Posthumous Degrees Procedure (Draft)

Purpose:

The purpose of this procedure is to outline eligibility requirements and describe procedures to be followed in awarding posthumous degrees at Winona State University.

Procedure:

A. Criteria

Undergraduate and graduate students who meet the following criteria may be granted a posthumous degree:

• Student was enrolled in good academic and professional standing at the time of death.
• Student, if an undergraduate, 1) was in the final year of the program and had applied for and been approved for graduation or 2) had a distinctive and demonstrated record of achievement as determined by the major department.
• Student, if a graduate, had applied for and been approved for graduation.

B. Procedure for Recommendation

Eligible students may be recommended for posthumous degrees as follows:

• The student’s major department submits a request to the dean of the college and the Registrar’s Office.
• The registrar reviews the student’s academic record to determine eligibility and notifies the department and the dean of the results.
• The dean, after consultation with the major department, forwards a recommendation to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA).
• The VPAA makes a recommendation to the President for final approval.
• The President notifies the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Life (VPEMSL).
• The VPEMSL contacts the student’s family to determine how and if the degree will be awarded and conveys that information to the Commencement Committee and the Registrar.

C. Awarding of the Degree

The family chooses from the following options:

• The President sends a letter of recognition to the family. The posthumous degree award is noted in the commencement program and announced by the President at the commencement ceremony.
• A private ceremony is held in the President’s office with the family, the dean, and a department representative. The degree is noted in the commencement program and announced by the President at the commencement ceremony.
• The President makes an announcement at the commencement ceremony followed by a moment of silence. The degree is noted in the commencement program.
• The parents are introduced during the commencement ceremony by the President, and the diploma is presented to family in a private meeting with the President at another time. The degree is noted in the commencement program.
• A family member participates in the commencement ceremony in place of the student. The degree is noted in the commencement program.

Related definitions:

3-31 Posthumous Degree:

A degree that is awarded to a deceased student before that student has completed all degree requirements.

Authorizing Policy:

• 3-31 Posthumous Degrees Policy (Draft)

History:

Adoption date:
Implementation date: