A deceased student may be considered a candidate for a posthumous degree when nominated by the academic department chair in which the student was enrolled at or prior to his or her death, and when minimum academic degree requirements have been verified. Posthumous degrees may be awarded at the undergraduate or graduate career level. 

Requirements for Nomination:

1. The student must have been in good academic standing with the institution at the time of death. Good standing is defined as not being academically deficient for their classification (academic probation, continued probation, suspension or expulsion).
2. The student must have satisfied the university requirements for earned credits in residence.
3. The student must have been enrolled at time of death (summer excluded), or their continuous enrollment was interrupted by their injury, illness, deployment, etc.
4. An undergraduate student must have been within two semesters (30 credits or 75% of degree requirements complete) to be nominated for a posthumous degree.
5. A graduate student must have been within 75% of degree completion to be nominated for a posthumous degree.
6. The academic department in which the student was enrolled recommends the awarding of a posthumous degree.

Sponsor: VCSU President

Effective: May 2014

Revised: February 2025