Degree vs. Diploma – what’s the difference?
Having spent the last three, four, or even five years at Waterloo, graduating students are excited to walk across the convocation stage to receive their diploma. That’s right – a diploma and not a degree.
One
of
the
things
I
quickly
came
to
learn
when
I
started
working
for
the
Office
of
Alumni
Affairs
is
that
the
physical
piece
of
paper
graduates
receive
is
a
diploma
which
testifies
to
the
completion
of
their
studies.
The
term
“degree”
(in
the
academic
realm)
represents
certification
awarded
at
the
university
level.
Translation
-
Waterloo
grads
receive
a
diploma
to
prove
they
have
earned
a
degree.
It’s
as
straightforward
as
that!
On behalf of the Office of Alumni Affairs, I wish to congratulate all those students who will be taking part in the convocation ceremonies this coming Friday and Saturday. I hope you are proud of your accomplishments and continue to stay connected with Waterloo. Be sure to stop by the Multi-Purpose Room of the Student Life Centre on October 19 and 20 where we’ll be selling beautiful frames meant to showcase your diploma (not your degree).
Best,
Emily