Postvention Plan
Should a campus crisis occur, including the death by suicide of a member of the Holy Family University community, the Dean of Students, in collaboration with the CARE Team and/or a designated Postvention Response Team, as appropriate to the nature and scope of the incident, will coordinate the university's response and available support services for students, faculty, staff, and the broader university community.
The Postvention Response Team may include representatives from the Dean of Students Office, Counseling Services, Public Safety, Title IX/Legal Counsel, Communications and Marketing, and Campus Ministry, reflecting Holy Family University's faith-based mission. Team members will receive periodic training in postvention best practices to ensure the university is prepared to respond effectively when needed. Holy Family University is committed to providing timely, compassionate, and appropriate support in the aftermath of a crisis and will communicate relevant information as appropriate while respecting privacy, legal, and ethical considerations.
Resources for Faculty and Staff (Students)
Urgent Crisis
Depending on the nature of the crisis, students may access same-day support by visiting the Counseling Center during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.). A counselor is available to provide urgent consultation, crisis support, and appropriate referrals as needed. In addition, Counseling Services will collaborate with campus partners to conduct proactive outreach and coordinate support for affected students and the broader university community, as appropriate.
For crisis support when Holy Family University is closed, students may call the office of public safety's phone number at 267-341-3333. Fore additional crisis resources visit the crisis resources webpage.
Supporting the Community After a Loss
In the event of the death of a student, faculty member, staff member, or other member of the Holy Family University community, decisions regarding how and when to communicate the loss will be made collaboratively by university leadership and academic affairs staff, taking into consideration the size and nature of the affected group, the relationships among community members, and the needs of those impacted.
Depending on the circumstances, notification may be provided by a Family Liaison Assignment, a specific university official (often the Dean of Students or a designated case manager) can be assigned as the sole point of contact to respect the family’s wishes regarding privacy, coordinate the return of belongings, and handle logistical matters (tuition refunds, housing contracts, etc.) . In some cases, communication may occur through email or other university channels such as going to classrooms, residence halls, and or athletic practice to facilitate a processing space. When appropriate, staff from Counseling Services may assist with notifications and provide information about the grieving process, healthy coping strategies, available support resources, and how to access counseling services. A member of Counseling Services will utilize active outreach by providing processing spaces for student’s who would like additional support during this time. Location can be determined depending on the nature and time of the event.
If the death involves a faculty member, efforts should be made to ensure that appropriate academic leadership, such as the Dean, faculty, and/or department chair, would be available to provide guidance regarding next steps for the class following the notification.
While these situations are difficult for all involved, Holy Family University is committed to supporting students, faculty, and staff through times of loss and grief. Counseling Services and the VP of Student Life is available to consult with departments and provide assistance in determining the most appropriate response based on the needs of the community. For additional guidance or support, departments are encouraged to contact Counseling Services or the Dean of Students. Please contact the Director of Counseling Services if you would like to discuss this in more detail.
Support Student Well-Being (ongoing)
Incorporating mental health and wellness resources into courses can help normalize help-seeking supports and reinforce Holy Family University's commitment to student well-being. Including information about Counseling Services, the Dean of Students Office, crisis resources, and other campus supports can remind students, particularly during periods of heightened stress, grief, or personal challenge, that support is available and that they do not have to navigate difficulties alone. Additionally, each student is enrolled in Holy Family’s Blue Print courses which will cross reference Wellbeing practices as well as exposure to various campus resources. Regular visibility of these resources can foster a culture of care, connection, and resilience across the university community.
Resources for Faculty and Staff (Self)
Faculty and Staff Well-Being Resources
Faculty and staff may experience a range of emotions following the death of a student, colleague, or member of the Holy Family University community. Some individuals may find it helpful to process their thoughts and feelings privately with a counselor or other support professional.
Holy Family University encourages employees to utilize available wellness and support resources during times of loss, stress, or grief. Faculty and staff may access counseling, consultation, and referral services through the university's Employee Assistance Program (EAP), as well as any mental health and wellness benefits available through their health insurance plans.
In addition, employees are encouraged to connect with human resources for information about available support services, benefits, leave options, and wellness resources. Supervisors and department leaders should remain attentive to the well-being of their teams and promote a culture in which seeking support is encouraged and normalized.
The university also recognizes the importance of ongoing professional development related to mental health and well-being. Faculty and staff may benefit from trainings and educational opportunities focused on topics such as supporting students in distress, suicide prevention, grief and loss, resilience, self-care, and burnout prevention. Counseling Services, Student Affairs, Human Resources, and other campus partners may provide consultation, training, and guidance to departments as needed.
Supporting the well-being of faculty and staff is essential to fostering a healthy, compassionate, and resilient campus community. Employees seeking additional guidance or support are encouraged to contact Human Resources, Counseling Services, or their supervisor for assistance in identifying appropriate resources. If you would like to learn more about counseling services and/or desire to request a training, please fill out the training and presentations form.
Media and External Relations
All external media inquiries will be directed exclusively to the University Marketing and Communications office to ensure consistent, safe messaging.
Long-Term Postvention Plan
- Immediate (0–48 hours): Verification, family contact, PRT mobilization, initial internal notifications.
- Short-Term (3 days–2 weeks): Memorials, funeral attendance coordination, targeted counseling, academic adjustments for heavily impacted students.
- Long-Term (Months to Year): Monitoring at-risk individuals, marking significant dates (e.g., graduation, the anniversary of the death) which can serve as triggers.