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02-014 Posthumous Degree Policy

I. SCOPE

All students at SUNY Canton

II. POLICY STATEMENT

In the unfortunate circumstance that a student dies before completing all degree requirements, an honorary posthumous degree or certificate may be awarded if the conditions in this policy have been met.

III. POLICY

SUNY Canton will award a posthumous degree when the following conditions have been met:

• 50% of the credits required by the degree have been completed
  • 60 credits towards a bachelor's degree
  • 30 credits towards an associate degree
  • Graduate degree: substantial completion of requirements as determined by the campus
• Good standing at SUNY Canton with regard to academics and conduct
• Recommendation of the department in which the major program is housed
• Latin honors may be awarded with a posthumous degree
• The campus President, or Provost as designee, may approve exceptions to cases that do not meet the above criteria

IV. DEFINITIONS

None

V. OTHER RELATED INFORMATION

None

VI. PROCEDURES

Requests for a posthumous degree or certificate should be submitted to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs’ Office for review.

The Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs will determine if the requirements listed in Section III have been met; their determination will be in consultation with the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students and the Department Chair or Program Director of the student’s major.

If these requirements have been met, the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs will submit a written recommendation to the President for final approval.

If approved, the Special Events Coordinator will be brought into the process.  They will invite the student’s family to the next graduation ceremony at SUNY Canton and will offer VIP seating.  A designated member of the family will be invited to march in the ceremony to receive the degree or certificate.  If the family would prefer a private ceremony, one will be held at a mutually acceptable time for the conferral of the degree or certificate.

Following the awarding of a posthumous degree/certificate, transcripts will include the notation “Posthumous honorary degree/certificate awarded” and the date.

VII. FORMS

None

VIII. AUTHORITY

None

IX. HISTORY

Memorandum to Presidents: Policy and Guidance: Posthumous Degrees issued July 18, 2025

This document is based on similar policies at SUNY New Paltz and SUNY Ulster.

X. APPENDICES

None

XI. FREQUENCY OF REVIEW AND UPDATE

October 2030

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