WPO 5.15 Student Death Response

WPO 5.15 Student Death Response Policy (Op 5.26 )

The Vice Chancellor of Student Services should be notified as soon as any university office or official becomes aware of the death of a currently or formally enrolled student. The Vice Chancellor of Student Services will serve as the student death response team leader and family liaison.

The Vice Chancellor of Student Services will have primary responsibility for all follow-up activity and communication with the student’s family. The Vice Chancellor of Student Services 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 Vice Chancellor of Student Services will not be responsible for communication/notification regarding the death of a faculty or staff member. 

Line of authority

Responsible administrator and office: Vice Chancellor of Student Services, Division of Student Services

Contact person in that office: Vice Chancellor of Student Services

Effective date

Chancellor approval: 10/15/2025