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L-11: DEGREE RESCISSION

Occasionally, cases arise in which it is necessary to rescind a student's degree to correct an administrative error. The two most common circumstances are:

  1. A degree was issued with an error, such as listing the wrong major or wrong degree. The mistakenly awarded degree must be rescinded in order for a new and correct degree to be awarded.
  2. A degree was issued, but the student had not fulfilled all graduation requirements.

Because the dean is the recommending officer when granting degrees, the dean is also the appropriate officer when rescinding degrees. Requests to rescind degrees must come from the dean of the college. Colleges should consider a rescission the "last resort." For example, a course substitution may be a better remedy than rescinding a degree.

If a degree rescission is necessary, the college must inform the student and make arrangements with the student for the return of the diploma.

In the case of rescinding a degree so that it may be replaced with a corrected degree, the following information must be provided in writing by the college dean to the University Registrar:

In the case of rescinding a degree because it was awarded in error, the following information must be provided in writing by the college dean to the University Registrar:

Following approval of the request by the University Registrar, the Registrar's office will:

Approved: ACUE (2-3-11)