307-10-2 - Posthumous Degrees
| Title: |
Posthumous Degrees |
| Owner: |
Executive Director, Registrar Operations and Academic Compliance |
| Last Update/Revised: |
11/20/2020 |
Policy: The College Dean may nominate a deceased student who has made significant contributions to the College, field, or university and/or demonstrated character exemplifying the values and standards of the University and discipline to the President to confer a degree posthumously. Requests must be routed through the student’s college by family members or other interested parties.
The College Dean may nominate the student, if at the time of death:
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The student was continuously enrolled and in good academic standing; and
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The College dean determines that recognition of the student's accomplishments by the award of the degree is warranted based on graduate work completed and other circumstances pertinent to the request; and
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The student should have completed at least two-thirds (2/3) of all coursework toward the degree.
Purpose: United States University views the awarding of a posthumous degree as compassionate means to celebrate the life and contributions to the university community of a student who dies prior to completion of their degree. The awarding of a posthumous degree may bring closure for the family and friends of the deceased student as well as the university community.
Scope: Policy is to clearly identify criteria and procedures needed to award degrees posthumously once the University has been notified and request submitted in writing.
Document and Form(s):
- Request to Issue Posthumous Degree
- Supporting Documentation, if applicable