Guidance for responding with compassion and supporting your community during times of loss.
Contact CAPS
If you have more questions, are looking for a CAPS presence at an event, or need to consult with a mental health professional about how to navigate a student death with your class or group, email Cassandra Hirdes at chirdes@arizona.edu.
Practical Considerations for Immediate Response
Immediately following a student death, it’s especially important to respond with sensitivity and a clear protocol. This is a time when it's essential to consider timing and balance transparency with respect for the deceased and their family.
Depending on the circumstances, you may need to ensure that the appropriate campus authorities are immediately informed, such as UArizona Police Department and Dean of Students Office. You may also want or need to provide information to a community impacted by the death. It’s important to remember that it can take time for the university to contact the student’s family and gather the necessary information about the death.
Whenever possible wait for official communication from the institution before formulating a response. This helps protect privacy and prevent the spread of misinformation. If the university has not made a statement about the death, it may be because they are still in communication with the student’s family or local authorities. In these cases, you can acknowledge the death and the fact that more information is not available at this time. Avoid speculating or sharing rumors beyond official communication from the university.
Holding Classes and Meetings Following a Loss
Your class or meeting time can provide a much-needed sense of normalcy, security, and connection following a student death. It may seem respectful to cancel class, but before you make that choice, consider how you may be able to use that time to acknowledge the death, provide relevant information, and help connect members of your community to support.
Keep in mind that grief comes in many forms. Not everyone will feel comfortable attending class, and for some students, learning will be compromised. Plan accordingly by adapting your planned agenda for that time to be lighter or more flexible. Your primary role is probably not crisis counseling, so don’t push yourself beyond your boundaries either. You can help best by acknowledging the death with authenticity, providing the option for connection, and making resources visible and accessible.
Be transparent about your decision to hold class or not. For example, you could send an email with the following elements:
- confirm your plan to meet during the scheduled time
- acknowledge that this could be uncomfortable for some members of your community
- if it’s within your boundaries, share authentic feelings you have about coming together
- convey that attendance is not mandatory but encourage those who can attend to come
- communicate your desire to share resources and also learn together
- make sure that those who can’t attend know where to turn for help
Communication Guidelines and Sample Statements
Following a student death, members of your community may look to you for a response. It can feel intimidating to find the right words, especially when you have your personal feelings to navigate. There is no perfect thing to say or one-size-fits all approach. Rest assured that neither is necessary to support your community. Your authenticity and clarity are most important in offering reassurance and a sense of safety during this difficult time.
In your response, use sensitive and respectful language, avoiding any phrases that might seem dismissive or trivializing. Though it may feel tempting to share as much as possible, avoid overloading your response with information. In particular, avoid including details of the cause of death, speculations or rumors, or personal opinions about the student and the circumstances of their death.
University Communications Procedure
Before sending a message regarding the passing of a student, please notify Mitch Zak, mitchzak@arizona.edu and Marie-Chantale Maltais, maltais@arizona.edu with University Communications.
Depending on your role and how the death impacts your community, there are a few key purposes for your response:
Express sympathy or other authentic emotions.
- I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of [Student's Name]. My heartfelt condolences go out to their family, friends, and everyone who knew them.
- It is with a heavy heart that I share the deeply saddening news of the passing of our fellow classmate, [Student’s Name].
Recognize the loss and feelings of grief.
- [Student's Name] was an important part of our community, and their loss is deeply felt by all of us.
- We are all impacted in different ways by a loss of a member of our community.
Share safety measures taken in response to the death.
- During this difficult time, I want to assure you that the university is taking all necessary steps to support our community and ensure everyone's safety and well-being.
- Our campus security team is working diligently to provide a safe environment for all students.
Encourage self-care and reaching out for support.
- I encourage you to make space for your own self-care and reach out to your friends, family, and classmates.
- Campus Health's Counseling & Psych Services (CAPS) is available to students who might need to talk or seek support.
Highlight supportive spaces and resources.
- We will be holding a brief session at the beginning of our next class to offer space for anyone who wishes to talk or simply to be together as a community.
