Trigger Warning: This message contains content about suicidal ideation.
Yesterday afternoon (Sunday, Dec. 5), West Virginia University issued a Community Notice following receipt of an anonymous letter that described content related to suicide taking place in public areas on campus.
Though there is no specific threat to any person or groups, the letter notes Monday at noon and includes both outdoors and an indoor location, the Mountainlair.
The safety of our campus community is our highest priority. The University takes this issue very seriously and has consulted with regional and federal public safety officials, as well as mental health experts.
Based on this guidance, WVU has taken several actions to help protect all members of our campus community.
Supervisors are reminded to please be lenient, flexible and understanding with employees and student workers and their situations.
This is a very stressful time of year for many people. And when coupled with the challenges and uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, many among us may be feeling overwhelmed.
If you are aware of an employee, student worker or student who is struggling with thoughts of self-harm and may be sharing their thoughts through letter writing, poetry or illustrations, please call 911 immediately. You can report anonymously without repercussions. You are key to keeping us all safe.
The University has increased security measures across campus. However, if you see anything suspicious, call 911. Everyone also needs to be aware on how to protect themselves and others in case of an emergency. No matter the location, bystander awareness and quick action are critical in crisis situations.
Visit safety.wvu.edu to review additional safety information and what to do in various situations, such as a suicide emergency.
Contact Employee Relations at EmployeeRelations@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-5700 ext. 5 with any questions.