The Georgetown University Diploma: A Mark of Distinction and Tradition
The Georgetown University diploma is more than just a piece of paper; it is a tangible representation of a rigorous academic journey, a testament to the enduring values of the institution, and a symbol of lifelong connection to a distinguished community. For graduates, understanding the intricacies of this document, from its physical characteristics to the process of obtaining duplicates or replacements, is essential. This article delves into the multifaceted nature of the Georgetown University diploma, exploring its historical context, the official conferral of degrees, and the practicalities surrounding its issuance and acquisition.
The Official Conferral of Degrees: Graduation vs. Commencement
At Georgetown University, the terms "graduation" and "commencement" denote distinct but related processes. Graduation signifies the official conferral of an academic degree, a milestone achieved upon the successful completion of all stipulated degree requirements. This process is initiated by the student through the creation of a graduate application within the GU Experience platform. It is imperative for students to apply for graduation in the specific semester in which they will fulfill all academic obligations.
Commencement, on the other hand, refers to Georgetown's annual graduation ceremonies, which are traditionally held in May. While graduation is the academic achievement, commencement is the celebratory event acknowledging that achievement. Not all graduates participate in the Commencement ceremony; for instance, Master's students who have already graduated in December or will graduate in August are invited to attend a specific Graduate Commencement ceremony. Doctoral students, too, must adhere to strict deadlines for the acceptance of their dissertations and doctoral projects to be eligible for May graduation.
The application process for graduation requires students to select the specific date and term in which they anticipate completing their degree requirements. Dual or joint degree candidates must submit a separate graduation application for each degree sought. A crucial aspect of this application is the selection of the name that will appear on the diploma. While it is traditional to use one's full name, middle names may be omitted. The last name on the diploma must precisely match the name recorded in the student's official record. Georgetown University also permits the use of chosen first names, as officially recorded in GUExperience, on diplomas. However, students must carefully consider whether this chosen name aligns with their legal name for future academic or employment purposes. If a name different from the one in the Personal Information section of GUExperience is entered, a formal name change form and government-issued identification must be submitted to the Registrar's Office. Special characters, such as accent marks, should be entered accurately within the graduation application to ensure correct representation.
The Georgetown Diploma: A Symbol of Enduring Values
All Georgetown University graduates are awarded the official Georgetown diploma, a document steeped in history and tradition. This diploma is written in Latin, a deliberate choice that reflects the University's rich heritage and its foundational values. The use of Latin harks back to the institution's founding in 1789 as the first Catholic and Jesuit university in the United States, a tradition that has shaped its educational philosophy for over 450 years.
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The diploma is not merely an academic credential; it is a visual embodiment of Georgetown's commitment to a holistic education. At its center, the University's seal features an eagle, a design that evokes the Great Seal of the United States of America. However, Georgetown's eagle is distinct, holding an orb that signifies the world and the pursuit of knowledge within it, alongside a Latin cross, symbolizing the profound Jesuit values that permeate every facet of university life. These values, often articulated through exhortations to care for others, do justice, protect the vulnerable, and promote the common good, are integral to the Georgetown experience. Thus, the diploma serves as a constant reminder of the ethical and intellectual framework that underpins a Georgetown education.
Accompanying the diploma is a traditional blue and gray ribbon, a visual emblem of the graduate's connection to the University. The entire diploma, including the signatures of university officials, is custom-ordered and requires several weeks for creation and shipment, underscoring its bespoke nature.
Understanding the Diploma's Consistency Across Schools
A notable characteristic of Georgetown University diplomas is their uniformity across its various schools and programs, including Georgetown College, the School of Continuing Studies, the McDonough School of Business, and the Georgetown University School of Medicine, among others. This consistency ensures clarity and convenience for graduates. As John Q. Pierce, former University Registrar, noted, "There is no distinction according to the mode of instruction for degrees awarded on the Georgetown transcript." This means that whether a degree is earned through traditional on-campus study or other modes of instruction, the diploma itself conveys the same message of academic achievement.
The only elements that vary on a Georgetown diploma are the specific nature of the degree awarded, the name of the particular Georgetown school from which the degree is conferred, the names of the officials who sign the diploma, and, of course, the name of the recipient. This standardization reflects a commitment to presenting a unified identity for all Georgetown alumni, regardless of their specific academic path.
Obtaining Duplicate or Replacement Diplomas
In instances of damage to or loss of an original diploma, Georgetown University graduates can request a replacement through the Office of the University Registrar. The process for obtaining a duplicate or replacement diploma involves visiting the Registrar's Office, typically located on the first floor of Highbaugh Hall, and completing a Duplicate Diploma Request Form.
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There is a fee associated with duplicate diplomas, currently set at $50 per duplicate. Payment can be made via cash, check, or money order, with checks and money orders made payable to Georgetown College. The standard processing time for duplicate diplomas is approximately six to eight weeks. It is important to note that diplomas are not produced instantly; they must be ordered, and this process can extend during periods of high activity at the college, such as the start or end of terms, and during registration periods.
Duplicate diplomas can be collected in person during normal office hours, provided this option is indicated on the request form. If a third party is designated to pick up the diploma, their name must be explicitly stated on the request form, and both the graduate and the designated individual will require a Photo ID for verification.
For international addresses, duplicate diplomas are exclusively sent via private carriers such as FedEx or UPS to ensure timely and secure delivery.
It is important to understand that the University only accepts requests for replacement diplomas from the degree holder. While original diplomas are not required to be returned, graduates are advised to destroy any remaining portions of a damaged original diploma. If a graduate possesses at least the signature lines and the Georgetown seal from their original diploma, these can be returned for a new copy that will not bear the "Exemplum" inscription. Otherwise, the word "Exemplum" will be printed on the replacement diploma. All signatures dating back to 1980 are electronically stored with the printing company.
If a graduate's name has changed since their initial graduation, and they wish to have their updated name on a replacement diploma, they must provide documentation to support the name change. All orders for diplomas are shipped directly from Jostens to the recipient.
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Diplomas and Transcripts: Official Records of Achievement
The transcript serves as the official University record of all academic work completed by a student at Georgetown. Degrees are formally posted to the official transcript by the Office of the University Registrar. In situations where a diploma is required as proof of graduation, Georgetown University offers a personalized English translation of the diploma's Latin text, printed on standard 8.5" x 11" paper. While this translation does not resemble the actual diploma, it serves as a valuable official document.
Transcripts themselves are issued by the Registrar's Office and can be ordered through Parchment. It is advisable to check the Student Profile in GU Experience for the "Awarded Degree" notation before ordering a transcript to ensure accuracy.
A crucial policy to be aware of is that Georgetown University does not permit the release of either diplomas or final transcripts to students with outstanding balances exceeding $100. This policy underscores the importance of settling all financial obligations to the University.
The Role of the Apostille for International Use
For graduates who require their academic documents for international purposes, the concept of an Apostille is significant. An Apostille is a form of certification that authenticates the origin of a public document, rendering it legal for use in foreign countries that are signatories to the 1961 Hague Convention. The University Registrar's Office currently makes general documents such as transcripts and enrollment/degree certifications available for the Apostille process.
Those seeking this service must note the specific details for their Apostille request on their signed documents request form. It is important to understand that Georgetown University staff cannot provide advice on the international Apostille process itself, nor can they perform steps beyond the production and notarization of the requested documents.
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