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Posthumous Degree

  1. A family member or other interested party of the deceased student may make a request for a posthumous degree through the Office of the Registrar.
  2. A posthumous degree may be awarded, if, at the time of death, the student has met one of the following criteria:
    1. They are enrolled in the final semester of coursework to complete degree requirements and are in good standing at the College.
    2. They have completed at least 50% of the required number of credits for the appropriate degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s), are in good standing with the College, and are recommended for the posthumous degree by the appropriate Academic Dean to the Office of the Registrar.
  3. The Office of the Registrar will forward all recommendations for posthumous degrees to the Provost for approval.
  4. Notation that the degree is presented posthumously will appear on the transcript, on the diploma, and in the Commencement program.
  5. The diploma may be presented during Commencement to a member of the student’s family. Arrangements for the presentation will be coordinated with the family by the Office of the President.
  6. The President and Provost may consider cases that do not meet the above criteria when extraordinary circumstances prevail.
  7. Posthumous degrees will not be included in state or federal reporting.

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