Purpose

This policy outlines the procedure for request and obtainment of a posthumous degree in the event that a Lindenwood student becomes deceased.

Scope

This policy applies to graduate students.

Policy

In the event of a student's untimely death, the university may grant a posthumous degree if the following criteria are met.

Graduate students

MA/MFA/MHA/MBA/MME/EdS

Eligibility

The student had successfully completed at least 70% of their degree requirements.

For graduate certificates, the student must have successfully completed at least 75% of the coursework required.

The student was in good standing with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.

The student had no pending disciplinary sanctions.

The academic college in which the student was enrolled recommends the awarding of a posthumous degree.

EdD

Eligibility

The student had successfully completed at least 75% of all program-associated coursework.

For graduate certificates, the student must have successfully completed at least 75% of the coursework required.

The student had completed the comprehensive exam or all program benchmark exams.

The student had secured IRB approval to proceed with the implementation of the dissertation research.

The student was in good standing with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.

The student had no pending disciplinary sanctions.

The College of Education and Human Services recommends the awarding of a posthumous degree.

Procedure

Anyone can request a deceased student be considered for a posthumous degree. It is recommended that this request be made within two years of the student’s passing.

Once a request has been made, the student’s academic college dean and department faculty will review the student’s eligibility. If the college representatives determine that the student is eligible for a posthumous degree, the recommendation will be forwarded to the Provost.

If approved, the Provost will direct the Registrar to award the degree and request a diploma to be sent to the next of kin.

The statement “Awarded Posthumously” will be printed on both the student’s transcript and the diploma.

Please direct any questions about this policy to the Office of the Registrar.