Year: 2005 Source: NASPA Journal, v.42, no.4, (2005), p.513-533 SIEC No: 20090156

Decisions by university officials not to notify a student’s parents following a suicide attempt on campus have been severely criticized by some observers. Although courts have not imposed a parental notice requirement, the practice is advantageous to students in many situations. The author recommends a system of notification that relies primarily upon nonmedical student affairs officers to collect reports & communicate with parents after a campus suicide attempt. In determining what information to share with parents, student affairs officers are advised to keep in mind the legal implications of the disclosure, including the possibility of more self-destructive behaviour. (26 refs.)