Posthumous Degree Policy

Clayton State University may confer a posthumous degree in recognition of a deceased student’s meritorious academic work representing substantial progress toward degree completion, consistent with authority granted by the University System of Georgia. 

Eligibility 

A posthumous degree may be awarded when, at the time of death, the student: 

• Was in good academic standing with the University, and 
• Was in the final phase of completing degree requirements, generally defined as being within 30 credit hours of degree completion, as verified by the University. 

Exceptions may be considered under extraordinary circumstances, including but not limited to situations in which chronic illness prevented continued enrollment or degree eligibility. 

Deaths occurring: 

• during or as a result of participation in a university‑sponsored activity, or 
• as a result of active military duty within two years of the student’s last enrollment 

shall be considered with additional flexibility. 

Approval 

Posthumous degrees are awarded upon recommendation of the academic unit and Provost with final approval by the President. Administrative procedures related to posthumous degree requests are maintained by Academic Affairs and the Office of the Registrar. 

Recognition 

With the consent of the student’s family or next of kin, recipients of posthumous degrees may be recognized at a University commencement ceremony or receive the degree through alternate arrangements determined by the University. Names of posthumous degree recipients, along with the degree and major awarded, will be listed in the commencement program.