Student Death Response Policy

Op 5.26 Student Death Response Policy

The Dean of Students’ Office should be notified as soon as any university office or official becomes aware of the death of a currently or formally enrolled student. The Dean of Students will serve as the student death response team leader and family liaison.

The Dean of Students’ Office will have primary responsibility for all follow-up activity and communication with the student’s family. The Dean of Students’ Office will be responsible for implementing procedures regarding additional notification and actions following the death of a student. 

For the purpose of this policy, a student is defined as an individual who is currently enrolled; or is admitted and/or registered for a future semester.  A former student is defined as an individual who is not enrolled in the current semester and/or has previously attended the institution.

Offices that become aware of the death of a faulty or staff member should contact the Human Resource office.  The Dean of Students will not be responsible for communication/notification regarding the death of a faculty or staff member. 

Line of authority

Responsible administrator and office: Vice President for Student Affairs, Division of Student Affairs

Contact person in that office: Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs/ Dean of Students

Effective date

Presidential approval:  September 30, 2025