/Institutions/MGH-Institute-of-Health-Professions/json/Current/Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/MGH-Institute-of-Health-Professions/json/Current/Catalog.json

Catalog 2025-2026 > Section VI: Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines > Institute Academic Policies > Graduation Requirements > Awarding Posthumous Degrees-Certificates

Awarding Posthumous Degrees-Certificates

Policy on Awarding Posthumous Degrees

Purpose:
The MGH Institute of Health Professions (MGH IHP) values the contributions of its students and recognizes the academic dedication of those who pass away before completing their degree programs. This policy establishes guidelines for awarding posthumous degrees in honor of their achievements.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Enrollment Status:
   The deceased student must have been enrolled in a degree or certificate program at MGH IHP at the time of their passing or on an approved leave of absence in good standing.
2. Progress Toward Degree:
• Graduate and Professional Students: The student must have completed at least 75% of the required credits for their program, including significant progress in clinical placements, capstone projects, or thesis/dissertation work, if applicable.
• Post-Baccalaureate and Certificate Students: The student must have completed the majority of their required coursework or clinical hours.
• Students that do not meet any of the above criteria: Award a “Certificate of Achievement” if approved.
3. Good Academic Standing:
   The student must have been in good academic standing, meeting the Institute’s academic performance standards and adhering to its policies on academic integrity.
4. Family Support:
   The immediate family or legal next of kin must provide written consent for the awarding of the posthumous degree.

Nomination and Approval Process

1. Initiation of Request:
• A request for a posthumous degree may be initiated by a faculty member, academic advisor, program director, or family member.
2. Departmental Review:
• The academic program will review the student’s records to ensure they meet the criteria.
• The Program Director or Department Chair will prepare a recommendation to the Dean of the School or Program.
3. Dean and Academic Leadership Review:
• The Dean of the School will review the recommendation and forward it to the Provost for approval.
• The Registrar’s Office will verify compliance with academic and institutional policies.
4. Approval Notification:
   Once approved, the Provost will notify the family and relevant parties of the decision.

Awarding of the Degree

1. Commencement Ceremony:
• The posthumous degree may be conferred during the next scheduled commencement ceremony.
• Certificates of Achievement will be forwarded to requesting family member.
• A family member or representative may attend and accept the diploma on behalf of the deceased student.
2. Diploma and Transcript:
• The diploma will state that the degree is awarded posthumously.
• The student’s official transcript will reflect the awarding of the posthumous degree.
• Certificates of Achievement will not be noted on a transcript, but a copy will become a part of the student’s permanent record.
3. Notification to the Family:
   The family will receive a formal letter acknowledging the posthumous degree or certificate of achievement and any relevant academic or ceremonial details.

Exceptions and Appeals

Exceptions to this policy may be granted in extraordinary circumstances. Appeals regarding eligibility or decisions will be reviewed by a committee designated by the Provost.