A message of grief and support

Wolfpack community,

I’m writing to you today with a heavy heart.

Our Wolfpack community lost a student this weekend in an apparent suicide, just a few days after a graduate student died from what police believe were natural causes. In January, an undergraduate student also passed from what police believe were natural causes.

No matter the cause, the loss of a friend, a roommate, a classmate, hurts deeply and can seem overwhelming to cope with.

Words do little to console, but I want you to know I share in your grief, and your community shares in your grief. And if you are struggling, there are ways to get help.

If you need support or if you simply want to talk to someone about how you’re feeling, please use the many counseling resources and other support available at the university.

Both the Counseling Center and AcademicLiveCare are available to you, as well as embedded counselors in a few colleges across campus. The Counseling Center and Prevention Services will also be providing drop-in counseling services for students on Monday, Feb. 13, from 2-4 p.m. in Room 3210 in Talley Student Union, and on Tuesday, Feb. 14, from 2-4 p.m. in Room 3001 of Engineering Building II on Centennial Campus.

We also have a large network of off-campus mental health care providers who partner with the university. Faculty and staff can access confidential counseling through the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program. More information about these and other resources can also be found on our Counseling Center and Wolfpack Wellness websites.

Finally, I want to offer you hope and encouragement. You’re here because of your unique background and abilities. Whatever you’re going through, we know we can get through it together. We are a Pack, and our Pack takes care of one another.

Yes, we’re a large community, but I firmly believe we’re a caring one where each member matters. In short, you belong here.

If you’re struggling, please talk to a friend, faculty member, parent or other family member, or someone else you trust. If you think someone is struggling, reach out to them. You can also make an online referral for a student or employee you’re concerned about.

Please take advantage of the Wellness Day coming up this Thursday, Feb. 16, to rest, recuperate and check on yourself and others.

Thank you. And please take care.

Randy Woodson
Chancellor