• Keywords: death, degree, awarding degree, posthumous
• Policy Number: KC-ACA-3108
• Originally Issued: Fall 2010
• Revised: None
• Effective Catalog Cycle: Fall 2010
• Approved by: Provost
• Executive Sponsor: Provost
• Responsible Office: Registration and Records

Policy Statement

The University may grant undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees posthumously. If an Academic Unit determines that a deceased student was academically eligible at the time and had completed sufficient coursework to earn a degree the Unit may recommend the awarding of a posthumous degree.

Students who completed all Degree Requirements:

The diploma for the degree that the student was pursuing will be prepared in the same manner as if the student had graduated. This diploma may be presented to the family of the deceased in a special ceremony, at Commencement or in whatever manner is deemed appropriate.*

Student Did Not Yet Complete Degree Requirements:

If the student had not completed degree requirements but was making satisfactory progress at the time of death, a dean’s certificate honoring the student may be provided by the appropriate academic unit(s). These certificates may be designed and presented in a manner that is fitting to the circumstances.*

*In some instances, presentation of the degree or certificate to family members may be made at a remembrance ceremony.

Reason for Policy

This policy was developed to recognize the achievement of those students who were deceased and had completed enough of the degree program requirements to have their degree awarded.

Who Should Read this Policy?

Deans, directors, chairs and other department heads; Advisors

Instructions, Procedures and Related Information

Academic Units who have determined that a deceased student has completed sufficient coursework to earn a posthumous degree should follow the steps below:

1. The Academic Unit should fill out a graduation exception petition that can be found by visiting http://www.umkc.edu/registrar/forms/GraduationPetition.pdf
2. Certificate of Death should be obtained through Public Records.
3. The reason for requesting the exception and detailed justification from the department
4. Recommendation for action by the department or division chair
5. Recommendation for action by the appropriate dean or program director
6. Recommendation for action by the Provost’s office

The Academic Unit Dean will review the petition and related documentation and render a decision which will be communicated in writing to the Provost’s Office and the Registrar. The degree or certificate will be awarded for the current term.

Definitions:

Posthumous: Following or occurring after one’s death

Eligible Student: A deceased student who the Academic Unit designee recommends for a posthumous degree award

Contacts

UMKC Registrar’s Office: Website: http://www.umkc.edu/registrar/default.asp

Physical Location: 115 Administrative Center, 5115 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64110

Mailing Address: 5100 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110-2499;

Phone: 816-235-1125; Fax: 816-235-5513; Email: registrar@umkc.edu

Exclusions

None

History & Updates

None

Appendices

None