Posthumous Degree Policy

I. Purpose

SGU recognizes the dedication and commitment of students whose academic journey is cut short by death. This policy establishes the criteria and procedures for awarding degrees posthumously in a manner that honors the student, respects their family, and upholds standards of academic integrity.

II. Scope

This policy applies to all degree-granting programs at SGU across all Schools and levels (undergraduate, graduate, and professional).

III. Policy Statement

1. Eligibility
   A student may be considered for a posthumous degree if:
   1. The student was enrolled and in good academic, financial, and disciplinary standing at the time of death.
   2. The student had substantially completed the requirements of their degree program. Normally, “substantially completed” means:
      1. Undergraduate or graduate programs: successful completion of at least 75% of required credit hours toward the degree.
      2. Professional programs (MD, DVM, etc.): successful completion of all pre-clinical coursework and advancement into the clinical/clinical-equivalent phase, or completion of a comparable threshold as determined by the Dean.
   3. Exceptions to the above may be considered in extraordinary cases with approval from the Dean and the Provost.
2. Degree Designation
   1. The degree will be awarded with the notation “Posthumous” on the official transcript and diploma.
   2. Honorary degrees are not awarded under this policy; posthumous recognition must be tied to verified academic progress.
3. Nomination and Approval Process
   1. A request for consideration may be initiated by the student’s family, faculty member, program director, University Registrar or any office of SGU that learns of the death of a student and passed to the respective schools Dean.
   2. The Dean of the School in which the student was enrolled reviews eligibility, in consultation with the Registrar and Office of Student Affairs.
   3. If eligibility is met, the Dean submits a formal recommendation to the Office of the Provost in writing.
   4. Final approval rests with the Office of the Provost.
4. Presentation of the Degree
   1. Posthumous degrees may be presented at the regular commencement ceremony or privately, according to the wishes of the family.
   2. SGU will ensure the presentation is conducted with dignity and respect.

IV. Roles and Responsibilities

1. Registrar: Confirms completion of requirements and ensures the degree is recorded appropriately.
2. Dean of the School: Reviews and endorses requests.
3. Provost: Grants final approval on behalf of SGU.
4. Office of Student Affairs: Serves as liaison with the student’s family, endorses the students non-academic status and coordinates arrangements for presentation through the appropriate office.

V. Guidance for Families

SGU deeply values the commitment and dedication of our students. When a student’s life is cut short before they are able to complete their studies, SGU may honor their academic journey by awarding a posthumous degree. This recognition reflects both the student’s accomplishments and their place in the SGU community.

What is a Posthumous Degree?

A posthumous degree is a diploma awarded after a student’s passing, in recognition of the academic work they successfully completed and the progress they made toward their degree. It is issued with the notation “Posthumous” on the transcript and diploma.

Who is eligible?

1. The student must have been in good standing with SGU, academically, financially, and with respect to conduct, at the time of their passing.
2. The student must have completed a substantial portion of their program. For most degrees, this means at least three-quarters of the required work. For professional programs, this generally means advancement into the clinical or final stages of study.

In exceptional circumstances, SGU leadership may make individual considerations.

How do I request Degree Approval

1. A request may come from the student’s family, faculty, or academic leadership to the Dean of the relevant School.
2. The Dean of the student’s School reviews eligibility in consultation with the Registrar and Student Affairs.
3. If criteria are met, the Dean recommends the award to the Provost, who gives final approval.

How is the Degree awarded?

The family may choose how the degree is presented:

1. At Commencement – the student’s name may be read, and the diploma presented to the family during the ceremony.
2. Private Presentation – SGU can arrange a separate, personal presentation of the degree at a time and place that is comfortable for the family.

SGU will work closely with the family to ensure the presentation is carried out with dignity and respect.

Our Commitment

SGU recognizes that no degree can replace the loss of a loved one. The awarding of a posthumous degree is a way for us to honor the student’s efforts, celebrate their achievements, and recognize the impact they made as part of the SGU community.

VI. Authority

Office of the Provost: reviewed every 3 years.

VII. Version History

(1025013)