A posthumous degree honors the academic achievements of a student who has died prior to completing their program and recognizes their contributions to the academic community.

To be eligible for consideration, the deceased student must have met the following:

1. Enrollment Status: The student was enrolled in a degree program at the time of death.
2. Good Standing: The student was in good academic and disciplinary standing at the time of death.
3. Academic Progress:
   1. The student was making satisfactory academic progress toward the degree. 
   2. Bachelor’s/Associate Degrees: The student had completed at least 75% of the required coursework. A minimum of at least 30 credits must have been taken at Bethel.
   3. Master’s Degrees and Doctoral Degrees: The student had completed at least 75% of the required coursework. 

Nomination and Approval Process

1. Recommendation: A recommendation for the posthumous degree must be made by the academic department and supported by the college dean.
2. Documentation: The academic department must provide documentation of the student’s progress and standing.
3. Review: The request is reviewed by the Provost or designee in consultation with the University Registrar.
4. Approval: Final approval is granted by the President of Bethel University.

Awarding

1. The posthumous degree may be conferred at a commencement ceremony or presented privately to the student’s family.
2. The diploma will indicate that the degree was awarded posthumously.
3. The student’s name may be included in commencement materials with appropriate notation.

Recordkeeping

The Office of the Registrar shall maintain records of all posthumous degrees awarded, including the student’s name, degree type, and date of conferral.