The Invisible Workload of Grief: Student Bereavement Administrative Burdens
In
Capstones - Winter 2026
This policy brief examines the “invisible workload of grief” faced by college students after the sudden loss of a parent, focusing on the administrative and academic burdens that arise alongside emotional distress. Bereaved students often must navigate financial aid changes, housing adjustments, documentation requirements, and academic deadlines during periods of acute grief, creating barriers to academic success.