The death of a 19-year-old Wesleyan University student last week in Lincoln, Neb. can serve as a reminder as to the stakes behind the various building codes facility executives at educational facilities face.

To be sure, fatal campus-related fires aren't a daily occurrence. Still, the number is worth noting — there have been 90 people killed nationwide since 2000 according to the Center for Campus Fire Safety (CFS)

What is perhaps most troubling is the trend. Most of the fires occurred in off-campus buildings that didn't have automatic fire sprinklers, had disabled smoke alarms or involved the careless handling or disposal of cigarettes.

When it comes to off-campus buildings, facility executives obviously have little control over making sure the buildings are up to code. Unfortunately, a fire – in particular a fatal fire – can tarnish the reputation of a college whether the fire happened on campus or nearby in student housing.

While facility executives can't control what goes on in off-campus housing, colleges can educate students on what to look for when they make the move off campus. CFS's resource page is a good place to start.