Displaying a Graduate's Name on the Diploma

Displaying a Graduate’s Name on the Diploma

The Grinnell College diploma is a ceremonial document and does not, in itself, constitute proof of degree completion. However, in recognition that diplomas serve an official function and may be used for official purposes by other entities, Grinnell College ascribes to certain expectations of decorum on how it allows names of graduates to appear. Those expectations are as follows:

1. Grinnell College recommends that students list their full legal name on the diploma.

2. Last Name: Must match the legal last name recorded in the Registrar’s records. The student must file
    an official name change with the Office of the Registrar to have a different last name reflected on the
    diploma, except in the cases below.

          • Maternal surnames may be added regardless of whether they are included in the student’s
             official record.

          • A maiden name may be used if we have documented evidence (birth certificate, high school
             transcript) that reflects it was ever the student’s last name.

          • Hyphenated maiden-married last names may be used, provided we have documented evidence
             (birth certificate, high school transcript, marriage certificate) that reflects the maiden
             name was ever the student’s last name.

3. First Name: Legal first name as reflected in the Registrar’s records is recommended however, the
    following variations are acceptable:

          • May be omitted or replaced with an initial (if middle name is listed).

          • First name may be replaced with a generally recognized or easily correlated diminutive or
             nickname (e.g., “Beth” or “Libby” for "Elizabeth")

          • Nicknames that are not clearly related to the first name on record are not generally permitted
             and will be replaced with the student’s egal first name on record. Any nickname published will
             be added as a preferred name in Datatel.

4. Middle Name(s): Legal middle name(s) or initial(s) as recorded in the Registrar’s records is
    recommended; omissions are permitted (if first name is listed). Additions are permitted if we
    have documented evidence(birth certificate, other school transcript) that reflect it was ever
    part the student’s name.

5. Suffixes and Titles: Standard suffixes (Sr., Jr., or III) may be added regardless of whether they are
    included in the student’s official record.

6. Accents: We will attempt to accommodate special accent marks indicated on the application form;
    however, students should be aware that some accents may not print on the diploma or diploma cover.

7. Punctuation: The following punctuation standard will be used. Omission of punctuation is permitted but
    only done by explicit student request.

             John A. Smith, III
             Robert T. Jones, Jr.

8. New name expected: A diploma may be ordered with a new name in expectation of a name change. If
    this is done, the diploma will NOT be delivered until an official Request for Name Change is provided to
    the Registrar’s Office with required supporting documentation.

NOTE: If any questions arise and we are unable to contact the student, we will use the full legal name as recorded in the Registrar’s records. Students may submit a letter requesting exceptions outside these guidelines for review and ruling by the Registrar. We will strive to meet student’s requests.

Revised 8/26/10