Printed on: 11/30/2023. Please go to policy.umn.edu for the most current version of the document.
University of Minnesota  Administrative Policy

Awarding Posthumous Degrees

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Policy Statement

The University may grant undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees posthumously. If a college determines that a deceased student has completed sufficient coursework to be awarded a degree, the college (Twin Cities only) or chief academic officer (or designee) on each system campus has the authority to grant the degree posthumously. Graduate students must have completed enough work toward the thesis or dissertation, if required for the degree.

Reason for Policy

To recognize the academic achievement of students who have died, and to empower colleges and vice chancellors to award degrees posthumously where the student has completed enough of the planned degree program.

Procedures

There are no procedures associated with this policy.

Forms/Instructions

There are no forms associated with this policy.

Appendices

There are no appendices associated with this policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are no FAQs associated with this policy.

Contacts

SubjectContactPhoneEmail
Primary ContactAmber Cellotti [email protected]
Crookston ContactJason Tangquist218-281-8424[email protected] 
218-281-8549 (fax)
Duluth ContactTracey Bolen218-726-7520[email protected]
Morris ContactMarcus Muller320-589-6011[email protected]
Rochester ContactParry Telander, Registrar507-258-8023[email protected]
Responsible Individuals
Responsible Officer Policy Owner Primary Contact
  • Executive Vice President and Provost
  • Associate Vice Provost - Academic Support Resources
  • Amber Cellotti
    Interim Director, Office of the Registrar

Definitions

Posthumous:

Following or occurring after one's death.

Responsibilities

Office of the Registrar

  • Post the degree to the student’s record.
  • Work with the department or college to facilitate appropriate presentation of the degree to the student’s family.

College (Twin Cities)

  • In consultation with the academic department of the degree, determine if posthumous degree should be awarded.
  • Notify the Office of the Registrar of the request and approval to issue a posthumous degree.
  • Facilitate appropriate presentation of the degree.
  • As a courtesy, notify the Executive Vice President and Provost of the awarding of the posthumous degree.

Collegiate Office (Crookston, Duluth, Morris & Rochester)

  • In consultation with the academic department of the degree, make a request of the campus Chief Academic Officer that the degree be awarded.

Chief Academic Officer (Crookston, Duluth, Morris & Rochester)

  • In consultation with the college requesting the posthumous degree, determine if posthumous degree should be awarded.
  • Notify the Office of the Registrar of the request and approval to issue a posthumous degree.
Chief Academic Officer Assignments by Campus
CampusChief Academic Officer
CrookstonVice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
DuluthExecutive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
MorrisVice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
RochesterVice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Innovation

Related Information

There is no related information associated with this policy.

History

Amended:

April 2020 - Comprehensive review, minor revision. Simplifies responsibilities.

Amended:

March 2016 - Comprehensive Review, Minor Revision. Administrative Procedure: Requesting a Posthumous Degree incorporated into the Responsibilities section of the policy. Minor wording changes to Statement and Reason.

Reviewed:

September 2011 - Comprehensive Review.

Amended:

April 2008 - Updated contacts section. Added definitions for "Posthumous" and "Eligible Student". "Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs" changed to "Chief academic officer" in responsiblities section. Additional edits made to clarify policy, but not to change meaning.

Effective:

June 2003