Gutmann sends email to all undergrads in response to student death

Penn President Amy Gutmann sent an email to all undergraduates in the wake of College student Amanda Hu’s death, reminding students of Penn’s mental health support resources and announcing the formation of a 24-hour help line.

“Very shortly the University will institute the ‘HELP LINE,’ a 24-hour-a-day, single, easy to remember phone number for members of the University community seeking information about how to obtain help for themselves or other Penn community members when confronted with immediate health and wellness concerns,” read the email, sent just after 2 p.m.

Hu, 20, died late Sunday night in her home on the 4000 block of Sansom Street. Although signs in her death point to a suicide, the incident is still under investigation by the Philadelphia Police homicide unit. As of Tuesday morning, the police have no updates in the case.

“The subject of mental and emotional issues facing college and university students is a critically important one,” the email said. “More than 1,000 college students commit suicide each year on campuses across the country. While there are no easy answers to this national tragedy, please know that at Penn we are doing everything in our power to reach students in distress and provide them with the highest level of support and care.”

Gutmann’s email emphasized the mental health task force, formed last semester in the wake of a string of student suicides. The task force is expected to present its final report in January 2015.

The full text of the email is below.

Regarding Mental Health Support at Penn

From

Amy Gutmann, President

Vincent Price, Provost

Craig Carnaroli, Executive Vice President

We write today to remind everyone within the Penn community of the things we can all do to look out for the emotional well-being of our student community. We have a very extensive network of support services on campus, and it is important that faculty, staff, students and families alike are all familiar with this range of offerings.

Last year we established the Task Force on Student Psychological Health and Welfare. This year-long commitment has brought together experts across campus. Due to the vital importance of this issue, we have been implementing their recommendations as they are developed. We expect the Task Force to issue a final report in January and will be incorporating additional recommended measures then.

In recent months, we have increased support to our Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), adding a number of clinical staff members and extending the hours that CAPS is open for appointments. CAPS also expanded the comprehensive “iCare” training program, which teaches participants real-time skills to listen and aid students in distress. Already, more than 200 students, faculty, and staff have participated in this important effort to teach members of the Penn community tools to support each other.

Very shortly the University will institute the “HELP LINE,” a 24-hour-a-day, single, easy to remember phone number for members of the University community seeking information about how to obtain help for themselves or other Penn community members when confronted with immediate health and wellness concerns.

The subject of mental and emotional issues facing college and university students is a critically important one. More than 1,000 college students commit suicide each year on campuses across the country. While there are no easy answers to this national tragedy, please know that at Penn we are doing everything in our power to reach students in distress and provide them with the highest level of support and care.

For parents and other family members, we urge you to remind your student of the resources that are available to them. Please notify the University if you have any concerns about your student’s emotional health. Similarly, we encourage faculty and staff to be on alert for students who may be struggling and to offer assistance when needed.

Finally, we urge students to take advantage of the programs and other resources that are in place when you think that you or someone you know needs support or help.

Services that are available to Penn students include:

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS):

University Chaplain’s Office:

Student Health Service:

Division of Public Safety Special Services 24/7 Hotline:

Division of Public Safety Emergency Communications Center:

Office of the Vice Provost for University Life/Student Intervention Services:

School Advising and Student Affairs Offices:

Annenberg School for Communication:

College of Arts and Sciences:

Dental School:

School of Design:

School of Engineering and Applied Science: 215-898-7246

Graduate School of Education: 215-898-7019

Law School: 215-898-7491

Perelman School of Medicine: 215-898-7190

School of Nursing: 215-898-6687

School of Social Policy and Practice: 215-746-5895

School of Veterinary Medicine: 215-898-3525

Wharton 215-898-7613 (Undergraduate) or 215-573-5756 (Graduate School)

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