Dear Monarch Community,
Today, our university community experienced a heartbreaking loss. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family, friends and loved ones of the individual whose life was lost, as well as all those who have been affected by this tragedy. During this incredibly difficult time, I ask that we respect the privacy of the individual's family and loved ones. While it is natural to have questions, I encourage our community to refrain from speculation or sharing unverified information and instead extend the compassion, dignity and understanding that those grieving deserve.
Moments like these remind us just how precious life is and how important it is that we care for one another. Across our university, there are students, faculty and staff navigating challenges that may not always be visible to those around them. Some may be facing personal hardships, emotional struggles or circumstances that feel overwhelming.
To anyone in our Monarch family who may be struggling, please reach out and please ask for help. You matter, your well-being matters, and there are people in this community who care deeply about you and want to support you. Whatever you may be facing, you do not have to face it alone. To this end, faculty, staff and students are encouraged to gather and be in community tomorrow, Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23, from 12-5 p.m. in the Potomac/York River Rooms in the Webb Student Center.
And to every member of our community, I ask that we be especially mindful of one another. Check in on a friend, a classmate, a colleague or someone you have not heard from in a while and take the time to listen. If you notice someone withdrawing, expressing distress or struggling in ways that concern you, please do not remain silent. Reach out, express your concern and help connect them with someone who can provide support. Sometimes, the simple act of letting someone know they are seen, heard and cared for can make a meaningful difference, and we have resources available to help. I encourage you to use them for yourself or to help someone else.
Student Support Resources
- Office of Counseling Services: Walk-in appointments are available at the Student Recreation & Well-Being Center (4700 Powhatan Ave., Suite 2403) and at Andrews Hall on the medical campus (721 Fairfax Avenue, Suite 274). Telehealth services are also available by calling 757-683-4401, and crisis support is available by selecting option 2 at any time.
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial or text 988 for the National Suicide Hotline, 24/7/365 days a year.
- Additional Student Resources: Talk Campus offers a 24/7 peer support community, and additional services can be found through ODU Counseling Services and Monarchs THRIVE webpage.
Faculty and Staff Support Resources
- Employee Support Services: Employees seeking support at this time are encouraged to contact the Anthem Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 855-223-9277 to speak confidentially with a clinician, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additional resources are available at www.anthem.com/eap using "Commonwealth of Virginia" as the company name. This support is available to all employee populations.
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial or text 988 for the National Suicide Hotline, 24/7/365 days a year.
Supporting Others in Distress
- Call the ODU Police emergency line at 757-683-4000, or dial 911.
- Call the Office of Counseling Services 24/7 crisis support line at 757-683-4401, select option 2.
- Send care referrals to the ODU Dean of Students Office at oducares@odu.edu, or call at 757-683-3442.
- Students, faculty, and staff can consult the ODU Red Folder for guidance on recognizing signs of distress and connecting students with appropriate support.
As we navigate this difficult time, I ask that we extend compassion, patience and understanding to one another. We may not always know what someone else is carrying, but we can choose to create a community where people feel safe asking for help and confident that someone will listen.
Old Dominion University is more than a place where we learn, teach and work. We are a community of people whose lives matter to one another. Let us honor that responsibility not only today, but every day. Please take care of yourselves and one another.
With care and compassion,
Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
President