A degree may be awarded for a deceased student upon recommendation of the faculty advisor or college academic advising coordinator, the department chairperson, academic dean, and the vice provost for academic programs, with final approval by the University provost.
A student who passes away while enrolled and pursing a degree may be considered for a 鈥減osthumous degree鈥 based on the following criteria:
In cases where it is determined the student did not meet the above requirements for a degree, a 鈥減osthumous certificate鈥 may be awarded, if appropriate. The posthumous certificate recognizes a student鈥檚 significant progress toward the attainment of a degree. This may be a certificate of attendance, participation, or completion of some core element of the student鈥檚 program.
If the posthumous degree is approved:
The deceased student鈥檚 family will be contacted to determine how they wish to receive the diploma/certificate. The registrar, vice provost for academic programs, or department chairperson, will either present the diploma/certificate personally to the family or the diploma will be mailed to the family with an appropriate letter from the president or her designee.
In addition, it is suggested that during the commencement ceremony that the president somehow acknowledges: