Posthumous Degree, Posthumous Certificate of Achievement, & Compassionate Certificate of Achievement
The University of Arizona extends compassion and understanding to students whose academic progress is permanently halted due to significant medical events. This policy outlines the criteria and procedure for requesting a certificate of achievement or posthumous degree when a student passes away or when an extraordinary circumstance, such as terminal illness, prevents them from completing their academic program.
Posthumous Degree & Posthumous Certificate of Achievement
To be eligible for a posthumous degree, the student must:
Be in Eligible or Good Academic standing during the last completed term (Undergraduates: cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater and major GPA of 2.0 or greater. Graduates: cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater.)
Undergraduate: have reached Senior standing (90 completed units)
Graduate & Professional: have completed 75% of the coursework required for the respective degree
Have completed at least one semester at the University of Arizona
A deceased student who does not meet the criteria for a posthumous degree may be awarded a Certificate of Achievement at the family’s request and support of the College.
A posthumous degree or certificate of achievement is awarded at the request of the student’s family, and may be included in the next Commencement program if requested. To initiate a request, family members or a representative from the student’s college should contact the Dean of Students.
Compassionate Certificate of Achievement
Students facing extraordinary circumstances that permanently prevent the completion of a degree program, such as terminal illness, may be awarded a Certificate of Achievement at the University’s discretion. To initiate the request, the student, family members, or a representative from the student’s college should contact the Dean of Students.
Related Guidelines & Links:
Policy Amendment Memos:
Related Policies: