Posthumous Degree Policy

Posthumous Degree Policy

Purpose: 

This policy outlines the conditions under which a student who is near completion of their degree and passes away before the degree is awarded may be awarded the degree posthumously.

Undergraduate

A deceased student who did not complete all requirements for their undergraduate degree at the time of death may be awarded a degree posthumously provided the following conditions are met:

  1. The student was in good standing at the time of death.
  2. The student was within 20 credits (6.0 units) of completing all requirements for their degree.
  3. The faculty of the school associated with the deceased student’s primary major approves the awarding of the degree upon recommendation of the school dean and after ascertaining that conditions 1 and 2 have been met.

The graduation program will note the degree was awarded posthumously. The certificate will be presented to the immediate family of the deceased student by an appropriate academic officer of the University.

Graduate

A deceased student who did not complete all requirements for their graduate degree at the time of death may be awarded a degree posthumously provided the following conditions are met:

  1. The student was in good standing at the time of death.
  2. The student was enrolled in the final semester of credits necessary to earn their degree or within 9 credits of completing all requirements for their degree.
  3. The faculty of the school associated with the deceased student’s primary area of study approves the awarding of the degree upon recommendation of the school dean and after ascertaining that conditions 1 and 2 have been met.

Procedure: 

After approval by the faculty, the school dean should submit to the University Registrar a request for verification and final approval.  The University Registrar will certify the degree at the appropriate time and handle the addition to the commencement documents for the appropriate ceremony.

View the Posthumous Degree Policy.