STUDENT DEATH
Student death can be emotionally difficult and stressful for all. Any student death irrespective of the cause (natural, suicide or accident) and location (on-or-off campus) has a significant impact on the community necessitating a coordinated response that includes several stakeholders (UPD, Academic dept., bursar, student organization, campus residence, counseling services etc.). If you learn of a student death, it is important that you maintain discretion and contact Student Support Team to ensure that a respectful, coordinated response can be implemented that takes into consideration the needs of the family and friends of the deceased as well as the welfare of the community at large.
Signs:
- Learn of a student death indirectly or from another source (email, other students etc.)
- Extremely rare occurrence but you may be the first person to find the deceased
What to do:
- If you become aware of a student death, immediately reach out to Student Support Team who will assist you with next steps
- If you need personal assistance to manage your own grief please reach out to Employee Assistance Program
- Consider sharing CAPS information with students who are impacted by the incident
- Timelycare provides 24/7 virtual access to medical and mental health services, right from your device or computer. This can be utilized in a private setting at a time that is right for you.
Important to remember:
- UPD will verify a student death
- Remember FERPA privacy considerations apply
- Student Support Team is in charge of coordinating responses with all other campus offices and the family of the deceased, as well as connecting affected students with appropriate services and resources
- Given the cultural diversity of our students, it is important to be mindful and consult with the Student Support Team before taking any independent action (planning a memorial or arranging students to attend funeral services etc.)