2.21 Awarding Degrees Posthumously
I. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish clear guidelines and criteria for the posthumous awarding of associate degrees by Bucks County Community College (“the College”).
II. Scope
This policy applies to all associate degree programs offered by the College and governs the circumstances under which a degree may be awarded posthumously to a deceased student.
III. General
The College may award an associate degree posthumously to a deceased student when it is determined that the student:
- Was in good academic and disciplinary standing at the time of their death, as defined by college policy; and
- Had made substantial progress toward the completion of a degree, defined as having successfully completed at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the required credits for the program.
IV. Procedures
- Request for Consideration
A request for consideration of a posthumous degree may be initiated by the College administration, or the academic school in which the student was enrolled. - Academic Record Review
The Registrar will review the student’s academic record to verify:- Good academic standing at the time of death; and
- Completion of at least 75% of the required credits for the program.
- Disciplinary Record Review
- Good disciplinary standing at the time of death.
- Review and Recommendation
The President will review the request and make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees regarding the awarding of the degree. - Approval
Final approval for awarding a degree posthumously shall be granted by the Board of Trustees.
V. Approval
Board of Trustees: February 12, 2026
VI. Responsibility
President