Faculty Response to the Death of a Student

The Following Guidelines Outline the Procedure in the Event of a Student Death

1. Information regarding the death of a student will be announced by the Vice President for Student Affairs office.
2. If the student has been a member of your class, acknowledge the student’s death and share pertinent information reported by the vice president for student affairs.
3. Mention to the class that you are aware that some members may have had a strong emotional attachment to the deceased student. Invite those students to meet with you after class.  This will provide an opportunity for you to offer your support by sharing information concerning various support services that are available on campus and to assess the situation and its impact on their academic success.
4. For faculty who are directly affected by the death of a student, our Employee Assistance Program will offer assistance to you.
5. Alert students to the possibility of a memorial service. Typically memorial services are coordinated by our campus ministers with the assistance of friends of the deceased.
6. Please be a keen observer of the students in your class as there might be students who show signs of distress.
   • Show a marked or atypical change in behavior, habits or responses.
   • Exhibit elevated or chronic anxiety, withdrawal, sadness or anger.
7. If you have further questions, please contact the Counseling Center.

Support Services

The following resources are available to the campus community.

Counseling Center

Roueida Ghadban, Director
Van Hoesen Hall, Room B-44
Phone: 607-753-4728

Interfaith Center

7 Calvert St., Cortland, NY
Phone: 607-753-1002

Newman Center

Catholic Campus Minister
8 Calvert St., Cortland, NY
Phone:  607-753-6737

Residence Life & Housing

Ann Bersani, Director
Van Hoesen Hall, Room B-33
Phone: 607-753-4724