Our procedures are designed to treat the affected parties, including relatives, fellow students, and staff, with dignity and respect for the deceased.
When a Student Dies
Fortunately, it is rare for NMH to experience a student's death. If it does happen, we have procedures to ensure that appropriate measures are taken.
Resource Group
NMH has a resource group that must be informed during a death. The group is responsible for further follow-up and consists of:
- Principal
- Director
- Head of Academic Affairs
- Learning Environment Officer
What Happens?
When the group receives the news of the death, they will:
- Distribute responsibilities
- Inform fellow students
- Gather the class/year group
- Set up a condolence book and memorial site
- Arrange the funeral
- Organize a memorial service
- Provide follow-up for grieving students
Follow-up for Grieving Students
Grief is a natural reaction to loss and is usually stronger the closer one is to the deceased. Death in a study environment can also evoke memories of previous losses or thoughts about one's mortality. Processing grief takes time and effort, whether one acknowledges their grief or not. The need to talk about and express grief is individual. For many, sharing memories and experiences related to the deceased is helpful.
Be a Good Listener
As an employee, being a good listener and understanding the grieving student's situation is essential. Often, it can be difficult for a grieving person to reach out and express their needs. Therefore, it is advisable to make direct contact at regular intervals to check how they are doing and if they need anything. Remind the grieving student about important application deadlines, mandatory classes, etc., and refer them for further support if they need extra follow-up.
Distribution of Responsibilities
The resource group is responsible for communicating information to all affected about the possibility of follow-up from SiO Counselling, SiO Health, and the Student Chaplains. Individual support and dedicated grief groups are offered as needed.
When the resource group receives the news of the death, one person in the group will take primary responsibility for further follow-up. The student chaplain will be contacted to assist in the process.
The study administration and IT department will handle practical matters related to student data.