The University may grant undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees posthumously. If a college determines that a deceased student has completed a sufficient portion of the planned degree program 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 a sufficient portion 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
If a college or chief academic officer determines that a sufficient portion of the planned degree program was not completed, are there other options to recognize a student’s achievements?
Yes. The college or chief academic officer can work with their campus Student Affairs office and Twin Cities Office of the Registrar to produce a Certificate of Attendance.
Is there an notation on the diploma or transcript that a degree was awarded posthumously?
No. The transcript and diploma text is standard regardless of whether a degree was awarded posthumously.
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
Campus
Chief Academic Officer
Crookston
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Duluth
Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Morris
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Rochester
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Innovation
Related Information
There is no related information associated with this policy.
History
Amended:
March 2024 - Comprehensive Review.
Adjusted language in the Policy Statement and Reason for Policy sections to have this language consistent between the two, "completed a sufficient portion of the planned degree program."
Addition of two FAQs to provide:
information about alternative options for recognizing student achievement who don't meet the "sufficient portion" standard and
clarification that there is not a separate notation on the transcript or diploma to indicate that a degree was awarded posthumously.
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.
Administrative Policy