Responding to the Death of a Student

1. Introduction and Purpose

When Loyalist College is faced with the death of one of its college community members, it is important that a compassionate, coordinated, and timely response occurs, appropriate to the circumstances and consistent with the wishes of the family.

This policy outlines Loyalist College’s overarching principles in such circumstances, while also acknowledging that each situation is unique and should be assessed accordingly.

2. Application

This policy applies to all students currently registered in a program at any Loyalist College location. The guiding principles of how to handle the death of an employee or friend of the college are addressed in HR 504 Responding to the Death of an Employee policy and procedure.

3. Definitions

• Family Liaison. The student’s next-of-kin or an individual designated by the next-of-kin to act on their behalf. This person serves as the primary representative of the family in communications with the college following the death of a student.
• College Liaison. A Loyalist College employee appointed by the Senior Vice President, Students to serve as the primary point of contact between the college and the family liaison. This individual is responsible for ensuring that communication with the family is timely, compassionate, coordinated, and respectful of the family’s needs and wishes during this challenging time.

4. Death Occurring at a College Location or in Residence

Individuals who encounter a deceased student at a college location or in student residence should immediately contact local emergency services by dialing 911, then notify Loyalist College Security by dialing 613-969-1913 ext. 2222 or by pressing any emergency call box or post button. For more information on the steps to take, please see the STU 201 Responding to the Death of a Student Procedure.

5. Death Occurring outside of a College Location

Individuals who become aware of the death of a registered student should immediately notify the Office of the Senior Vice-President, Students, at 613-969-1913, ext. 2821.

6. Policy Statement

Loyalist College is committed to responding to the death of a student with compassion, respect, and care. Our response will be guided by empathy, integrity, inclusivity, and a commitment to the well-being of our students, employees, and community.
In the event of a student death, Loyalist College will strive to provide timely, coordinated, and sensitive support to those affected, while upholding the dignity and memory of the student. The college will act with professionalism and compassion in all communications and interactions, and ensure responsibilities are fulfilled in a respectful and culturally informed manner.
This policy supports a consistent and values-based approach during a time of loss and reinforces the college’s commitment to community care and accountability.

• 6.1. Discretion
  • Employees shall use discretion in the use, access, and disclosure of any information related to the individual and their death. Any disclosure must respect the wishes of the individual’s family liaison regarding how the death is communicated, how much information is released about the nature of death, and how and with whom information is communicated. Any direction regarding disclosing information will be provided by the college liaison supporting the family liaison.
• 6.2. Support for the individual’s family and the college community
  • The college will offer appropriate support to the family or family liaison and the college community including individuals who have recently experienced a death.
• 6.3. Respect for the family’s wishes and privacy
  • Loyalist College will respect the wishes of the family of the student, specifically regarding:
    • Communication between the college and family members.
    • Communicating the student’s death to the college community.
    • If invited to attend, communicating information about any funeral or memorial services to the college community.
    • Lowering the college’s flag.
    • Giving flowers, gifts, or donations.
    • Supporting the family with retrieving any documents or records that belong to the student.
• 6.4. Cultural Acknowledgement
  • The college acknowledges and respects cultural practices as directed by the family, which may include rituals and/or ceremonies. The college is committed to supporting families during times of loss by providing compassionate support and assistance in honoring their wishes.
  • Indigenous families may also receive support from the Tsi Titewaya’tarό:roks Indigenous Centre.
• 6.5. Timeliness
  • A response to the death must occur in a timely manner. The death may be sudden necessitating an emergency response, or the college may learn of the death after some time. It is important to respond to the death and communicate information as appropriate to the college community, as well as to the student’s family as soon as possible.
• 6.6. Co-operation with police, coroner and other external officials as required
  • The college is committed and obliged to cooperate with police, coroners, and other external officials investigating the cause of the individual’s death. To support the family of the individual, the college will work with officials and make all efforts to minimize duplication of efforts pertaining to the investigation.
  • In addition to the principles above, the college is committed to transparency and openness, as appropriate.

7. Related Documents or Links

• STU 201 Responding to the Death of a Student Procedure
• STU 201 Appendix A Student Death Protocol
• HR 504 Responding to the Death of an Employee
• PHY 205 Flying Flags on Campus

8. References

• Coroners Act, R.S.O. 1990