This week's featured question:

Dear Judy,

I graduated from Walton High School in 1970. Throughout the years I have lost my diploma. How can I get a copy, and how long would it take?

– Old Grad

Judy answers:

Dear Old Grad,

I would say that I am asked this question more often than any other. It seems that many folks don't realize that an official record of their graduation might be required down the road, for military service, higher education, or a job training program, for instance, and somehow lose track of the document. I also hear from many people who are nostalgic for their high school years and looking for mementos such as their yearbook.

Fortunately, there is a simple procedure for getting proof of graduation: Write to the school directly to request a transcript. In the letter, include your name and address at the time you attended the school, your birth date, social security number, and the dates you attended. Since the school might charge a copying fee, not more than $.25 per page, call ahead to find out how much.

The process may become complicated depending on the school. Walton, for instance, is scheduled to be closed after this year's class of 12th graders graduates. The building now houses several new small schools. If you delay the request beyond the end of this term, you will have to contact the school's superintendent to find out where the records are being kept. Customarily, one of the new schools in the building is designated as the record keeper. In cases where the building is shut down completely, the records are supposed to go to the nearest school. However, with so many new schools starting up, it won't be easy to tell. So you must contact the superintendent. In this case it is Elena Papaliberios, 1 Fordham Plaza Room 836, Bronx, NY 10458 718-741-5852

By the way, we are told by school officials it is against the law to replace a diploma! Instead, schools supply a transcript and may also write a letter on school stationery, stamped with the official school seal, attesting to the graduation degree.

To answer your second question: New records are computerized and it is quick and easy to get a printout, but if the records are old and the record room jammed, it may take some time. Nevertheless, the transcript should be there. According to Chancellor's Regulation A-820, school records should be retained by the school forever! While yearbooks are included in this requirement, chances are the school won't have extras to sell.

Judy

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