3.20 Posthumous Degree and 'In Memoriam' Certificates

Purpose

It is the intention of the University of Northern Iowa to recognize those students who have passed away or become permanently incapacitated before receiving their degree and to honor the families of those students. By issuing such an award the University recognizes that, but for permanent incapacitation or death, the student would have been expected to have satisfactorily completed their studies. To that end, this policy outlines the awarding of posthumous degrees, extraordinary circumstance degrees, and 'in memoriam' certificates.

Policy Statement

1. Upon notification of the death of a current or recently enrolled student, the Office of the Dean of Students will notify the student's academic department of the student’s passing. In the case of permanent incapacitation that renders the student unable to ever complete their academic requirements, the Office of the Dean of Students will determine the validity and notify the student’s academic department.
2. If the student is within 75% of degree completion, the academic department head may recommend to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, who will confirm eligibility with the Office of the Registrar, then forward their recommendation to the University President for conferral of a posthumous or extraordinary circumstance degree. Notification of final action by the President will be forwarded to the Office of the University Registrar.
3. If the student does not meet the requirements for the posthumous or extraordinary circumstance degrees, a certificate of 'in memoriam' may be awarded to the family. The Office of the University Registrar will prepare this certificate.
4. Any exceptions to this policy may be made by the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Procedures

1. Posthumous degree
   1. The Office of the Registrar will prepare a diploma with the official date of graduation for the term in which the posthumous degree is awarded. No special notation will be made on the diploma.
   2. The official transcript of the student will note that a posthumous degree has been awarded.
   3. The Office of the Dean of Students will work with immediate family members, academic department(s), Office of the Registrar, and the Office of the President, as appropriate, to make arrangements for the presentation of the diploma.
2. 'In memoriam' certificate
   1. The Office of the Registrar will create an 'in memoriam' certificate and supply this certificate to the Office of the Dean of Students.
   2. No notation of this certificate will be placed on the student's permanent academic record.
   3. The Office of the Dean of Students will work with immediate family members, academic department(s), Office of the Registrar, and the Office of the President, as appropriate, to make arrangements for the presentation of the certificate.
3. Extraordinary Circumstance degree
   1. The Office of the Registrar will prepare a diploma with the official date of graduation for the term in which the extraordinary circumstance degree is awarded. No special notation will be made on the diploma.
   2. The official transcript of the student will note an extraordinary circumstance degree has been awarded. The Office of the Dean of Students will work with immediate family members, academic department(s), Office of the Registrar, and the Office of the President, as appropriate, to make arrangements for the presentation of the diploma.

The Office of the University Registrar, approved February 28, 2025
University Council, approved May 20, 2025
President, approved July 1, 2025

[Last reviewed and/or updated: 7/2025, 12/2017]