In accordance with Chapter 549 of New York State Laws of 2023, Purchase College has adopted the following policy for the awarding of posthumous degrees to enrolled matriculated students whose death occurs prior to graduation.

The following guidelines and restrictions apply to the awarding of posthumous degrees at Purchase College:

• A written request for the awarding of a posthumous degree must be submitted by a family member or survivor to the Office of the Registrar at Purchase College. The request should include the student’s full name, date of birth, degree program, and any supporting documentation regarding the student’s death. The request will be reviewed by the Registrar and forwarded to the Provost for final approval.
• The college must verify the death of the student through official documentation, such as a death certificate or equivalent.
• The student must have been in good academic and conduct standing at the time of their death.
• For a baccalaureate degree, the student must have completed a minimum of 60 credits toward their degree. For a graduate or professional degree, the student must have made substantial progress toward degree requirements, as determined by the relevant program director.
• The college President may approve exceptions for cases that do not meet the above criteria.
• The family will be notified of the decision within 30 days of the submission of the request.
• College honors (e.g., cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude) will not be awarded with a posthumous degree.
• Posthumous degrees are ceremonial and will not be included in official reports, such as IPEDS submissions. The Office of the Registrar will maintain a record of all awarded posthumous degrees.