Posthumous Degree and Posthumous Certificate of Achievement

The University of Arizona extends compassion and understanding to the families of students who pass away near the completion of their degrees.  This policy outlines the criteria and procedure for requesting a posthumous degree or a certificate of achievement.  In recognition of the student’s achievements, students awarded a posthumous degree or certificate of achievement will be included in the next Commencement program.

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 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. To initiate a request, family members or a representative from the student’s college should contact the Dean of Students (link is external).