The Troy Cullen Posthumous Degree Policy

I. Scope

This policy applies to William & Mary as a whole university, including the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (“the university”). It applies to all degree-seeking students.

II. Purpose & Policy Statement

This policy provides the requirements for the awarding of a posthumous degree from the university to a deceased student in recognition of their academic achievement.

III. Definitions

 Posthumous Degree means a degree awarded to a deceased student in recognition of their academic achievement.

Certificate of Academic Achievement means a certificate of recognition awarded to a deceased student in good academic standing who does not meet the requirements of a posthumous degree.

Student means a currently enrolled student enrolled in a degree program at the university.

Good Academic Standing means the student has not fallen below the minimum standards for continuance, probation, and/or academic warning as established by the university and appropriate to the student’s program and level.

IV. Policy

A posthumous degree from William & Mary is a degree awarded to a deceased student in recognition of their academic achievement. Because this is an official degree awarded by the university, all established criteria as outlined below must be met. In cases where a student does not qualify for a posthumous degree, a Certificate of Academic Achievement may be awarded to a student in good academic standing as defined in Section III of this policy. The Certificate of Academic Achievement is not an official credential or degree; it is a recognition of the student’s academic achievements. Both the posthumous degree and the Certificate of Academic Achievement are subject to approval by the Provost.

Recipients of posthumous undergraduate degrees must meet the following criteria:

• The student was enrolled at the university in good academic standing at the time of death.
• There were no pending disciplinary actions against the student.
• The student must be within 30 credit hours of graduating.
• Approval of the Provost.

Recipients of posthumous graduate degrees (Masters and J.D.) must meet the following criteria:

• The student was enrolled at the university in good academic standing at the time of death.
• There were no pending disciplinary actions against the student.
• The student must have completed at least 80% of the credit hours required for the degree.
• Approval of the Dean of the respective school.
•  Approval of the Provost.

Recipients of posthumous graduate degrees (Doctoral) must meet the following criteria:

• The student was enrolled at the university in good academic standing at the time of death.
• There were no pending disciplinary actions against the student.
• The student must have completed all coursework required for the degree.
• The student must have completed a full draft of the dissertation.
• Approval of the Dean of the respective school.
• Approval of the Provost.

A notation that the degree was awarded posthumously will be made in the commencement program and on the transcript, but not on the diploma.

VII. Authority and Amendments

This policy was approved by the Provost on March 1, 2024.
The Office of the Provost is responsible for interpretation and enforcement of this policy and is permitted to make minor and technical amendments.