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This protocol outlines the support to be provided by the Student Support and Wellbeing Services (SSWS) and other relevant parties in the event of a student death.
Student Support and Wellbeing Services
The UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services (SSWS) department includes several distinct support services, administered through the following teams:
- Disability and Neurodiversity.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing.
- Counselling Services.
- Wardens and Student Residence Advisers in UCL-managed accommodation.
Student Support and Wellbeing Services are free and available to all UCL students. Students can self-refer to any of the Student Support and Wellbeing Services. Student Support and Wellbeing Services ordinarily rely on students proactively seeking and choosing to engage with support.
Communication following a student death
- Communication with the student’s family
Student Support and Wellbeing Services communicates with the family and supports them in any matters, such as travelling to the UK or coming on campus to meet with staff and/or students.
- Communication with the department, hall of residence and any Students’ Union clubs or societies that the student may be part of
Student Support and Wellbeing Services agrees with the student’s family what information can be shared with the UCL community. SSWS shares information with the academic department about the incident, which is disseminated to staff and students via the appropriate internal communication channels. Students are reminded to be respectful in the way the incident is discussed and in posting information on social media. Remembering to stay mindful of the need for privacy and the feelings of the student’s relatives and friends is essential.
Open conversations to remember the student and express emotions are helpful. They allow space for those affected to grieve and support each other. Students are also encouraged to engage with professional support.
- Information and support for the UCL community
This is communicated to students as appropriate via their department, hall of residence and Students’ Union clubs and societies.
All information about the death of a student is shared proactively and as appropriate to avoid rumours and speculations; students are kept up to date and information is provided in a consistent and caring manner. The wishes of the family of the student who has died are respected in the way in which information is shared and the level of details provided.
Students and staff are reminded that any communication needs to be respectful of the family.
Support is offered as soon as possible and is communicated to students both in person and via printed and online resources. Support may include the following:
- Group support sessions delivered by psychological therapists;
- Individual appointments with psychological therapists;
- Individual appointments or group sessions offered by the UCL Chaplain and Interfaith Adviser;
- Telephone bereavement counselling, provided by UCL 24/7 Student Support Line: +44 (0) 808 238 0077;
- Appointments with our advisers if students are unsure what the most appropriate support for them might be;
- Academic support with extensions to deadlines and time away from study, which may be provided by the relevant academic departments.
- Support for UCL staff
If you are a UCL staff member, you can seek support from your manager and engage with support through Workplace Health.