Posthumous Degrees and Certificates Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to define the circumstances under which a posthumous degree or certificate may be awarded.

Definitions

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Statements

Under certain circumstances, the university may posthumously award a degree or certificate to a student who passes away before graduating. Typically, at least 75% of degree requirements must be met. This may be determined in consultation with the student’s mentor/advisor. Upon notification of a student’s death, the provost designee will begin the process of determining whether a posthumous degree should be awarded. Final approval of award of the degree or certificate will rest with the university president. If approved, a diploma will be issued to the family, and a comment will be placed on the student’s transcript: Degree Awarded Posthumously. Latin honors are not awarded on posthumous degrees. If a student does not meet the threshold for a posthumous degree, the university president may award a certificate of recognition to the student’s family.

Posthumous degrees may be awarded at any level. General requirements for posthumous degrees:

• The university must verify that the student is
• The student must have been in good academic
• The student must have had no disciplinary sanctions

The president and/or provost may consider cases that do not meet the above criteria when extraordinary circumstances prevail.

Applicable Legislation and Regulations

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Related References, Policies, Procedures, Forms and Appendices