Validity Registry

Rice University allows all graduates to have their academic credentials instantly validated from our website if they graduated from Fall 2003 to present using the Validity Registry.

What academic credentials can be validated?

The Validity Registry will validate degrees, majors, minors, and certificates.

How far back does the data go?

Students who had academic credentials awarded in Fall 2003 are the earliest students. New students and academic credentials will be available to be validated at the end of each semester after degrees have been awarded.

I entered my information in correctly, but it is returning, "No Proof Found."

The information you entered either:

1. Did not match the set of data from the database, or
2. The individual for whom you have entered data has restricted the release of directory information. If you earned an academic credential from Rice University since Fall 2003 and would like us to allow your academic credential to be able to be validated, you can either remove the restriction (see "How do I withhold my directory information?") or contact us for more information. (Please note that removing your restriction does not guarantee an immediate display on the site. It may still take several days due to data processing requirements.)

What do I put for the graduation year?

The graduation year is the calendar year in which the degree was conferred. This is not necessarily the same year that the student participated in commencement. As a general guide:

• If the degree was conferred in any Spring semester, use the year of the Spring semester. For example, a Spring 2012 graduate will use 2012, and a Spring 2023 graduate will use 2023.
• If the degree was conferred in any Summer semester, use the year of the Spring semester. For example, a Summer 2020 graduate will use 2020, and a Summer 2024 graduate will use 2024.
• If the degree was conferred Fall 2003 to Fall 2009 in the Fall semester, use the following year. For example, a Fall 2003 graduate will use 2004, and a Fall 2006 graduate will use 2007.
• If the degree was conferred in any Fall semester Fall 2010 or after, use the year of the Fall semester. For example, a Fall 2018 graduate will use 2018, and a Fall 2022 graduate will use 2022.

If you are having trouble, you can always contact us for assistance.

When are new academic credentials added each semester?

New academic credentials for the semester are added approximately one week after degrees are officially awarded for the semester according to the date on the Academic Calendar.