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MTSU to Offer Digital Diplomas and Badges for Spring 2025 Graduates

Apr 28, 2025 at 03:32 pm by WGNS


MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) Middle Tennessee State University’s Class of 2025 will make history as the first group of graduates to receive digital diplomas, offering an easy and professional way to showcase their academic achievements online.

Starting May 19, spring 2025 graduates will gain access to an electronic version of their diploma through Parchment, a vendor already used by the university’s Registrar’s Office for transcripts and digital badges. Graduating students will receive an email from Parchment with instructions on how to claim their digital diploma.

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In addition to the digital version, printed diplomas will be available for pickup May 28-30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Room 150 of the Student Services and Admissions Center. Any unclaimed diplomas will be mailed in June to the diploma address on file.

Graduates will be able to easily upload their digital diploma to social media, share it with family and friends, or send it to potential employers.

“I do think a lot of students will like getting that diploma earlier and being able to go ahead and share that out,” said Dr. Tyler Henson, assistant vice provost of registration and student records and university registrar.

While the digital diplomas will initially only be available for spring 2025 graduates, the Registrar’s Office is working on making digital versions available for past alumni in the future.

Access to the digital diploma will be free, but graduates will need to create a Parchment account to claim it.


Digital Badges Expand Student Opportunities

MTSU’s partnership with Parchment also supports digital badges, also known as micro-credentials, to recognize student accomplishments both inside and outside the classroom.

A digital badge is awarded to students after completing a set of courses, programs, or specific skills as determined by university faculty. These badges allow students to showcase additional skills to employers, graduate schools, or on professional platforms like LinkedIn.

Among the 27 badges currently offered are recognitions for making the Dean’s List, achievements in Computer Science, Political and Global Affairs, participation in the MT Engage program, and involvement with the Career Development Center, among others.

“These micro-credentials are really nice, kind of additions to student résumés so they can include those whenever they’re looking for employment, looking to get into graduate school, to show certain skills that they have earned while in college,” Henson said.

Students who earn a badge will receive an email from Parchment to claim it. Once accepted, students can share their badges on social media, attach them to résumés, or include them with their academic transcripts.

Faculty and staff interested in proposing a new digital badge can submit ideas through the Digital Badge Proposal Form.

For more information about spring graduation and updates on digital diplomas and badges, visit MTSU Graduation Information.

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