20 Minutes to…Trained: After a Student Death

This 20-Minutes to… Trained session explores how institutions can effectively prepare for and respond to the death of a student. NABITA experts examine the emotional, operational, and community-wide impacts that follow a student death and discuss the importance of establishing a comprehensive postvention protocol before a crisis occurs. Participants will learn best practices for information verification, coordinated communication, identifying and supporting impacted individuals, managing memorial activities, and partnering across campus departments to ensure a compassionate and organized response. The session also highlights the critical role of Behavioral Intervention Teams (BITs) in coordinating outreach, monitoring emerging risks, supporting recovery efforts, and facilitating institutional learning after a tragedy. This session is an excellent opportunity for campus leaders, BIT members, and student affairs professionals seeking to strengthen their postvention planning and enhance their ability to support students, faculty, staff, and the broader campus community during times of loss.