Student Death Policy

Policy 403.4

Introduction

1.1 The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines that will support an orderly, effective, and caring response in the event of a Student death.

Scope

2.1 This policy applies to all Students of the University, as defined in paragraph 3.3 below.

2.2 All University personnel must comply with this policy.

Definitions

Medical Examiner

An individual duly appointed and licensed in the State of North Carolina to conduct postmortem investigations, to determine the cause and manner of death in certain situations, and to perform other duties set forth in N.C.G.S. Section 130A, Article 16 – Postmortem Investigation and Disposition, as that statute may be amended from time to time.

Primary Contact

The Dean of Students and/or a designee from Office of Student Development, who may be appointed by and at the discretion of the Vice Chancellor for Student Development to serve as the single point of contact for family members who wish to speak with University faculty, staff, or students concerning the death of their Student.

Student

An individual who is enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at the University at the time of death; or an individual who has completed the immediate preceding term at the University and is eligible for re-enrollment, in the event the death occurs during the recess period between fall and spring semesters or summer sessions. Students may also be part-time employees of the University.

University

Appalachian State University.

University Sponsored Travel

Travel which is led by a University employee or for which academic credit is awarded, or any other travel administered by, conducted under the direction of, or with financial support from, any University department, program, or office.