To establish the policy governing conferral of posthumous degrees for University of Oregon students.
University employees and students.
For questions about this policy, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students at (541) 346-3216 or the Office of the Registrar (541) 346-2935.
11 August 2023 - Revisions approved by the university president
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
Upon request, the Vice President for Student Life (or their designee) can initiate a review that may result in the awarding of a posthumous degree if the deceased student is determined to be eligible for the recognition.
When a request is initiated, the Vice President for Student Life (or their designee) will work with the University Registrar (or their designee) to perform the necessary review. If the student possessed the necessary requirements, the Vice President for Student Life (or their designee) will recommend that the University President authorize the awarding of the posthumous degree.
To be considered for a posthumous degree, students must have:
- Been enrolled in a degree program at the time of death.
- Possessed a student conduct record free of expulsion, active suspension, or other pending/actualized egregious behaviors that would typically inhibit receiving a university degree.
Students will be eligible for:
- A posthumous Bachelor’s degree if they had reached Senior standing in a declared major.
- A posthumous Master’s, Doctoral, or Professional degree if they completed ¾ of the required credits for their declared program.
Exclusions and Special Situations to the Posthumous Degree Policy:
Requests for exceptions to the Posthumous Degree policy as stated will be routed to the Provost (or their designee) for review and a decision.
An exception to the Posthumous Degree policy as stated will be made by the University President based on a recommendation by the Provost (or their designee).
Honorary Alumnus Status
Deceased students who do not meet the requirements for a posthumous degree may be acknowledged with Honorary Alumnus status. This designation acknowledges a student’s connection to the university community during their time at the University of Oregon.
The designation of Honorary Alumnus status recognizing a deceased student as a valued member of the University of Oregon community will be bestowed by the Vice President of Student Life (or their designee) on behalf of the Division of Student Life.