Dear CALS Community,

We are all saddened to learn about another tremendous loss to our campus community. The deaths of three students this semester have shaken our campus and reminded us of the importance of mental health. We understand that there is a significant impact on us all when we lose a member of our Wolfpack family, and this fall, we have experienced multiple lost lives on campus. The amount of stress we are all feeling is great, so we wanted to reach out and let you know that we care and share resources that might help with mental health-related needs. 

We have heard from many of you. Students, we hear you – we know that the stress is too much, and you need a break. Faculty and staff, we hear you saying that you are also stressed and are sometimes at a loss for how to move forward. We echo the chancellor’s and provost’s comments and encourage community members to reach out for support to help with your grief. We hope you will all practice grace for yourselves, your colleagues and your students and understand that this is the time for flexibility, compassion and empathy. 

For students

We know this is a difficult time. Students needing additional mental health support can reach out to the Counseling Center or call them at 919-515-2423 anytime, day or night. Students can also utilize weekly drop-in spaces with the CALS-embedded counselor on Tuesdays from 3-5 p.m. in the Bureau of Mines Building. 

For faculty and staff

Our faculty and staff have access to support via our faculty and staff assistance program, which can help you get in touch with a counselor. We will also be providing a CALS Cares Summit for teaching faculty and those who support students on Dec. 6, so watch for more information. One more thing you can do is be sure your students are aware of this message and the resources available. 

Taking care of our CALS community

If a community member shows signs of concern, anyone can submit a CARES concerning behavior referral or help them submit an absence request online. The CALS Cares team has a new website that details college-specific resources. 

Now, more than ever, it is important that we take care of and support our community. NC State community members can enroll in suicide-prevention training like 1.5 hour QPR (Question, Persuade, & Refer) or in the daylong  Mental Health First Aid training to become aware of how to support one another and look for warning signs. 

In times of hardship, connection is often found to be helpful, so please find comfort by reaching out to your colleagues or one of us. 

Sincerely,

CALS Deans and Directors

• John Dole
• Kim Allen
• Rebecca Zuvich
• Kionna Coleman
• Sonia Murphy
• Harry Daniels
• Rich Bonanno
• Steve Lommel
• Sean Munday