Awarding Posthumous Degrees

Policy Statement

Under certain circumstances, SUNY Oneonta may award a degree posthumously to a student who dies before graduating. Normally, at least 75% of degree requirements need to have been met.

Rationale

To determine criteria when SUNY Oneonta is asked to bestow academic recognition posthumously to a deceased student who did not complete degree requirements.

Applicability of the Policy

This policy applies to all SUNY Oneonta students.

Policy Elaboration

SUNY Oneonta may award a degree posthumously in recognition of a student’s work and satisfactory progress towards degree at the time of death.
To be considered for a posthumous degree the student must have met the minimum credit-hour residency requirements of both the institution and the academic program in which the student was matriculated, have made satisfactory progress towards earning the degree, and be in good academic standing.

Definitions

Not applicable.

Procedures

The chair of the student's major must submit a letter of recommendation to the Provost. Final approval of award of the degree will rest with the President.
If approved, a diploma will be issued to the family and a comment will be placed on the student's transcript (Degree Awarded Posthumously).

Forms

There are no related forms at this time.

Contacts

Questions related to the daily operational interpretation of this policy should be directed to:

Registrar’s Office
(607) 436-2531
registrar@oneonta.edu

Related Documents / Policies

Not applicable.

Effective Dates

Approved by the President on 05/07/2002