Academic Affairs

02:45:00 Awarding Posthumous Academic Credentials

1. Purpose 
   1. The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures for awarding an academic credential posthumously.  
2. Policy/Guideline - Posthumous Degrees  
   1. In the unfortunate event of a student’s death an academic credential may be awarded posthumously if the student was in good academic standing and met one of the following milestones: 
      1. The student was enrolled in their final semester, and it could be reasonably assumed they would have completed all requirements; or  
      2. The student completed a minimum of 75% of the total credit hours required for the degree or certificate.   
   2. The awarding of a posthumous credential is initiated by a joint recommendation from the Vice President of Academic Affairs and the Registrar. This recommendation will verify the student’s academic standing and progress toward the credential.   
   3. The final decision to award a posthumous credential is reserved for the President. The President retains the authority to grant exceptions to the criteria in Section A for students who do not meet the standard milestones but warrant special consideration.  
   4. The special nature of the award should be reflected on all pertinent records. 

Source:  TBR POLICY 2.01.00.02 

New Policy submitted to Policy Review Committee on March 2, 2026

Submitted to Policy Review Board on April 13, 2026

Approved by Policy Review Board on April 29, 2026