Graduation and Beyond
The Role of the Graduate Division of the
School of Arts and Sciences
The Graduate Division of the School of Arts
and Sciences represents the Vice
Provost for Graduate Education in coordinating the review of
all non-professional doctoral dissertations and Master's theses
for the University. Consequently, degree candidates not just in
the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, but for all academic graduate
degrees in all nine of the university's graduate schools must apply
to this office when planning to graduate in any given term. Only
graduate candidates for professional
degrees do not apply here.
There are specific policies which apply to the fulfillment of
degree requirements and to the graduation process. Rules
and regulations pertaining to the awarding of graduate degrees
are listed in the Graduate
Catalog.
The specific deadlines relevant to the graduation process are
listed in the degree calendar.
In preparation for the submission of a thesis or dissertation,
degree candidates should consult the
Master's Thesis Style Guide or Doctoral
Dissertation Manual for assistance with the formatting of
their work.
Consult the degree calendar for
information on making an appointment to deposit a dissertation
or thesis at the Graduate Division Office, 3401 Walnut Street,
Suite 322A. Note that late fees, microfilm and copyright fees
are paid at the Office of Student
Financial Services.
To become a candidate for the Master of Arts, Master of Science,
Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy degrees, a student
must complete an application for
graduation. Beginning May 2005, this application is now available on-line. You will need your PennKey and password to access this secure website.
Submatriculants, enrolled in both undergraduate and graduate
schools, follow special graduation procedures. Three months prior
to the anticipated graduation, a submatriculant must declare candidacy
for the Master's degree both by completing forms for the undergraduate
school and also by coming to 3401 Walnut Street, Suite 322A to
complete the graduate application for the Master's degree. Graduate
degree deadlines for candidacy are firm and a submatriculant is
responsible for obtaining degree information by contacting the
appropriate graduate department administrator
or the Office of the Graduate Division
of the School of Arts and Sciences.
Degrees are awarded in May, August and December of each year.
Recipients of August and December degrees may participate in the
annual Commencement Exercises held in May of the following year.
Graduate students are invited to attend graduation exercises
for their own graduate division as well as for the entire University.
No tickets are necessary to attend the main University commencement
activities at Franklin Field. Information on this event is distributed
by department and school offices. Graduates of the Graduate Division
of the School of Arts and Sciences receive invitations and tickets
from the Graduate Division Office to attend their own ceremony
and reception.
Details of the graduation ceremonies are available from the Office
of the Graduate Division of the School of Arts and Sciences
Office and from departmental offices.
Cap and gown rentals are arranged through the University
Bookstore.
The University's Career
Planning and Placement Services offer comprehensive services
to help graduate students locate and successfully compete for
either academic or non-academic employment.
For information on post-doctoral opportunities consult your graduate
group and the funding
information provided by Penn's Career Planning and Placement
Service.
What are the deadlines to apply for graduation? When and how
do I formally deposit my dissertation at 3401 Walnut Street, Suite
322A?
Consult the Graduation Calendar.
Graduating students sign-up for graduation through this on-line application.
Beginning May 2005, you will
need your PennKey and password to access this secure website.
How do I get a copy of Penn's dissertation manual?
Both the Master's
Thesis Style Guide and the Doctoral
Dissertation Manual are available on-line. Printed copies
may be obtained at the Office of the Graduate
Division of the School of Arts and Sciences in 3401 Walnut
Street, Suite 322A.
How do I get graduation tickets and a cap and gown for the
May Commencement?
No tickets are necessary to attend the main University commencement
activities at Franklin Field. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. Ceremony
begins at 10:15 a.m.
Invitations and tickets for the School of Arts and Sciences,
Graduate Division commencement ceremony and reception are sent
out by the Office of the Graduate Division.
Ceremony begins at 1 p.m.
Cap and gown arrangements are made at the University
Bookstore.
Where do I pay late fees, microfilm and copyright fees?
These fees are all paid at the Office of
Student Financial Services.
My bill is not clear. I know it has to be clear before I can
graduate, but how do I take care of this?
This is best handled at the Office of
Student Financial Services. The staff of the Graduate Division
of the School of Arts and Sciences can look up your record, but
cannot do anything about changing the record.
I need a new diploma because:
- I received a damaged diploma through the mail
- I was storing my diploma at my parents' house, but when
they moved it was lost
- I have legally changed my name.
What can I do?
New diplomas can be obtained only through the Office of the Secretary
of the University. For more information phone 215/898-7005 or
e-mail ofcsec@pobox.upenn.edu.
Is there anything that can be done to assure my new employer
that I have fulfilled all degree requirements, even though the
official graduation date is still some time away?
The Office of the Graduate Division of
the School of Arts and Sciences can supply a letter (complete
with embossed seal) stating that you have fulfilled all degree
requirements.
For further assistance with graduation or degree questions, feel
free to e-mail the
Graduate Division Office.
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