Last year, nine Appalachian State University students died. That is about the normal rate for the school, but there was a perception that the college had a rash. To address the situation, the school has a new death policy. It was compiled after months of broad-based research. Henceforth, ASU’s bureau of University Communications will be the only body authorized to communicate with the media about a student’s death. Only persons in the deceased’s circle will receive communications from the university about the incident. No one affiliated with the school will be allowed to speak about a student’s cause of death. And staff shall provide guidance to groups arranging informal memorials “to increase awareness of safe messaging.”