An official transcript is one that is prepared and verified by the university or their third-party transcript provider (such as Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse). Official transcripts are sent directly to another institution in a sealed envelope, encrypted e-mail, or online database for the purposes of maintaining student records upon admission to the Graduate School. They are also provided to confirm education for professional employment opportunities, licensure, and other credential verifications. The official transcript is printed on special paper and includes an embossed or printed seal. It can be held for pick-up, sent electronically, or mailed.
How is an official transcript invalidated?
An official transcript can be found invalid if prematurely opened by the student or anyone else who is not a university faculty or staff member. This includes both electronic copies that are either forwarded or scanned/downloaded and attached via email by the student, or paper copies where the seal is not intact.
Where do I send my official degree-bearing transcripts once I’ve been admitted to the Graduate School?
You can send official degree-bearing transcripts directly from your previous institution(s) to gradschool-staff@uwm.edu, or to our mailing address: UW-Milwaukee Graduate School, PO Box 340, Milwaukee, WI 53201. Please make sure they have your degree posted to them, and that they meet official transcript requirements as listed above.
As a reminder, official degree-bearing transcripts should not be sent to our office until you’ve confirmed your graduation at your previous institution(s), and you’ve been admitted to the UW-Milwaukee Graduate School.
What if my transcript is from a school outside of the United States?
Please visit the International Education webpage for more information uwm.edu/cie/services/students/final-transcripts/
Questions? Please contact gradschool-staff@uwm.edu or call (414) 229-6569.