University Undergraduate Advising Handbook

UNDERSTANDING A TRANSCRIPT/ACADEMIC VERIFICATION

On the back of an official transcript is a guide titled "Transcript/Academic Verification Key," which provides information necessary to understanding a transcript.

The outline that follows lists the topics that appear on the "Transcript/Academic Verification Key" and provides links to more information. Information in this section relates to both official and advising transcripts. (The Transcripts section describes the differences between official and advising transcripts and provides information on obtaining transcripts.)

TOPICS THAT APPEAR ON THE "TRANSCRIPT/ACADEMIC VERIFICATION KEY"

Release of Information

Provides information on confidentiality.

Official Transcripts/Academic Verification

Describes the characteristics of an official transcript.

Accreditation

States that Penn State is accredited by the Middle States Association and is a member of the Association of American Universities.

Credits and Hours

Gives the number of hours a student would typically be expected to work in order to earn a credit at Penn State.

Course-Numbering System

Describes the relationship between course number and course content. This information is in the Course Descriptions section of the Undergraduate Degree Programs Bulletin.

Course Suffixes

Provides a guide to the letter that may follow a course or section number. This information is in the Course Descriptions section of the Undergraduate Degree Programs Bulletin.

Basis for Grades

Describes the instructor's responsibility for grading.

Grading System

Outlines Penn State's grading system and provides a guide to the symbols that appear on the transcript.

Method of Calculation of Grade Points

Provides information on the grade-point equivalents for grades.

The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. Please consult a Penn State academic adviser for more detailed information.

This page is part of the University Undergraduate Advising Handbook, which is maintained by the Division of Undergraduate Studies, DUS@psu.edu.

Reviewed: July 2009
Last Update: May 2008