Posthumous Degree Policy
1.00 Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to recognize the academic achievement of the deceased student, and to extend to the university community, family, and friends of the student an opportunity to share in his/her academic success at California State University Monterey Bay.
This policy is intended to reflect the University's commitment to the principles, goals, and ideals described in the CSU Monterey Bay Vision Statement and to its core values.
2.00 Eligibility
To be eligible for the award of a CSU Monterey Bay degree posthumously, the student must generally have met the following conditions:
- At the time of death, the undergraduate student was within two semesters of completing the work required for award of the baccalaureate degree.
- For graduate students in thesis programs, significant coursework should have been completed, and the student should have commenced the research project. Graduate students in non-thesis programs should be within one semester of completing the work required for award of the master's degree.
- The student was in good academic standing and was successfully progressing toward completion of requirements for the degree to be awarded.
3.00 Recommendation
Faculty of the academic program of the deceased student may initiate consideration of the award of a posthumous degree and may do so by contacting the Dean of the college in which the deceased student's program resided to make a formal recommendation for the award of a posthumous degree.
4.00 Approval Process
The Dean, upon receipt of a recommendation, shall initiate the approval process by submitting a request to the University Registrar to conduct a thorough review of the deceased student's progress toward his/her degree objective. A summary of the review will be submitted to the Dean. If the Dean concludes that the eligibility requirements outlined in section 2.00 of this policy have been satisfied, (s)he may submit a formal recommendation to the Provost for review.
If the Provost concurs, the recommendation will be submitted to the President for final approval.
5.00 Award of Posthumous Degree
Upon approval of the award of a posthumous degree by the President the family of the deceased student shall be notified by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs of CSU Monterey Bay.
The degree shall be conferred at the next regularly scheduled commencement exercise. The posthumous nature of the award shall be indicated on the student's permanent record.
The family may designate a family member to participate in commencement ceremonies. The diploma shall be sent to the family.
6.00 Continuous Renewal
This policy shall be reviewed in ten years from its effective date to determine its effectiveness and appropriateness. This policy may be reviewed before that time as necessary.
s/ President Eduardo M. Ochoa
Effective Date: September 21, 2018
Certification of Process
Reviewed by: Matriculation Committee, Student Affairs Leadership Team, Enrollment Management Team, Academic Affairs Council, Policy Facilitation Team, Academic Senate.