Diploma requests

Request your original parchment, diploma, or certificate.

If you are attending convocation, diplomas will be available for pick-up on-site at FirstOntario Concert Hall after your ceremony is complete. You must return all regalia no later than one hour after your ceremony in exchange for your diploma.

If you are not attending convocation, your diploma will be delivered as you indicated via the RSVP form (pick-up or courier).

  • Pick-up: Diplomas will be available for express pick-up on July 2, 2024 at McMaster University (time and location TBA).
  • Courier: Diplomas will be mailed between June 19–28, 2024. Please ensure your mailing address is up-to-date in Mosaic (including your phone number as it is a mailing requirement). If the address is incorrect, the diploma will be returned to McMaster University.

We recommend that the name displayed on your diploma matches that of your legal name as future employers, licensing bodies, or other educational institutions may require proof the documents match. It is also recommended for visa or identity purposes abroad.

If you need to change your legal name, you will need to fill out the name change form and submit a Mosaic Service Request.

The name change deadline for Spring 2024 is April 30, 2024. Name changes requested after the April 30 deadline will be subject to a diploma replacement fee.

If you are not attending convocation, you must indicate ‘No’ on the RSVP form via MarchingOrder and complete your diploma delivery information. The RSVP form is open until June 14, 2024.

If you did not complete the RSVP form before June 14, 2024, you must submit a Service Request in Mosaic to request the delivery of your diploma. Complete the Diploma Delivery Request Form and attach it to the Service Request.  You will be contacted by phone for your payment.  Please allow 2-3 weeks for processing.

 

In extenuating circumstances, there may be times when you need your degree conferred ahead of your scheduled ceremony. There is a process where you may request an early release of your diploma.

What steps do I need to take to seek approval for early conferral?

Please note: this process is currently only for undergraduate students. Graduate students must reach out directly to Grad Studies.

  1. Review the Issuing Diplomas in Advance of Convocation policy.
  2. Confirm that you are eligible to graduate with an Academic Advisor.
  3. Make sure you are not currently enrolled in courses and that all of your grades are posted on Mosaic.
  4. Gather all the required documentation to support your request. Outline the specific reasons why the diploma is required in advance.
  5. Complete the Early Conferral Request form.
  6. Submit a Service Request in Mosaic and attach your Early Conferral form as well as all supporting documentation.
  7. Return to ‘My Service Requests’ to view the status of your request.

When can I apply for an early conferral?

You can only apply for an early conferral in a term you are not enrolled in. For example, if you finished your last courses required for your degree in December, you can apply for an early conferral as early as January.

If you finish your final courses in April, you can only receive an early conferral if you have an opportunity that outlines in writing that your diploma is required before your Spring convocation ceremony. Your final grades must be posted to Mosaic before you can be considered.

If you have completed your classes in April and need documentation showing you have completed your degree requirements for employment, graduate school applications, etc., you will need to download an “approved to graduate” letter from your Mosaic Student Centre when it becomes available in late May. Please be aware this letter will only become available once your faculty has finished its review of all students. This process begins in early May and is completed by late May.

How early can I receive my diploma?

The earliest you can pick up your diploma is at your convocation ceremony.

Application deadline

Applications are accepted throughout the year. The only deadlines are prior to the Spring convocation ceremony.

Deadline for students attending a May convocation ceremony: April 30

Deadline for students attending a June convocation ceremony: May 23

The Approved to Graduate/Post-Graduate Work Permit letter is available if you have a graduation status of ‘Approved to Graduate’ in Mosaic. Official transcripts stating your degree awarded and conferral date will be available the day after convocation. Please only request a letter or transcript if necessary for reasons such as immigration, employment, admission etc.

Follow these steps to make sure your credential is available as soon as possible:

  1. Before submitting a request, check your graduation status in Mosaic.
  2. Once your Mosaic Student Centre is updated to ‘approved to graduate’ by your Faculty Office you can request a verification letter.
  3. Download your letter or submit a Service Request to order your credential.
  4. Visit our Transcript Request Page in Mosaic after convocation to order your official transcript stating your degree awarded.

Reviewing is completed by your Faculty. Thank you for your patience as the Faculty Office completes reviewing and your request is processed. Requests made too early will be cancelled. Please remember to follow the steps for timely processing.

Have follow up questions? You can connect with Student Services via our online chat.

Please submit an order via Parchment to request the re-issue of your diploma for pick-up or courier.

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