High Number Of Student Suicides At Cornel University Causes Concern

Ithaca, NY, United States (AHN) – A high number of student suicides over two semesters at Cornell University have caused concern, especially because school officials have no idea what has led to the situation.

Cornell has had three confirmed suicides at the university during the fall 2009 semester and there have been three suspected suicides over the past two months of spring semester.

In an effort to prevent more student suicides the school has initiated a variety of measures, including a school-wide event earlier this week to promote mental health awareness.

Cornel University President David Skorton also sent an email to students on Friday urging them to avail themselves of the mental health resources available at the school,  telling them it was a sign of strength and wisdom to ask for help.

There were no suicides at Cornell from 2005 through 2008 and the school has consistently been below the national average of 7.29 suicides per year for every 100,000 students, which would equate to fewer than two suicides per year among Cornell’s 19,639 students.

Cornell had experienced a wave of suicides in the 1990s and responded then with an aggressive training program for all members of the university community to identify signs of depression.

In addition, Cornell screens incoming freshmen for symptoms of psychological disorders and offers comprehensive counseling services.

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