Undergraduate Students
Upon learning that a student has died, the Registrar’s Office will consult with the student’s academic department to determine if the student meets the eligibility criteria for a posthumous undergraduate degree.
Criteria: student must (a) have been enrolled at the time of death, or within the most recent four terms and (b) be within two terms of meeting all degree requirements, including all requirements in the major field of study, general education, as well as all University degree requirements.
If the student meets the above criteria at the time of death, and the family wishes, the Registrar will seek final approval from the Provost. If approval is granted, the Registrar’s Office will award the posthumous degree, note it on the transcript, and order a diploma for the family.
Graduate Students
Upon nomination by the student’s academic unit and family member, the Office of Graduate Studies will determine if the student meets the eligibility criteria for a posthumous graduate degree.
Criteria: student must (a) have been enrolled at the time of death, or within the most recent four terms and (b) be within two terms of meeting all degree requirements. OGS will review student records and consult with the student’s department as necessary to determine whether all degree requirements including the thesis/dissertation or other culminating activities could have been completed during the current or subsequent term.
With confirmation that the criteria are met, OGS will seek final approval from the Provost. If approval is granted, the Registrar’s Office will award the posthumous degree, note it on the transcript, and order a diploma for the family.
Posthumous Certificate of Recognition – Undergraduate and Graduate
In cases where it is determined that the student did not meet the above requirements for a posthumous degree, at the request of the relevant academic departmental authority, a "posthumous certificate of recognition" may be provided which recognizes an undergraduate or graduate student's progress toward attainment of a degree.
Exclusions and Special Situations
Exceptions to the policy will be made by the Provost.