Replace Damaged Georgetown Diploma
A damaged Georgetown University diploma can be stressful, especially if it has been framed for years, water-damaged, torn during a move, faded by sunlight, or damaged in storage. Where to order a Georgetown University diploma? Get a Georgetown University degree online. The good news is that Georgetown has an official replacement process for graduates who need a duplicate or replacement diploma.
Before you order anything, decide whether you need an official replacement, an official transcript, or a display copy. Each one solves a different problem.
Start With the Official Georgetown Route
Georgetown University says undergraduate and graduate students may request duplicate copies or replacements for damaged or lost diplomas through the University Registrar using Parchment.
Only the degree holder can request a replacement diploma. Georgetown does not accept replacement requests from third parties.
The university says processing takes about 4-6 weeks.
What to Do With the Damaged Original
Georgetown does not require you to return the damaged original diploma. However, the university asks graduates to destroy what remains of the original and fully replace it with the new copy.
There is one important detail: if you still have at least the signature lines and Georgetown seal portion of the original diploma, you may send those parts back to Georgetown for a new copy without “Exemplum” printed on it. Otherwise, the new diploma will include “Exemplum.”
What Does “Exemplum” Mean?
For Georgetown replacement diplomas, “Exemplum” signals that the document is a replacement or duplicate copy rather than the original diploma first issued at graduation.
This does not mean the replacement is fake. It means the document was reissued. If it comes through Georgetown’s official process, it is still tied to the graduate’s university record.
If Your New Diploma Arrived Damaged
If you are a recent graduate and your diploma arrived damaged, Georgetown’s Commencement FAQ says students should take photos of the damage and email them to `studentrecords@georgetown.edu`. Georgetown says it will file a claim with Jostens for a replacement.
This situation is different from replacing an older diploma that was damaged years later.
Transcript First, Diploma Second?
A replacement diploma is useful for framing, display, and personal records. But for many official situations, an official transcript is more useful.
Georgetown official transcripts contain the University Registrar’s signature and the Georgetown University seal. Employers, graduate schools, licensing boards, and credential evaluators may prefer transcripts because they show academic record details that a diploma may not show.
Use a transcript when someone needs:
– Degree confirmation
– Program information
– Academic dates
– Coursework
– Grades
– Official education verification
When a Display Copy Makes Sense
Some graduates do not want to keep the official diploma exposed to daily damage. A display copy can be useful if the original is stored safely or if the official replacement will take several weeks.
A display copy may be used for:
– Office decoration
– Personal display
– Photography
– Film or theater props
– Collection
– Educational samples
A display copy must not be used for:
– Job applications
– School admission
– Immigration documents
– Professional licensing
– Government forms
– Background checks
– Any official education verification
For official proof, use Georgetown’s registrar-issued replacement diploma, official transcript, or authorized verification process.
Quick Checklist Before Ordering
Before requesting a replacement, prepare:
– Full legal name
– Name used while attending Georgetown
– Degree and school
– Graduation year
– Current mailing address
– Payment method
– Photos of damage, if the diploma arrived damaged
– Remaining seal and signature portions, if you want to ask about avoiding “Exemplum.”
Final Thoughts
If your Georgetown University diploma is damaged, the safest path is Georgetown’s official replacement process through the University Registrar and Parchment. Keep in mind the 4-6 week timeline and the possible “Exemplum” marking on replacement diplomas.
For verification, an official transcript may be the fastest and most practical document. For a wall display, a display copy can protect the official document, but it should never be treated as real proof of graduation.
