academic transcripts

An academic transcript provides an official permanent record of the courses, grades and degrees received by a student at a college or university. The registrar’s office usually prints the documents on special security paper with an original signature by a school official to prevent forgery or counterfeiting. Transcripts show a complete record of a student’s course of study, including incomplete classes and withdrawals.

Some schools provide a transcript upon graduation, but you will definitely need official transcripts to confirm your course of study and/or degrees in the future. The university will not release your transcript until you have taken care of any outstanding fees or debts at the school. You can request a transcript from the Registrar’s Office at the university, or you can also request one online at the university website or in the mail. Most universities charge a fee to reproduce the official records. Some prospective employers, as well as any subsequent universities you attend will require transcripts to verify your education, so make sure you have these records filed with your important documents.