Bellin College is a close-knit, caring community committed to student success. In the event that a student experiences the death of a loved one during the course of an academic term, the student may request to utilize the Student Bereavement Policy. Bellin College recognizes the impact that a loss may have on the emotional and academic well-being of a student and wishes to support the student during this time. Bellin College also understands that grief impacts every student differently and, therefore, this policy is not an attempt to quantify the impact of the death of a loved one or in any way address the nature of the grief process. Rather, the purpose of this policy is to provide a formal process to allow grieving students access to bereavement services, as well as the opportunity to be available for their families and loved ones during times of grief.
Under this policy, a student may be excused from class for funeral leave, subsequent bereavement, and/or travel considerations for up to three days. The standard bereavement policy suggests three days of leave, but the actual amount will vary based on the relationship with the deceased, religious or cultural beliefs, and coursework or clinical hour requirements. While this policy excuses a student from class attendance, the student remains responsible for all material covered in class and must work with each individual faculty to complete any required work.
Typically, the Student Bereavement Policy involves that of an immediate family member but could extend beyond to other loved ones. It is up to the discretion of the Student Services Department and other applicable college personnel to determine if a death outside of the immediate family warrants implementation of the student bereavement policy.
A student who wishes to utilize the Student Bereavement Policy must contact the Student Support & Well-Being Coordinator who will assist them through the process. The Student Support & Well-Being Coordinator will obtain documentation from the student and communicate any excused absence to the student’s faculty and Program Director.
If a faculty member fails to follow this policy, the student may submit a grievance.