Being a student's nominated emergency contact

Students at the University of St Andrews are asked to choose an emergency contact. This is someone the University can reach out to if there are serious concerns about the student's health or wellbeing and it is necessary to inform others so the health and wellbeing of a student can be maintained. Without this, in the most serious of circumstances their vital interests may be threatened.

If you have been named as an emergency contact, you should be prepared to help manage situations regarding your student's physical and mental wellbeing.  

These may include situations where the University feels unable to keep them safe. It may involve speaking to medical professionals if your student has an accident and is taken to hospital. 

What to discuss with your student 

Giving this support can be difficult, so it is important to have an open conversation with the student about your role and involvement.  

Consider asking: 

• Do you understand what it means for me to be your emergency contact? 
• In what situations do you think I might be contacted by the University? 
• Are there any specific health concerns or medications you're taking that I should be aware of? 
• How would you like us to communicate if something urgent happens? Text, call, or both? 
• How much involvement do you want me to have if there's an emergency? 
• Are there any boundaries you want to set regarding how and when I'm contacted? 
• Do you know where and how to access NHS health care, as well as support services at University? 
• How often would you like us to be in touch while you're at University? 

Raising concern for your student 

If you are worried about a student you can contact Student Services.  

You can call the Advice and Support Centre (ASC) on +44 (0)1334 46 2020, Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 5pm.  

For help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you can call the Security and Response team on +44 (0)1334 46 8999. 

How information is recorded 

All actions taken to contact emergency contacts are recorded confidentially and in line with the University's emergency contact protocol and UK data protection laws, notably the UK General Data Protection Regulation.

If you know you are nominated as an emergency contact and your contact details change, please ask the student who nominated you to update your details, so those remain accurate and usable. 

Ultimately, students choose who they wish to nominate as an emergency contact. If you ask the University if you are or are not a nominated emergency contact we may be unable to confirm that with you, without first seeking the consent of the student. 

For more information email Student Services at theasc@st-andrews.ac.uk.