Posthumous Degrees

3660.1 Policy Statement

All inquiries or suggestions for posthumous degrees should be forwarded to the dean of the appropriate college or school.
The dean will then request the registrar to verify that: the person is deceased;
the person was a student in good standing at the time of death;
if at the associate degree level, the student was at least within 10 semester credit hours of meeting all degree requirements, in work already completed;
if at the baccalaureate degree level, the student was at least within 20 semester credit hours of meeting all degree requirements, in work already completed;
if at the master's degree level, the student was at least within 8 semester credit hours of meeting all degree requirements, in work already completed.
In addition to the credit requirements specified in item 2 above, all posthumous degrees must be approved by the relevant degree program and college.
Following verification from the registrar and approval by the degree program, the dean will forward the written recommendation for awarding the degree to the chief academic officer.
Posthumous degrees will be awarded at the next appropriate graduation ceremony in the twelve-month period following the death of the student, with special attention being given to allowing for the proper and timely notification of the family or next of kin.