the student as it appeared at the original time of issue will be provided upon written request of the student, return of the damaged diploma, if possible, and payment for materials and printing (currently $75, or $125 for rush service). The replacement will be provided in the current format and with current signatures. The fact that it is a replacement will also be noted along with the date of replacement. Request a diploma using the Request for Replacement Diploma form (requires physical signature).

If a student’s name has been legally changed by marriage, court order, or gender change, a new diploma may be issued upon written request, including legal proof of the change, payment of the fee, and return of the original diploma. Requests for diploma replacements for deceased alumni by a spouse or child will be considered if accompanied by the written request noted above, an explanation of the circumstances, a death certificate, and documentation of the relationship. Washington and Lee reserves the right to determine whether such a replacement is possible and appropriate.

The size of the W&L diploma is 13 1/2” x 16 3/4” for framing.

If you have any questions related to replacement diplomas, please contact Assistant University Registrar Debbie Alden.

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