Graduation is only a month away for many seniors at TCU, but receiving their diplomas is going to look a little different than in years past.

Starting in December, TCU graduates will find that the diploma covers they receive on stage contain a congratulatory note and information on the mailing of their diplomas.

This decision from the Registrar’s Office is meant to ease the process of completing grades and preparations for commencement ceremonies, Nichole Mancone Fisher, the assistant vice provost and university registrar, said.

“We would have to reprint diplomas for all students who had a change of major or had their honors designation change after final grades came in,” Fisher said. “There was a very narrow window to work with students on grade changes or a change of major in order for them to meet requirements to have the degree conferred and receive their diploma at the ceremony.”

The practice of handing out placeholders at commencement ceremonies is not uncommon among universities, especially schools with large student populations. The University of Texas at Austin, the University of North Texas and Texas A&M are just a few of the Texas universities that mail their diplomas once they have been certified after the commencement ceremony.

TCU notified seniors graduating in December with an email on July 9. While the change doesn’t affect their graduation status, some seniors felt a little let down.

“For me, it’s disappointing,” Jessica Rowe, a senior music education major, said. “I graduate in December, and I’m student teaching. I feel like TCU already doesn’t do much for December grads, and they’ve taken away one more thing.”