Apr 25, 2024  
2020-2021 Policy and Procedures 
    
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2020-2021 Policy and Procedures

Posthumous Degree Policy

Summary

The posthumous degrees may be awarded to a deceased student if the student was enrolled at Shaw University at the time of their death and meets the criteria listed below.  

Definitions

posthumous: occurring, awarded, or appearing after the death of the originator.

Scope

There are unfortunate events that result in the loss of one of our students during their enrollment at Shaw University. Shaw University Posthumous Degree policy provides to the families of deceased students a meaningful acknowledgement of the student’s accomplishments and legacy while, at the same time, upholding academic and institutional integrity in the awarding of degrees.

Policy Statement

To provide to the families of deceased students a meaningful acknowledgement of the student’s accomplishments and legacy while, at the same time, upholding academic and institutional integrity in the awarding of degrees, the posthumous degree policy will allow the recognition of a student’s academic achievement.

The posthumous degree can be received by the family and be printed in the commencement program.  The posthumous degree policy and related procedure establish a clear and concise process for awarding a degrees and aligns with the University’s current degree awarding policy and procedure.

Procedure

Request to Award Posthumous Degree

The student’s major department chairperson, faculty member, staff or an immediate family member of the deceased student may request that a posthumous degree be awarded to the deceased student. The written request (in the form of a letter) must be sent to the student’s major department chairperson and received within twelve (12) months of the student’s death.

Criteria for Awarding Posthumous Degree

  • The student must have been continuously enrolled at the University until the time of the onset of a terminal illness, an injury, or death.
  • A student must have been in good academic and disciplinary standing with the institution at the time of death. Good standing is defined as not having any of the following statuses: academic probation, academic dismissal, disciplinary suspension or expulsion.
  • The Dean shall certify that the following conditions are met before approval: 

Baccalaureate Degree 

  1. The student was enrolled and attending classes at the time of their terminal illness, injury or death.
  2. The student was within 12 credit hours of completion of all requirements or was in the final term of  completing of requirements.
  3. The student was in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
  4. The major department approves the awarding of the degree.  

Graduate Degree

  1. The student was enrolled and attending classes at the time of their terminal illness, injury or death
  2. The thesis/dissertation student has completed all of the substantive requirements for the degree, and submitted a suitable draft of the thesis/dissertation.  The non-thesis student has completed all, coursework, and was eligible to take comprehensive exams.
  3. The student would have qualified for graduation at the close of that semester.
  4. The student was in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  5. The major department or school approves the awarding of the degree.

Approval Process

  1. The Dean of the college in which the student was enrolled makes the formal recommendation to Academic Affairs of the candidate recommended for a posthumous degree. The following information must be submitted  to Academic Affairs.

    1. Letter of recommendation from Dean – which includes name and ID # of student, the student’s degree program, last date of attendance, date of passing, confirmation of good academic standing, confirmation of completion of degree by end of semester.

    2. Final transcript

    3. Documentation of approval by program faculty

  2. At the May faculty meeting, the recommended student must be approved by the University faculty.

Notification of Family/Recognition at Graduation

  1. Once approved, the Dean (or designee) will inform the immediate family of the University’s decision and desire to recognize the student (This process will be kept confidential until and unless approved at all levels).
  2. The family must notify the Dean if they desire to represent the student and receive the diploma at the commencement ceremony. This information is required for planning purposes. If the family does not wish to attend the commencement ceremony, the diploma will be mailed to the requested address.
  3. A posthumous degree will be printed in the commencement program. If the family chooses not to participate, this award may still be read during the ceremony (unless the family specifically request the information is omitted).

Assessment & Review

Responsible Office: Academic Affairs

Approval Date: June 23, 2020

Effective: Summer 2020

Review Period: 10 Years

Academic Affairs