Posthumous Degrees, Conferral Of

Policy Number: 
II.01.50
Reason for Policy: 

To establish the policy governing conferral of posthumous degrees for University of Oregon students.

Entities Affected by this Policy: 

University employees and students.

Responsible Office: 

For questions about this policy, please contact the Office of Student Life (541) 346-3216 or the office of the University Registrar (541) 346-2935.

Enactment & Revision History: 

25 April 2016 - Revisions approved by the university president

15 July 2013 - Approved by UO the university president

17 January 2013 - Policy Revised by the university vice president for student affairs in consultation with the associate dean of the graduate school, senior assistant to the university president, vice provost of academic affairs and the university registrar

08 February 2010 - Policy number revised from 2.000 to 02.99.02

03 June 1992 - Reissued by the university president following review/approval by the policy council and university assembly

10 February 1971 - Originally Implemented

Policy: 

Upon learning that a student has died, the Vice President for Student Life, with appropriate consultation from Academic Affairs, will confer with the University Registrar, and, if applicable, the Dean of the Graduate School or Dean of the School of Law, to determine if the student is eligible for a posthumous degree. If the student possessed the necessary academic credentials at the time of death, and if the family wishes, the Vice President for Student Life shall recommend that the University President authorize the posthumous issuance of the degree.

To receive a posthumous degree, at the time of death, the University Registrar must confirm that a student was (a) officially enrolled or (b) actively pursuing degree completion and within two terms of degree completion, that is, the current term and one additional term/semester.

If the student meets the above criteria, the University Registrar shall consult with the student’s major department(s), and the dean of the Graduate School or Law School when appropriate, to evaluate the student’s academic record to determine if satisfactory completion of current course and/or completion of one additional term/semester would have satisfied all major course requirements as stipulated by the department(s). If a thesis or dissertation would have been required for graduation, the dean of the Graduate School or Law School shall consult with the chair and members of the thesis or dissertation committee to determine whether the student could have completed and defended the thesis or dissertation during the current or subsequent term or semester.

The relevant dean(s) and department chair(s)/head(s) shall be notified of a final determination.

Exclusions and Special Situations: Exceptions to the policy will be made by the University President based on a recommendation by the Provost.

Chapter/Volume: 
  • Volume II: Academics, Instruction and Research
  • Chapter 1: Curriculum and instruction