In the Event of a Student Passing
In the unfortunate event of a student’s passing, the Student Assistance Team within the Dean of Students Office is responsible for managing the official closure of University of Arizona student records. A member of Student Assistance serves as the liaison between the University and the student’s next of kin, coordinating the affidavit process required to return any university-held property and ensuring that all relevant university departments are notified for the appropriate closure of records.
If you have a notification to report or have any questions, please contact the Dean of Students Office at (520) 621-3757 or email DOS-deanofstudents@arizona.edu
Information Sharing and Privacy
The Student Assistance member is responsible for facilitating and notifying various campus departments about the closing of a student’s records. Disclosure of information to the general public is subject to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as well as any applicable releases of information by law enforcement officials or other emergency personnel working with the Dean of Students Office.
The University’s response and any related communications will be shaped by several factors, including the circumstances of the incident, the impact on the campus community, the preferences of the student’s family, and the status of any ongoing police investigations.
Common Procedures
A report is made to the Dean of Students Office Student Assistance by a family member, university staff, law enforcement, or another entity.
The Student Assistance member connects with the students next of kin or reporting party and help manage the affidavit process to return any property.
Student Assistance member sends out official notification to campus departments to facilitate the closing of records (this could include unregistering from classes, removing from mail lists, properly closing financial aid or addressing fees).
The Student Assistance team reaches out to any reported or identified impacted parties, such as the student’s classes, social circles, residence hall/Greek house, etc., and begin outreach to impacted parties by offering support services from Student Assistance and Counseling and Psych Services (CAPS).
The death of a student deeply impacts the entire campus community, with each of us responding in our own unique way. If you’ve been impacted by a student death, you may have many thoughts, feelings, and questions. You might also be in the position of responding to the death or offering support to students, colleagues, or other members of the campus community. You don’t need to be an expert to help. Each of us can play a role in promoting healing and helping others find support. Use these guidelines offered by CAPS to respond in a thoughtful and compassionate way.
Wildcats leave lasting legacies, and it is important for us to honor and remember our students through Wildcats Forever. Wildcats Forever is both an online and physical memorial at the Carranza Healing Garden that recognizes the lives of students who have passed in the last year. Participation in Wildcats Forever is entirely optional, as we respect the wishes and consent of the family and loved ones of our fallen Wildcats.
Additional Support
The death of a student deeply impacts the entire campus community, with each of us responding in our own unique way. If you’ve been impacted by a student death, you may have many thoughts, feelings, and questions. You might also be in the position of responding to the death or offering support to students, colleagues, or other members of the campus community. You don’t need to be an expert to help. Each of us can play a role in promoting healing and helping others find support. Use these guidelines to respond in a thoughtful and compassionate way.