Home : Academic/Research : Teaching, Learning, Student Life

The University of Minnesota may grant undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees posthumously. If a college determines that a deceased student has completed sufficient coursework to earn a degree, the college (Twin Cities only) or chief academic officer (or designee) on each coordinate campus has the authority to grant the degree posthumously. Graduate students must have completed enough work toward the thesis or dissertation, if required for the degree.

To recognize the achievement of its students who have died, and to empower colleges and Vice Chancellors to award degrees posthumously where the student has completed enough of the planned degree program.

The college should contact the Office of the Registrar to determine the correct information for posting the degree and issuing the diploma.

• Requesting a Posthumous Degree

There are no forms for this policy.

Subject	Contact	Phone	Fax/Email
Primary Contact	Tina Falkner	612-625-1064	rovic001@umn.edu
Policy Information	Susan Van Voorhis	612-625-8098	612-626-1754 (fax)
Degree Information	Twin Cities		http://www.onestop.umn.edu/
Degree Information	Crookston - Registrar	218-281-8548	lolson@mail.crk.umn.edu
Degree Information	Duluth - Registrar	218-726-8000 1-800-232-1339	umdhelp@d.umn.edu
Degree Information	Morris - Registrar	320-589-6030	strandcd@morris.umn.edu
Degree Information	Rochester - Registrar	507-280-2831	weber362@umn.edu

Posthumous:

Following or occurring after one's death.

Eligible student:

A deceased student who the college or chief academic officer (or designee) on each coordinate campus who has earned enough credits to be awarded a degree. posthumously

Registrar

Notify departments of the policy and any subsequent updates. Establish individual campus procedures for recording the posthumous degree.

College or Department

Notify the Office of the Registrar of posthumous degree granting for diploma.

College or Department-Twin Cities

Decide if posthumous degree should be awarded. Notify the Office of the Registrar of posthumous degree granting for diploma.

Chief academic officer (Crookston, Duluth & Morris)

Decide if posthumous degree should be awarded.

There are no appendices for this policy.

There are no frequently asked questions for this policy.

There is no related information for this policy.

Amended:

April 2008 - Updated contacts section. Added definitions for "Posthumous" and "Eligible Student". "Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs" changed to "Chief academic officer" in responsiblities section. Additional edits made to clarify policy, but not to change meaning.

Effective:

June 2003

To obtain a copy of a historical policy, e-mail the U Policy Librarian at policy@umn.edu or call 612-624-4372.