res liFe In Memory Of by Emily Rudduck Understanding the care and compassion that goes into working with a student community after a student dies is key to bringing the group back to life. As students navigate their college years, they embark on a journey of self-discovery that includes getting a well-rounded education, learning to be part of a community, and finding a niche that will be the foundation for their future endeavors. As youth holds the promise of endless possibilities, it's exceptionally tragic when a life is cut short. When the death of a student occurs on or off campus, the ripple effects are widespread, and the 20 TalkiNg STick grief affects students and staff alike. However, having concrete policies and procedures in place can help prepare an institution to compassionately and effectively cope with the death and the emotions it evokes in the community. Each student death is unique both in the details of the student's passing and the way the institution is notified. Staff will often have the difficult task of distinguishing fact from rumor, responding to the scene, identifying