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

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.

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

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

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?

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.

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

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

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?

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

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

Contact Information Dr. Maureen “Moe” McGuinness Dean of Students Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs