Suicide Assessment and Campus Action

1. Suicide Assessment and Campus Action Texas Higher Education Law ConferenceUniversity of North Texas Dr. Maureen McGuinness, Dean of Students & Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs

2. Statistics • Suicide is the second leading cause of death among twenty to twenty-four year olds (after accidents and homicides). • More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from all medical illnesses combined. • The suicide rate peaks among young adults (ages twenty to twenty-four). • One in twelve U.S. college students makes a suicide plan.

3. Risk Factors • Those who come to college with pre-existing mental health problems. (private) • Those who develop mental health problems during the college years. • Depression • Drugs and Alcohol • Physical or sexual abuse

4. Risk Factors Contd. • Men seven times as many men as women die by suicide • Women report attempts three times as often as men • Men more lethal means • Veterans

5. Concerns • What trends are you seeing on your campus? • Have you seen an increase in suicide issues/ concerns? • What is this generation teaching us as practitioners?

6. Cases In Higher Education Concerning Suicide- Shin • Elizabeth Shin at MIT • April 2000 her family dropped her off from celebrating her birthday but before that visit Elizabeth had attempted to stick a knife in her chest, but got scared. • Friends, health center and several MIT administrators knew of this incident, others aware of prior incidents • She then told a friend she was going to commit suicide and asked him to erase computer files. Hall director and MH professional decided to let her sleep off alcohol and Tylenol affects. • The next night Elizabeth lit herself on fire and died a few days later from third degree burns on 65% of her body.

7. Cases In Higher Education Concerning Suicide- Ferrum College • Michael Frentzel freshman at Ferrum College in 2000 • Police, Dean and Counselor all visited Michael in dorm room after a fight with his girlfriend and she reported he said he wanted to harm himself • He had self inflicted scratches and bruises on his neck. University had him sign a no harm agreement. • Hung himself with a belt

8. Cases In Higher Education Concerning Suicide- Nott • Jordan Nott became depressed after his friend committed suicide and voluntarily admitted himself to university hospital. • Hours later he received a letter stating he violated the Code of Conduct because of endangering behavior. • Letter gave him a choice of hearing or withdrawing. He chose to withdraw

9. Legal Concerns • Is there a disability? • Is there a special relationship? • Did anyone know something and not report? Should someone have known? • Should parents or guardians be notified? • Is there a violation of the Code and therefore is due process given? • Is there a threat to the community? To the Student?

10. Prevention • BIT’s and BAIT’s, CARE Teams • Communication Plan • Education and Training • QPR, ASSIST, etc • Construction and New Buildings

11. Resources • Jed Foundation • Ulifeline • Suicide Prevention Resource Center • National Mental Health Association • National Institute on Mental Health • SAMSHA

12. Contact Information Dr. Maureen “Moe” McGuinness Dean of Students Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs moe@unt.edu 940-565-3553