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Texas A&M Univesity-Victoria (A&M-Victoria) seeks to honor the academic achievements and legacy of deceased students in a manner that is meaningful to their families while maintaining the institution’s academic integrity. To fulfill this purpose, A&M-Victoria may award a Posthumous Degree or an In Memoriam Degree under the guidelines outlined in this policy.
Definitions
Posthumous Degree
A Posthumous Degree acknowledges the significant academic progress made by a deceased student. It is a regular degree, officially conferred by the university, and recorded on the student’s academic transcript. The diploma and transcript will note “Degree Awarded Posthumously.”
In Memoriam Degree
An In Memoriam Degree recognizes a deceased student’s affiliation with the university and progress toward a formal plan of study. It is an honorary degree: It is not recorded on the academic transcript and is not considered an academic credential. The diploma-like document is signed by the President, Provost, and the Dean of the student’s college.
Policy
Guidelines
The awarding of a Posthumous Degree or an In Memoriam Degree is at the discretion of the Provost, based on the following conditions:
Posthumous Baccalaureate Degree
The student must have been:
- Enrolled in an academic program
- In good academic standing
- Within 12 hours of completing degree requirements or on track to graduate at the end of the semester of their death.
The posthumous degree shall be awarded with any academic honors (e.g., Magna Cum Laude) for which the student was eligible at the time of their death.
Posthumous Graduate Degree
The student must have been:
- Enrolled in an academic program
- In good academic standing
- Within two courses of completing their degree requirements or on track to graduate at the end of the semester of their death.
In accordance with university policy, academic honors are not awarded to graduate students.
Criteria for an In Memoriam Degree
In Memoriam Degrees may be awarded to undergraduate or graduate students regardless of their progress toward degree completion. The award recognizes the student’s connection to the university.
Academic honors are not awarded with In Memoriam Degrees.
Procedure
A formal request may be initiated by a family member, designated representative, or the Dean of the student’s academic college. If the request is not made by a family member, the family must be contacted to confirm the receptiveness to the award.
Family Request
A family member or designated representative may initiate the process by submitting a written request to the Office of the Registrar and Student Records. The Student Records Office will review the request and the student’s academic records to determine eligibility for a Posthumous Degree or an In Memoriam Degree.
A recommendation will then be forwarded to the Dean of the student’s college for approval. Upon the Dean’s approval, a formal request-including the student’s name, degree, and proposed awarding term-will be submitted to the Provost for final consideration.
College Recommendation
Upon notification of the passing of a current or recently enrolled student, the college will inform the Office of the Registrar and Student Records. The Student Records Office will review the student’s academic records to determine eligibility for a Posthumous Degree or an In Memoriam Degree.
A recommendation will then be forwarded to the Dean of the student’s college for approval. Upon the Dean’s approval, a formal request-including the student’s name, degree, and proposed awarding term-will be submitted to the Provost for final consideration.
Provost Approval
If the Provost approves the request, written notification will be provided to the student’s college and the Registrar. The family of the recipient will also be notified.
Registrar Responsibilities
The Office of the Registrar and Student Records will:
- Prepare the diploma or diploma-like document
- For a Posthumous Degree, the document will bear the standard degree citation and “Degree Awarded Posthumously” will be noted on the academic transcript and diploma.
- For an In Memoriam Degree, no citation will be noted on the transcript.
- Obtain a diploma cover from the Special Events department.
- The document will be released to the student’s family or designated representative unless they choose to participate in commencement. In that case, all materials will be provided to the Commencement Team in the Provost’s Office.
Commencement Participation
If the family wishes to attend the commencement ceremony:
- Arrangements will be facilitated through the Commencement Team in the Provost’s Office.
- A family representative may process across the stage, with their name announced as: “[Representative’s Name], on behalf of [Student’s Name], awarded posthumously.” OR
“[Representative’s Name], on behalf of [Student’s Name], awarded In Memoriam.”
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