How to Donate a Body to a University

Bodies donated to a university promote teaching and medical research, according to the University of Connecticut's Health Center. Before deciding to donate your body, discuss it with your closest family members, as your decision will greatly affect them after your death. As a donor, your body is released to the receiving university upon death, which means your family will no longer have access for viewing or burial in the family plot.

Instructions

• 1

  Contact the university where you want your body to go upon your death. Visit the university's website to obtain information about its body donation program, or call the university and ask to be transferred to the proper department --- or request the contact information for the body donation program at the school.

• 2

  Obtain an application to will your body to the university. Pick up your application in person or have it mailed or faxed to you at home or work.

• 3

  Complete the application, which includes basic information such as your name and address. You must sign your application in front of two witnesses or a notary public before returning it to the university. Some universities, such as the University of California at San Francisco, require your witnesses be at least 21 years of age.

• 4

  Designate a family member as the recipient of your cremated remains. Many universities cremate the remains of donors once educational research on the body is complete. If you wish to have your remains returned to your family, confirm this is not against the policy of the university you've selected and be sure to express those wishes to the university in writing.

• 5

  Send or deliver your application to the university. Be sure to tell your family of your decision because it becomes their responsibility to notify the university of your death.