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Responding to a Student Death Procedure

Guiding Principles

  1. Respect and Dignity: Treat the student and, their loved ones with the utmost respect. 
  2. Community Well-being: Support the wellbeing of students, faculty, and staff. 
  3. Discretion: Maintain discretion regarding sensitive information, especially the cause of death. 
  4. Cooperation: Collaborate with campus partners, law enforcement, and relevant authorities   as required. 
  5. Transparency: Communicate openly as appropriate while respecting privacy and prioritizing the next of kin’s wishes. 

Purpose

This protocol guides BCIT’s response to a student’s death. Our approach ensures compassionate, coordinated, and timely actions. Each situation is unique, and this protocol offers guidance for a sensitive response, focusing on respecting the family’s wishes and prioritizing the campus community’s well-being. 

Reporting – Steps to Take in the Event of a Student Death

Timely reporting is essential for ensuring a compassionate and coordinated response. The Senior Director, Student Success plays a crucial role in guiding BCIT’s actions and communications to support both the next of kin and the campus community during this difficult time. 

On campus: If a member of the campus community is present at a student’s death, they should:

  1. Call 911 immediately  
  2. Call the Safety, Security & Emergency Management 24/7 phone line  

Off campus: If a member of the BCIT community or stakeholder becomes aware of a student death, they should:  

  1. Contact the Senior Director, Student Success, who will coordinate BCIT’s response.  
  2. If possible, the community member should provide the following information: Student name  
  3. Student ID  
  4. Date of death  
  5. Source of the information and how it was obtained  

 In cases of catastrophic events, natural disasters, or emergencies, always refer the situation to the Senior Director of Safety, Security, and Emergency Management (SSEM) for direction and potential implementation of the Critical Incident Management Plan.   

Important Reminder:   

To maintain respect and sensitivity, all members of the BCIT community—staff, faculty, and students—are encouraged to refrain from sharing details about the death without first consulting the Senior Director, Student Success. This approach helps ensure privacy and support for the next of kin and all those affected. 

Support Overview

In the event of a student’s death, several key roles collaborate to provide support: 

Senior Director, Student Success: Serves as the primary point of contact for the family and next of kin while also acting as the central coordinator for all response activities and communications within the BCIT community. By notifying relevant areas, coordinating support services, and preparing necessary communications, the Senior Director facilitates a compassionate and organized response while also providing essential support to the affected programs and ensuring that the campus community is informed during this challenging time. 

Registrar: Oversees student record updates, manages course withdrawals, and evaluates posthumous credentials as needed. 

Senior Director of Safety, Security, & Emergency Management: Coordinates emergency response efforts and collaborates with law enforcement as necessary.   

Director of Communications: Manages media inquiries and ensures messaging aligns with the next of kin’s wishes and BCIT’s values. 

 Support Resources: BCIT is committed to prioritizing the well–being of students and staff by offering a range of support services to assist those impacted in navigating this difficult period. In addition, the institution adopts a trauma-informed approach in all communications to ensure a compassionate response.  

Communication Overview

BCIT is committed to effective and sensitive communication following a student’s death. The communication process involves key steps to uphold privacy and respect for the family while keeping the campus community informed. 

Internal Notifications: The Senior Director, Student Success will inform key leadership, including the President, Vice President, Registrar, and relevant faculty. Notifications will be managed with care to maintain accuracy and sensitivity. 

Notifying the Campus Community: Once the family has been informed and has given consent, BCIT will assess how to communicate the news to the campus community. If appropriate, an announcement will be made through suitable channels. If information becomes public before notifying the next of kin, BCIT will issue a respectful acknowledgment. 

 Media Inquiries: The Director of Communications will oversee all external communication related to the incident, ensuring the family’s privacy is prioritized. All responses will align with BCIT’s protocols and the family’s wishes. 

 Information Release and Privacy Considerations: BCIT will release further details, such as the cause of death or the student’s name, only with the family’s explicit permission. If there is a public safety concern, BCIT will collaborate with law enforcement and relevant authorities to keep the community informed.  

Community Support and Resources

BCIT recognizes that the death of a student can have a significant impact on the campus community. We are committed to providing the necessary support and resources to help students, faculty, and staff navigate this challenging time. The following support resources are available to the BCIT Community. 

Student Support Resources

Resources and Supports for BCIT Employees