MTSU Cancels Classes Tuesday Due To On Campus Student Suicide

Officials at Middle Tennessee State University announced the University will be closed Tuesday, Oct. 29, due to the Oct. 28 student suicide inside Walker Library. The only exception will be for operations essential to public safety and service to on-campus residents. The University reopens Wednesday, Oct. 30.
MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee wrote:
To the University community,
The Blue Raider family is mourning the loss of a student who died by suicide this afternoon at the James E. Walker Library.
The student's emergency contact has been notified of the student's passing, and we are working to offer counseling support to the campus community.
Community members who need support can meet our counseling team in the KUC, room 322, where our trained counselors will offer support and crisis services in group and individual settings, beginning at 4:15 pm today.
The library will be closed until further notice. More information will follow.
Counseling Services is available
KUC 326-S
(615) 898-2670
For after-hour emergencies call Mobile Crisis: 1-800-704-2651. Or go to the nearest emergency room
Suicide Hotline 988
In light of today's tragic death on campus, I have decided to cancel classes and close offices Tuesday. My hope is that our community will use this time to grieve and reach out for support resources being made available. Essential services, including counseling resources, will remain open and available.
Counseling services are available and can be accessed in these ways:
-- Students crisis support through MTSU Counseling Services, located in Room 326-S in the Keathley University Center will be open for students Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
-- The MTSU Mobile Crisis Number is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-704-2651.
-- A three-digit Suicide Hotline is available 24 hours a day at 988.
-- Faculty and staff crisis support will be available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom (Section B). Outside of those times, faculty and staff may contact the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services at 615-898-2271.
-- Employees also have support available 24 hours a day through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), provided by Optum Behavioral Health, at 855-437-3486.
The James E. Walker Library, and all centers and operations housed in the building, will be closed Tuesday. Campus activities scheduled for Tuesday can continue at the discretion of event organizers. Normal operations will resume Wednesday.
Our Student Government Association is holding a vigil at 6 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 30) in front of the library. SGA President Michai Mosby said he hopes it will allow our community "to find comfort, and to support one another in strength."
I want to extend our deepest sympathies on behalf of our entire community. Please reach out if you need help or support. You are not alone.
Sincerely,
Sidney A. McPhee
President

The Murfreesboro Police is heading the investigation of the suicide.