Wednesday, November 12, 2025
2:00 – 3:30 pm ET

Comprehensive Response Protocols & Response

The death of a student is one of the most difficult and high-stakes situations any campus can face. Whether the loss is due to natural causes, an accident, hazing, self-harm, or unexplained circumstances, the institution’s immediate response will not only shape how the community grieves and heals, but will also determine whether protocols are followed, compliance is maintained, and reputational risks are minimized.

Institutions must act swiftly, intentionally and compassionately—balancing the needs of grieving families, students, faculty, and staff with the expectations of external stakeholders—while ensuring every communication and crisis management step aligns with established policies and legal requirements.

Join us on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, when our presenter- Dr. Grant Azdell, an Emergency Management expert, will ensure your institution is fully prepared to deal with this type of tragedy. This session will equip you and your colleagues with proven tools, strategies and frameworks to:

• Respond with confidence, compassion, and compliance in the most challenging and heartbreaking moments.
• Safeguard your institution against legal and reputational consequences by ensuring every protocol is followed.
• Support your community with structured, intentional actions that facilitate both immediate stabilization and long-term recovery.

With preparation and clear, comprehensive student death protocols in place, your institution and campus responders will be positioned to act effectively - maintaining compliance, protecting reputation, and most importantly, caring for the community.

Topics Covered

You will gain crucial, actionable takeaways that will help you:

• Develop a comprehensive student death response protocol so key stakeholders are trained, prepared, and ready to act immediately.
• Coordinate internal and external communication to appropriately engage families, media, law enforcement, and the campus community.
• Navigate each phase of crisis response—from immediate actions through long-term grief support—while ensuring emotional, physical, and compliance needs are met.
• Implement a post-vention plan to address delayed grief responses and the ongoing impact on students, faculty, and staff.
• Foster a compassionate and resilient campus culture that supports open dialogue, healing, and continued alignment with your institutional mission.

Presenter

Dr. Grant L. Azdell currently serves as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, and is a Professor at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia.
Click here for full bio.