Posthumous Degree Policy

POLICY #:  SA 25-9

DATE OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPROVAL:  March 23, 2026

RESOLUTION #:  25-9

POLICY STATEMENT:  Upon the request of a family member, survivor, or legal representative, the college may award a degree posthumously to matriculated students whose passing occurred during their enrollment.

A campus representative may also initiate the request by obtaining consent from one of the aforementioned parties.

The degree may be awarded if the following conditions have been satisfied:

• Verification of the student's passing must be provided to the college.
• The student must have been in good academic and conduct standing at the time of their passing.
• The student must have earned a minimum of 30 credits toward their degree, with at least 6 credits being awarded by Herkimer County Community College.

A cost-free diploma and/or transcript may be issued to the family upon request.

 

BACKGROUND:  The State University of New York (SUNY) adopted a Posthumous Degrees resolution on December 5, 2023 authorizing the Chancellor to establish policy and/or procedures governing the awarding of posthumous degrees across SUNY campuses following engagement with relevant stakeholders. On July 18, 2025, the Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost provided each community college and State-operated campus with guidance on implementing a posthumous degree policy, developed through local shared governance processes, to ensure alignment with the new SUNY policy.