Diploma information
The university has a long-standing, proud tradition of providing each student with their diploma at the commencement ceremony.
General diploma information
Visit Commencement and Special Events for general information about diplomas.
Diploma replacement requests and certified copy instructions
The Board of Trustees approves all degrees and certificates for Ohio State graduates. Find more information on requesting replacement and additional diplomas or certified copies at Commencement and Special Events
Diploma name
Students may update the name that will appear on the diploma through the 12th week of the term in which they have applied to graduate (or 10th week in a summer term). Students can access the diploma name request form in their My Buckeye Link under the Personal Information header.
Any diploma or permanent name change request received after the 12th week of the term in which they have applied to graduate (or 10th week in a summer term) will not be updated and a new diploma will need to be ordered after commencement from the Office of Commencement and Special Events. There is a charge associated with requesting a new diploma. See the Diploma Request information through the Office of Commencement and Special Events.
Graduation Honors
Latin Honors
Undergraduate and professional students may be granted Latin honors “cum laude,” “magna cum laude” or “summa cum laude” for exceptional achievement in the curriculum of a college or school. Students must earn a minimum of 60 credit hours of Ohio State coursework graded A thru D, or S and have the following cumulative point-hour ratio (CPHR) / grade-point-average (GPA) by the term before graduation:
- Summa cum laude: 3.9 CPHR / GPA
- Magna cum laude: 3.7 CPHR / GPA
- Cum laude: 3.5 CPHR / GPA
The grades for all Ohio State coursework toward the degree are included in calculating a student’s eligibility for such honors. Credits in courses graded PA/NP or PE, as well as credits earned in repeated coursework do not count toward the 60 credit hours. For students who apply for a fresh start, only the coursework after the fresh start counts toward determining eligibility for these honors. The colleges and schools may establish additional stipulations beyond these minimal requirements.
Other Honors
Standards for graduation with honors such as “with research distinction,” “with honors research distinction” and “with honors” are determined by each college and approved by the Council on Academic Affairs. To be eligible for these types of honors, students must complete at least 60 credit hours of Ohio State course work and any requirements specific to the respective college, which may include but is not limited to, a specific final minimum GPA and specific course work or level of course work pertinent to the student’s degree program.
Frequently asked questions about diploma distribution
No, you may not pick up your diploma until after the commencement ceremony.
Diplomas scheduled for pickup will be available for one week in Buckeye Link. Remaining diplomas will be mailed approximately one week after the commencement ceremony to the address on record with the Registrar.
You will need to bring an "official" photo ID, such as an Ohio State University BuckID, a driver's license or state ID, military ID or passport.
You may either complete a Commencement Excused Absence form indicating who will be picking up your diploma (your signature is required) or your designee may bring a letter or note from you with your signature, naming them and granting permission to release your diploma to them.
First, you will need resolve the hold. Once the hold is released, you may pick up your diploma in Buckeye Link if it is within one week of your graduation ceremony. If your hold is released more than one week after the ceremony, we will mail your diploma to the primary address listed in Buckeye Link.
You should contact your former post office to see if they have the diploma and then update your primary address in Buckeye Link. Please note that diplomas are not necessarily forwarded by the post office, even if a forwarding service was previously set up for most other types of mail.
If you have not received your diploma 5-6 weeks after commencement, please contact Commencement and Special Events for a reprint and directions on where they are to send your diploma.
Email Commencement and Special Events to obtain a replacement or reprint.
Your permanent or diploma name (if requested), degree, Latin Honors and distinctions (if applicable), and date of commencement. Your major, specializations, minors, nor grade point average appear on the diploma. This information can be found on your transcript.
Padded diplomas covers are handed out during the ceremony or if picked up in BuckeyeLink within a week after commencement, while thin covers are provided when diplomas are mailed.
You may request your transcript the day following the commencement ceremony that will display your completed degree information. If sent electronically, the transcript is usually issued within 24 hours. You may also request a degree verification from the National Student Clearinghouse beginning the Wednesday after commencement. See the Transcripts and Verifications page for more information.
Diplomas will be sent out one to two weeks after commencement via USPS.