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In letter, NMU leader addresses student death

MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University interim President Kerri Schuiling addressed students, faculty and staff in a Wednesday letter regarding the recent death of a student and the aftermath.

“I have been asked why we have not provided more specific information about the loss of one of our students,” Schuiling wrote. “At first, I was surprised to receive these questions and, perhaps that is because of my nursing background; in that field, we are given information on a need-to-know basis.

“As a nurse, I understand and appreciate that some information is not mine to know, or to give. However, I also recognize that it is important to be clear about what and when information can be provided to our campus community.”

Schuiling acknowledged that sometimes a delay in notifying the campus community about a tragic event, such as this recent death, is because NMU officials are awaiting notification of all family members and for their approval to notify the campus. At other times, the timing is due to legal reasons.

“We always notify campus individuals who are impacted as soon as possible, but we may not be able to notify the entire campus at the same time,” she said. “Unfortunately, social media takes over and rumors grow. I realize most of the questions and concerns came from a place of caring and I very much appreciate that, because that is the NMU community I have grown to respect and love over the years.”

NMU reported that track and field freshman athlete Jayden Hill died on April 3. No cause of death was released.

The flag-lowering process

Schuiling indicated that once permission from the family is obtained, NMU will lower the NMU flag in the academic mall and send an email notifying the campus of the passing of a current student, faculty or staff member. The flag never is lowered without the family’s permission.

“Northern will respect the wishes and the timeline of the family as they work through their grief,” she said.

Schuiling noted that NMU’s commitment to mental health services has been questioned over the past week.

“While I understand and appreciate the concern that brings about these questions, I also can sincerely say that Northern has been, and will continue to, diligently take steps to make improvements in this area,” she said. “I provide the following as information only, not in defense of what we are or should be doing, because I do believe we must continue to assess our services and to appreciate that there is always room to make improvements.”

She said that about 10 years ago, NMU had a comprehensive assessment of its psychological services by the director of the Pennsylvania State Counseling Center. The individual had two specific recommendations that we implemented: to fully implement the Titanium Schedule/Management System and to expand availability of group therapy.

“Five years ago, at the suggestion and with the support of former Trustee Jim Haveman, we worked with JED Campus, a national program designed to assist schools with program and policy development regarding student mental health,” Schuiling said.

As a result, these changes in NMU’s mental health services occurred:

≤ development of a telehealth consultative service through the NMU Health Center to enable individuals who are on medications prescribed by a psychiatrist to obtain them locally;

≤ the start of an after-hours crisis service, which connects students to a licensed counselor;

≤ the upgrading of the scheduling process at the NMU Counseling Center, making more emergency appointments available on a daily basis;

≤ additional appointments during times of crisis by working with Pathways, a community mental health organization;

≤ more promotion of Dial Help, an Upper Peninsula-wide, 24-hour crisis center, to better assure students were aware of this service as well as other area resources;

≤ suicide prevention training for professional staff across campus, and all student housing staff.

“As I mentioned, I realize there is more we can do and to that end,” Schuiling said. “I am negotiating to have another comprehensive campus assessment and evaluation of our mental health services. I am hopeful this work will begin soon so that by fall we can begin to implement strategies to continue improvement of these critical services.”

Additionally, she noted that NMU continues to be in conversations with local and statewide organizations about how the university can work collaboratively to support the region’s efforts to increase the availability of mental health services not only in Marquette, but across the U.P.

“The shortage of mental health workers is a well-known fact,” she said. “It is hoped that our Master of Social Work program will help decrease this shortage.”

Schuiling also pointed out that NMU is constructing a new Health and Wellness Center near the residence halls. The new center will offer greater access and service options when it opens in the fall of 2023.

“Mental health needs are challenging universities on a national scale. They are challenging Northern,” she said.

“NMU will continue to remain committed to continuing to making improvements.”

Schuiling urged students to receive assistance through the NMU Counseling Center (ccs@nmu.edu, 906-227-2980); the university’s online, off-hours crisis counseling services (1-800-384-1800); and the Therapy Assistance Online resource program. They also can reach out to a faculty member, work supervisor, coach or other NMU staff member with whom they feel comfortable.

Employees can receive support through the Pathways Employee Assistance Program or talking to a department head or co-worker, and Pathways is also assisting with student appointments for times when the Counseling Center may be at capacity, she said.

Schuiling acknowledged local officials, such as the campus police department, and staff for their support.

Student suspended

NMU on April 7 temporarily suspended junior Dominick Dotson for allegedly violating university policy by sending out a survey through Google Forms to students that asked how NMU could improve the ways it handles mental health issues.

In a letter sent to Dotson, Christine Greer, assistant vice president and dean of students, stated that “due to the seriousness of alleged Student Code violations” on April 6, she was temporarily suspending him from NMU until all charges are adjudicated. His eligibility to return to NMU in the future would not be considered until all Student Code issues are resolved, she wrote.

However, Greer noted in the letter that with the semester ending soon, Dotson could remain in his campus apartment and attend Winter 2022 classes until the Student Code charges are adjudicated.

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.

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