Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are the qualifying criteria for the award? 

The South Carolina Seals of Distinction are granted by the South Carolina Department of Education and are one of several awards and credentials issued digitally through Parchment. This FAQ does not address qualifying criteria of seals, credentials, or awards, or timelines for data entry. Schools and districts should reference documents such as the South Carolina Seals of Distinction 2021-2022 Overview and Guidelines for more information about qualifying criteria and relevant data entry. 

How are awards and credentials such as the Seals of Distinction issued digitally to students? 

Awards such as the South Carolina Seals of Distinction are issued digitally through Parchment. Student recipients are notified via email that they have earned a Seal of Distinction, for example, and that the credential is ready to be claimed in Parchment. Students can then claim, share, and send their credential or award through Parchment’s platform.  

Is it required that high schools have a Parchment account for students to claim their Seals of Distinction? 

No. While most high schools in South Carolina have a Parchment account for sending transcripts, it is not a requirement for the high school to possess a Parchment account for their students to receive their Seal of Distinction through Parchment. Because the Seal of Distinction is issued on behalf of the South Carolina Department of Education (rather than on behalf of the high school) through Parchment, it’s not a requirement for the high school to have an account. 

Is it a requirement for a student to have a Parchment account to claim a Seal of Distinction? 

Yes. Once the award has been issued, students will receive an email from Parchment asking them to claim their Seal of Distinction. If they don’t have a Parchment account already, they will be prompted to create an account with Parchment.  

What is the process for the student to claim their Seal of Distinction? 

The student will receive an email asking them to access and claim their Seal of Distinction. View our complete video tutorial for students: Learner Experience.