- Highlight resources like the CAPS Support Page, 988 suicide and crisis lifeline,, or other campus resources that may benefit your community.
Provide memorial information.
A memorial service is being planned to honor [Student’s Name]’s life and contributions to our community. I will share the details as soon as they become available.
General Campus Audience Sample Script
Subject: Passing of a Student/Faculty/Staff Member
Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,
I am deeply saddened to inform you of the sudden and unexpected passing of one of our students, [Student's Name]. We share this heartbreaking news with profound sorrow.
[Student's First Name] will be greatly missed. During this difficult time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to [his/her/their] loved ones and understand that this loss impacts each of us differently. We encourage everyone to reach out for support if needed.
Counseling and support services are available to students, faculty, and staff. Students in need of mental health support can access Campus Health's Counseling & Psych Services (CAPS) by calling 520-621-3334, scheduling online, or dropping in at one of CAPS locations during operating hours. Additionally, CAPS is available to provide outreach to impacted classes and student groups. To schedule an outreach call CAPS at 520-621-3334.
For those experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911, use 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, or go to an emergency room.
All benefits-eligible employees and their dependents and members of their households can contact Employee Assistance Counseling for information about free and confidential one-on-one counseling. Support is available 24/7 through ComPsych. ComPsych can be reached at 877-327-2362 (TTY: 800-697-0353).
With deepest sympathy,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Contact Information]
Class Communication Sample Email
Subject: Passing of a Student/Faculty/Staff Member
Dear [Class Name/Students],
It is with a heavy heart that I share the deeply saddening news of the passing of our fellow classmate, [Student’s Name]. [Student’s Name] was a valued member of our class and community, and their presence will be profoundly missed.
During this difficult time, it is important for us to come together and support one another. I encourage you to reach out to your friends, family, and classmates to share your feelings and offer support. Campus Health's Counseling & Psych Services (CAPS) is available for students needing support or consultation for those concerned about a student. Students can access CAPS services by calling CAPS at 520-621-3334, scheduling online, or dropping in at one of CAPS locations during business hours. For those experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911, use 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, or go to an emergency room.
We will be holding a brief session at the beginning of our next class to offer space for anyone who wishes to share their memories of [Student’s Name] or simply to be together as a community. If you feel you need more time or cannot attend, please let me know. I am here to support you in any way I can, and I am available to discuss any accommodations you may need regarding class assignments or exams during this time.
A memorial service is being planned to honor [Student’s Name]’s life and contributions to our community. I will share the details as soon as they become available.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need support or have any concerns. Let us honor [Student’s Name]’s memory by showing compassion and care for one another during this difficult period.
With deepest sympathy,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Contact Information]
Student Group Communication Sample Email
Subject: Passing of a Student/Faculty/Staff Member
Dear [Organization Name] Members,
It is with profound sadness that I inform you of the passing of our fellow member, [Student’s Name]. [Student’s Name] was an important member of our community. Their passion and energy will be deeply missed by all of us.
During this difficult time, it's important for us to come together to support one another. I encourage you to reach out to friends, family, supportive communities, and each other. For anyone in need of additional support, you can speak with someone at Campus Health's Counseling & Psych Services (CAPS). To get started at CAPS, scheduling online, call 520-621-3334, or drop in at one of CAPS locations during business hours. For those experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911, use 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, or go to an emergency room.
We will be holding a special meeting on [Date] at [Time] in [Location] to honor [Student’s Name]’s memory. This will be an opportunity for us to share our thoughts, memories, and feelings. Your presence, whether you choose to speak or simply be there, is welcome and valued.
Please know that it’s okay to feel a range of emotions, and it's important to take care of your mental health. If you need additional support or accommodations, do not hesitate to reach out to me or any of our organization's officers.
Our community is strongest when we support each other, and I encourage everyone to check in on their friends and fellow members. We will get through this together with compassion and solidarity.
If you have any questions or need anything at all, please feel free to contact me directly.
