Death of a Student Policy – October 28, 2019
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DEATH
OF
A
STUDENT
POLICY
Policy Type:
Management
Initially
Approved:
October 26,
2005
Policy Sponsor:
Vice-President,
Students
Last
Revised:
October 28,
2019
Primary Contact:
Executive
Director, Student
Affairs
Review
Scheduled:
October 28,
2025
Approver:
Board of Governors
A.
OVERVIEW
When the death of a Student occurs, it is the responsibility of the University to respond in an
appropriate manner.
B.
PURPOSE
This Policy ensures the University’s response is compassionate and respectful and that necessary
administrative procedures are carried out as efficiently and effectively as possible.
C.
SCOPE
This Policy applies to the University’s administrative response to the death of a Student.
D.
POLICY STATEMENT
1.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
1.1
The University will act compassionately, respond respectfully and appropriately
consider the wishes of the family or next-of-kin when responding to the death of a
Student.
1.2
When a member of the University community becomes aware of the death of a
Student, they must notify the Office of Student Community Standards.
1.3
Information gathered will be verified for accuracy and information disclosure will be
in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
1.4
Units will work together cooperatively and with any external groups to ensure a
timely and effective closure to all administrative responsibilities when responding to
the death of a Student.
Death of a Student Policy – October 28, 2019
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2.
AUTHORITY
2.1
Executive Director, Student Affairs is responsible for the University’s administrative
response to the death of a Student.
2.2
The Office Student Community Standards will coordinate the University’s
administrative response to a death of a Student in accordance with the Death of a
Student Procedures.
2.3
In the event the deceased Student is also a University employee, the Executive
Director, Student Affairs will consult with Human Resources to determine best
course of action.
2.4
The Executive Director, Student Affairs will consult a Director of the Emergency
Operations Centre (EOC) for possible EOC activation in accordance with the
Emergency Management policy.
2.5
Units are responsible for establishing protocols that guide their area in supporting
the University’s administrative response to a death of a Student in coordination
with the Office of Student Community Standards.
E.
DEFINITIONS
(1)
Policy:
means the Death of a Student Policy
(2)
Student:
means a person currently registered or has been registered
in one of the last six academic semesters (including spring
and summer) in a credit or non-credit program
(3)
Unit:
means any centre, department, division, faculty, program or
school; as well as any administrative group of the University
(4)
University
means Mount Royal University
F.
RELATED POLICIES
● Academic Standing, Continuance and Graduation Policy
● Emergency Management Policy
● Records and Information Management Program Policy
● Registration Policy
G.
RELATED LEGISLATION
● Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
● Alberta Interdependent Relationships Act
● Alberta Health Information Act
H.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
● Death of a Student Procedure
Death of a Student Policy – October 28, 2019
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I.
REVISION HISTORY
Date
(mm/dd/yyyy)
Description of
Change
Sections
Author
(Position Title)
Approver
(Position Title)
10/2005
01/2006
10/28/2019
Comprehensive
Revision
All
Executive Advisor,
SACL
Board of Governors
01/24/2020
Editorial
Template Update
Policy Specialist
University Secretary
02/11/2021
Editorial
Title/office name
changes from SACL to
Vice-Provost & AVP
Students
University Secretary University Secretary
12/09/2022
Editorial
Job titles
Policy Advisor
Policy Sponsor