At about 10 a.m. Nov. 13, SVSU sent an email out to inform the campus community of a suicide that had taken place in Science West earlier that morning.
The suicide came after hours of negotiation between the individual and police.
Around 8 p.m. Nov. 12, the individual had sent an email to various faculty and staff, explaining his mistreatment at the university. Authorities promptly responded and cleared the building.
The campus community was alerted to a situation with “an individual in distress” and were asked to avoid Science West and surrounding buildings further notice. A second alert followed, clarifying that no students were involved and the individual was isolated.
Friday morning, SVSU announced campus would be closed for the day. Only the Marketplace at Doan, the C-Store and Papa John’s would be open.
President Don Bachand emailed the campus community to express his condolences for the individual’s family, fellow faculty and students. He encouraged students and staff alike to reach out to the on-campus counseling center.
Late in the day Nov. 14, the president’s office sent a second email to identify the individual as an university employee.
Bachand again encouraged the community to seek support if needed, be it through the university or elsewhere.
Throughout the day, the campus community took to social media to address the mental health resources on campus. Many students cited inadequate opportunities. Some shared a petition to keep campus closed additional days while the community grieves.
A memorial was started in Science East outside the library. Students, faculty and staff were asked to show their support by sharing memories.
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