The death of a student is a tragic experience for the student’s family. It is also a great loss for the student’s friends and other members of our Emory community. The university is committed to a compassionate, caring, and supportive response to the family, as well as others who are impacted. We seek to respect the family’s wishes and privacy – and to act in a timely, sensitive, and culturally appropriate manner.

Emory recognizes that – when such a loss occurs – people who are impacted will have varying levels of grief and needs. Although our entire university community is affected when we lose a member, we first address the needs of the family and those personally impacted before we turn to the wider community. This enables us to focus support on various areas of individual need.

If a student dies – whether on or off campus – Emory Campus Life and the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life (OSRL) work closely with the family, Emory Police Department, other university units, and local authorities to ensure a coordinated and compassionate response. 

Notifications

As much as possible, Emory seeks to make notifications personally and directly first to those most impacted. Subsequently, support resources may be directed to connected groups and, at an appropriate time, public information may be shared through the university's student remembrance webpage. These decisions are guided by various factors, including the wishes of the family, university policies, and applicable laws.

We urge any person who becomes aware of the death of an Emory student to contact the Student Intervention Services (SIS) hotline (404-430-1120) as soon as possible to allow support services for our community to be mobilized. The hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Response and Support

Campus Life and the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life (OSRL) partner with the student’s family and university community members most directly impacted to develop a response guided by university policy and by sensitivity to the unique needs of each situation.

Experienced staff members reach out to the student’s family and those impacted in the campus community to offer a range of assistance. Staff members also gather information and ensure it is accurate and shared appropriately.

In addition to the possible notifications described above, responses may include support gatherings, a campus memorial service or tribute, or resources to attend an off-campus funeral.

If you have questions about Emory’s process for responding to the loss of a student, please email campuslife@emory.edu. For additional resources for students, faculty, and staff impacted by a loss, see the list below.

Recommended Resources

Resources for Students Coping with Loss

Student Intervention Services (SIS) assists students in times of crisis, not only as an invaluable resource during emergencies, but also as a source of impartial, judgment-free counsel for students seeking guidance and assistance through life's difficult times. 
https://success.emory.edu/intervention-services/index.html (404-430-1120)

TimelyCare is a 24-hours a day, 7 days a week (24/7) virtual care service available from nearly anywhere for all enrolled Emory students. Sign up using your Emory email address. Once there, you may schedule a session with a health care provider. TalkNow, a part of TimelyCare, is a free on-demand 24/7 resource for immediate access to a mental health professional. 
http://timelycare.com/emory

Counseling and Psychological Services  (CAPS) provides individual, group, and couples counseling; stress management classes; and community outreach to provide support for students and assist them in negotiating emotional and interpersonal difficulties as they matriculate through Emory University. CAPS on-call counselors are available Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 
https://counseling.emory.edu  (404-727-7450) 
Coping with Grief: https://counseling.emory.edu/resources/grief.html

Office of Spiritual and Religious Life (OSRL) has offices in Cannon Chapel (Suite 316) and the Alumni Memorial University Center (AMUC 125). OSRL provides a variety of services, including pastoral counseling and support with planning vigils, memorials, and tributes.
https://www.religiouslife.emory.edu (404-727-6226) or email at religiouslife@emory.edu
Grief and Loss Support: https://www.religiouslife.emory.edu/services/grief-and-loss-support.html

Student Case Management and Intervention Services (SCMIS) provides support for basic needs, follow up care, and other resources.
https://success.emory.edu

Student Health Services (SHS) offers free psychiatric services for all enrolled Emory students. Services offered include diagnostic psychiatric evaluations, medication evaluations, long-term management of psychiatric medications, and community referrals. For guidance for after-hours emergencies, visit: https://studenthealth.emory.edu/services/emergency.html (404-727-7551)

Resources for Faculty and Staff

Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) provides free, confidential consultations and short-term individual counseling for faculty, staff, and immediate family members impacted by a death. They may contact FSAP at 404-727-WELL (9355) to request to speak with a clinician by phone for immediate consultation or schedule a telemental health assessment and short-term counseling sessions.

After hours, press 2 for on-call crisis assistance. For additional information, visit our website at www.fsap.emory.edu or email FSAP at efsap@emory.edu.

FSAP also offers group grief process and/or informational sessions for departments impacted by loss and trauma. At the request of a leader, an FSAP clinician can facilitate these sessions (via Zoom video conferencing) to provide group support.

Office of Spiritual and Religious Life (OSRL) has offices in Cannon Chapel (Suite 316) and the Alumni Memorial University Center (AMUC 125). OSRL provides pastoral counseling and support with planning vigils, memorials, and tributes.
http://www.religiouslife.emory.edu (404-727-6226) or email at religiouslife@emory.edu
Grief and Loss Support: https://www.religiouslife.emory.edu/services/grief-and-loss-support.html 

The Blue Folder is a comprehensive list of campus resources for faculty and staff who are assisting students in distress. https://campuslife.emory.edu/support/the-blue-folder/index.html