Posthumous Degree Procedures

In the event of the death of an East Stroudsburg University student, the University may grant the degree/diploma posthumously to the family. Following are the procedures to initiate the request.

Process

For Undergraduate Students

The family, or academic department on behalf of the family, may initiate the nomination for a posthumous degree or certificate.

The appropriate college undergraduate dean will receive the request from the family or department.

The dean will provide a recommendation with verification that the student met all established criteria to the Provost.

The Provost’s Office will forward the approval to the Registrar for processing and record updates.

For Graduate Students

The family, or academic department on behalf of the family, may initiate the nomination for a posthumous degree or certificate.

The Dean of Graduate Studies will provide the recommendation to the Provost.

Degree Conferral: The family may select one of two options:

1. The President or Provost may confer the degree in a quiet family ceremony at the university, with appropriate deans and faculty who knew the individual. Travel and accommodation arrangements for the family will be at the discretion of the family.
2. The degree may be conferred at commencement. The student’s name will be listed in the commencement program, with an appropriate symbol indicating the student is receiving a posthumous degree, where it would have been if the student had been present.
3. Family members will be asked to attend commencement ceremonies and will be seated in the front row of the commencement seating. When the student’s name is called, a family member will walk across the stage and receive the posthumous degree.

Letter of Completion Conferral

The family will receive a special diploma upon approval by the President.

Contact

Office of Academic Affairs
Reibman Administration Building, Room #220
East Stroudsburg University
200 Prospect Street
East Stroudsburg PA 18301-2999
(570) 422-3539