Posthumous Degrees
Category: Registrar/ FERPA
Last updated: 08/14/2025
Statement
Posthumous degrees provide St. Olaf College with an established avenue for recognizing the academic achievement of students who have completed all or nearly all of their degree requirements but died before graduating. The College may award a posthumous degree to students with senior classification, who are enrolled, or on an approved leave, and who have completed a significant amount of their coursework to warrant the academic award at the time of death. Requests must be approved by the Department Chair, the Associate Dean, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the College President.
Purpose
The college will be able to recognize the academic achievements of a student who may have completed or nearly completed all degree requirements but died before graduating.
Audience
Students and Families
Definitions
Policy
Posthumous degrees provide St. Olaf College with an established avenue for recognizing the academic achievement of students who have completed all or nearly all of their degree requirements but died before graduating. The College may award a posthumous degree to students with senior classification, who are enrolled, or on an approved leave, and who have completed a significant amount of their coursework to warrant the academic award at the time of death. Requests must be approved by the Department Chair, the Associate Dean, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the College President.
Exceptions to This Policy
Policy Implementation
Consequences of Violating this Policy
Related Information
https://catalog.stolaf.edu/academic-regulations-procedures/graduation-commencement/
Contacts
For questions about this policy, contact:
| Name/Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Registrar’s Office | 507-786-3015 | registrar@stolaf.edu |
History
New policy added to the 2024-25 academic catalog
Policy URL: https://wp.stolaf.edu/policies/posthumous-degree