UTSA cancels classes for a “day of reflection” after student’s death

The University of Texas at San Antonio canceled classes Friday for a campus-wide day of reflection.

UTSA leaders sent an email to students Thursday evening, inviting them to come to campus Friday to support each other and connect with mental health resources.

“We know there are grave concerns for the well-being of members of our community as we observe an increase in stress, anxiety and uncertainty across our campuses,” UTSA’s president, provost and associate dean of students wrote in the email. “We are writing to you to tell you how we want to do better and become better as an anchor of support for you.”

On Wednesday, a UTSA graduate student died on campus, likely by suicide.

“I know our entire community feels a sense of confusion and loss, especially those who knew the student best,” UTSA President Taylor Eighmy said in an email to faculty, students and staff on Wednesday. “If you or someone you know is struggling, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the free wellness resources available 24/7.”

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988.

UTSA also offers 24/7 counseling for students through an app called TimelyCare and support for employees through an app called iConnectYou.

According to Kirk Dougher, associate vice chancellor for student health and wellness at Washington University in St. Louis, the 2024 election and other recent events around the world have raised concerns about the mental health of college students across the United States.

“Against a backdrop of inflation and various levels of international unrest, political unrest, and particularly during a highly competitive election season, this often results in people experiencing insomnia, low mood, obsessive thoughts, increased mental health appointments, drug use, and…” Alcohol consumption and increased levels of depression and anxiety that we also see in our college students,” Dougher said.

UTSA's Day of Reflection features counseling sessions, mental health assessments, therapy animals and bystander suicide intervention training.

UTSA has also provided a space for graduate students to “join.” [their] Colleagues for community, society and for reflection.”

Times and locations for Friday's UTSA program:

• Consultations: Wellness 360 (RWC 1,500) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m

• Suicide prevention training for bystanders: “Wellbeing” meeting room (RWC 1.806) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., practically from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m

• Therapy animals: Campus leisure time from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m

• Mental Health Screening: NEST room of the Student Union (HSU 2.207) from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m

• Mindful painting program: Downtown Student Success Center (DB 2.114) from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

• Reflection room for doctoral students: Biotechnology, Science and Engineering Building (BSE 2.102) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m

• Athletics programming: UTSA baseball game at 3 p.m. and volleyball game at 6 p.m. Both games are free for students.

Eighmy, Provost Heather Shipley and Associate Dean of Students Melissa Hernandez also said in their email Thursday that Friday's events “are just the beginning.” [their] ongoing work to improve [UTSA’s] Well-being efforts.”

They said student listening sessions will be scheduled both online and in person to hear directly from students, and that there will be daily mental health support services at Sombrilla Monday through Friday next week. Additional student programs will be announced for UTSA's RowdyLink in the future.

“If you are hurting, we want to hear from you. If you have an idea that could help us improve our work in this area, please share,” the email from management said.

Dougher said a suicide on campus can increase the impact on the entire college community, especially if it is public and involves a well-known student. This makes it all the more important for the university to create space for mutual support, he said.

“The ability to connect with people is often one of the most healing things we can do, and I want to encourage people to do that,” Dougher said. “And I would really encourage people to reach out to them rather than thinking about things in isolation.”