Degree Parchments

Degree parchment


Whether you're a recent grad or a proud alumnus, you may find yourself in need of your official parchment, a parchment reprint, or proof of graduation. Find out more about the difference between these and which one is suitable for you.


Degree Parchments

Due to the Canada Post strike , we are unable to mail hard copy documents (degree parchments certified copies of degree). This also impacts any ExpressPost requests. Degree parchments will be available through MyCreds in early December. Any requests for hard copy documents will be held and processed after the strike has ended or can be picked up in person during regular office hours at the Convocation and Ceremonies Office (1-27 South Academic Building).

Your degree parchment is the official document issued by the University of Alberta that certifies that you have completed your degree. You will only receive one official degree parchment; keep it safe as you would any legal document. 

If you plan on attending convocation, your parchment will be included in your convocation packet which must be picked up from the University Bookstore during the time assigned to your Faculty in the Pick-Up Dates and Times table.

If you do not attend your convocation ceremony, you can receive your parchment either by picking it up in person following the ceremonies or having it mailed. Please review your information in Bear Tracks to ensure that your mailing address is up to date.

Parchments can be picked up in person after the Fall Convocation ceremonies have concluded at the Convocation and Ceremonies Office (1-27 South Academic Building) on the following dates:

November 28 and 29, 8:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Photo identification in the name matching your Primary name on your student record must be presented when you pick up your parchment. A University of Alberta ONEcard or current government-issued photo identification (driver's license or passport) will also be accepted. Original identification must be presented; pictures of ID on mobile phones will not be accepted.

If you cannot pick up your parchment yourself, it will only be released to an individual who presents a signed  Letter of Authorization from you. The Letter of Authorization must be presented as a printed hardcopy (original, scanned, or faxed formats are acceptable); electronic versions on a mobile phone are not accepted.


Digital Degree Parchments

Digital degree parchments will be provided to graduating students, starting with the graduating class of 2021. Digital degree parchments will be free of charge for all graduating classes 2021 and after. Digital parchments will be available to access after the convocation ceremonies have concluded. 

The University of Alberta is partnering with MyCreds™ | MesCertif™, powered by Digitary, a leading digital credential expert and platform for certifying, sharing, and verifying academic credentials. For more information, visit the MyCreds webpage.


Reprints

Degree parchments can be reprinted for the following reasons:

  • Official change of name (original parchment must be returned)
  • Original parchment lost, stolen, or destroyed
  • Original parchment never received
  • Original parchment damaged (original parchment must be returned)
  • For professional display purposes (medical doctors, lawyers, and dentists only)

To request a reprint of your degree, please complete an Application for Parchment Reprint. Reprints are produced once each month at a charge of $100 per reprint. 

As the parchment is an official document pertaining to the graduate’s official academic record, parchment reprints can only be requested by and provided to the graduate.

For reprints due to an official change of name, you must also:

Reprinted parchments bear the signatures of the officials who are currently in office and are printed in the current style, size, and language. As well, parchment reprints will be identified as such on the back of the parchment itself, and the reason for reprint will be listed.


Proof of Graduation

If you require proof of graduation, there are three options:

Degree/Credential Verification: An official document that provides proof of your degree completion and graduation. For more information, visit Verification Documents.

Transcript: An official copy of your academic record, including degree information. For more information, visit our Transcripts page.

Certified Copy of Degree: A photocopy or scanned copy of your original degree, certified by the university. To requested a certified copy of degree, please submit a Certified Copy of Degree Request. For more information please contact the  Student Service Centre.