Mel's Law requires colleges and universities to have a policy for awarding posthumous degrees to students who were in good academic standing but died before finishing their program, and ensures accreditation agencies do not consider these degrees when evaluating an institution.
Nydia Velázquez
Representative
NY-7
Mel's Law requires higher education institutions to develop a policy for awarding posthumous degrees to students who were in good academic standing but died before completing their program. It prevents accreditation agencies from factoring posthumous degrees into their evaluations of institutions. This law aims to provide recognition for students who were close to achieving their academic goals before their untimely passing. The law goes into effect one year after enactment.
Mel's Law: Colleges Required to Award Posthumous Degrees Starting Next Year
Mel's Law mandates that colleges and universities create policies for awarding posthumous degrees to students who pass away before completing their studies. This kicks in one year from now, applying to students who were enrolled and in good academic standing when they died. The law ensures that schools aren't penalized by accreditation agencies for awarding these degrees.
Honoring Lost Potential
This law sets up a formal process for recognizing the academic achievements of students who were on track to graduate but passed away. This is a big deal for families, offering not just closure but also a tangible acknowledgment of their loved one's hard work and dedication. The bill specifies that it’s up to each institution to determine if a student met graduation requirements, meaning your school decides how close is close enough.
For example, if a senior engineering student at State U. had completed most of their coursework and was working on their final project when they unexpectedly passed away, the university could review their academic record and potentially award a posthumous degree. This would acknowledge the student's substantial progress and achievements, even if they didn't technically cross the finish line. Mel's Law ensures this recognition doesn't negatively affect the school's accreditation.
Institutional Challenges
While Mel's Law provides a framework, there are built-in challenges. The bill leaves it to individual institutions to define "good academic standing" and what constitutes meeting graduation requirements. This can lead to inconsistencies. One university might award a posthumous degree to a student who completed 90% of their coursework, while another might require 95% completion. It’s a balancing act – honoring the student’s effort without watering down the value of the degree.
Fitting in with Existing Rules
This new requirement adds to the existing responsibilities of colleges and universities, but it also provides clarity. By formally requiring a policy, Mel's Law ensures that institutions have a consistent and compassionate approach to handling these sensitive situations. It also protects schools from potential accreditation issues that might arise from awarding posthumous degrees, aligning educational standards with a bit of heart.