Student Death and Serious Accident

Utah Valley University recognizes the significant impact a death of a student has on our campus community. The AVP of Student Development & Well-Being/Dean of Students has the responsibility of coordinating the University’s response to a student death. This web page includes resources for the campus community when a current student passes away.

How to report the death of a student?

  1. If you become aware of a death of a student please email [email protected]. To make the necessary notifications and provide support we need the following information is needed (if known):
    • First and last name
    • UVID number
    • Major
    • Date of Death
    • Cause of death
    • Family contact or family designee name, phone number, and email address
    • Obituary link

If you are contacted regarding the death of a student

  1. If you are contacted about the death of a student please email [email protected] or call 801-863-8311 and provide the name and phone number of the person who notified you. Please let them know that we will be reaching out to get the following information so that we can make the necessary notifications and offer support. Please remember to be sensitive to the situation and assure them that we will assist the family during this difficult time. Please also remember to refer to the deceased student by their name and not the victim, the student, or the deceased.
  2. Please note we will be reaching out to collect the following vital information:
    • First and last name
    • UVID number
    • Major
    • Date of Death
    • Cause of death
    • Family contact or family designee name, phone number, and email address
    • Obituary link

Posthumous Degrees & Certificates

When a student passes away the Dean of Students Office contacts the Department Chair and Dean of the College/School of the student’s major. Based on the student's degree completion percentage at time of death the university may award a posthumous degree/certificate. The awarding of the degree or certificate is approved by the Provost, Academic Dean, and Academic Department Chair. The diploma is delivered to the deceased student's family designee. If you have any questions regarding this process please email [email protected]

Student Memorial Service

Each spring the Dean of Students office hosts a memorial service to remember students we have lost in the past year. This event is held in the Reflection Center located in the Student Life and Wellness Center. The program includes messages from university administration and student government, as well as interfaith readings and music. This event gives the campus community and families of those students who passed away an opportunity to remember and reflect.

 

How to report a serious accident of a student?

  1. If you become aware of a student who has been in a serious accident please email [email protected]. In order to make the necessary notifications and provide support we need the following information (if known):
    • First and last name
    • UVID number
    • Medical facility or address where student is located

Resources

  1. UVU Crisis Services
  2. UVU Mental Health Services
  3. FEMA COVID Funeral Assistance
  4. Help Guide for Grief and Loss
  5. UVU Employee Assistance Program (available to full-time and part-time university employees)
  6. Student Accident and Death Guideline