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 before receiving their degree and to honor the families of those students. To that end, this policy outlines the awarding of posthumous 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.
  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, the awarding of a posthumous degree. Notification of final action by the Provost will be forwarded to the Office of the University Registrar.  
  3. If the student does not meet the requirements for the posthumous degree, the Office of the Dean of Students may award a certificate of 'in memoriam' 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.
Chapter 3: Student Policies

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 a posthumous degree has been awarded.
    3. The Office of the Dean of Students will notify the President, Provost and Dean of respective College of the posthumous degree approval and relevant details prior to the presentation.
    4. A presentation of the degree to the family will be arranged by the Office of the Dean of Students in conjunction with the academic department. This presentation ceremony will be in accordance with the wishes of the family.
  2. 'In memoriam' certificate
    1. The Office of the University 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 notify the President, Provost and Dean of respective College of the memoriam certificate and relevant details prior to the presentation.
    4. It is the discretion of the Office of the Dean of Students as to how and by whom this certificate will be conveyed to the family of the deceased student.

The Office of the University Registrar, approved October 26, 2017
University Council, approved November 27, 2017
President and Executive Management Team, approved December 11, 2017