Guidelines to responding to student death
The Dean of Student Life Office and the Registrar’s Office work together when the university is informed of a currently enrolled or recently enrolled student’s passing. Our main objectives are to support family members of the deceased in reconciling all PSU records and accounts, as well as supporting the students, faculty, and communities that are impacted by the student death.
Any news regarding the death of a current or recently current student should be sent immediately to Taylor Burke (burketj@pdx.edu), Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Student Life, and Nicolle DuPont (nicolle.dupont@pdx.edu), Associate Registrar. They will coordinate communications with all necessary parties at Portland State.
News of the death of a former student (one or more years since the student’s last term of attendance) is handled within the Office of the Registrar and can be sent directly to Nicolle DuPont (nicolle.dupont@pdx.edu), Associate Registrar.
After communicating with the Dean of Student Life &/or the Associate Registrar, they will coordinate the following steps:
Dean of Student Life
Dean of Student Life and/or PSU CARES/CARE Advocate will:
- Determine the family contact information
- Inform the President’s Office
- Offer or coordinate official condolences on behalf of PSU
- Provide support resources to the student’s academic program, faculty, and community groups (Student Health & Counseling, Human Resources, Employee Assistance Program)
- Provide support resources to the student’s living community if a University and Residence Life resident
- Collect or help collect documentation from family, friends, or community
Registrar’s Office
The Registrar’s Office will update the student’s account and connect to other internal units to:
- Update Banner record to show student is deceased
- Review student account and see if refund or write-off is applicable
- Contact Student Recreation, Library, Transportation & Parking Services, and Housing to determine if there are any outstanding rentals, citations, charges, or current other materials related to the student
- Update Office of Financial Aid
- Evaluate if a posthumous degree or certificate of recognition is appropriate