Policy on Posthumous Degrees and Certificates of Achievement in Memoriam

Purpose

The University is a community where close ties are forged among students, faculty and staff. As a result, the loss of a student is felt deeply throughout the community, and it is therefore important to provide an opportunity to recognize the student’s academic achievements and share in their success with family and friends. The Policy on Posthumous Degrees and Certificates of Achievement in Memoriam outlines the criteria for awarding a degree or certificate posthumously.

Definitions

This section intentionally left blank.

Scope and authority

This policy applies to all cases where an individual has died while registered as a student at the University, or was registered as a student at the University within twelve months of the student’s death.

The Registrar, or successor thereof, is the Policy Owner and is responsible for overseeing the administration and interpretation of this Policy.

Academic Council has authority over the conferral of degrees at the University.

Policy

The University may confer an academic degree or a certificate of achievement posthumously. In all such cases, eligibility for the awards will be considered on an individual basis.

Posthumous Degrees

1. A University of Ontario Institute of Technology Degree may be granted posthumously to a student who, at the time of death, was a registered student of the University in good academic standing and had:

   1. Successfully completed the academic requirements for a degree program.

   2. In undergraduate programs or course‐based Master’s programs, successfully completed at least 75% of the academic requirements for the degree.

   3. In  non-course-based Master’s and PhD programs, successfully completed all non‐thesis or non‐ project requirements and submitted a draft of the thesis or project, and has been recommended for the degree by the candidate’s supervisory committee.

Certificate of Achievement in Memoriam

1. A Certificate of Achievement in Memoriam may be granted to a student who at the time of death was a registered student of the University in good standing but who does not meet the criteria for a posthumous degree.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. The Dean of the student’s home Faculty is responsible for the implementation of this policy as appropriate to the individual case, and for liaising with the student’s family to ensure that their wishes are respected.

2. The Registrar’s office assists in the assessment of eligibility for an award and for coordinating the production of the documentation.

Monitoring and review

This policy will be reviewed as necessary and at least every three years. The Registrar, or successor thereof, is responsible to monitor and review this Policy.

Relevant legislation

University of Ontario Institute of Technology Act, 2002, SO 2002, c. 8, Sch. O

By-Law Number 1 of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Related policies, procedures & documents

Procedures for the Awarding of Posthumous Degrees and Certificates of Achievement in Memoriam

General Academic Regulations, Undergraduate Academic Calendar

Policies and Procedures for Graduate Studies, Graduate Academic Calendar

Responding to the Death of a Student Guidelines