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.