Dealing with Loss
Coping with the loss of a loved one can be incredibly difficult. Grief is a personal experience that can look different for anyone. It can impact your concentration, behaviours, sleep, relationships, and academics. You are not alone!
On-campus supports
I recently experienced the death of a loved one and am looking for support.
A Student Affairs Case Coordinator can support you as you navigate the challenges that come with the loss of a loved one. You can refer yourself to a Student Affairs Case Coordinator by completing the self-referral form, located on the website: Submit a concern – Student Life and Success (brocku.ca)
Visit Personal Counselling for information about services and how to book an appointment.
You are not alone. There are crisis supports available.
Visit Student Health Services for information about how to book an appointment.
If you are grieving, Faith & Life is a supportive place to turn: Brock’s Faith & Life chaplains provide compassionate spiritual support and counselling for students experiencing loss.
Should I let my professors and TAs know about my loss?
You are not required to disclose personal details to your professors and TA’s; however, it is recommended that you notify them if you expect your loss will impact your studies (ie. missed classes, delayed assignments, impact on your academic functioning etc.). Professors and TA’s may offer informal academic consideration such as excused classes, assignment extensions etc. The best way to communicate this with your professors and TA’s is via email, as soon as you’re able to. There are formal processes to request academic consideration for medical circumstances, such as distress or mental health impacts related to your loss.
What do I say when reaching to my professors or TAs?
Here is an example email that you can start with:
Be sure to include the course name and section in the subject line. Example: Subject line: PSYC 2P12 Absent from school for bereavement. Be clear and polite in the body of the email and only share what you are comfortable with.
Hello [Professor’s Name],
I am a student in your [insert course name] class. I am reaching out because I have experienced a significant loss in my family that will impact my attendance over the next couple of weeks.
I am hoping to return the week of [insert date] and will keep you informed if extended time is needed. I would be grateful for any guidance you can provide on how I can stay on track during this absence.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
If this feels too overwhelming, you can also reach out to the Student Affairs Case Coordinator, Faith & Life, or a Wellness Navigator for help in reaching out to your professors and TAs.
In the case of an exam deferral, the Brock Medical Verification Form must be signed by the student and the health professional.
Your Academic Advisor is available to help. It is likely that your Academic Advisor has supported other students in navigating academics while dealing with grief. Book some time to talk about your situation.
I am planning on leaving the country for bereavement purposes, what are my options?
Please connect with a licensed Immigration Advisor to discuss your situation by emailing [email protected]
I need to take an extended leave of absence due to the death of a loved one, what are my options?
Please connect with a licensed Immigration Advisor to discuss your situation by emailing [email protected]
I am looking for information about dropping to part-time studies, what are my options?
Please connect with a licensed Immigration Advisor to discuss your situation by emailing [email protected]
The support options listed in this FAQ are available to all registered Brock University students. If you anticipate that your loss will impact your studies, you should contact your Graduate Program Director and (if applicable) your supervisor to discuss your options related to class absences, missed or delayed deadlines and the potential impact on the timeline of your degree completion.
Yes, please check out Experience BU for details.
Off-campus supports
There are other off-campus organizations that may be able to support you in your loss. Here are a few free organizations to consider. If you are looking for something specific, you can call 211 and explain what you are looking for. Their skilled staff will work to connect you to the right services.
MyGrief.ca has online learning modules to help you understand grief and work through some of the difficult issues you may be facing. It is not a replacement for professional counselling or other health care services.
Bereaved Families of Ontario is a peer-to-peer grief support organization. They offer free grief support programs and services for children, teens and adults, serving the Niagara, St. Catharines, Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford, and Haldimand-Norfolk region.
The Pregnancy and Infant Loss Network offers free peer-support services to parents and family members who have been affected by pregnancy or infant loss, over the phone and online.
Wellspring Niagara Cancer Support Foundation supports individuals and loved ones living with cancer. We can help you overcome the emotional, physical, and practical challenges you may be experiencing. Online programs, self-paced learning, and groups.
Victim Services of Niagara provides 24/7, on-scene, emotional and practical assistance, and referrals for victims of crime and tragic circumstances.
Hospice Niagara offers a variety of programs and workshops for both youth and adults who are grieving a death. These programs help explore feelings of grief and loss in a safe and supportive space, over several sessions. All programs are free of cost.
