Posthumous Degrees
Summary
Stanford University may award a posthumous degree if a student, who was in good standing, completed at least 90% of graduation requirements before passing away. Approval from the major department chair, dean, and University Registrar is needed, with requests typically submitted within a year of the student's death.
Policy Statement
Stanford will consider granting a posthumous degree in instances in which a student was in good standing and had completed at least 90% of all graduation requirements at the time of death. Requests must be approved by the chair of the major department or the dean of a professional school and the University Registrar. Requests should be addressed to the University Registrar and generally should take place within 12 months of the student's death.