With deepest sympathy,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Contact Information]
Responding After a Student Suicide
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college and university students. In addition to those who die by suicide, one in five students have thoughts of suicide and many struggle with other mental health concerns. College students are also particularly vulnerable to adverse effects of exposure to suicide, including:
- suicide contagion (clusters of suicides happening within a short time or defined location
- suicidal ideation
- complex grief responses
- depression and other mental health concerns
Like any other student death, the purpose of your response is to foster a sense of safety and connection and to help guide students toward supportive resources. Due to the sensitive nature of suicide and its potential impact on students, additional considerations and best practices are recommended.
Guidelines for Responding After a Student Suicide
Wait for Official Communication
Wait for official communication from the institution before disclosing that the student died by suicide. This decision can be influenced by many factors including but not limited to the family's wishes and concerns about suicide contagion.
Be Mindful with Language
If you mention suicide, stick to the facts to avoid misinformation and gossip. Use language like "died by suicide" or "took their own life" rather than phrases like "committed suicide" or "successful suicide." Do not share the specific details of the death or speculate on why it happened.
Validate Feelings and Encourage Supportive Action
Acknowledge and validate feelings of anger, sadness, confusion, and guilt as part of the wide range of emotions someone might experience following a death and gently encourage students to channel that energy toward healing activities and seeking support for themselves.
Share Mental Health & Crisis Resources
Provide information about mental health and crisis resources, such as CAPS, 988 Suicide and Crisis LifeLine, and Crisis Textline.
Avoid Clichés and Platitudes
Resist the temptation to wrap everything up neatly. While well-intentioned, phrases like “they’re in a better place” or “time heals all wounds” can be invalidating or even romanticize suicide.
It’s Okay to Say, “I Don’t Know.”
Don’t impose your explanations for the death or pressure yourself to have all the answers. Likewise, avoid putting students in the position of an informant, such as by asking them how well they knew the deceased or inquiring about details of the death.
Learn More about Coping After Losing Someone to Suicide
Concrete Ways to Offer Emotional & Academic Support
Grief comes in many forms, and we each experience loss in a unique way. This can make it challenging to know how to help following a student death. As complex as loss is, the strategies for offering emotional and academic support are often simple. You don’t need to be an expert to help or have all the answers. Whatever role on campus, you can guide students toward helpful resources and help them navigate loss. Whether through flexible deadlines, open communication, or promoting self-care, these practical tips can make a significant difference in supporting students during this difficult period.
Academic & Emotional Support Ideas
Validate the Range of Experiences that Someone Might Have
Some students will struggle following a student death. Others won’t. It’s normal to have a wide range of reactions to death. In your verbal and written communication, validate the range of feelings someone might have. Encourage the community to support one another and identify resources available to anyone who feels they could use added support.
Offer Optional Time and Space for Support
Acknowledging the death of a student can help bring the community together. That said, some students may not wish to participate in a discussion about the student’s death as part of class or meeting time. Consider offering time and space outside of your regular meetings for support, such as announcing that you’ll stay after for a few minutes or inviting a guest speaker to be present during a supportive event. Whatever your plans, it’s important to make these activities optional and allow students to participate or not without drawing unnecessary attention to themselves.
Resource Highlight: CAPS is available to provide support to the campus community following a student death by meeting with impacted classes or student groups or providing consultation to student supporters on how to navigate the situation.
Be Present
Whether it’s a brief check-in, class discussion, or tough conversation, one of the best supports you can offer is your presence. When communicating with someone, give them your full attention. Maintain comfortable eye contact, listen to understand rather than to respond, and give them the space they need to say as much or as little as they may need. Breathe mindfully as you listen and remind yourself that you don’t need to solve anything right now. Reflect what you hear and acknowledge how the other is feeling. When possible, end with a supportive next step. A few examples are planning a self-care activity, scheduling a future check-in, or reaching out to a supportive resource.
Give Mental Health and Wellness Breaks
Build short breaks into your scheduled class or meeting time or organize a mental health or wellness activity for your community. It doesn’t need to be complicated to make an impact. Playing calming music or a nature video as students enter your space, taking a moment to breathe, stretch, and connect, or taking a poll on self-care activities are simple ways to take the time to talk about and encourage mental health and wellbeing.
