The University of Panama has officially authorized the issuance of all academic diplomas and certificates in electronic format. The university’s Academic Council approved the landmark measure on March 4, 2026, through Resolution No. 7-26-SGP, marking a decisive step in the institution’s digital transformation. This move modernizes administrative processes and aligns the national university with global trends in higher education.
University officials stated the policy grants digital diplomas full legal validity, making them equivalent to traditional paper documents. The initiative aims to enhance document security, enable online verification, and protect against forgeries. It also promises to significantly speed up the issuance, registration, and delivery of degrees for graduates.
University Rector Eduardo Flores and Secretary General Ricardo A. Parker jointly signed the approving resolution. They framed the decision as a necessary evolution for the institution.
“This resolution establishes the legal, technical, and administrative framework for issuing digital diplomas and certificates, responding to technological advancement and the need for greater documentary security,” Flores stated. [Translated from Spanish]
The immediate impact will streamline a historically manual process. Graduates will soon be able to access and share their credentials from anywhere, a crucial benefit for those pursuing opportunities abroad or in remote work. The university’s next step involves the full rollout of the supporting technological platform to manage the new system.
Technology and Sustainability Drive the Change
Implementation will be managed through the Electronic Diploma Review and Issuance System, known as SIREDE. The university’s Directorate of Information and Communication Technology developed this integrated platform to consolidate academic and administrative procedures. The project required building several complementary systems to ensure robust operation.
Saulo Aizprúa, the director of information technology, explained the technical scope.
“We had to develop a system for using an electronic signature and another repository system where all generated documents will be stored. These can be consulted from other platforms,” Aizprúa detailed. [Translated from Spanish]
This shift to a digital diploma framework carries a notable environmental benefit. The university anticipates a major reduction in paper use and the supplies associated with printing physical diplomas. This supports broader sustainability goals within the institution’s operations.
Positioning for a Digital Future
The decision positions the University of Panama at the forefront of digital innovation among Panamanian universities. By strengthening institutional efficiency, the administration believes it can better serve its community of graduates in an increasingly technological world. The move addresses long standing requests from alumni for faster, more accessible credentialing.
University leaders view this as more than an administrative update. They describe it as a foundational change that modernizes the university’s relationship with its students and the professional market. The secure digital credentials are expected to simplify processes for employers and other institutions that require degree verification.
Officials confirmed the transition will not eliminate physical diplomas immediately. Graduates will likely have a choice between formats during a transitional period. The primary focus, however, remains on perfecting and promoting the digital option as the standard for security and convenience. This strategic digital shift represents a new chapter for Panama’s flagship public university.