Updates to the Posthumous Degree and Posthumous Certificate of Achievement Policy

March 12, 2026
To: University Employees
From: Office of the Registrar
Subject: Updates to the Posthumous Degree and Posthumous Certificate of Achievement Policy
Date: Mar 12, 2026

The Office of the Registrar proposed updating the Posthumous Degree and Posthumous Certificate of Achievement policy to include a Compassionate Certificate of Achievement. This certificate recognizes students with diagnoses that permanently prevent the completion of their degree program at the University of Arizona.

The updated policy was approved by the Undergraduate Council, Graduate Council, Undergraduate College Academic Administrators Council, Graduate College Academic Administrators Council, Faculty Senate and the Provost. 

Amendments to the policy include the following:

  • Added a Compassionate Certificate of Achievement for students with diagnoses that permanently prevent the completion of their degree program. To request a Compassionate Certificate of Achievement, the impacted student, their family or a representative from the student's college should contact the Dean of Students. Compassionate Certificates of Achievement are awarded at the university's discretion.
  • Clarified that a student awarded a Posthumous Certificate of Achievement may be included in the next commencement program if requested by the student or family.
  • Renamed the Posthumous Degree and Posthumous Certificate of Achievement policy to 'Posthumous Degree, Posthumous Certificate of Achievement, and Compassionate Certificate of Achievement,' to better reflect the updated policy content.

The amended Posthumous Degree, Posthumous Certificate of Achievement, and Compassionate Certificate of Achievement policy goes into effect immediately. 

Questions about the policy update should be addressed to the Office of the Registrar at catalog@arizona.edu.