ADMINISTRATION
First 24 Hours Response Guide
Follow these steps to ensure a thoughtful, coordinated, and supportive response.
Setting the Foundation
Step-by-step guidance to help schools and institutions respond with clarity, compassion, and coordination during the first 24 hours following the loss of a student.
What to Do Right Now
What to Say
Clear and compassionate communication helps reduce confusion and supports those who are grieving.
“We are deeply saddened to share the loss of a member of our community.”
“We are focused on supporting our students, staff, and families during this difficult time.”
“Support services are available, and we encourage anyone who needs assistance to reach out.”
Important Reminders
- Do not speculate about the cause of death
- Do not share unverified or sensitive details
- Do not use sensational or stigmatizing language
- Do not pressure students to talk or process publicly
- Ensure all communications align with family wishes
- Use consistent, official communication channels
Emotional support must be visible, accessible, and clearly communicated.
- Provide access to counselors or trained professionals
- Establish safe, supervised spaces for students and staff
- Offer individual and small-group support opportunities
- Clearly communicate how to access support services
- Identify close friends, roommates, teammates or classmates
- Encourage referrals to counseling or additional support
- Monitor for signs of distress or withdrawal
- Coordinate with faculty and staff to ensure consistent care
Understand More
A clear and compassionate response in the first 24 hours can significantly influence how individuals and the broader community begin to process grief.
Thoughtful communication and visible support help reduce confusion, prevent harm, and create a sense of stability during an uncertain time.
- Acknowledge the loss with clarity and compassion
- Communicate accurate information through official channels
- Respect different grieving styles and responses
- Avoid language that may cause harm or stigma
- Maintain a balance between compassion and structure
- Tailor messaging to the audience (students, staff, families)
- Avoid speculation or unnecessary detail
- Coordinate all external messaging with family preferences
- Include support resources in all communications
- Continue to provide visible access to counseling services
- Encourage flexibility in academic and campus environments
- Monitor for delayed grief responses over time
- Recognize that grief does not follow a predictable timeline
Prefer a Printable Version of our Grief Toolkit?
Get the in depth resource guide here.
Important Support Information
The NATE Foundation provides organizational response guidance and educational resources. We do not provide direct psychological counseling or crisis intervention services. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please contact your local emergency services.
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