Virtual Commons - Bridgewater State University

When the Show Must Go On: An Exploratory Study to Develop Guidelines for a University’s Response to the Death of a Faculty Member

Hart 116

This study used a qualitative exploratory design to examine institutional responses to the death of a faculty member. Through the use of thematic analysis of interviews with senior university administrators and faculty, institutional and individual administrator responses were investigated following the death of a faculty member. Four themes emerged from this analysis: 1) the enactment of a compassionate organizational response; 2) the need for a prepared organizational and communication infrastructure to address emergency situations; 3) identifying and meeting the needs of the constituencies internal and external to the university effected by the death; and 4) activation of resources to address grief and loss of community members. This presentation will provide an overview of the key themes generated by this study, the guidelines that were developed based on these themes and the roles and responsibilities of key personnel needed to respond to the death of a faculty member.