2024-2025 Undergraduate Bulletin

Posthumous Degree Policy

A bachelor's degree may be awarded posthumously in the unfortunate event that a student passes away near the completion of his or her academic program at John Jay College. To recognize the student’s work and as a source of solace for the family, next of kin (including child, parent, spouse, or domestic partner) may request a posthumous degree. The following requirements apply:

  • the student must have completed at least 90 credits
  • the college must substantiate that the student is deceased, usually by obtaining a death certificate from the family
  • the student must have been enrolled in any term within one year of the degree date
  • the student must be in good academic standing
  • the student must have no disciplinary sanctions pending
  • the death must not have been the result of illegal behavior on the part of the student

Please note that Latin honors are not awarded on posthumous degrees.