Share Resources
Sharing resources makes them more visible and accessible. You can do this by showing a slide highlighting a resource at the start of class or meeting time, sharing resources as part of regular community announcements, or inviting guest speakers to talk about mental health and wellness.
Resource Highlight: Dean of Students Office provides student assistance services for students in need of university support.
Find Ways to be Flexible
Following a student death, flexibility can help you maintain a compassionate learning environment. Adapt to the needs of grieving students by adjusting deadlines, providing alternative assignments or ways to catch up on missed work, and modifying your plans for upcoming classes or meetings when needed to offer support to your community.
Strategies for Self-Care
Self-care is the ongoing care of yourself and wellbeing. It’s an important part of everyday life that's even more essential during challenging times. The emotional toll of a student death can be overwhelming. Prioritizing self-care can help you process your emotions, manage stress, and support your mental and emotional wellbeing. Self-care can also help you navigate the demands of your role following a student death while reducing your risk of burnout and compassion fatigue.
If you need additional support, there are resources on campus to help you:
Self-Care Strategies for Work or School
- take short breaks to move, nourish, and connect
- find ways to stay present and calm during the day
- create a comfortable workspace
- ask for help or support
- focus on the positive aspects of your work
- look for opportunities to learn and grow
- give yourself things to look forward to in your work
- set boundaries
- examine your expectations
Self-Care Strategies for Anywhere
- give yourself time to name and feel your feelings
- seek support with friends, family, colleagues, or a professional
- practice mindfulness and relaxation
- set boundaries to avoid overextending yourself
- maintain routine and structure
- support your body with nutrition, movement, sleep, and hydration
- do things you enjoy
- give yourself time to rest
- practice kindness and patience with yourself
Learn More about Coping with Grief
Ongoing Support for Your Community
The loss of a campus community member can have a profound and lasting impact on both the community and individuals within it. Whether your community is grieving a student death or deals with death regularly, ongoing support is essential for wellbeing and group cohesion. This support might include dedicated time for wellness activities, group bonding, peer support sessions, mental health resources, flexible policies, and training on wellbeing. These initiatives aim to help the community navigate grief and recovery, both individually and collectively.
Ideas for Ongoing Community Support
Host a Wellness Retreat
Whether it’s one time or a regularly scheduled event, you can strengthen community bonds and create a supportive atmosphere with a wellness retreat featuring activities like arts and crafts, yoga, team-building, and community dialogue.
Wellness Retreat Tips:
- identify your goals for the retreat
- choose an accessible time and place
- communicate what participants can expect
- set the tone with a welcome session
- provide inclusive activities and moments for rest
- consider inviting facilitators for specific sessions
- provide healthy meals and snacks or meal breaks
- stay ready to adapt the schedule as needed
- collect feedback from participants at the end
- offer supportive resources and follow-up wellness activities
Organize a Dialogue Space
A voluntary time and nonjudgmental space where members of your community can discuss topics that impact their wellbeing helps foster constructive conversations and builds a more supportive community.
Dialogue Space Tips:
- choose a neutral and comfortable physical environment
- set clear ground rules for confidentiality and respectful communication
- provide trigger warnings before discussing sensitive topics
- consider inviting a trained facilitator
- guide discussion with a chosen topic or theme
- allow equal opportunity for everyone to participate at their comfort level
- make supportive resources available
- evaluate and adapt to meet the needs of your community
Start an Appreciation Wall
From heartfelt thanks to a shoutout for someone who went the extra mile, designating a space for appreciation helps foster a supportive community culture.
Appreciation Wall Tips:
- choose a central, accessible location (digital or physical)
- include an anonymous submission option
- give friendly reminders and highlight notable contributions
- set clear community guidelines and monitor regularly
Create a Wellness Space
Making space for your community to pause, reset, and nurture their wellbeing helps foster a supportive environment, enhances wellness, and reduces burnout.
Wellness Space Tips:
- provide comfortable and inclusive seating and lighting options
- offer tools for playing soothing music or ambient sounds
- start a library of guided meditations
- decorate with soothing colors and positive imagery
- display relaxation tools like fidget toys, coloring pages, or a sand garden